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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)
Downtown San Diego Weekly Market Update November 25th - December 1st, 2024 Brittany Tower NEWLY LISTED W Laurel Street | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1719 sq. ft. | $899,000 Citywalk RECENTLY SOLD W G Street | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1684 sq. ft. | $949,000 Electra RECENTLY SOLD W E Street | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1212 sq. ft. | $1,128,000 Horizons NEWLY LISTED 1St Avenue | 4 bedrooms | 4 baths | 2516 sq. ft. | $2,165,000 Icon NEWLY LISTED 11Th Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1464 sq. ft. | $889,900 11Th Avenue | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 656 sq. ft. | $545,000 Palermo RECENTLY SOLD Front Street | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 1013 sq. ft. | $699,000 Samuel Fox Lofts NEWLY LISTED 6Th Avenue | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 1218 sq. ft. | $649,000
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Santee Weekly Market Update November 25th - December 1st, 2024 Del Coronado Santee RECENTLY SOLD Queen Jessica Lane | 4 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1286 sq. ft. | $619,000 Pepperhill Townhomes RECENTLY SOLD Rancho Fanita Drive | 3 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 1323 sq. ft. | $600,000 The Lakes RECENTLY SOLD Palm Glen Drive | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1168 sq. ft. | $537,000
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Rancho Bernardo Weekly Market Update November 25th - December 1st, 2024 Bernardo Pines RECENTLY SOLD Caminito Pinero | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1218 sq. ft. | $644,900 Bridgeport RECENTLY SOLD Hutchins Lndg | 1 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 965 sq. ft. | $649,900 Oaks North Villas RECENTLY SOLD Avenida Alozdra | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1388 sq. ft. | $789,000
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
Finding your holiday home involves identifying your needs, exploring the market, and making informed decisions. Following a structured approach makes the process smoother and more rewarding. Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP   With shopping, family get-togethers, and festivities, the Christmas season frequently seems like a hectic time of year. However, did you know that it's also the ideal time to begin getting ready for your next house purchase? Despite the widespread belief that the housing market slows down over the holidays, there are some special benefits for potential purchasers who are prepared to take a step back and make plans for the future. Here are some reasons to begin your 2025 home hunt during the holidays. 1. Less Activity There are still opportuniti...
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By Charles Ross - eXp Realty LLC, Love To Help People
(eXp Realty LLC Salina Group)
When it comes to settling down in a welcoming community, Salina, Kansas, checks all the boxes. Nestled in the heart of Kansas, this small but thriving city offers a blend of historic charm and modern convenience. For those considering homebuying in the 67401 area, there's plenty to love—from affordable housing options to a tight-knit community vibe. Let’s explore what makes Salina an excellent place to call home and guide you through the homebuying process.Why Salina?Salina is known for its strong sense of community, excellent schools, and cultural opportunities. The city has a population of just under 50,000, giving it a small-town feel while still offering plenty of amenities. Whether you’re looking to enjoy local arts at the Salina Art Center, attend an event at the Stiefel Theatre, ...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
One of the biggest questions on everyone’s minds right now is: when will mortgage rates come down? After several years of rising rates and a lot of bouncing around in 2024, we’re all eager for some relief.While no one can project where rates will go with complete accuracy or the exact timing, experts offer some insight into what we might see going into next year. Here’s what the latest forecasts show.Mortgage Rates Are Expected To Ease and Stabilize in 2025After a lot of volatility and uncertainty, the most updated forecasts suggest rates will start to stabilize over the next year, and should ease a bit compared to where they are right now (see graph below): As Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), says:  “While mortgage rates remain elevated, they...
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By Matthew Klinowski, PA, Naples Golf Guy | Find Your Dream Lifestyle
(Downing Frye Realty)
Tiburon Marsala Home Under Contract Congratulations to our Buyers who just went to contract on this Marsala Home in Tiburon. This single family pool home is in one of the top golf communities in Naples Florida. Marsala Home – 14471 Marsala Way, Naples FL – List Price $2,649,995 Under Contract: Luxurious Marsala Residence at Tiburon Golf Resort We’re thrilled to announce that our buyers are officially under contract for this exceptional home in the sought-after Marsala section of the Ritz-Carlton Tiburon Golf Resort. Combining luxury, lifestyle, and location, this property is the perfect match for their dream of resort-style living in Naples, FL. A Golfer’s Paradise Our buyers will soon enjoy immediate Golf Membership, granting them access to Tiburon’s two championship courses, designed...
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Glendale Weekly Market Update November 25th - December 1st, 2024 Alpha Terrace Gardens BACK ON THE MARKET Alpha Road | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 689 sq. ft. | $499,000 Casa De Valley View NEWLY LISTED Valley View Road | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1137 sq. ft. | $650,000 Monterey Island NEWLY LISTED Monterey Road | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1864 sq. ft. | $1,049,000 RECENTLY SOLD Monterey Road | 3 bedrooms | 3 baths | 2171 sq. ft. | $1,199,000 The Highlands RECENTLY SOLD Rosecrest Drive | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 1200 sq. ft. | $679,000
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Aliso Viejo Weekly Market Update November 25th - December 1st, 2024 Canyon Point RECENTLY SOLD Oakgrove | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 950 sq. ft. | $599,000 Morningside Terrace RECENTLY SOLD Dogwood Lane | 3 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 1156 sq. ft. | $720,000 Passeggio RECENTLY SOLD Veneto Lane | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1403 sq. ft. | $949,900 Provence D'Aliso RECENTLY SOLD Matisse Circle | 4 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 1794 sq. ft. | $965,000
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Laguna Niguel Weekly Market Update November 25th - December 1st, 2024 Breakers NEWLY LISTED Shorebreaker Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1219 sq. ft. | $865,000 BACK ON THE MARKET Shorebreaker Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1219 sq. ft. | $899,000 Crystal Cay BACK ON THE MARKET Grenada Street | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1171 sq. ft. | $698,000 Palm Court RECENTLY SOLD Silver Glade Drive | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 743 sq. ft. | $605,000 Village Niguel Gardens RECENTLY SOLD Hilton Way | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1798 sq. ft. | $899,000 Village Niguel Terrace I RECENTLY SOLD Avenida De Los Ninos | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 830 sq. ft. | $595,000
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Fullerton Weekly Market Update November 25th - December 1st, 2024 Quail Ridge RECENTLY SOLD Quail Ridge Circle | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 980 sq. ft. | $550,000 Water Gardens RECENTLY SOLD Haddonfield Loop | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1059 sq. ft. | $520,000
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On November 25, 2024, Sally Jones published a very good interesting report on Realtor.com about what is and when to use escalation clause.1. The basics of an escalation clause,2. An example of an escalation clause,3. When should homebuyers use an escalation clause,4. Is an escalation clause a bad move for the seller?5. How the offer review process factors in,6. Should you use an escalation clause,Perhaps there might be other detailed interesting information about what is and when to use escalation clause.For complete more detailed information about Sally Jones’s report for what is and when to use escalation clause, please click HERE
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Huntington Beach Weekly Market Update November 25th - December 1st, 2024 Harbour Pacific RECENTLY SOLD Pacific Coast | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 652 sq. ft. | $699,000 Harbour Vista NEWLY LISTED Lago Drive | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1272 sq. ft. | $538,000 RECENTLY SOLD Lago Drive | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1272 sq. ft. | $525,000 Huntington Continental RECENTLY SOLD Kingswood Lane | 3 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 1100 sq. ft. | $749,000 Huntington Harbour Bay Club RECENTLY SOLD Warner Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 2021 sq. ft. | $1,325,000 Huntington Landmark NEWLY LISTED Colusa Circle | 3 bedrooms | None.5 baths | 1287 sq. ft. | $999,000 Huntington Townhomes RECENTLY SOLD Rey Drive | 3 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 925 sq. ft. | $660,000 Pierhouse BACK ON THE MARKET Pacific Coast Highway | 1 bedroom...
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Tustin Weekly Market Update November 25th - December 1st, 2024 Laurelwood RECENTLY SOLD Beechnut Road | 3 bedrooms | 1 baths | 1234 sq. ft. | $824,900 Rancho Veracruz RECENTLY SOLD Champion Way | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 735 sq. ft. | $599,888 Tustin Verdes RECENTLY SOLD Newport Avenue | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1280 sq. ft. | $675,000
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By Joe Manausa - Tallahassee, FL, Tallahassee Real Estate
(Joe Manausa Real Estate)
1003 Hiawatha Drive, Tallahassee, FL Click here to Get Directions$225000 3 Beds - 2 Baths - 0.25 acres Lot Photos Maps & Local Schools Print Nestled in Southeast Tallahassee, this fantastic three bedroom, two bath lives large with a well appointed kitchen with updated appliances and breakfast nook opening into the living room, a separate dining or additional living space or office space, vaulted ceilings in the private & oversized master suite upstairs with his-and-hers closets, interior laundry and an abundance of windows throughout the home that allow for much desired natural light. Updates have been completed (2020 HVAC and duct work, 2019 Roof & 2021 Water Heater). This ideal location is convenient to downtown, shopping, parks and entertainment for home buyers, or is a great invest...
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By Bruce Parker, You Deserve The Best
(Best Realty)
The Costly Mistake: How Buying a Car Derailed My Home PurchasePurchasing a new home is a significant milestone, often marked by excitement and meticulous planning. However, unforeseen financial decisions can sometimes derail even the most well-prepared buyers. This is exactly what happened to Jane, a first-time homebuyer who had secured a loan approval but found herself disqualified from her dream home purchase after buying a car just before closing. Here’s Jane’s story and the crucial lessons learned to help you navigate your home buying journey smoothly.Jane’s Journey to HomeownershipJane had been diligently saving for her down payment, improving her credit score, and carefully selecting a mortgage lender. After months of preparation, she found the perfect house and entered into a con...
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By Matt Helganz
(Meridian Capital Real Estate)
Great news—millennials are entering the housing market!While this generation may have taken their time warming up to the idea of homeownership, they’re ready now, and they’re bringing a fresh perspective to the real estate scene. Their priorities? A mix of tech, sustainability, and flexibility that sets them apart from previous generations.However, buying a home today comes with its challenges. Mortgage rates have been higher than usual, making loans less affordable. Some buyers are holding off, waiting for rates to drop, while others see an opportunity to negotiate better deals in a less competitive market. Millennials, however, are stepping into this landscape with a clear vision of what they want—and they’re not afraid to go for it.Let’s dive into what makes these buyers tick and how...
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Anaheim Weekly Market Update November 25th - December 1st, 2024 The Pines BACK ON THE MARKET S. Magnolia Avenue | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1178 sq. ft. | $565,000
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