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Home Buying

Welcome to the ActiveRain Home Buying section. This is the place where you'll find comprehensive information on everything connected to purchasing a home – and we mean everything.


What exactly goes on in a home inspection and how is it different from a home appraisal? Curious about what it takes to purchase that foreclosure you've had your eye on? You'll find out how to do it right here. Look around: the professionals at ActiveRain have the information you need.


ActiveRain is the top real estate social network in the world. So, while you may find articles about purchasing a home on other websites, only at ActiveRain do you have the opportunity to read the words of wisdom from over 300,000 real estate industry professionals. From real estate agents to lenders to home inspectors and stagers -- that's a lot of brain power and we've harnessed it, right here at AR.


What are you waiting for? Everything you need to know about home buying awaits you on the following pages!

Recent blogs on Home Buying
By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Garden Grove Weekly Market Update March 4th - 10th, 2024 Adelle Terrace NEWLY LISTED Ivy Glen Lane | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1271 sq. ft. | $640,000 Chapman Commons RECENTLY SOLD Chapman Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1060 sq. ft. | $584,900 Garden Terrace Townhomes RECENTLY SOLD Hala Way | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1300 sq. ft. | $665,000 Greenhouse West BACK ON THE MARKET Forest Drive | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1415 sq. ft. | $640,000 Les Jardins RECENTLY SOLD Rock Springs Court | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 548 sq. ft. | $434,000 Stonegate RECENTLY SOLD Stonegate Lane | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1357 sq. ft. | $669,000 Strawberry Hill RECENTLY SOLD Pepperdine Lane | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1515 sq. ft. | $649,500
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Fullerton Weekly Market Update March 4th - 10th, 2024 Gilbert Vista BACK ON THE MARKET Loma Alta Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1080 sq. ft. | $720,000 Malvern Creek RECENTLY SOLD Creekside Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1381 sq. ft. | $825,000
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Anaheim Weekly Market Update March 4th - 10th, 2024 Stadium Lofts RECENTLY SOLD E. Katella Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1062 sq. ft. | $649,000
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Santa Ana Weekly Market Update March 4th - 10th, 2024 Bradford Place NEWLY LISTED Bradford Place | 3 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 1062 sq. ft. | $610,000 Hillview Regency RECENTLY SOLD Sherry Lane | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1141 sq. ft. | $548,000 The Redwoods RECENTLY SOLD N Cabrillo Park Drive | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 825 sq. ft. | $499,000
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Yorba Linda Weekly Market Update March 4th - 10th, 2024 The Hills BACK ON THE MARKET Copper Canyon Road | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1252 sq. ft. | $569,000 RECENTLY SOLD Box Canyon Court | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 1252 sq. ft. | $549,000 Silver Canyon Road | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1252 sq. ft. | $568,985
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Mission Viejo Weekly Market Update March 4th - 10th, 2024 Aegean Heights NEWLY LISTED Triton Court | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1986 sq. ft. | $949,000 BACK ON THE MARKET Triton Court | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1487 sq. ft. | $930,000 Coral Gardens RECENTLY SOLD Cayman | 3 bedrooms | 3 baths | 1477 sq. ft. | $890,000 Las Palmas RECENTLY SOLD La Crescenta | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 441 sq. ft. | $409,000 Mallorca Condos RECENTLY SOLD Paguera | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1798 sq. ft. | $1,029,800 Mirasol RECENTLY SOLD Luzern | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1559 sq. ft. | $889,000 Rainbow Ridge RECENTLY SOLD Violet | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 942 sq. ft. | $600,000 Ridgemont RECENTLY SOLD Del Rey | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1160 sq. ft. | $760,000
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Stanton Weekly Market Update March 4th - 10th, 2024 Bradford Place RECENTLY SOLD Cabot Way | 3 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 1159 sq. ft. | $615,000 Burton Way | 3 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 1121 sq. ft. | $619,900 Edgewood Park RECENTLY SOLD Cerritos Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 825 sq. ft. | $445,000
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Ladera Ranch Weekly Market Update March 4th - 10th, 2024 Branches RECENTLY SOLD Orange Blossom Circle | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 2100 sq. ft. | $1,050,000 Castellina RECENTLY SOLD Chianti | 3 bedrooms | 1 baths | 2198 sq. ft. | $1,349,000 St. Mays Road RECENTLY SOLD Gloxinia Street | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1984 sq. ft. | $1,050,000
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Cypress Weekly Market Update March 4th - 10th, 2024 Twin Lakes BACK ON THE MARKET Twin Lakes Drive | 2 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 993 sq. ft. | $625,000
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By Dan Rochon, Top Realtor in Northern Virginia
(Greetings Virginia with eXp Realty)
THE CLASSIC BEAUTY OF OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIAExploring Old Town AlexandriaOld Town Alexandria, Virginia, is a historical district nestled along the Potomac River that you can find minutes from Washington, D.C. The neighborhood is known for King Street, historic architecture, and cobblestone streets.Old Town also offers great places for shopping, dining, and cultural experiences. From art festivals to parades, Old Town has got it all! THINGS TO DO IN OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA Visit The Potomac River Waterfront: A serene river waterfront you’ll enjoy while roaming and trying out the restaurants near it. Observe the Historical Architecture: The neighborhood is known to have well-preserved architecture that you can visit. From Colonial Townhouses to Stately Federal Style structures, you’ll experience...
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Dana Point Weekly Market Update March 4th - 10th, 2024 Lantern Bay Villas RECENTLY SOLD Lantern Bay Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 2462 sq. ft. | $2,492,000 Ritz Pointe RECENTLY SOLD Corniche Drive | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 735 sq. ft. | $700,000 Silvertide RECENTLY SOLD Tawny Port | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 1139 sq. ft. | $829,000
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
Interesting read! Understanding the mortgage rate you need to move is crucial for planning your next steps. This blog provides valuable insights into this aspect of the homebuying process. Thanks for shedding light on the mortgage rate considerations when moving!Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP If you’ve been thinking about buying a home, mortgage rates are probably top of mind for you. They may even be why you’ve put your plans on hold for now. When rates climbed near 8% last year, some buyers found the numbers  just didn’t make sense for their budget anymore. That may be the case for you too. Data from Bright MLS shows the top reason buyers delayed their plans to move is due to high mortgage rates (see graph below): David Childers, CEO at Keeping Current Matters, ...
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
La Jolla Weekly Market Update March 4th - 10th, 2024 Cape La Jolla Gardens RECENTLY SOLD Via Mallorca | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1680 sq. ft. | $1,150,000 Montefaro RECENTLY SOLD Genter Street | 3 bedrooms | 3.5 baths | 3153 sq. ft. | $2,995,000 Villa La Jolla RECENTLY SOLD Villa La Jolla Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 978 sq. ft. | $789,000 Windemere NEWLY LISTED Caminito Blythefield | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 2175 sq. ft. | $1,729,000
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
If you’ve been thinking about buying a home, mortgage rates are probably top of mind for you. They may even be why you’ve put your plans on hold for now. When rates climbed near 8% last year, some buyers found the numbers  just didn’t make sense for their budget anymore. That may be the case for you too.Data from Bright MLS shows the top reason buyers delayed their plans to move is due to high mortgage rates (see graph below): David Childers, CEO at Keeping Current Matters, speaks to this statistic in the recent How’s The Market podcast: “Three quarters of buyers said ‘we’re out’ due to mortgage rates. Here’s what I know going forward. That will change in 2024.” That’s because mortgage rates have come down off their peak last October. And while there’s still day-to-day volatility in rat...
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Carlsbad Weekly Market Update March 4th - 10th, 2024 Cascada RECENTLY SOLD Via Trato | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1110 sq. ft. | $749,900 Cortez Building RECENTLY SOLD Costa Del Mar Road | 1 bedrooms | 2 baths | 791 sq. ft. | $695,000 Marbella NEWLY LISTED La Costa Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1350 sq. ft. | $850,000 Windsong Cove NEWLY LISTED Kalpati Circle | 2 bedrooms | 3 baths | 1750 sq. ft. | $999,900 RECENTLY SOLD Layang Layang Circle | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1600 sq. ft. | $899,000
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By Kristin Johnston - REALTOR®, Giving Back With Each Home Sold!
(RE/MAX Platinum)
Waukesha County Home Sales Market Report February 2024Waukesha County Homes For Sale, Waukesha County Real Estate, Kristin Johnston, RE/MAX Real Estate Market Report for Waukesha County, WI for February 2024.  Waukesha County Real Estate, Waukesha County Homes For Sale My name is Kristin Johnston with RE/MAX Platinum.  My market report gives you the real estate activity for Waukesha County, WI for the last 30 days. Are you looking to buy a house in Waukesha County?  Wondering what your Waukesha County Home is worth? Call/text me at 414 254 6647 or email me at kjohnston@remax.net. I specialize in Waukesha County Real Estate, and have a lot of experience with Waukesha Real Estate and Pewaukee Real Estate.  In fact, I have lived in Waukesha, WI since 1997. Review my many happy client testi...
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By Kristin Johnston - REALTOR®, Giving Back With Each Home Sold!
(RE/MAX Platinum)
Sussex WI Homes for Sale | Market Report for February 2024Experience a great location for countryside living!The Village of Sussex is part of the Milwaukee metropolitan area. It is located approximately 19 miles northwest of Milwaukee and 9 miles north of Waukesha.With State Highway 164 crossing through Sussex and Interstate 94 just a few miles south, downtown Milwaukee is just a 30-minute drive southeast.The village is 7.24 square miles at an elevation of 930 feet. Nestled between the towns of Menomonee Falls, Hartland, and Waukesha, the village, which is generally small town in nature, is committed to the safety and quality of life of its residents.Sussex was founded in 1843 by George Elliot, a bricklayer from Beckley, East Sussex, and Richard Cooling, a blacksmith from Dorset. Other ...
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By Kristin Johnston - REALTOR®, Giving Back With Each Home Sold!
(RE/MAX Platinum)
Hartland WI Homes for Sale | Market Report for February 2024 Experience an exceptional quality of life here in Hartland WI!Hartland is a village in Waukesha County, Wisconsin. It is located along the Bark River and is a suburb of Milwaukee. The village a has a total area of 5.17 square miles, of which, 5.12 square miles of it is land and 0.05 square miles is water.Hartland was founded by Stephen Sylvanus-Warren who traveled to the area from Ann Arbor, Michigan in 1838. He purchased the first 245-acres and became the first settler, REALTOR® and builder. Soon, settlers  followed and helped develop the area through farming. The village was incorporated in 1892.Situated  in the heart of Southern Wisconsin’s beautiful Lake County, the village of Hartland exudes a small town charm, and a welc...
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By Jennifer Carstensen -The Real Estate Agency, We specialize in selling houses (License: 317824)
(The Real Estate Agency (Office License: 265417))
If you’ve been thinking about buying a home, mortgage rates are probably top of mind for you. They may even be why you’ve put your plans on hold for now. When rates climbed near 8% last year, some buyers found the numbers just didn’t make sense for their budget anymore. That may be the case for you too.Data from Bright MLS shows the top reason buyers delayed their plans to move is due to high mortgage rates (see graph below): David Childers, CEO at Keeping Current Matters, speaks to this statistic in the recent How’s The Market podcast:“Three quarters of buyers said ‘we’re out’ due to mortgage rates. Here’s what I know going forward. That will change in 2024.”That’s because mortgage rates have come down off their peak last October. And while there’s still day-to-day volatility in rates,...
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Santee Weekly Market Update March 4th - 10th, 2024 Treviso RECENTLY SOLD Via Sovana | 3 bedrooms | 3 baths | 1342 sq. ft. | $649,000
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