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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)
Hollywood Weekly Market Update February 2nd - 8th, 2026 Franklin Towers NEWLY LISTED Franklin Avenue | 1 bedrooms | 2 baths | 996 sq. ft. | $749,000 Hollywood Lofts RECENTLY SOLD Hawthorn Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1100 sq. ft. | $775,000 Hollywood Versailles Tower BACK ON THE MARKET Hollywood Boulevard | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 727 sq. ft. | $599,000
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By Philip A. Raices, 1 of the Most Knowledgeable Brokers on the Net!
(Turn Key Real Estate)
COME TO MY OPEN HOUSE 18-15 215 ST UNIT 3M SUN FEB 15TH 1-3 PM SUNNY 3BR/2BTH COOP AT TOWERS AT WATERSEDGE, BAYSIDE, NEWER KITCHEN, 2 TERRACES, REFINISHED PARQUET FLOORS, HVAC, AND ALL UTILITIES INCLUDED IN MONTHLY MAINTENANCE: HEAT/HW/CAC/ELECTRIC, DAILY PROPERTY MAINTENANCE, AND REAL ESTATE TAXES, INDOOR PARKING, 24/7 CONCIERGE. OWNER WILL LISTEN TO ALL OFFERS! https://lnkd.in/ebTWBStK #COOP #3BEDROOM #2BATH #POOL #PICKLEBALL #SHOPPING #HAIRSALON #DELI #GYM #INDOORPARKING #CONCIEGE #TRANSPORTATION ??? CALL PHIL @ TURN KEY REAL ESTATE
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
Malibu Weekly Market Update February 2nd - 8th, 2026 Zumirez View BACK ON THE MARKET Pacific Coast | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1007 sq. ft. | $1,050,000
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
Canoga Park Weekly Market Update February 2nd - 8th, 2026 7800 Club NEWLY LISTED Topanga Canyon Boulevard | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1038 sq. ft. | $425,000 RECENTLY SOLD Topanga Canyon | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1038 sq. ft. | $399,988 21000 Parthenia St RECENTLY SOLD Parthenia Street | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 679 sq. ft. | $279,999 Village Park BACK ON THE MARKET International Avenue | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1078 sq. ft. | $390,000 RECENTLY SOLD International Avenue | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1078 sq. ft. | $399,000
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
Long Beach Weekly Market Update February 2nd - 8th, 2026 Casa Del Obispo BACK ON THE MARKET Obispo Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 930 sq. ft. | $499,990 RECENTLY SOLD Obispo Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 940 sq. ft. | $475,000 Circleview RECENTLY SOLD Hathaway Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 957 sq. ft. | $494,900 El Dorado Lakes NEWLY LISTED E Spring | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 633 sq. ft. | $399,900 BACK ON THE MARKET E Spring Street | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 960 sq. ft. | $490,000 E Spring Street | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 745 sq. ft. | $495,500 RECENTLY SOLD E Spring Street | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 633 sq. ft. | $442,500 Hampton Condominium BACK ON THE MARKET Ackerfield Avenue | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 716 sq. ft. | $315,000 Plaza Redondo NEWLY LISTED Redondo Avenue | 1 bedrooms | 1.5 ...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Buying a home is getting more affordable, and this graph helps explain why.It shows how much of a household’s income typically goes toward buying a home. As a general rule, spending 30% or less of your income on housing is considered affordable.For the last couple of years, the math was still well above that threshold. But lately, things have been getting better thanks to a mix of lower mortgage rates, slower home price growth, and rising wages.While affordability isn't going to snap back overnight, the trend is finally moving in the right direction.If you want to talk through what this means for your buying power, send me a message and let’s break it down. Contact us:PHP Houses142 W Lakeview AveUnit 1030Lake Mary, FL 32746Ph: (407) 641-1531Fax: (407) 205-1951email: info@phphouses.comLe...
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By Desiree Whalen, The Whalen Team
(Nest Realty)
by The Whalen Team.**VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE!** Tomorrow - Sat 2/14/26 11am! Beautiful 2br/2bth condo w/pool & pond views in The Gardens, Wilmington NC! Recently renovated & excellent central location close to schools, shopping, parks, & just minutes from area beaches! Join us on Facebook to watch LIVE on Saturday at 11am (facebook.com/WhalenTeamRealty), or contact us TODAY for a showing - This Is The One!Pics/Info/Pricing >> https://www.desireewhalen.com/property/ushive-f56efb0e9ef108a14cb6379c66c0e77d/
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
West Hollywood Weekly Market Update February 2nd - 8th, 2026 Doheny West Towers NEWLY LISTED N Doheny Drive | 1 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1010 sq. ft. | $1,599,000 BACK ON THE MARKET N Doheny Drive | 1 bedrooms | 0 baths | 974 sq. ft. | $1,485,000 Kings Plaza NEWLY LISTED N Kings Road | 1 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1098 sq. ft. | $775,000 Kings West RECENTLY SOLD N Kings Road | 3 bedrooms | 3 baths | 1900 sq. ft. | $1,790,000 Kingswood Court RECENTLY SOLD N Kings Road | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 945 sq. ft. | $619,000 Sunset Penthouse RECENTLY SOLD N Sweetzer Avenue | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1395 sq. ft. | $1,208,000 The Ascot RECENTLY SOLD N Kings Road | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1280 sq. ft. | $738,000 The Courtyards RECENTLY SOLD N Kings Road | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 968 sq. ft. | $649,000 The Harper...
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By Laura Sellers, www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate, Inc)
Why So Many People Are Choosing to Move to Auburn Over Atlanta or BirminghamIt’s not just a trend — so many people are choosing to move to Auburn over Atlanta or Birmingham for good reason. From lower traffic to stronger community ties, Auburn offers the kind of lifestyle that big metro areas can’t match. You still get access to great restaurants, entertainment, and job opportunities — just without the chaos of city living.Small-Town Charm Meets Big-City AccessLiving in Auburn means you can enjoy a calm Saturday morning at the Auburn University Farmers Market and still reach Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport or Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport within a couple of hours. You’ll have easy access to interstate connections, but when you come home, you’re greeted ...
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When clients relocate to the high desert, they aren't just buying a property; they are buying into a lifestyle. For many new residents moving to our area, that lifestyle includes the responsible ownership of firearms for protection or sport. However, moving across state lines often means navigating a confusing shift in regulations.To help our new neighbors settle in safely, it is vital to understand how the local statutes differ from where they came from.Navigating the specific statutes that govern the purchase and possession of hardware requires a commitment to constant learning and awareness. Ignorance of the current rules is never a valid defense in a courtroom if a violation occurs during a routine check. Every owner must take the time to study the specific requirements of the regio...
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By Will Hamm, "Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"
(Hamm Homes)
 ✨ Warm & inspirational“Where finding a home becomes the first step toward the life you’ve always imagined.”🏡 Professional & polished“Helping you find more than a home — your first step toward the life you’ve always imagined.”💬 Simple & conversational“Find your home. Start the life you’ve been dreaming about.”🔥 Strong marketing style“Your journey starts here — where finding a home opens the door to the life you’ve always imagined.”If you want, tell me: Who it’s for (buyers, sellers, first-time buyers, retirees, Denver area, etc.) Where you’ll use it (social media, website headline, flyer, business card) …and I’ll craft a few super targeted versions that fit your brand perfectly. 🏡✨
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By DANIEL PATTON, Real Estate agent serving Hampton Road VA.
(Prodigy Realty)
Negotiating Repairs in Hampton Roads Real Estate (And Why Keeping Your Receipts Matters More Than You Think)Buying or selling a home in Hampton Roads, VA isn’t just about agreeing on a price — it’s about what happens after the home inspection.From Virginia Beach to Chesapeake, Norfolk, Suffolk, and Portsmouth, repair negotiations can make or break a deal. And if you’re not strategic? You can leave money on the table… or inherit someone else’s problem.As someone who has helped 600+ families navigate this market, I can tell you this: negotiating repairs is part art, part discipline, and 100% about leverage.Let’s break it down.Why Repair Negotiations Matter in Hampton RoadsIn our coastal market, homes deal with: Crawl space moisture Termite activity HVAC wear from humidity Roof aging from ...
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By Manfred Lewis Leslie Horne & Associates, Realtor Spartanburg and Greenville SC
(Leslie Horne &Associates )
I’ll always have a soft spot for anything that involves homes, happy clients, and a little personality mixed in. Helping people buy or sell is serious business, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have some fun along the way. 🏡💗 #thehelpfulagent #houseexpert #a021325 #bemine #dreamhome
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By Joe Manausa - Tallahassee, FL, Tallahassee Real Estate
(Joe Manausa Real Estate)
2253 Tuscavilla Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32312 Click here to Get Directions $290,000 3 Beds · 2 Baths · 1,466 Sq Ft Photos Maps & Local Schools Print Newly listed in Tallahassee, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers a comfortable layout and practical living space. For full photos, pricing details, and the most up-to-date information, use the link below to view the complete listing on our website. View Full Listing
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By Joe Manausa - Tallahassee, FL, Tallahassee Real Estate
(Joe Manausa Real Estate)
3175 Ferns Glen Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32309 Click here to Get Directions $629,000 Beds: 5   |   Baths: 4   |   Living Area: 3,268 Sq. Ft. Photos Maps & Local Schools Print This 5-bedroom, 4-bath Tallahassee home offers 3,268 square feet of spacious living in the desirable 32309 area. Priced at $629,000, the property provides flexibility, functionality, and convenient access to local amenities. View Full Listing
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By Jeff Markell, Sr. Mortgage Advisor - Forward & Reverse
(Empire Home Loans Inc.)
You did it.You saved the down payment.You cleaned up your credit.You survived underwriting.Now you’re holding the keys to your very first home.And then… the bills start showing up.Most first-time buyers budget for the down payment and the mortgage payment. What they do not budget for are the quiet expenses that sneak in during the first 90 days of ownership.Let’s talk about the six that surprise people the most. Closing Costs, The “Other” Money You NeedYour down payment is only part of the equation.Every purchase comes with additional transaction expenses. Lender fees, title insurance, escrow charges, prepaid taxes, homeowner’s insurance, recording fees, and sometimes discount points.Many first-time buyers are shocked to learn that closing costs can run between 2 percent and 5 percent o...
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By Manfred Lewis Leslie Horne & Associates, Realtor Spartanburg and Greenville SC
(Leslie Horne &Associates )
The relationships I build with my clients mean everything to me. This isn’t just about transactions — it’s about trust, communication, and helping you feel confident every step of the way. Being part of your home journey is something I never take lightly. 🏡💖 If you or someone you love is thinking about making a move this year, I’d be honored to help — send me a message anytime. #thehelpfulagent #houseexpert #a061226 #realestate #dreamhome
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Homes for Sale in Steep Bank Village SiennaIf you are actively searching for homes for sale in steep bank village sienna, you are looking in one of the more established and well-regarded sections of the Sienna master-planned community. As a local realtor who works daily with buyers and sellers throughout Sienna, I often recommend Steep Bank Village to clients who want a balance of mature surroundings, practical home layouts, and long-term resale stability. This guide is designed to help you understand what makes this village unique, what types of homes are available, and how to approach buying or selling here with confidence. Where Steep Bank Village Fits Within SiennaSteep Bank Village is a residential section within Sienna, located in Missouri City, Fort Bend County. Unlike newer sect...
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By inboundREM Market Updates
(InboundREM)
If you are researching house listings in sienna texas, you are already looking in one of Fort Bend County’s most in-demand master-planned communities. As a local realtor who works with buyers and sellers throughout Sienna, I see firsthand how quickly homes move here when they are priced and positioned correctly. This guide is designed to give you a clear, practical understanding of the current housing landscape, what types of homes are available, and how to navigate the market with confidence, whether you are buying your first home or preparing to sell. House Listings in Sienna Texas: Understanding the CommunitySienna is a large master-planned community located in Missouri City, within Fort Bend County, just southwest of Houston. Known for its scale, amenities, and neighborhood variety,...
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