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 Christy Dawn, New Home Sales & Design Specialist Extraordinaire
(Home Decor Christy)
Building a new home is an incredibly exciting process. From choosing the floor plan to selecting the finishes, it's a chance to create a space that's uniquely yours.  Yet, as any seasoned homeowner can attest, proper electrical planning can make a significant difference in both the comfort and the value of a home. The Significance of Electrical PlanningToday's homes are more connected than ever, and the role of electrical systems has evolved to offer not just utility but also comfort, safety, and efficiency.  But when the electrical planning phase is overlooked, homeowners can find themselves regretting missed opportunities.  Common Electrical Features Home Buyers OverlookWhile many of us might think of standard outlets and lighting fixtures, there's a lot more to consider:  WiFi Access...
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
University City Weekly Market Update September 17th - 23rd, 2023 Capri BACK ON THE MARKET Shoreline Drive | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 1097 sq. ft. | $825,000 Genesee Highlands RECENTLY SOLD Camino Jonata | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 945 sq. ft. | $655,000 Camino Ticino | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 882 sq. ft. | $650,000 Camino Kiosco | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 882 sq. ft. | $660,000 Camino Huerta | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 945 sq. ft. | $585,000 The Park RECENTLY SOLD Agee Street | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 956 sq. ft. | $649,900 The Venetian RECENTLY SOLD Nobel Drive | 0 bedrooms | 1 baths | 420 sq. ft. | $439,900 Villa Vicenza RECENTLY SOLD Lebon | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 629 sq. ft. | $600,000
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By Joe Manausa - Tallahassee, FL, Tallahassee Real Estate
(Joe Manausa Real Estate)
1833 Wales Dr, Tallahassee, fl Photos Maps & Local Schools Print Click here to Get Directions$250000 3 Beds - 2.5 Baths - 0.22 acres Lot This fantastic and move-in ready home with three bedrooms and two full & one half bath home lives large with an open living room, dining room and kitchen and features updated flooring, a well appointed kitchen with granite countertops, updated cabinets and stainless steel appliances, a spacious master bedroom with a luxurious master shower and two closets, as well as interior laundry room, and a fenced back yard! Updates have been completed (2013 HVAC, 2018 Roof & 2021 Water Heater), but also allowing the next owner to put their personal touch on the home. This ideal location is convenient to shopping, schools, parks and entertainment for home buyers ...
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By Dick Betts, REALTOR® The Villages, Florida
(TOUCHSTONE REAL ESTATE)
When I first moved to Florida I learned screened in porches up north were called Lanais here in Florida.  Then I had to learn a new term here in The Villages, Florida, kissing lanais which means two lanais back to back only a few feet off the property line.  Recently I visited with a couple who moved to The Villages from a home in Colorado that had a few acres of land and quickly they learned about kissing lanais and planted bushes to give some privacy.  They also realized even having a conversation with inside voice your neighbors can hear everything you say.  Oh, and if they play music you better hope they have the same taste in music, and when they grill you going to get hungry.There is a reason cul-de-sac homes sell for more, the lot which is bigger and no kissing lanais in most cas...
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Corona Weekly Market Update September 17th - 23rd, 2023 First Impressions at Corona Hills RECENTLY SOLD Ascot | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1186 sq. ft. | $525,000 Triana at Corona Ranch NEWLY LISTED Las Colinas Circle | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 941 sq. ft. | $440,000 Windwood BACK ON THE MARKET Border Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1035 sq. ft. | $407,000
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Temecula Weekly Market Update September 17th - 23rd, 2023 Rancho Meadows RECENTLY SOLD La Paz Road | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1889 sq. ft. | $479,000 Reflections at Temecula Lane RECENTLY SOLD Strawberry Tree Lane | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1582 sq. ft. | $518,900 Temecula Creek Village BACK ON THE MARKET Taylor Lane | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 864 sq. ft. | $369,900 Belvista NEWLY LISTED Avenida Amistad | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1128 sq. ft. | $495,000
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Murrieta Weekly Market Update September 17th - 23rd, 2023 Casitas Del Sol RECENTLY SOLD Via Las Flores | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 762 sq. ft. | $299,996 Ridgegate NEWLY LISTED Via Frontera | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1203 sq. ft. | $429,000 BACK ON THE MARKET Via Frontera | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1442 sq. ft. | $459,900
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Hemet Weekly Market Update September 17th - 23rd, 2023 Rosewood Villas RECENTLY SOLD S Palm Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1247 sq. ft. | $195,000
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By Joe Manausa - Tallahassee, FL, Tallahassee Real Estate
(Joe Manausa Real Estate)
6513 Wildemeade Pl, Tallahassee, FL Photos Maps & Local Schools Print Click here to Get Directions$1,100,000 5 Beds - 3.5 Baths - 1.4 acres Lot Welcome to Centerville Conservation - a gated community offering luxury homes that sit on one acre PLUS lots in Northeast Tallahassee! This spacious 5 bedroom and 3.5 bathroom custom home built by renowned Bridgewater Builders is now available just in time for school to start. Built in 2014 with recent renovations, this home runs completely on SOLAR POWER (with battery backup in the event of a power outage) and is sure to impress! The refinished hardwood floors are flawless and create warmth in this open concept floor plan perfect for entertaining. The Cambria quartz countertops complete with waterfall kitchen island make a modern statement and...
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By Bill Salvatore - East Valley, Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net
(Arizona Elite Properties )
Gilbert, AZMon Sep 18 2023This week the median list price for Gilbert, AZ is $659,232 with the market action index hovering around 58. This is less than last month's market action index of 61. Inventory has increased to 261.  The market has been cooling over time and prices plateaued for a while. Despite the consistent decrease in MAI, we’re in the Seller’s zone. Watch for changes in MAI. If the MAI resumes its climb, prices will likely follow suit. If the MAI drops consistently or falls into the Buyer’s zone, watch for downward pressure on prices.     The market appears to be hovering around this plateau. Look for a persistent change in the Market Action Index before we see prices deviate from these levels. Bill   YOUR   Latest activity in the VALLEY of the SUN For ALL your Valley AZ R...
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By Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI, Arizona Homes and Land Group/ Buy or Sell
(HomeSmart Real Estate)
Here are Scottsdale Single Family Homes For Sale UPDATED DAILY! When you move to Sunny Scottsdale Arizona you will be living in one of the best cities to live in in America. Come for a Visit and hike the cool West Fork Trail and the Oak Creek in Sedona which is only 90 miles from Scottsdale. Scottsdale and Phoenix are in the center of the state with easy access to the high country and the deserts. (Photo Scottsdale McCormick Ranch, courtesy Scott Amonson)There is so much to do in Scottsdale and did I mention the the SUN? Take a hike, play some golf, a jeep tour, art walk, climb Camelback Mountain. However there are plenty of OTHER things to do as well. You may wish to bookmark or save this blog link if you are planning to visit or move to Arizona.... Read on.Sunny Scottsdale Arizona Hom...
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By Denise Gentile, REALTOR , Riverside County
(Coldwell Banker Associated Brokers Realty)
Welcome to this stunning 2022 New construction masterpiece by Lennar builders, where modern elegance meets smart home convenience. This 2-story beauty boasts 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, offering a spacious and open floor plan spanning 2,017 square feet, all nestled on a generous 5,776 square foot corner lot.  Step inside and be greeted by the inviting features that make this home truly exceptional. Light gray carpet and tile flooring in the entry, kitchen, and baths provide both style and comfort. Recessed lighting and high ceilings downstairs create an airy and welcoming atmosphere, while decorative potted shelving adds a touch of sophistication.  Large dual pane windows adorned with blinds not only flood the space with natural light but also offer enchanting views from the upstairs.The ...
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By Denise Gentile, REALTOR , Riverside County
(Coldwell Banker Associated Brokers Realty)
Discover your ideal retirement oasis in this delightful 55+ golf course community at Colonial Country Club. Nestled in a serene and amenity-rich setting, this spacious 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers 1,368 square feet of comfortable living space, and a host of fantastic features.  It's open floor plan creates a sense of spaciousness and is perfect for hosting gatherings with friends and family! The interior boasts beautiful laminate flooring in high-traffic areas, and the dining area features a built-in modern-looking hutch. The well-equipped kitchen includes a built-in wall oven, gas cooktop, vented hood, a charming tile backsplash, dishwasher, and a refrigerator that's included. Say goodbye to the hassle of shared laundry facilities with your own indoor laundry area with washer/drye...
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By Kristin Johnston - REALTOR®, Giving Back With Each Home Sold!
(RE/MAX Platinum)
Waukesha County 5 Bedroom Home Sales Market Report August 2023 Waukesha County 5 Bedroom Homes For Sale, Waukesha County Real Estate, Kristin Johnston, RE/MAX    Real Estate Market Report for Waukesha County, WI for August 2023.  Waukesha County Real Estate, Waukesha County 5 Bedroom Homes For Sale   My name is Kristin Johnston with RE/MAX Platinum.  My market report gives you the real estate activity for 5 Bedroom Homes In Waukesha County, WI for the last 30 days.    Are you looking to buy a house in Waukesha County?  Wondering what your Waukesha County Home is worth? Call/text me at 414 254 6647 or email me at kjohnston@remax.net.     I specialize in Waukesha County Real Estate, and have a lot of experience with Waukesha Real Estate and Pewaukee Real Estate.  In fact, I have lived in ...
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By Kristin Johnston - REALTOR®, Giving Back With Each Home Sold!
(RE/MAX Platinum)
Chenequa WI Homes for Sale | Market Report for August 2023Looking for a place with beautiful natural landscapes and many outdoor recreational opportunities?Chenequa is a village in Waukesha County, Wisconsin. Located in “lake country”, it is about 30 miles west of downtown Milwaukee.  It completely surrounds the 703 acre Pine Lake, and includes portions of Beaver Lake and North Lake.The village has a total area of 4.71 square miles, of which 3.54 square miles is land and 1.17 square miles is water.Chenequa comes from the Potawatomi Indian word for “pine”, referring to a rare Southern Wisconsin grove of white pine. This white pine can be seen along the Eastern Shore of Pine Lake.The Village of Chenequa was formed from the Town of Merton in 1928 by wealthy Milwaukeeans. The residents owne...
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By Kristin Johnston - REALTOR®, Giving Back With Each Home Sold!
(RE/MAX Platinum)
Oconomowoc WI Condo Sales Market Report August 2023   Oconomowoc Condos For Sale, Oconomowoc Realtor Kristin Johnston RE/MAX My name is Kristin Johnston with RE/MAX Platinum.  My market report gives you the real estate activity for Condos in  Oconomowoc WI. Are you looking to buy a condo in Oconomowoc?  Wondering what your Oconomowoc condo is worth? Call/text me at 414 254 6647 or email me at kjohnston@remax.net. I specialize in Waukesha County Real Estate, and have a lot of experience with Oconomowoc Real Estate. Check out my website www.waukeshahousesforsale.com! Review my many happy client testimonials too! In the Oconomowoc, Wisconsin Real Estate market 4 condos sold; 1 was listed and sold by the same company, and 3 were sold by a co-broke. In Oconomowoc, Wisconsin Real Estate marke...
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