Admin

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 KAREN SANCHEZ, ...Marketing your home like no one else will.
( Reputable Realty)
Charming 2-Bedroom + Den in Desirable 55+ Community Nestled in a prime location close to the freeway, restaurants, and conveniences, this 1150 sq ft mobile home offers a blend of comfort and accessibility in an over 55 mobile park. Situated on a peaceful cul-de-sac, this home features 2 spacious bedrooms, a versatile den, and a welcoming living area. The home also includes two convenient storage sheds and a covered carport for added protection and space. Enjoy the vibrant community amenities, including a sparkling pool, clubhouse with a pool table, ping pong, and much more to keep you active and entertained. Whether you’re looking to relax or socialize, this community has it all. Don’t miss this opportunity for convenient, low-maintenance living! Charming 2-Bedroom + Den in Desirable 5...
Comments 5
By David Buck, Realtor-Broker
(Harcourts Island Real Estate)
So often in my business (in real estate) you get asked "is it necessary to do a termite inspection on a high rise condo?" There's 2 stories I'm going to share with you today... Read More
Comments 0
By Sandi Bauman, Chico CA Realtor
(Chico Homes Real Estate)
1814 12th Street, Oroville, CA 95965 - $160,0001814 12th Street, Oroville, CA 95965FEATURESBedrooms: 3Bathrooms: 2Year Built: 1998Lot Size: 0.18Garage Size: 0School District: Thermalito UnionSquare Footage: 1456Agent Name: Sandi BaumanBroker: Chico Homes Real Estate Sales, IncMLS #: SN24171781DESCRIPTIONAffordable opportunity in Thermalito! The property is conveniently located in a quiet neighborhood close to the Forebay recreation area, parks, schools and transportation. Great split floor plan with the primary suite on one side, and two guest rooms and bath on the other. Featuring a generous living room, dining area, and breakfast nook, with a spacious kitchen and lots of storage. There is off-street parking plus a carport. The outbuildings offer plenty of square footage for storage an...
Comments 2
By Steve Houck
(Real Estate Partners, LLC)
“Renting is like throwing money into the wind—buying is planting a tree that grows money.” “Why pay someone else’s mortgage when you could pay your future?” “You can rent your life away, or you can buy a piece of freedom.” “Renting is a treadmill—running fast but getting nowhere. Buying is walking toward wealth.” “Rent payments build someone else’s equity—mortgage payments build your legacy.” “The rent trap: you’re paying for someone else’s vacation home while you sleep in a rental.” “Buying gives you control, renting makes you pay for someone else's.” “Don’t rent your life. Buy it. Own it.” “You rent a lifestyle, but you buy a future.” “The only thing worse than paying rent is knowing it’ll never come back.”
Comments 3
By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
If you’ve been wanting to sell your house and move up to a bigger or nicer home, you’re not alone. A recent Inman survey reveals the top motivator for today’s homebuyers is the desire for more space or an upgraded home (see graph below): But there’s also a good chance you, like many other people, have been holding off on that goal because of recent market challenges. It makes sense – when you’re planning an upgrade that could increase your monthly housing costs, affordability has a huge impact on when you make your move. But there’s good news: now’s actually a great time to make that move happen. Here’s why. You Have a Lot of Equity To Leverage One of the key benefits in today’s market is the amount of equity you’ve likely built up in your current house over the years. Even with recent ...
Comments 1
By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Yorba Linda Weekly Market Update September 30th - October 6th, 2024 Heritage Crossings BACK ON THE MARKET Heritage Drive | 4 bedrooms | 3.5 baths | 1813 sq. ft. | $936,000 Lakeview RECENTLY SOLD Lakeview Avenue | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 630 sq. ft. | $399,000 San Lorenzo RECENTLY SOLD Pelham Way | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1766 sq. ft. | $949,000 Woodgate RECENTLY SOLD Woodstock Court | 3 bedrooms | 1 baths | 1061 sq. ft. | $799,000 Yorba Linda Knolls RECENTLY SOLD Serrente | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1375 sq. ft. | $769,000 Yorba Linda Villages RECENTLY SOLD Cape Cod Lane | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1270 sq. ft. | $720,000
Comments 0
By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Lake Forest Weekly Market Update September 30th - October 6th, 2024 Aliso Creek Villas BACK ON THE MARKET Orange Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1000 sq. ft. | $539,900 Canyon View RECENTLY SOLD Canyon Point | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 979 sq. ft. | $549,900 Greenridge RECENTLY SOLD Flametree | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1008 sq. ft. | $649,000 Hillview BACK ON THE MARKET Serra Vista | 3 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 1505 sq. ft. | $875,000 Lake Forest Shores RECENTLY SOLD Sailwind Way | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1211 sq. ft. | $765,000 Le Parc NEWLY LISTED Le Parc | 2 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 1084 sq. ft. | $655,000 BACK ON THE MARKET Le Parc | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 733 sq. ft. | $500,000 Montecido RECENTLY SOLD Klondike Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1083 sq. ft. | $725,000 Old Trabuco Highlands REC...
Comments 0
By Sean Gilliam, Real Estate on the Front Range
(LoKation Real Estate)
It’s Fall of 2024, we have high inventory, subdued buyer demand, frequent price reductions and a bit of economic uncertainty.  Why?  Primarily, it is due to higher interest rates and affordability issues.  As you know, home prices went up significantly during the pandemic when interest rates were artificially low, home prices were lower and everyone was moving to take advantage of that unique market.  Post pandemic, we have the resultant higher home prices and interest rates went up from the 2% range all the way up to 8% at its peak.  The good news is that rates have come down to an average of about 6.2% for a 30-year fixed rate loan.  In various communities we are even seeing price reductions on listings, and yet homes aren’t selling.  As a home buyer, you are looking for the best deal...
Comments 2
By Bill Salvatore - East Valley, Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net
(Arizona Elite Properties )
Not every retiree feels the need or desire to change their living arrangements but when and if you do, you have a considerable number of great alternatives. Active Adult and 55+ neighborhoods are popping up all over, with housing choices ranging from single family homes to seasonal mobiles and casita-style residences. Assisted living communities offer detached housing and communal buildings with an amazing array of amusements and activities. But the current trend in retirement living seems to be downsizing to a custom-built home.http://yourvalleyproperty.com/?p=30190    YOUR   Latest activity in the VALLEY of the SUNFor ALL your Valley AZ Real Estate NeedsPHONE   Bill   at   602-999-0952Text         Bill   at    602-999-0952Email      Bill    at     billAZElite@cox.net Read other YVP Bl...
Comments 5
By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Mission Viejo Weekly Market Update September 30th - October 6th, 2024 Aliso Villas RECENTLY SOLD Via Pimiento | 3 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 1158 sq. ft. | $680,000 Ashton RECENTLY SOLD Bautista | 3 bedrooms | 1 baths | 1443 sq. ft. | $875,000 Coral Gardens BACK ON THE MARKET Barbados | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1015 sq. ft. | $729,000 Highland Park BACK ON THE MARKET Aberdeen | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1464 sq. ft. | $899,000 RECENTLY SOLD Berwick | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1470 sq. ft. | $869,999 Las Palmas RECENTLY SOLD La Real | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 473 sq. ft. | $290,000 Mallorca Condos NEWLY LISTED Porreras | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1286 sq. ft. | $949,999 RECENTLY SOLD Manacor | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1477 sq. ft. | $899,000 Mirasol RECENTLY SOLD Chaumont | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 15...
Comments 0
By Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI, Arizona Homes and Land Group/ Buy or Sell
(HomeSmart Real Estate)
Here are the October 2024 McCormick Ranch in Scottsdale Arizona homes for sale UPDATED DAILY! McCormick Ranch was the first multi builder Propery Owners Association in the United States in the 1970s and yet is STILL THE PLACE TO BE! (Photo:  McCormick Ranch in Scottsdale, Arizona, Jeff Masich)Views of local landmark Camelback Mountain are prominent from McCormick Ranch one of the best places to live in Scottsdale Arizona. It is where YOU WANT TO LIVE! Camelback Mountain view from 8020 N 72nd Place, Scottsdale, Arizona (Photo: Jeff Masich) Near entrance to MCormick Ranch listed for $699,000, 2,581sf. Lower priced than other surrounding similar homes due to location on leased land.Buy a home with your own views of Camelback Mountain with the ALWAYS UP TO DATE  Active, Pending and Recently...
Comments 1
By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Santa Ana Weekly Market Update September 30th - October 6th, 2024 Cabrillo Park RECENTLY SOLD Cabrillo Park Drive | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 682 sq. ft. | $444,900 Monterey Villas RECENTLY SOLD Cabrillo Park Drive | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 682 sq. ft. | $444,900 Normandy Place NEWLY LISTED Normandy Place | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 804 sq. ft. | $490,000 Park Glen BACK ON THE MARKET Park Glen Circle | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1595 sq. ft. | $740,000 The Redwoods BACK ON THE MARKET Cabrillo Park Drive | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 675 sq. ft. | $426,000 RECENTLY SOLD Cabrillo Park Drive | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 943 sq. ft. | $535,000
Comments 0
By Dorie Dillard Austin TX, NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones
(Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899)
There’s nothing quite like that indescribable feeling of being home — where the world slows down, and the hustle of life fades away. It’s where children’s laughter fills the air, birthday candles are blown out with wishes, and small, meaningful moments unfold, day by day.I’m Dorie Dillard with Coldwell Banker, and I believe that a home is more than just a place to live; it’s where memories are created and cherished. Let me help guide you to that perfect space where you can truly feel at ease, surrounded by the warmth and comfort of everything that makes a house feel like home.
Comments 8
By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Aliso Viejo Weekly Market Update September 30th - October 6th, 2024 Applause BACK ON THE MARKET Overture Lane | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1538 sq. ft. | $899,000 Flores Los Alisos RECENTLY SOLD Las Flores | 2 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 1326 sq. ft. | $995,000 Hamptons RECENTLY SOLD Chatham Court | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1213 sq. ft. | $849,000 Latitudes North NEWLY LISTED Beacon Way | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1401 sq. ft. | $859,900 Latitudes South NEWLY LISTED Beacon Way | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1401 sq. ft. | $859,900 Laurelmont RECENTLY SOLD Primrose | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1469 sq. ft. | $900,000 Passeggio BACK ON THE MARKET Veneto Lane | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1403 sq. ft. | $994,800 Provence D'Aliso BACK ON THE MARKET Matisse Circle | 4 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 1794 sq. ft. | $989,00...
Comments 0
By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
San Clemente Weekly Market Update September 30th - October 6th, 2024 Alassio BACK ON THE MARKET Paseo Vista | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1952 sq. ft. | $1,089,999 La Cuesta Cove BACK ON THE MARKET Plaza Estival | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1651 sq. ft. | $950,000 Santalana BACK ON THE MARKET Paseo Vista | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1952 sq. ft. | $1,089,999 Trinidad RECENTLY SOLD Avenida Brio | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1388 sq. ft. | $799,000 Vilamoura RECENTLY SOLD Via Presa | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1847 sq. ft. | $1,099,000 Vista Pacifica BACK ON THE MARKET Calle Del Cerro | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 877 sq. ft. | $744,500
Comments 0
By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Spring Valley Weekly Market Update September 30th - October 6th, 2024 Ashford Park RECENTLY SOLD Kings View Circle | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1010 sq. ft. | $550,000 Pointe Lakeview RECENTLY SOLD Lake Pointe Drive | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 694 sq. ft. | $440,000 Summertree NEWLY LISTED Kenora Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 879 sq. ft. | $475,000
Comments 0
By Thomas Santore Lic Associate Real Estate Broker, Realtor®-ABR-Land, Residential & Commercial Sa
(Coldwell Banker Realty/Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT)
20 reasons to buy a home today!!!Here are 20 reasons to buy a home today: Build Equity: Instead of paying rent, monthly payments build equity in your home, a valuable asset over time. Stable Housing Costs: Fixed-rate mortgages lock in predictable monthly payments, unlike fluctuating rent. Appreciation Potential: Real estate often appreciates in value, offering long-term financial gains. Tax Benefits: Mortgage interest and property taxes are often tax-deductible, reducing your overall tax burden. Freedom to Personalize: Homeownership allows you to customize and renovate as you see fit. Pride of Ownership: There’s a sense of pride and accomplishment that comes with owning your own space. Build Wealth: Over time, homeownership can significantly increase your net worth. Stability: Owning a ...
Comments 1
By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
College Area Weekly Market Update September 30th - October 6th, 2024 Adelaide Villas NEWLY LISTED Adelaide Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 875 sq. ft. | $469,999 Collwood Park RECENTLY SOLD Collwood Lane | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1452 sq. ft. | $849,999
Comments 0
By DALIA KIBBY, Selling Florida Homes with Passion!
(One Sothebys International Realty)
If you’ve been wanting to sell your house and move up to a bigger or nicer home, you’re not alone. A recent Inman survey reveals the top motivator for today’s homebuyers is the desire for more space or an upgraded home (see graph below):But there’s also a good chance you, like many other people, have been holding off on that goal because of recent market challenges. It makes sense – when you’re planning an upgrade that could increase your monthly housing costs, affordability has a huge impact on when you make your move. But there’s good news: now’s actually a great time to make that move happen. Here’s why.You Have a Lot of Equity To LeverageOne of the key benefits in today’s market is the amount of equity you’ve likely built up in your current house over the years. Even with recent shi...
Comments 1
Back to Top