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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)
Vista Weekly Market Update June 1st - 7th, 2026 Charlemont NEWLY LISTED Breeze Hill Drive | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 624 sq. ft. | $399,000 Santa Fe Walk RECENTLY SOLD Avenida De La Luna | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1068 sq. ft. | $570,000 Vista De Vista RECENTLY SOLD Ascot Drive | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1365 sq. ft. | $579,999
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By Manfred Lewis Leslie Horne & Associates, Realtor Spartanburg and Greenville SC
(Leslie Horne &Associates )
Buying a home comes with a timeline that looks a little different for everyone. 🏡 The home search itself can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days, depending on your needs, budget, and what’s available in the market. Once you’re under contract, the path to closing can move quickly or take a bit longer based on the details of the transaction. If you’re ready to start the process and want expert guidance from search to sold, send me a message and let’s chat! #thehelpfulagent #houseexpert #a060926 #investment #dreamhome
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
North Park Weekly Market Update June 1st - 7th, 2026 4154 Louisiana St RECENTLY SOLD Louisiana Street | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1137 sq. ft. | $399,000 Balboa Park Villas RECENTLY SOLD Hamilton | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 931 sq. ft. | $430,000 California Village RECENTLY SOLD Haller Street | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1434 sq. ft. | $425,000 Coral Ridge RECENTLY SOLD Florida Street | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 815 sq. ft. | $395,000 Florida Villas RECENTLY SOLD Florida Street | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 699 sq. ft. | $267,990 Golden Oaks NEWLY LISTED Illinois Street | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 818 sq. ft. | $525,000 Laurel Manor RECENTLY SOLD Laurel Street | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1205 sq. ft. | $499,876 Oregon Street RECENTLY SOLD Oregon Street | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 806 sq. ft. | $349,000 Robinso...
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By Laura Sellers, www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate, Inc)
Garage Doors Left Open All Day or Clear Glass Garage Doors? Q: Which is worse: garage doors left open all day… or the ones with clear glass windows?A: That depends on who you ask.Some people leave their garage door open from sunrise to sunset. Others install garage doors with large glass panels that let everyone see inside. Both can spark opinions, especially when you’re house hunting.As a REALTOR® in Auburn and Opelika, I’ve toured thousands of homes over the years, and one thing I’ve learned is that buyers pay attention to details. Sometimes it’s the kitchen. Sometimes it’s the backyard. And sometimes it’s something as simple as the garage.Why Garage Doors Matter More Than You ThinkThe garage is often one of the largest features visible from the street.It can impact: Curb appeal Perc...
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By Laura Sellers, www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate, Inc)
Moving from Out of State to Opelika Alabama Moving from Out of State to Opelika Alabama is something I help buyers with every year, and almost every relocation client tells me the same thing after they arrive: “I wish I had done this sooner.”Whether you’re moving for work, retirement, family, or simply looking for a better quality of life, Opelika offers a combination of affordability, community, and convenience that surprises many people relocating from larger cities and higher-cost states.As an Auburn University graduate and local REALTOR®, I’ve helped buyers relocate from all over the country. While every move is different, there are a few things that consistently stand out about living in Opelika, Alabama.The Pace Is DifferentOne of the first things people notice is the pace.Life t...
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Spring Valley Weekly Market Update June 1st - 7th, 2026 Ashford Park RECENTLY SOLD Kings View Circle | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1020 sq. ft. | $319,000 Bonita Grande RECENTLY SOLD Paradise Valley Court | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1125 sq. ft. | $330,000 Ranchwood Park RECENTLY SOLD Anawood | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1059 sq. ft. | $325,000 Terra II NEWLY LISTED Terraspiro Avenue | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1118 sq. ft. | $625,000 Terraza RECENTLY SOLD Madrid Way | 2 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 700 sq. ft. | $450,000 Valley Springs NEWLY LISTED Presioca Street | 2 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 1036 sq. ft. | $449,000
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Chula Vista Weekly Market Update June 1st - 7th, 2026 Agave NEWLY LISTED Playa Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1464 sq. ft. | $620,000 RECENTLY SOLD Condor Drive | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1396 sq. ft. | $699,000 Bon Vivant RECENTLY SOLD Sonora Drive | 4 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1460 sq. ft. | $608,000 Camelot RECENTLY SOLD Lakeridge Circle | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 956 sq. ft. | $1,300 Capri RECENTLY SOLD Via Capri | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1028 sq. ft. | $375,000 Casa de Moss RECENTLY SOLD Moss Street | 2 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 786 sq. ft. | $254,000 Casa Vianney RECENTLY SOLD L Street | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1124 sq. ft. | $325,000 Chapala RECENTLY SOLD Lago Madero | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1447 sq. ft. | $743,000 Gentry Villas NEWLY LISTED E Street | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 936 sq. f...
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
La Mesa Weekly Market Update June 1st - 7th, 2026 Daybreak RECENTLY SOLD Baltimore Drive | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1385 sq. ft. | $749,000 Shasta Greens RECENTLY SOLD Shasta Lane | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 741 sq. ft. | $301,900 Shasta Lane | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 946 sq. ft. | $365,900 Smoke Tree RECENTLY SOLD Lake Murray | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1722 sq. ft. | $799,000
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Imperial Beach Weekly Market Update June 1st - 7th, 2026 Ebony Estates RECENTLY SOLD Ebony Avenue | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | None sq. ft. | $285,000 Ebony Avenue | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | None sq. ft. | $275,000 Ebony Avenue | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | None sq. ft. | $275,000 Ebony Avenue | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | None sq. ft. | $285,000
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
El Cajon Weekly Market Update June 1st - 7th, 2026 Beacon Street RECENTLY SOLD Granite Hills Drive | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 941 sq. ft. | $335,000 Jamacha Greens RECENTLY SOLD Jamacha Road | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 882 sq. ft. | $420,000 Paseo Del Sol Villas RECENTLY SOLD Estes Street | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 960 sq. ft. | $399,999 Estes | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | None sq. ft. | $289,900 Rancho Villas NEWLY LISTED Calle De Leon | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 886 sq. ft. | $489,000 RECENTLY SOLD Calle De Medio | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 913 sq. ft. | $325,000 Remington RECENTLY SOLD Via Rancho San Diego | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 932 sq. ft. | $369,000 Stone Edge RECENTLY SOLD Stone Edge Circle | 2 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 1138 sq. ft. | $320,000 The Village Townhomes RECENTLY SOLD Peach Avenue | 2 be...
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Pacific Beach Weekly Market Update June 1st - 7th, 2026 1912 Diamond RECENTLY SOLD Diamond Street | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 854 sq. ft. | $699,000 Diamond and Lamont RECENTLY SOLD Diamond | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1094 sq. ft. | $1,039,000 Missouri Pacific RECENTLY SOLD Missouri | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 728 sq. ft. | $625,000 Rose Creek NEWLY LISTED Pico | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 821 sq. ft. | $620,000 Santa Mariana RECENTLY SOLD Fanuel | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1127 sq. ft. | $775,000 The Plaza NEWLY LISTED Diamond Street | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 678 sq. ft. | $399,000
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By Joe Manausa - Tallahassee, FL, Tallahassee Real Estate
(Joe Manausa Real Estate)
Tallahassee Home for Sale 2958 Giverny Circle, Tallahassee, FL 32309 $500,000 4Beds 3Baths 2,396Sq Ft $500KPrice Beautiful Northeast Tallahassee Home in 32309 Welcome to 2958 Giverny Circle in Tallahassee, Florida, a spacious home offering 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and 2,396 square feet of living space. Priced at $500,000, this property combines comfort, functionality, and an outstanding location in the highly desirable 32309 area. Whether you're searching for a family home, a property with room to entertain, or a residence in one of Tallahassee’s most sought-after neighborhoods, this home deserves a closer look. Property Highlights 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms 2,396 square feet of living space Listed at $500,000 Located in Tallahassee, FL 32309 Spacious and functional floor plan Perfect ...
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By Joe Manausa - Tallahassee, FL, Tallahassee Real Estate
(Joe Manausa Real Estate)
Tallahassee Home for Sale 2527 Blue Ridge Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32311 $550,000 4Beds 3Baths 2,150Sq Ft $550KPrice Move-In Ready Home in Desirable SouthWood Welcome to 2527 Blue Ridge Drive in Tallahassee, Florida, a beautifully maintained home offering 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and 2,150 square feet of living space. Priced at $550,000, this property combines modern comfort, functional design, and an exceptional location in the highly sought-after SouthWood community. With spacious living areas, quality finishes, and access to one of Tallahassee's premier neighborhoods, this home is ideal for buyers seeking comfort, convenience, and lifestyle. Property Highlights 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms 2,150 square feet of living space Located in Tallahassee's desirable SouthWood community Listed at...
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
Buena Park Weekly Market Update June 1st - 7th, 2026 Cameron Park BACK ON THE MARKET Humboldt | 2 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 1060 sq. ft. | $688,000 Highland Greens RECENTLY SOLD Keith | 4 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1560 sq. ft. | $809,000
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
Irvine Weekly Market Update June 1st - 7th, 2026 Arborel RECENTLY SOLD Gardenpath | 3 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 1950 sq. ft. | $2,995,000 Bower Tree | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1495 sq. ft. | $1,795,000 Bower Tree | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1628 sq. ft. | $1,850,000 Arcadia NEWLY LISTED Rose Arch | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1441 sq. ft. | $1,088,880 Avenue One NEWLY LISTED Scholarship | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1038 sq. ft. | $759,000 Casalon BACK ON THE MARKET Stepping Stone | 3 bedrooms | 3 baths | 1683 sq. ft. | $1,358,000 Chantory RECENTLY SOLD Gardenpath | 3 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 1950 sq. ft. | $2,995,000 Bower Tree | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1495 sq. ft. | $1,795,000 Bower Tree | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1628 sq. ft. | $1,850,000 Corte Bella RECENTLY SOLD Arese Aisle | 4 bedrooms | 2.5...
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By Jason Crawford, Moving to Lake Arrowhead? Start Here.
(Crawford Realty Group | eXp Realty)
Lake Arrowhead vs Big Bear: Which Mountain Wins?By Jason Crawford | Crawford Realty Group | Living in Lake ArrowheadI have been to Big Bear more times than I can count.I always go for the same reason.North Pole Fudge and Ice Cream on Village Drive. I get my fudge, I look around for a little while, and I drive back home to Lake Arrowhead.That probably tells you everything you need to know about where I stand. But I am going to be fair about this because Big Bear deserves a fair look. These are two completely different mountains and the right one depends entirely on who you are and what you want your life to look like.Here is the honest comparison.The Two Mountains at a GlanceBoth sit in the San Bernardino Mountains. Both are within two hours of Los Angeles. Both offer four seasons, pine ...
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
Lake Forest Weekly Market Update June 1st - 7th, 2026 Aliso Creek Villas NEWLY LISTED Orange | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 947 sq. ft. | $519,000 Canyon View BACK ON THE MARKET Canyon Point | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 979 sq. ft. | $525,000 Cedar Glen RECENTLY SOLD Trabuco Road | 2 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 1190 sq. ft. | $610,000 El Paseo NEWLY LISTED El Paseo | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1769 sq. ft. | $999,900 Pheasant Creek RECENTLY SOLD El Toro | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 686 sq. ft. | $415,000 Rancho Viejo Condos I NEWLY LISTED Mesa Way | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 981 sq. ft. | $479,990 Salerno NEWLY LISTED Chaumont Circle | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 707 sq. ft. | $519,999 San Remo Villas BACK ON THE MARKET Calle De Paseo | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1511 sq. ft. | $918,000 Tierra Vista BACK ON THE MARK...
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By Evelyn Santiago, Managing Broker Heart Realty Group, Inc., Passionate About Real Estate & Our Clients!
(Heart Realty Group, Inc..)
The weather has been rainy and hot all day with more rain predicted.  Not the best weather to go house hunting but don't let it stop you!  Real estate agents don't let the weather get in the way of assisting buyers or sellers reach  their real estate goals.Here is the latest stats for Oswego, IL direct from the MLS/MRED.Total available detached single family homes - 114New Listings (7 days or less) - 12Price Changes - 22Active - 92 Still plenty of choices for homebuyers looking to move to Oswego! 
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
San Juan Capistrano Weekly Market Update June 1st - 7th, 2026 Capistrano Villas NEWLY LISTED Calle San Diego | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 897 sq. ft. | $450,000 RECENTLY SOLD Calle San Francisco | 3 bedrooms | 1 baths | 866 sq. ft. | $509,000 Casa De Capistrano BACK ON THE MARKET Paseo Carolina | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 834 sq. ft. | $550,000 Marbella Golf Villas RECENTLY SOLD Plaza Baja Del Sol | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 2704 sq. ft. | $1,775,000 Mesa Vista North BACK ON THE MARKET Paseo Lomita | 3 bedrooms | 3 baths | 1829 sq. ft. | $1,175,000 Village San Juan Townhomes RECENTLY SOLD Cedar Grove Court | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1350 sq. ft. | $875,000
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By Manfred Lewis Leslie Horne & Associates, Realtor Spartanburg and Greenville SC
(Leslie Horne &Associates )
Getting ready to buy a home? One of the best ways to keep your transaction moving smoothly is by staying mindful of your credit throughout the process. 🏡 Even small financial changes can create unexpected delays, so having the right game plan matters. If you’re thinking about buying and want trusted guidance from contract to closing, send me a message and let’s chat! #thehelpfulagent #houseexpert #a060826 #finances #realestate
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