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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 Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
Santa Ana Weekly Market Update November 3rd - 9th, 2025 Cabrillo Park RECENTLY SOLD Cabrillo Park Drive | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 974 sq. ft. | $550,000 Cabrillo Park Drive | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 694 sq. ft. | $395,000 Hillview Regency RECENTLY SOLD Sherry Lane | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 1135 sq. ft. | $239,000 Monterey Villas RECENTLY SOLD Cabrillo Park Drive | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 694 sq. ft. | $395,000 Cabrillo Park Drive | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 974 sq. ft. | $550,000 Old Stonegate RECENTLY SOLD Irongate Lane | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1451 sq. ft. | $700,000 South Coast Springs RECENTLY SOLD S Bear Street | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1093 sq. ft. | $395,000 The Redwoods RECENTLY SOLD Cabrillo Park Drive | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 943 sq. ft. | $520,000
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By Thomas Santore Lic Associate Real Estate Broker, Realtor®-ABR-Land, Residential & Commercial Sa
(Coldwell Banker Realty/Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT)
The Offer Stage — How Negotiation Shapes Land ValueWhen an offer comes in, the story of the land enters its most delicate chapter. Price is important, but in vacant land, terms often matter just as much — or more. Due diligence periods, engineering contingencies, and closing timelines can make or break a deal long before the ink dries.A skilled land negotiator understands that every clause holds value. A longer feasibility period might mean less risk for the buyer but more uncertainty for the seller. Conversely, a strong deposit or shorter contingency window signals commitment and can justify a better price. The art lies in balancing both sides so the deal feels like a win for everyone involved.Land negotiation isn’t just about “meeting in the middle.” It’s about reading motivation, und...
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
El Cajon Weekly Market Update November 3rd - 9th, 2025 Beacon Street RECENTLY SOLD Granite Hills Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1147 sq. ft. | $495,999 Jamacha Greens RECENTLY SOLD Gustavo Street | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 882 sq. ft. | $457,000 Mollison Villas II RECENTLY SOLD S Mollison | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 830 sq. ft. | $399,000 Oakdale Park RECENTLY SOLD Oakdale Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 1024 sq. ft. | $385,000 Pepper Drive Estates NEWLY LISTED Graves Court | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 893 sq. ft. | $399,000 Rancho Villas RECENTLY SOLD Calle De Medio | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1108 sq. ft. | $595,000 The Village Townhomes RECENTLY SOLD Peach Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 1100 sq. ft. | $459,000
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Normal Heights Weekly Market Update November 3rd - 9th, 2025 Cityscape RECENTLY SOLD Meade Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 789 sq. ft. | $495,000 Magnolia Manor NEWLY LISTED Kansas Street | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 558 sq. ft. | $439,000 Plaza Arizona RECENTLY SOLD Arizona Street | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1159 sq. ft. | $635,000 Suncrest Villas RECENTLY SOLD Suncrest Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 912 sq. ft. | $540,000
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
North Park Weekly Market Update November 3rd - 9th, 2025 Arnold Avenue RECENTLY SOLD Arnold Avenue | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1077 sq. ft. | $729,000 Casa Frontera II RECENTLY SOLD Boundary Street | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 519 sq. ft. | $449,999 Las Casitas RECENTLY SOLD Swift Avenue | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 501 sq. ft. | $349,999
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Downtown San Diego Weekly Market Update November 3rd - 9th, 2025 Atria RECENTLY SOLD Market Street | 0 bedrooms | 1 baths | 577 sq. ft. | $394,900 Bella Via RECENTLY SOLD India Street | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1383 sq. ft. | $899,000 Cityfront Terrace RECENTLY SOLD W Harbor Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1252 sq. ft. | $974,900 W Harbor Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1184 sq. ft. | $1,050,000 W Harbor Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1181 sq. ft. | $1,050,000 Electra RECENTLY SOLD W E Street | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 985 sq. ft. | $678,000 Horizons RECENTLY SOLD Front Street | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1530 sq. ft. | $1,725,000 Marina Park RECENTLY SOLD State Street | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 824 sq. ft. | $479,000 Park Row RECENTLY SOLD Kettner Boulevard | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1269 sq. ft. |...
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
La Jolla Weekly Market Update November 3rd - 9th, 2025 265 Coast RECENTLY SOLD Coast Boulevard | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1673 sq. ft. | $2,595,000 Cape La Jolla RECENTLY SOLD Via Mallorca | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1141 sq. ft. | $799,999 Cape La Jolla Gardens RECENTLY SOLD Via Mallorca | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1359 sq. ft. | $995,000 Chateau Girard RECENTLY SOLD Genter Street | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1185 sq. ft. | $1,140,000 Del Charro Woods RECENTLY SOLD Caminito Del Cid | 3 bedrooms | 3 baths | 1882 sq. ft. | $1,389,000 La Jolla Lofts RECENTLY SOLD Herschel Avenue | 3 bedrooms | 3.5 baths | 1992 sq. ft. | $1,995,000 La Jolla Park Villas RECENTLY SOLD Via Sonoma | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 636 sq. ft. | $525,000 La Jolla Prospect Condos RECENTLY SOLD Prospect Street | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 b...
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Mission Valley Weekly Market Update November 3rd - 9th, 2025 Bridges at Escala RECENTLY SOLD Escala Circle | 3 bedrooms | 3.5 baths | 1782 sq. ft. | $750,000 Frame and Focus RECENTLY SOLD Aperture Circle | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1585 sq. ft. | $1,140,000 Mission Ridge NEWLY LISTED Caminito Cuervo | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1352 sq. ft. | $655,000 Park Villas South NEWLY LISTED Caminito De Pizza | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 726 sq. ft. | $420,000 Caminito Gabaldon | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 726 sq. ft. | $429,000 RECENTLY SOLD Caminito Gabaldon | 0 bedrooms | 1 baths | 506 sq. ft. | $375,000 Caminito Gabaldon | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 726 sq. ft. | $410,000 The Franciscan BACK ON THE MARKET Friars Road | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 865 sq. ft. | $495,000 The Lido BACK ON THE MARKET Station Village ...
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Carlsbad Weekly Market Update November 3rd - 9th, 2025 Alta Mira RECENTLY SOLD Caminito Verde | 3 bedrooms | 3 baths | 1623 sq. ft. | $750,000 Bayshore RECENTLY SOLD Beachwood Court | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 2352 sq. ft. | $1,575,000 Carlsbad Crest RECENTLY SOLD Ginger Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 0 baths | 1028 sq. ft. | $810,000 Buttercup Road | 2 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 1028 sq. ft. | $799,999 Colina De La Costa RECENTLY SOLD Alicante Road | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1284 sq. ft. | $759,000 Flave La Costa RECENTLY SOLD Viejo Castilla | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 976 sq. ft. | $525,000 La Costa Alta RECENTLY SOLD Ballena Way | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 968 sq. ft. | $666,666 La Costa Hills RECENTLY SOLD Caminito Sierra | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 773 sq. ft. | $560,000 La Costa View RECENTLY SOLD Altism...
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Rancho Bernardo Weekly Market Update November 3rd - 9th, 2025 Bernardo Villas RECENTLY SOLD Bernardo Center Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1040 sq. ft. | $575,000 Garretson in Del Sur RECENTLY SOLD Gill Loop | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1628 sq. ft. | $1,048,888 Haciendas RECENTLY SOLD Caminito Vecinos | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1176 sq. ft. | $489,000 Il Palio NEWLY LISTED Alta Carmel Court | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1036 sq. ft. | $610,000 Las Brisas RECENTLY SOLD Paseo Lucido | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1240 sq. ft. | $737,000 Mandolin RECENTLY SOLD Christopher Ridge Terrace | 4 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 2302 sq. ft. | $1,275,000 Mira Lago RECENTLY SOLD Caminito Pasadero | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1606 sq. ft. | $895,000 Morada RECENTLY SOLD Caminito Pasadero | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1222 sq. f...
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By Joe Manausa - Tallahassee, FL, Tallahassee Real Estate
(Joe Manausa Real Estate)
2058 Thomasville Rd, Tallahassee, FL Click here to Get Directions$400000 4 Beds - Photos Maps & Local Schools Print Remodeled Duplex in the heart of Tallahassee! This charming and cozy duplex has been tastefully updated with ample parking and easy, walkable access to Midtown, local parks, and shopping. Great opportunity for investors or homeowners that want to live on one side, rent the other. Outstanding opportunity for income production for gameday weekends, too! Follow This Home
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By Joe Manausa - Tallahassee, FL, Tallahassee Real Estate
(Joe Manausa Real Estate)
2058 Thomasville Rd, Tallahassee, FL Click here to Get Directions$400000 4 Beds - Photos Maps & Local Schools Print Remodeled Duplex in the heart of Tallahassee! This charming and cozy duplex has been tastefully updated with ample parking and easy, walkable access to Midtown, local parks, and shopping. Great opportunity for investors or homeowners that want to live on one side, rent the other. Outstanding opportunity for income production for gameday weekends, too! Follow This Home
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
Mission Beach Weekly Market Update November 3rd - 9th, 2025 Ensenada Court Villas RECENTLY SOLD Ensenada Court | 3 bedrooms | 3 baths | 1396 sq. ft. | $1,575,000
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By GilbertRealtor BillSalvatore, Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net
(Arizona Elite Properties )
Good post from Keith, and worthy of our Daily Re-Blog. BillGILBERT ARIZONA HOMES FOR SALE, Bill Salvatore, AZVHV /Helping Arizona Heroes, New-Construction Advantage, Realtor,sell my house, 2025 Market, Chandler  I just want to take a moment to say thank you to all the men and women who’ve served our country. Your sacrifice, dedication, and courage mean the world to all of us.   I’m actually working with a buyer right now who’s relocating from Bahrain. She’s active-duty military and she didn’t realize she could use her VA loan again, or even be stationed overseas and still buy a primary home here in the U.S. as long as her family resides in it.   That’s one of the incredible benefits our veterans and active-duty service members have earned, and too many people don’t even know they still ...
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By Keith O. Royal, MAPA, Real Estate Professional, W. Central Gulf Coast FL
(People's Trust Realty)
I just want to take a moment to say thank you to all the men and women who’ve served our country. Your sacrifice, dedication, and courage mean the world to all of us. I’m actually working with a buyer right now who’s relocating from Bahrain. She’s active-duty military and she didn’t realize she could use her VA loan again, or even be stationed overseas and still buy a primary home here in the U.S. as long as her family resides in it.  That’s one of the incredible benefits our veterans and active-duty service members have earned, and too many people don’t even know they still qualify. So, if you’re a veteran or currently serving, reach out. Even if you’ve used your VA loan before, Your Agent will go over your options and make sure you’re getting every benefit you deserve. 🇺🇸
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By E. Steve Banis, Jr., https://www.SouthCarolinaHomesInc.com
(South Carolina Homes Inc.)
🈚▐►CASH BUY or RENT to OWN ★ 4bd-3bd 2ba DWMH Summerville-CharlestonALL 3 Fully Just Renovated Same Prestigious MH Park NEXTON AREA Call or Text Steve  or Leave Message 843-881-7171 🈚▐►fsbo RENT to OWN or CASH BUY  4bd-2ba DWMH Summerville-Charleston 🈚▐► RENT to OWN or CASH BUY fsbo 4bd-2ba DWMH Summerville-CharlestonNOTE:  Homes are  fsbo - For Sale By Owner – Eliminates Realtor Fees (9%)Fully Renovated SEPTEMBER 2025 THREE fsbo RENT to OWN or DISCOUNTED CASH BUY 4bd-2ba DWMH  plus 3bd-2ba SWMH   Summerville-Charleston NOTE: HUGE CASH DISCOUNT FOR OUTRIGHT CASH PURCHASE TODAY🈚▐►RENT 2 OWN 3 MOBILE HOMES 4bd-2ba DISCOUNTED CASH Summerville 🈚 ▐►RENT to OWN  4bd - 2ba DWMH FSBO Summerville-CharlestonAVAILABLE TODAYSEE WEBSITE BELOW (no solicitation please)Call or Text Steve  or Leave Mess...
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By Joe Manausa - Tallahassee, FL, Tallahassee Real Estate
(Joe Manausa Real Estate)
2058 Thomasville Rd, Tallahassee, FL Click here to Get Directions$400000 4 Beds - Photos Maps & Local Schools Print Remodeled Duplex in the heart of Tallahassee! This charming and cozy duplex has been tastefully updated with ample parking and easy, walkable access to Midtown, local parks, and shopping. Great opportunity for investors or homeowners that want to live on one side, rent the other. Outstanding opportunity for income production for gameday weekends, too! Follow This Home
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By Patty Clark, Helping Families Move with Care
(Morningside Homes, LLC 720-231-5200)
  There's a classic example used in behavioral psychology: the marshmallow test. In this experiment, children were given a choice: eat one marshmallow now, or wait a little while and get two. The lesson? Those who could delay gratification tended to experience greater success later in life. That same principle applies beautifully to homeownership. If your ultimate goal is to one day have your home completely paid off, the question becomes: are you willing to make small sacrifices now so you can reap bigger rewards later? Or will you choose comfort and consumption today and carry the financial burden of a mortgage into your retirement years? Making regular additional principal payments on your mortgage is one of the smartest forms of delayed gratification. It's not glamorous. It means dr...
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
Cypress Weekly Market Update November 3rd - 9th, 2025 Cypress Monterey BACK ON THE MARKET Lido Way | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 929 sq. ft. | $660,000 Tanglewood RECENTLY SOLD Dina Court | 3 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 1426 sq. ft. | $689,000 Tanglewood North RECENTLY SOLD Paseo De Oro | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1056 sq. ft. | $795,000 Willow Tree Estates RECENTLY SOLD Belmont Street | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1564 sq. ft. | $874,900
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