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 Thomas Santore Lic Associate Real Estate Broker, Realtor®-ABR-Land, Residential & Commercial Sa
(Coldwell Banker Realty/Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT)
New Land Listing in Cold Spring at 58 & 62 Walmer Ln, Cold Spring NY 10516Nestled in Cold Spring, New York, the properties at 58 and 62 Walmer Lane present unique opportunities for development and investment. Both parcels are currently vacant land, each encompassing approximately one acre. Both lots being sold as one. The zoning for these properties is designated as R40, which typically allows for residential development with a minimum lot size of 40,000 square feet. This zoning provides flexibility for potential buyers interested in constructing single-family homes or exploring other residential development options. The surrounding community of Cold Spring is renowned for its historic charm, vibrant arts scene, and proximity to the Hudson River, making it a desirable location for new d...
Comments 0
By Anna Chroscicki, Realtor - St. Lucie County affordable Real Estate
(Re/Max Masterpiece Realty)
 For more information on 363 SW Film Ave, visit: https://www.annasellsrealestate.com/newlisting/11001240/_363-SW-Film-Avenue-Port-Saint-Lucie-FL-34953 For more information on 880 SW Jennifer Ter, visit: https://www.annasellsrealestate.com/property_listing/11046243/mlsname/BMLS/ltype/lseAnna Chroscicki with RE/MAX Masterpiece RealtyCall me at 772-485-4188 with any Real Estate Questions. Web-site:www.annasellsrealestate.com1775 SW Gatlin Blvd Ste 101, PSL, FL, 34953
Comments 0
By Desiree Whalen, The Whalen Team
(Keller Williams Realty)
by The Whalen Team.**JUST LISTED!** Beautiful 2br/2bth oceanfront condo in popular Villa Capriani, North Topsail Beach NC! Perfect as a dream beach vacation home or STR investment property (currently generating $34k/year)! Top-floor unit w/gorgeous ocean and pool area views w/private outdoor balcony. Bright & airy interior features incl/granite countertops, breakfast bar, & laminate & tile floors throughout. Amenities incl/community pool & hot tub, tennis courts, beach access, on-site restaurant, & more! Condo comes fully furnished. Don't wait - this unit will move fast! Call us TODAY with offers - This Is The One! https://www.desireewhalen.com/property/100483831/
Comments 2
By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
There’s one essential step in the homebuying process you may not know a whole lot about and that’s pre-approval. Here’s a rundown of what it is and why it’s so important right now. What Is Pre-Approval? Pre-approval is like getting a green light from a lender. It lets you know how much they’re willing to let you borrow for a home. To determine that number, a lender looks at your financial history. According to Realtor.com, these are some of the documents a lender may ask you for during this process: W-2s from the last two years Tax returns from the last two years Pay stubs from the last 30 days Bank statements from the last 60 days Investment account statements (if applicable) Two years of history of where you’ve lived The result? You’ll get a pre-approval letter showing what you can b...
Comments 2
By David Alan Baker | Laveen & South Phoenix Realtor, Your local Expert
(eXp Realty)
  🏡 Motivated Sellers in Laveen, AZ – Your Opportunity Awaits! 🌟 Looking for a great deal on a home? Laveen has incredible opportunities with motivated sellers ready to make a deal! Don’t miss out on these homes priced to sell quickly. 🏠✨ ✅ Homes priced to move✅ Motivated sellers ready to negotiate✅ A variety of styles and sizes to fit your needs 📞 Contact David A. Baker, your Laveen expert, at 602-373-6345 today. Let’s find you a home that matches your needs and budget! 🔗 Act fast—these homes won’t last long! #LaveenRealEstate #MotivatedSellers #GreatDealsInLaveen #PhoenixHomes
Comments 0
By Desiree Whalen, The Whalen Team
(Keller Williams Realty)
by The Whalen Team.**OPEN HOUSE!** This Saturday 01/18/25 1-3pm! Beautiful 3br/2bth fully furnished beach cottage just 1 block from beach access in Kure Beach NC! Come see for yourself - This Is the One! https://www.desireewhalen.com/property/100480470/
Comments 1
By Joe Manausa - Tallahassee, FL, Tallahassee Real Estate
(Joe Manausa Real Estate)
859 Avery Park Dr, Tallahassee, FL Click here to Get Directions$450000 3 Beds - 2 Baths - 5662.8 sqft Lot Photos Maps & Local Schools Print Located in the picture-perfect Avery Park neighbourhood, this 2022-built home is as good as new! With three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a study/office space, this home lives large with its open and inviting floor plan. This "Hampton" floorplan features engineered floors throughout the living, kitchen and dining spaces, TONS of storage from the walk-in closets in each bedroom, a spacious master bedroom with a luxurious shower, and well appointed kitchen with quartz countertops, custom cabinets and stainless steel appliances! An abundance of windows allow for much desired natural light throughout the home and out back you will find the covered back p...
Comments 2
By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Newport Beach Weekly Market Update January 6th - 12th, 2025 601 Lido BACK ON THE MARKET Lido Park Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1523 sq. ft. | $3,995,000 Harbor Ridge Estates RECENTLY SOLD Montpellier | 3 bedrooms | 3 baths | 3049 sq. ft. | $4,595,000 One Nautical Mile RECENTLY SOLD Bluefin Court | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1844 sq. ft. | $1,325,000 Sea Island lusk BACK ON THE MARKET Seabrook | 2 bedrooms | 3 baths | 2557 sq. ft. | $3,295,000 Sea Island McClain BACK ON THE MARKET Seabrook | 2 bedrooms | 3 baths | 2557 sq. ft. | $3,295,000 The Bluffs BACK ON THE MARKET Vista Cajon | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1881 sq. ft. | $1,935,000 Versailles RECENTLY SOLD Mcneil Lane | 0 bedrooms | 1 baths | 465 sq. ft. | $319,000 Cagney Lane | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 561 sq. ft. | $305,000 Cagney Lane...
Comments 0
By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Santa Ana Weekly Market Update January 6th - 12th, 2025 Cabrillo Park RECENTLY SOLD Cabrillo Park Drive | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 833 sq. ft. | $285,000 City Place RECENTLY SOLD E Jeanette Lane | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1404 sq. ft. | $779,999 Monterey Villas RECENTLY SOLD Cabrillo Park Drive | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 833 sq. ft. | $285,000 Park Glen BACK ON THE MARKET Park Glen Circle | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1595 sq. ft. | $709,999 South Coast Villas BACK ON THE MARKET W Macarthur | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1118 sq. ft. | $599,000 St Albans BACK ON THE MARKET S Bear Street | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 1170 sq. ft. | $590,000
Comments 0
By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Laguna Beach Weekly Market Update January 6th - 12th, 2025 Terraces at Canyon Hills RECENTLY SOLD Santa Rosa Court | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1383 sq. ft. | $664,900
Comments 0
On January 13, 2025, Joy Dumandan published a very good interesting report on Realtor.com about exact temperature to set thermostat to keep a home warm to save on heating bill. Money-saving tips1. Programmable thermostat: A programmable thermostat allows you to set the desired temperatures based on when you will be at home or away from home. Experts add it’s a  convenience that allows you to automate temperature changes without needing to think about it.2. Blinds/Drapes: hen you choose to let sunlight in will make a difference, too. Opening blinds during the day for sunlight will help warm your home. Closing them at night will block out cold air.3. Gaps: Check for any gaps around windows where you’re losing heat. If you feel a draft, use caulk to help seal any space.4. Doors: If there’s...
Comments 2
By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Lake Forest Weekly Market Update January 6th - 12th, 2025 Aliso Creek Villas NEWLY LISTED Orange Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 947 sq. ft. | $499,000 Orange Avenue | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1132 sq. ft. | $639,000 RECENTLY SOLD Orange Avenue | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1132 sq. ft. | $580,000 Canyon Rim RECENTLY SOLD Canyon Park Drive | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1329 sq. ft. | $560,000 Greenridge RECENTLY SOLD Rosepath | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1008 sq. ft. | $674,000 Rancho Viejo Condos II RECENTLY SOLD Madrid Drive | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1033 sq. ft. | $675,000 Salerno RECENTLY SOLD Chaumont Circle | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 630 sq. ft. | $495,000 Serrano Creek Villas RECENTLY SOLD Serrano Court | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 884 sq. ft. | $552,000 Serrano Sandcastle RECENTLY SOLD Camelia | 2 ...
Comments 0
By Joe Manausa - Tallahassee, FL, Tallahassee Real Estate
(Joe Manausa Real Estate)
8869 Glen Abby Drive, Tallahassee, FL Click here to Get Directions$869000 4 Beds - 4 Baths - 0.84 sqft Lot Photos Maps & Local Schools Print Exquisite property in the highly desirable Golden Eagle! Built by one of Tallahassee's best known luxury builders, Tom Ertl, this well appointed home with four spacious bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms lives open and bright. Featuring elevated ceilings, perfect hardwood flooring throughout most of the home, gourmet kitchen with a bar and all stainless steel appliances & quartz countertops that flows into the great room with custom moulding & built-ins, formal dining room, three generous bedrooms and a separate over-sized master suite with a luxurious bath suite (soaking tub & shower) and massive walk in closet. An abundance of windows throu...
Comments 1
By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Mission Valley Weekly Market Update January 6th - 12th, 2025 Rancho Mission Villas NEWLY LISTED Rancho Mission Road | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 824 sq. ft. | $495,000 Rio Del Oro RECENTLY SOLD Camino De La Reina | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1017 sq. ft. | $590,000 The Bluffs RECENTLY SOLD Friars Road | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 650 sq. ft. | $468,000
Comments 0
By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
San Marcos Weekly Market Update January 6th - 12th, 2025 Autumn Heights NEWLY LISTED Autumn Dr #12 Court | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1114 sq. ft. | $540,000 Coronado Ranch NEWLY LISTED Almond Road | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1051 sq. ft. | $669,900 RECENTLY SOLD Almond Road | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1209 sq. ft. | $654,900 Corte Bella NEWLY LISTED Almond Road | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1051 sq. ft. | $669,900 RECENTLY SOLD Almond Road | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1209 sq. ft. | $654,900 Madiera NEWLY LISTED Almond Road | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1051 sq. ft. | $669,900 RECENTLY SOLD Almond Road | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1209 sq. ft. | $654,900 Westlake Ranch RECENTLY SOLD Westlake Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 913 sq. ft. | $535,000
Comments 0
By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
North Park Weekly Market Update January 6th - 12th, 2025 Alabama 12 NEWLY LISTED Alabama Street | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 872 sq. ft. | $579,000 Cherokee Canyon NEWLY LISTED Cherokee Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1312 sq. ft. | $649,000 Villa Sao Miguel NEWLY LISTED Alabama Street | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 378 sq. ft. | $245,555
Comments 0
By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Chula Vista Weekly Market Update January 6th - 12th, 2025 Camelot NEWLY LISTED Lakeridge Circle | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1096 sq. ft. | $580,000 RECENTLY SOLD Lakeridge Circle | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1096 sq. ft. | $580,000 Capria NEWLY LISTED Caminito Nazario | 3 bedrooms | 3 baths | 1386 sq. ft. | $609,900 Gold Rush RECENTLY SOLD Platte River Lane | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1032 sq. ft. | $539,999 Greystone NEWLY LISTED Persimmon Court | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1494 sq. ft. | $675,000 Summit at Eastlake NEWLY LISTED Caminito Nazario | 3 bedrooms | 3 baths | 1386 sq. ft. | $609,900 Willow Bend NEWLY LISTED Persimmon Court | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1494 sq. ft. | $675,000
Comments 0
By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Rancho Bernardo Weekly Market Update January 6th - 12th, 2025 Bernardo Greens RECENTLY SOLD Corte Sabio | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1032 sq. ft. | $649,000 Bernardo Pines NEWLY LISTED Caminito Pinero | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 817 sq. ft. | $485,000 Fairway Vistas RECENTLY SOLD Paseo Lucido | 4 bedrooms | 3 baths | 1939 sq. ft. | $1,049,000 Morada NEWLY LISTED Caminito Cantilena | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1056 sq. ft. | $555,000 BACK ON THE MARKET Caminito Cantilena | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 716 sq. ft. | $425,000 Playmor RECENTLY SOLD Ashburton Road | 3 bedrooms | 3 baths | 1772 sq. ft. | $775,000 Sycamore Walk RECENTLY SOLD Via Fiesta | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 611 sq. ft. | $296,591 The Falls RECENTLY SOLD Avenida De Los Lobos | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 756 sq. ft. | $490,000 Villa Taviana RECE...
Comments 0
By Rich Jacobson, Your Kitsap County WA Real Estate Broker
(Fathom Realty West Sound)
Adventures in 1st Time Home Buying“Choosing Your Mortgage Lender” My name is Rich Jacobson, REALTOR, and Licensed Broker with the Sound Realty Team, powered by Fathom Realty here on the Kitsap Peninsula in scenic WA State.Way back in 2007, I published a series of articles here on ActiveRain entitled “Adventures in 1st Time Homebuying.” I thought it would be fun to revisit and refresh those articles, and put together some corresponding videos to go with each article.If you’re buying a home for the very first time, I hope you’ll find these videos and articles helpful, as we walk through the primary elements of buying your first home.The first step in the home buying process is identifying and committing to a qualified mortgage lender. This is a crucial first-step in the process, and will ...
Comments 3
By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
University City Weekly Market Update January 6th - 12th, 2025 Genesee Highlands RECENTLY SOLD Camino Kiosco | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 896 sq. ft. | $650,000 La Jolla City Club RECENTLY SOLD Avenida Navidad | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1080 sq. ft. | $675,000 La Paz NEWLY LISTED Porte La Paz | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 966 sq. ft. | $700,000 Marbella RECENTLY SOLD Palmilla Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1004 sq. ft. | $815,000 Verano NEWLY LISTED Charmant Drive | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 704 sq. ft. | $555,000 Villa Vicenza NEWLY LISTED Lebon Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 956 sq. ft. | $730,000 RECENTLY SOLD Lebon Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 956 sq. ft. | $749,000 Villas at University Park NEWLY LISTED Caminito Carrena | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1366 sq. ft. | $875,000 RECENTLY SOLD Caminito Ar...
Comments 0
Back to Top