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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 Renee Hahn, Top Real Estate Agent Serving Naples Florida Area
(Renee Hahn, Your Naples Real Estate Expert (Alfred Robbins Realty Group))
A new chapter in luxury waterfront living is taking shape along one of Naples’ most coveted addresses. 3300 Gulf Shore is an intimate, boutique condominium development rising along Gulf Shore Boulevard in the heart of The Moorings - offering a rare combination of bayfront access, refined architecture, and thoughtfully curated amenities.Designed for buyers who value privacy, elegance, and connection to the water, this development introduces a fresh, modern vision for coastal living while remaining true to Naples’ timeless appeal.The Vision Behind the Project3300 Gulf Shore is being developed by Kolter Urban, a nationally respected developer known for high-end, design-driven condominium projects in premier coastal markets. The architectural vision is led by Corwil Architects, whose work e...
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By Arius Valentino, Principal, Luxe Residences Miami Condo Specialist
(Luxe Residences)
 Plaza on Brickell East Condo Value: What Is My Condo Worth in Miami's Brickell?Most owners in Plaza on Brickell East look at active asking prices first and assume that number represents what their unit is actually worth. It does not. Asking price is a seller's opening position, not market value. The real question is not what someone is asking for their unit. The real question is what buyers are actually paying for comparable units in the same building right now.Days on market tells a story that asking prices hide. A unit sitting for 60 days at a certain price tells you something very different than a unit that sold in 7 days. That difference is leverage, and leverage determines whether you negotiate from strength or weakness.What Is My Condo Worth in Plaza on Brickell East Right Now?Yo...
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By Laura Sellers, www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate, Inc)
Things to Know Before Moving to Opelika Alabama can absolutely affect your home search, commute, budget, and long-term happiness if you do not plan carefully from the beginning. A lot of buyers relocating to Opelika assume every neighborhood feels the same.It doesn’t.Some areas feel quiet and tucked away.Some are more connected to Auburn.Some offer newer construction.Some have easier access to shopping, schools, and major roads.And honestly, choosing the wrong location for your lifestyle can make daily life much more frustrating than people expect.That’s why strategy matters from the start.Opelika Is Growing FastOne of the biggest things buyers notice when moving to Opelika Alabama is how quickly the area has grown.New construction continues expanding.More buyers are relocating from ou...
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By Laura Sellers, www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate, Inc)
A Day in the Life Living in Auburn Alabama blends Southern charm, Auburn traditions, modern convenience, and a whole lot of orange and blue. If you’re thinking about moving to Auburn, relocating near Auburn University, or searching for Auburn homes for sale, one thing people often ask is:“What’s daily life actually like here?”Honestly, that’s one of my favorite questions to answer.Because living in Auburn Alabama is not just about football weekends or college students.It’s about lifestyle.And for many people, that lifestyle becomes hard to leave.Morning in Auburn Starts Slower — In a Good WayOne thing many relocation buyers notice quickly is that Auburn mornings tend to feel calmer than larger cities.A perfect Auburn morning might include: Coffee from a local café Biscuits downtown Sit...
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
Northridge Weekly Market Update April 27th - May 3rd, 2026 Countryside At Northridge NEWLY LISTED Kinzie | 3 bedrooms | 3 baths | 1559 sq. ft. | $675,000
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By Salas Home Team, #1 Team in Real Estate Specialty Services
(Realty Preferred DFW)
Bar C Ranch House for Sale Welcome to Bar C Ranch, where this beautifully maintained Lennar former model home invites you in with 3 spacious bedrooms and 2 baths across 1,510 square feet. Ideally situated near an elementary school, this home features gleaming hardwood floors that flow from the entryway into the heart of the living space.The open-concept kitchen, dining, and living areas are anchored by a central kitchen island, perfect for gatherings. Step outside to a fenced backyard shaded by a mature tree, where a tranquil patio offers the perfect spot to unwind or entertain guests.Bar C Ranch House for SaleClick here for more details.
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By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
As long as there are children, magnifying glasses will be misused. In the right hands they are valuable tools.I don't know if home inspectors use magnifying glasses or not but they certainly have tools that do the same job. For me, with my 70+ year old eyes, I need help with fine print. I still use an old fashion magnifying glass or I use the camera on my phone to zoom in on that fine print.I don't know what new tools inspectors use today and maybe Jay Markanich can fill us in. As I was leaving the world of Real Estate sales Thermal Imaging was the coolist of the new tools. I'm sure thermal imaging has made advancements in itself over the last 10 years.Repeating a theme I've sounded many times: Home Inspections should be a must when purchasing property today. There are many things out t...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
For a lot of would-be first-time buyers, affordability is the thing that’s standing in the way. But some buyers are getting creative and finding a way to still make the numbers work – and that’s through co-buying.The Dream Is Still Alive. The Math Just Isn’t Working for Everyone.Young people haven’t given up on the dream of owning a home – not even close. According to FirstHome IQ, homeownership still ranks among the top life goals for the next generation.The problem? 73% of Gen Z and millennial buyers cite affordability as the reason for not making homeownership a priority. And it shows. First-time buyers now make up just 21% of all home purchases, the lowest share since the National Association of Realtors (NAR) started tracking the data in 1981.But still, some buyers are making it ha...
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
Downtown Long Beach Weekly Market Update April 27th - May 3rd, 2026 Artaban NEWLY LISTED Atlantic Avenue | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 820 sq. ft. | $475,000 Genesis NEWLY LISTED Orange | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 930 sq. ft. | $449,000 Marina Pacifica RECENTLY SOLD Marina Pacifica | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 825 sq. ft. | $525,000 Marina Pacifica | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1400 sq. ft. | $849,000 The Royal Palms BACK ON THE MARKET Atlantic Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 730 sq. ft. | $399,000 RECENTLY SOLD Atlantic Avenue | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 490 sq. ft. | $295,000
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
Encino Weekly Market Update April 27th - May 3rd, 2026 5145 Yarmouth Ave BACK ON THE MARKET Yarmouth | 2 bedrooms | 3 baths | 1070 sq. ft. | $629,000 Encino Oaks NEWLY LISTED White Oak Avenue | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 683 sq. ft. | $220,000 Encino Park West NEWLY LISTED Genesta Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 1763 sq. ft. | $669,995 Encino Plaza North BACK ON THE MARKET Zelzah | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1896 sq. ft. | $799,000 Encino Spa South BACK ON THE MARKET Yarmouth Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1938 sq. ft. | $699,000 Encino Villas NEWLY LISTED Lindley Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1205 sq. ft. | $675,888 Lindley Park Plaza NEWLY LISTED Lindley Avenue | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 881 sq. ft. | $349,999 Park Encino NEWLY LISTED Newcastle Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 957 sq. ft. ...
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By DANIEL PATTON, Real Estate agent serving Hampton Road VA.
(Prodigy Realty)
How Buyers Can Score a Great Home Purchase Deal in Today’s MarketSmart Strategies for Hampton Roads Home Buyers in 2026The real estate market in 2026 has shifted dramatically from the frenzy buyers experienced just a few years ago. While mortgage rates remain elevated compared to the historic lows of 2020–2021, inventory is slowly improving and buyers are beginning to regain negotiating power in many markets.For buyers in Hampton Roads, including Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, and surrounding areas, this creates unique opportunities to secure a great deal — if you approach the market strategically.As a top-producing agent serving Hampton Roads since 2014, I’ve seen one thing remain consistent: the buyers who win are the buyers who prepare better than everyone else.Here are the sma...
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By Laura Sellers, www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate, Inc)
Living in Auburn Alabama vs Other College Towns Living in Auburn Alabama feels different from many other college towns, and one of the biggest reasons is the traditions.People relocating to Auburn often expect great football, a pretty campus, and a fun downtown.What surprises many of them is how deeply Auburn traditions are woven into everyday life here.This is not just a “college atmosphere.”For many people, Auburn becomes a long-term hometown.That’s a huge difference.ScreenshotAuburn Traditions Feel Bigger Than SportsYes, Auburn football is a massive part of the culture.Game days near Jordan-Hare Stadium (https://auburntigers.com/jordan-hare-stadium) completely transform the city.But what makes Auburn different is that the traditions go far beyond students and football weekends.You s...
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By Laura Sellers, www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate, Inc)
What Type of Home Buyer Are You in Auburn Alabama? That question actually matters more than people realize when searching for Auburn homes for sale or Opelika real estate.Some buyers walk into a house and instantly know.Others analyze every detail for three weeks and lose the house to someone else.After years of helping buyers move to Auburn, relocate to Auburn, and navigate Auburn University relocation, I can tell you this…The buyers who usually win are the ones who act with clarity.Not recklessly.Not emotionally.Just clearly.And yes — there’s a difference.The “Fall in Love Fast” BuyerThese buyers tend to know quickly when something feels right.They walk into the home and immediately start imagining life there: Coffee on the back patio Football Saturdays near Jordan-Hare Stadium (http...
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
Canoga Park Weekly Market Update April 27th - May 3rd, 2026 21000 Parthenia St RECENTLY SOLD Parthenia Street | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 692 sq. ft. | $249,000 Canoga Lakes NEWLY LISTED Shoup Avenue | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 783 sq. ft. | $505,000 Elkwood Terrace NEWLY LISTED Topanga Canyon | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 850 sq. ft. | $389,000 Roscoe Courts NEWLY LISTED Roscoe Boulevard | 2 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 1019 sq. ft. | $349,900
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
San Pedro Weekly Market Update April 27th - May 3rd, 2026 Harbour Walk RECENTLY SOLD Brett Place | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 990 sq. ft. | $529,000 Ponderosa Springs NEWLY LISTED W Park Western | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 961 sq. ft. | $535,000
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
Koreatown Weekly Market Update April 27th - May 3rd, 2026 Solair NEWLY LISTED Wilshire Boulevard | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1430 sq. ft. | $900,000
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By Arius Valentino, Principal, Luxe Residences Miami Condo Specialist
(Luxe Residences)
 Biscayne Beach Condo Value: Days on Market Leverage and What Your Unit Is Really WorthMost owners look at active listings in Biscayne Beach first, but active listings are only seller opinions about value. The real market signal comes from what buyers actually paid and how long units sat before accepting an offer. This distinction matters because days on market reveals whether the market accepted or rejected the asking price—and that information directly impacts what your condo is worth today.A unit that sold in three weeks tells a different story than a unit that sat for sixty days. Both may be in the same building, same floor range, same view category. But the market behavior is completely different. If you are asking what is my condo worth in Biscayne Beach, DOM is not just a time me...
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By Arius Valentino, Principal, Luxe Residences Miami Condo Specialist
(Luxe Residences)
 Icon Bay Condo Value: What Is My Condo Worth in Miami's Edgewater?Most Icon Bay owners look at active listings first, but active listings are only seller opinions. The real question is not what someone is asking for their unit. The real question is what your condo is worth today based on actual closed sales, current competing inventory, and how long units actually sit before they sell or rent.Days on market is one of the strongest signals in any negotiation. A unit that sits for 60 days tells a completely different story than a unit that closes in 15 days. That signal matters whether you are selling, buying, or trying to understand your true market position.What Is My Condo Worth in Icon Bay Right Now?Your Icon Bay condo value is determined by three things: what recently closed inside ...
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By Arius Valentino, Principal, Luxe Residences Miami Condo Specialist
(Luxe Residences)
 The Crimson Condo Value: Days on Market and Your Real Negotiation LeverageMost owners look at active listings in The Crimson first, but active listings are only seller opinions about value. The real market signal comes from days on market. A unit that sits for 60 days while buyers pass is telling you something very different than a unit that sells in 14 days. Understanding that signal is the difference between pricing that works and pricing that costs you money.Asking price is not market value. Market value is what buyers actually pay, how long they wait to pay it, and what competing inventory forces them to choose. In The Crimson, that means understanding not just what units are listed, but what units actually sold and how quickly they moved.Why Days on Market Changes Everything in Th...
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
West Hollywood Weekly Market Update April 27th - May 3rd, 2026 850 N Croft RECENTLY SOLD N Croft Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1541 sq. ft. | $1,195,000 1200 Sweetzer RECENTLY SOLD N Sweetzer Avenue | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1780 sq. ft. | $1,575,000 1310 N Detroit RECENTLY SOLD N Detroit Street | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1215 sq. ft. | $709,000 8839 Cynthia RECENTLY SOLD Cynthia Street | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1340 sq. ft. | $879,000 Colonnade West RECENTLY SOLD N Edinburgh Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 3 baths | 1570 sq. ft. | $1,149,500 Crescent Plaza NEWLY LISTED N Crescent Heights | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 810 sq. ft. | $474,999 Doheny Plaza RECENTLY SOLD N Doheny Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1451 sq. ft. | $1,550,000 Doheny Terrace BACK ON THE MARKET N Doheny | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths |...
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