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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 Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Carlsbad Weekly Market Update April 8th - 14th, 2024 Alta Mira RECENTLY SOLD Hyacinth Circle | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1339 sq. ft. | $1,100,000 Heath Court | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1502 sq. ft. | $1,170,888 La Costa Hills NEWLY LISTED Caminito Sierra | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1022 sq. ft. | $692,000 La Costa View RECENTLY SOLD Altisma Way | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1225 sq. ft. | $639,000 Altisma Way | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1225 sq. ft. | $619,900 La Costa Village NEWLY LISTED Plaza De La Costa | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1908 sq. ft. | $1,050,000 Meadow Villas NEWLY LISTED Luciernaga Street | 2 bedrooms | 3 baths | 1824 sq. ft. | $999,000 Mystic Point RECENTLY SOLD Jetty | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1341 sq. ft. | $849,000 Olive Point RECENTLY SOLD Olive Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1...
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By Jane & Jeff Daley, PhD, Scottsdale Real Estate Arizona
(Luxury Valley Homes Scottsdale)
Is It Getting More Affordable To Buy a Home?Over the past year or so, a lot of people have been talking about how tough it is to buy a home. And while there’s no arguing affordability is still tight, there are signs it’s starting to get a bit better and may improve even more throughout the year. Elijah de la Campa, Senior Economist at Redfin, says:“We’re slowly climbing our way out of an affordability hole, but we have a long way to go. Rates have come down from their peak and are expected to fall again by the end of the year, which should make homebuying a little more affordable and incentivize buyers to come off the sidelines.”1. Mortgage RatesMortgage rates have been volatile this year – bouncing around in the upper 6% to low 7% range. That’s still quite a bit higher than where they ...
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Rancho Bernardo Weekly Market Update April 8th - 14th, 2024 Bernardo Pines RECENTLY SOLD Caminito Pinero | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1080 sq. ft. | $599,950 Bernardo Villas NEWLY LISTED Rancho Bernardo Road | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1106 sq. ft. | $618,800 Garretson in Del Sur RECENTLY SOLD Parkview Loop | 3 bedrooms | 3 baths | 1867 sq. ft. | $1,150,000 Gianni RECENTLY SOLD Camino Bello Mar | 3 bedrooms | 3.5 baths | 1460 sq. ft. | $950,000 Mandolin RECENTLY SOLD Christopher Ridge | 4 bedrooms | 2 baths | 2302 sq. ft. | $1,359,000 Mandolin II NEWLY LISTED Old Stonefield Chase | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 2302 sq. ft. | $1,395,000 Oaks North Village NEWLY LISTED Pomerado Road | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 980 sq. ft. | $509,900 Palazzo Bernardo NEWLY LISTED Avenida Venusto | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 bath...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
Informative topic! Affordability is key when considering buying a house. This blog likely offers insights and tools to help determine if you can truly afford a home, considering factors like income, expenses, and savings. Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP Owning a home offers advantages alongside a slew of responsibilities. Prior to committing to years of mortgage payments, it’s crucial to grasp the full scope of what homeownership entails. Initially, consider the financial implications. Homeownership comes with various expenses, including a downpayment, home insurance, and closing costs. Additionally, moving into a new home involves purchasing furniture, appliances, fixtures, and landscaping, with the possibility of property depreciation. Transitioning from renting ...
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By Matt Helganz
(Meridian Capital Real Estate)
Owning a home offers advantages alongside a slew of responsibilities. Prior to committing to years of mortgage payments, it’s crucial to grasp the full scope of what homeownership entails.Initially, consider the financial implications. Homeownership comes with various expenses, including a downpayment, home insurance, and closing costs. Additionally, moving into a new home involves purchasing furniture, appliances, fixtures, and landscaping, with the possibility of property depreciation.Transitioning from renting means assuming responsibility for maintenance and repairs. As a homeowner, you’ll be accountable for issues like plumbing, appliances, painting, roofing, and more, all of which require financial investment. Older homes, in particular, may entail higher upkeep costs.To determine...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Over the past year or so, a lot of people have been talking about how tough it is to buy a home. And while there’s no arguing affordability is still tight, there are signs it’s starting to get a bit better and may improve even more throughout the year. Elijah de la Campa, Senior Economist at Redfin, says:“We’re slowly climbing our way out of an affordability hole, but we have a long way to go. Rates have come down from their peak and are expected to fall again by the end of the year, which should make homebuying a little more affordable and incentivize buyers to come off the sidelines.”Here’s a look at the latest data for the three biggest factors that affect home affordability: mortgage rates, home prices, and wages.1. Mortgage RatesMortgage rates have been volatile this year – bouncin...
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Panorama City Weekly Market Update April 8th - 14th, 2024 Crestgate BACK ON THE MARKET Van Nuys Boulevard | 2 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 898 sq. ft. | $379,900
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Van Nuys Weekly Market Update April 8th - 14th, 2024 Montecito Gardens NEWLY LISTED Woodley Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1028 sq. ft. | $449,000 Valerio Townhomes BACK ON THE MARKET Valerio Street | 3 bedrooms | 3 baths | 1636 sq. ft. | $600,000 Valley Oaks III NEWLY LISTED Firmament Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 961 sq. ft. | $449,000 RECENTLY SOLD Firmament Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 961 sq. ft. | $448,900
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Hollywood Weekly Market Update April 8th - 14th, 2024 Hollywood Versailles Tower RECENTLY SOLD Hollywood Boulevard | 1 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1222 sq. ft. | $849,000 W Hollywood Residences RECENTLY SOLD Hollywood Boulevard | 2 bedrooms | 3 baths | 1600 sq. ft. | $799,999
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By Laura Sellers, www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate, Inc.; www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com)
Is Renting-to-Own a Good Idea? Unlock the door to homeownership with the intriguing concept of rent-to-own. Delve into option fees, escrow accounts, and the potential benefits and pitfalls for both buyers and sellers. Rent-to-own, or lease purchase, is a legal means of buying a home with a future closing date, usually one to five years from the date of the rent-to-own contract. Until then, the homebuyer rents the home before applying for a mortgage to buy the home. The concept can benefit both homebuyers and home sellers, but there is loss potential, too. Here’s how it works: The renter pays the homeowner a non-refundable option fee of 1% to 7% of the purchase price of the home. The renter also pays a rent premium above the rental amount, and the rent premiums plus the option fee go int...
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Encino Weekly Market Update April 8th - 14th, 2024 5400 Newcastle Ave RECENTLY SOLD Newcastle Avenue | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 731 sq. ft. | $375,000 Encino Concord Townhouses BACK ON THE MARKET Yarmouth Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1430 sq. ft. | $749,000 Encino Oaks RECENTLY SOLD White Oak Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1009 sq. ft. | $365,000 White Oak Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 990 sq. ft. | $299,000 Newcastle Manor RECENTLY SOLD Newcastle Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 903 sq. ft. | $450,000
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By Manfred Lewis Leslie Horne & Associates, Realtor Spartanburg and Greenville SC
(Leslie Horne &Associates )
Dreaming of homeownership but wondering what you might have to sacrifice to get there? 🏡💭 Many opt to skip the daily coffee run or dine out less to save for their future nest. What small luxuries would you give up to unlock the door to your new home? Let's make those dreams a reality together! #thehelpfulagent #home #houseexpert #house #listreports #homeowner #realestate #realtor ##househunting #finances #investment #happyhomeowners
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Canoga Park Weekly Market Update April 8th - 14th, 2024 Olive Creek NEWLY LISTED Schoenborn Street | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 719 sq. ft. | $389,000 Roscoe Courts RECENTLY SOLD Roscoe Boulevard | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 731 sq. ft. | $355,000 Woodlands De Soto RECENTLY SOLD De Soto Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1354 sq. ft. | $609,999
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By E. Steve Banis, Jr., https://www.SouthCarolinaHomesInc.com
(South Carolina Homes Inc.)
FSBO  RENT to OWN  House Summerville 🈚▐►NO BANK QUALIFYING RENT to OWN Brick House 3bd Summerville-CharlestonNEW TODAY!!     NEW TODAY!!Creative No bank financing, Any credit okay!  Brick 3 bed home, available today!✅SCHEDULE Your Visit by Appointment.See Video Tour on Our Website Below  ★ Terms = Savings!★ FREE RENT Month 3 - Boost Your Credit Score ★ Two Rent to Own Options to Choose OR ★ Buy Outright for HUGE Cash Discount  ★ JUST RENOVATED & UPDATED - SEE WEBSITE BELOW★ ★BUY HERE AVAILABLE TODAY!! 3 bd BRICK HOUSE RENOVATED  PLUS LAND – NEW APPLIANCES, Large Yard Front and Back, Trees, PLUS Shed! MORE! ★ ★ BUY HERE WholeSale Buyer Values see:✴️▐► SCInvestmentProperties.com ★ ★★ We contact ALL who Visit Our FREE Preferred Buyer VIPCall Steve for Appointment★ ★See Our BUYER Website Be...
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Mar Vista Weekly Market Update April 8th - 14th, 2024 Grandview Townhomes RECENTLY SOLD Grand View Boulevard | 2 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 841 sq. ft. | $830,000 Habitat Pacific RECENTLY SOLD Pacific Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1220 sq. ft. | $999,000 Pacific Avenue | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1260 sq. ft. | $949,000
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Tarzana Weekly Market Update April 8th - 14th, 2024 California Place RECENTLY SOLD Hatteras Street | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 472 sq. ft. | $349,000 Lindley Terrace RECENTLY SOLD Lindley Avenue | 3 bedrooms | 3 baths | 2393 sq. ft. | $749,000 Parc Tarzana RECENTLY SOLD Hatteras | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 911 sq. ft. | $389,000 Tarzana Court NEWLY LISTED Hatteras Street | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1465 sq. ft. | $750,000 Tarzana Villas North RECENTLY SOLD Collins Street | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1655 sq. ft. | $570,000
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Westchester Weekly Market Update April 8th - 14th, 2024 La Tijera Terrace NEWLY LISTED Thornburn Street | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 1024 sq. ft. | $579,000 Tremont Condominiums RECENTLY SOLD Alvern Street | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1140 sq. ft. | $750,000
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Marina del Rey Weekly Market Update April 8th - 14th, 2024 20 Ironsides BACK ON THE MARKET Ironsides Street | 3 bedrooms | 3.5 baths | 1875 sq. ft. | $2,150,000 Azzurra RECENTLY SOLD Marina Pointe Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1227 sq. ft. | $1,625,000 Marina City Club BACK ON THE MARKET Marina City Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 2652 sq. ft. | $1,749,500 Via Marina Tahiti BACK ON THE MARKET Marina City Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 2652 sq. ft. | $1,749,500 Ironsides Street | 3 bedrooms | 3.5 baths | 1875 sq. ft. | $2,150,000 RECENTLY SOLD Ocean Front Walk | 2 bedrooms | 3 baths | 2256 sq. ft. | $4,990,000 Glencoe Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 984 sq. ft. | $998,000 Marina Pointe Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1227 sq. ft. | $1,625,000
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Mission Viejo Weekly Market Update April 8th - 14th, 2024 Aegean Heights BACK ON THE MARKET Triton Court | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1487 sq. ft. | $880,000 Aliso Villas RECENTLY SOLD Via Pera | 2 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 1024 sq. ft. | $610,000 Finisterra on the Lake BACK ON THE MARKET Redondela | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1228 sq. ft. | $715,000 RECENTLY SOLD Redondela | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1125 sq. ft. | $575,000 Redondela | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1228 sq. ft. | $699,000 Valencia RECENTLY SOLD Los Viveros | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 812 sq. ft. | $525,000 Los Viveros | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 812 sq. ft. | $505,000
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By Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI, Arizona Homes and Land Group/ Buy or Sell
(HomeSmart Real Estate)
LOOK! Where is the best place to live? Well that would be the Phoenix Arizona metro area with great employment opportunities. Phoenix in Maricopa County is the 5th largest city in the US and is Sunny with blue skies and wide open spaces abount for day trip adventures of all kinds. Photo: 3803658, PixabayPhoenix Metro from South Mountain Lookout at Dobbins Point (Phoenix Parks and Receration Website)As your Buyer's Realtor, I track single family detached homes for sale in the Phoenix Arizona metro area for my clients and let you "filter" those homes with hundreds of criteria on the free MLS I provide.UPDATED DAILY Homes For Sale in the Phoenix Arizona Metro on the MLSClick "Sort" and view in price order lowest to highest and ALWAYS UP TO DATE Phoenix Arizona Metro Detached Homes on the M...
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