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 Charles Ross - (785)-819-6944, Love To Help People
(eXp Realty LLC Salina Group)
Security: Homeownership provides a sense of security and stability. You have control over your living space and can make it your own without worrying about rent increases or lease expirations.Investment: A home can be a good long-term investment, as property values tend to appreciate over time. When you own a home, you have an asset that can potentially increase in value and provide a return on your investment.Pride of ownership: Owning a home gives you a sense of pride and accomplishment. You can make improvements and renovations to your home, making it your own and reflecting your personal style.Tax benefits: Homeownership can provide certain tax benefits, such as deductions for mortgage interest and property taxes.Predictable expenses: When you own a home, you have a better idea of w...
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By Bill Kennedy, Homes For Sale Greenville SC
(Keller Williams Greenville Upstate)
Once upon a time, there was a homebuyer named Sarah who fell in love with a charming little house on the edge of town. It had a white picket fence, a beautiful garden, and even a tire swing hanging from a sturdy oak tree.Excited by the prospect of owning her dream home, Sarah skipped the home inspection and went straight to the closing. But as soon as she moved in, things started to go wrong.On the first day, Sarah was cooking dinner when she noticed a strange smell coming from the kitchen. She opened the oven and discovered a family of raccoons living inside. Apparently, they had made a home there during the previous owners' lengthy absence.The next day, Sarah tried to take a relaxing bath in the clawfoot tub, only to discover that it leaked all over the bathroom floor. As she mopped u...
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Winnetka Weekly Market Update March 6th - 12th, 2023 Cantara Village RECENTLY SOLD Cantara Street | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 663 sq. ft. | $250,000
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Lake Forest Weekly Market Update March 6th - 12th, 2023 Bench Mark Villas NEWLY LISTED Rimhurst Drive | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 829 sq. ft. | $484,999 Tuscany at Foothill Ranch NEWLY LISTED Rue De Valore | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 700 sq. ft. | $430,000
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By Lise Howe, Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC
(Keller Williams Capital Properties)
Home equity loans, a cash-out refinance and a home equity line of credit (HELOC) all use your home as collateral. So how do they compare when it comes to financing options? Here are a few key points to consider when deciding if one of these options is right for you:If you need money for an important project, you might be able to finance it by accessing the equity you’ve built up by paying your mortgage. A home equity ,a  cash-out refinance and a home equity line of credit (HELOC) are several options. Before you decide to use any of them, make sure you understand the key differences between the three —and when it makes sense to utilize one over the other.What Equity Is and When to Use ItYour home’s equity is the current value of your house minus the balance owed on the mortgage. The amou...
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Fullerton Weekly Market Update March 6th - 12th, 2023 Sunny Ridge Townhomes NEWLY LISTED Monterey Place | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1574 sq. ft. | $869,900
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Tustin Weekly Market Update March 6th - 12th, 2023 Cantada BACK ON THE MARKET Dunstan | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1229 sq. ft. | $710,000
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By Ron Trzcinski, 410-935-5844
(410-935-5844 Office)
Investment Property in Baltimore CityBrick front row house with covered front porch and 2nd story bump out.Spacious home has 1,560 square feet of above grade finished living area.3 to 4 bedrooms and 2 full baths.Back yard has a privacy fence, but could be converted to a parking pad.The property has been used for both residential and business purposes.  It is zoned residential.It has been used as a 2-unit and as a single family residence.  It is not zoned as a multi-unit.The property needs work, but the structure is sound.Home is located just about a half mile from Johns Hopkins University and Maryland Institute College of Art.Close to 1-83 and Penn Station.Price is $200,000, but owner will consider offers.Located at 312 E 25th Street, Baltimore, MD 21218.Renovated homes of a similar sty...
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By Melanie Cameron, The Cameron Team
(Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage)
 Realtor Melanie Cameron explains what PMI or Private Mortgage Insurance is, why you need it, how long you'll pay it, and how much it will cost you as a home buyer. She also explains how you can go about getting the PMI removed early, depending on the terms of your loan. This could save you significant money. PMI is one of many terms you need to understand when you decide to purchase a home. Have more questions about the buying process? Check out the other videos on our Frequently Asked Questions playlist or give Melanie a call at the numbers below. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel or follow our Facebook page to see all of our new videos as soon as they are posted, including our informative Friday F.A.Q. series. We look forward to helping you with all your real estate needs!
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By Nick Marr, Promoting real estate internationally
(HOMESGOFAST)
  Many people are choosing to diversify their investment portfolio and wish to buy property to achieve this goal. A beachfront property is always desirable, as a person can rent it out when they aren't using it. However, finding an affordable beachfront property can be challenging. What things should a person consider when making this purchase? The Rental Market Choose a location that is popular with tourists when looking for an affordable overseas beachfront property. This helps to ensure there is high demand for the property during much of the year. The right property might remain in high demand year round. For example, find a property that is in an area surfers like to frequent. This helps ensure the property will remain rented when the owner is not using it. Other individuals might ...
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By John Martino
(lookSmart Home Inspections, LLC)
New Jersey home inspectors should have an understanding of footing drains and why they fail. Footing drains are a primary cause of basement water infiltration problems in homes. When a home is constructed, there are two things that help keep water out of the basement. A coating on the exterior of the basement walls called it damp proofing. And a proper drain around the bottom of the foundation called a footing drain. Footing drain failure is the most common cause of wet basements. When the footing drain fails the soil around the exterior of the home cannot drain properly when it becomes saturated. The pressure of the water in the soil around the exterior of the home creates hydrostatic pressure and pushes the water through the porous basement walls. The most common areas of this water p...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
This is an excellent post with great information. Thanks for sharing it.Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP When buying a home, you must know how much you can afford. Understanding all of the details of your mortgage and knowing money-savvy tips to help you save is important too! I can help you navigate this trickiness; send me a message or leave a comment below! #thehelpfulagent #home #houseexpert #house #listreports #homeowner #househunting #themoreyouknow #finances #investment #mortgage #happyhomeowner #smartmoney #hometips
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By E. Steve Banis, Jr., https://www.SouthCarolinaHomesInc.com
(South Carolina Homes Inc.)
🈚▐►NO BANK FSBO Rent to Own 3 HOUSES 3bd 2ba Summerville-CharlestonAVAILABLE  TODAY!! 3 bd - 2 ba DWMH +2 Car Garage + Land + Sheds 3 bd - 2 ba BRICK HOUSE PLUS LAND - Yard! 3 bd - 2 ba BRICK HOUSE+ LAND + Garage +Yard + Shed! MORE!!  🈚▐►FSBO NO BANK ★ Lease Option Houses ★ 3bd Summerville-CharlestonBUY - SELL - RENT to OWN - INVESTWe Are the Licensed Mt Pleasant SC Real Estate Investment CompanyServing the Charleston South Carolina Community Since 2002We Buy and Sell LOCAL Houses - Mobile Homes - LandFSBO-NO MLS FEE-NO BROKER FEE-RENT to OWN ★ ★ BUYSEE On Our WEBSITEWholeSale Buyer Values @  ★ ★ 🈚▐►SCInvestmentProperties.com   ★ ★ 🈚▐►NO BANK FSBO RENT to OWN 3 HOMES 3bd-2ba Summerville-Charleston🈚▐►NO BANK FSBO  3  HOMES  3bd-2ba Summerville-Charleston 🈚▐►No Bank (3) THREE Rent to Own ...
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By Manfred Lewis Leslie Horne & Associates, Realtor Spartanburg and Greenville SC
(Leslie Horne &Associates )
When buying a home, you must know how much you can afford. Understanding all of the details of your mortgage and knowing money-savvy tips to help you save is important too! I can help you navigate this trickiness; send me a message or leave a comment below! #thehelpfulagent #home #houseexpert #house #listreports #homeowner #househunting #themoreyouknow #finances #investment #mortgage #happyhomeowner #smartmoney #hometips
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Laguna Niguel Weekly Market Update March 6th - 12th, 2023 Chandon BACK ON THE MARKET Chandon | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1256 sq. ft. | $699,900 RECENTLY SOLD Chandon | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1256 sq. ft. | $779,900 La Vista NEWLY LISTED Clubhouse Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1024 sq. ft. | $628,000
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By Joe Manausa - Tallahassee, FL, Tallahassee Real Estate
(Joe Manausa Real Estate)
2111 Scenic Rd, TALLAHASSEE, FL Photos Maps & Local Schools Print Click Here to Get Directions $2200004bed - 2bath - 0.27 sqft lotClassic Tallahassee home with the 1960's charm! Situated in a prime location near FSU and TCC campuses and easy proximity to in town trendy shopping and dining options. All brick home featuring original hardwood floors, updated bathrooms, granite kitchen counters and a beautiful fenced in corner lot!Follow This Home Joe Manausa Joe Manausa Real Estate 850-888-0888 Licensed In: FloridaContact MeUseful Links Tallahassee Homes For Sale Tallahassee Home Search Free Home Values Manausa.com
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By Joe Manausa - Tallahassee, FL, Tallahassee Real Estate
(Joe Manausa Real Estate)
2986 Giverny, TALLAHASSEE, FL Photos Maps & Local Schools Print Click Here to Get Directions $4650004bed - 2bath - 0.41 acres lotClassic Southern front porch home in the highly sought after Gardens of Killearn neighborhood. With amazing curb appeal this very well maintained home features 4 bedrooms, a split plan with formal living room, family room open to kitchen and huge screened porch overlooking the beautifully landscaped back yard with privacy fence.Tons of improvements made inside and outside of this lovingly owned home - beautiful crown molding, hardwood floors, granite counters to name a few special features. The Gardens of Killearn is situated within Killearn Estates and this home is close to the Killearn Country Club, AJ Henry Park and easy access to Centerville Road. Enjoy ne...
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Newport Beach Weekly Market Update March 6th - 12th, 2023 Versailles NEWLY LISTED Scholz Plaza | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 565 sq. ft. | $709,000 Scholz | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 496 sq. ft. | $575,000
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Aliso Viejo Weekly Market Update March 6th - 12th, 2023 Glenwood Village NEWLY LISTED Kerrwood | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1221 sq. ft. | $718,800 Seagate Colony NEWLY LISTED Cinnamon Teal | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 975 sq. ft. | $619,000 Village Cottages NEWLY LISTED Nopalitos Way | 4 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1940 sq. ft. | $989,000
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By Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI, Arizona Homes and Land Group/ Buy or Sell
(HomeSmart Real Estate)
LOVE GOLF? Have you dreamed about living on a golf course in Sunny Scottsdale, Arizona? Here are UPDATED DAILY Scottsdale golf course homes for sale on the MLS listed by all brokers. Check here for pictures, prices and details of single family detached homes, condos, townhomes and patio homes on golf course lots.   Golf, sunsets, cacti, patio looking on the fairway now we are talking. Like golf course water views? Check out Scottsdale waterfront homes for sale. Call/Text me Jeff Masich 480-242-6500 as your Buyer's REALTOR for any homes listed on the MLS. Scottsdale golf course homes with great views are very nice!Scottsdale Arizona Golf Course Homes UPDATED DAILY on MLSScottsdale Golf Course Homes for Sale (all types) for a FULL PAGE view of detached homes, condos, townhomes and patio h...
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