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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)
Malibu Weekly Market Update September 7th - 13th, 2026 Maison De Ville BACK ON THE MARKET De Ville Way | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1746 sq. ft. | $1,950,000 Malibu Gardens BACK ON THE MARKET Cavalleri Road | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1540 sq. ft. | $1,159,000 Malibu Villas RECENTLY SOLD Rey De Copas Lane | 2 bedrooms | 3 baths | 1681 sq. ft. | $819,000
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
Westchester Weekly Market Update September 7th - 13th, 2026 Capri Villas RECENTLY SOLD La Tijera | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1076 sq. ft. | $595,000 Tremont Condominiums RECENTLY SOLD Alvern Street | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1140 sq. ft. | $645,000
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
Long Beach Weekly Market Update September 7th - 13th, 2026 838 Pine RECENTLY SOLD Pine Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1030 sq. ft. | $550,000 Coast Plaza BACK ON THE MARKET Ximeno Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1227 sq. ft. | $649,000 Grand Villa RECENTLY SOLD Grand Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 867 sq. ft. | $550,000 Lindenwood RECENTLY SOLD Linden | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 906 sq. ft. | $409,900 Marina Pacifica NEWLY LISTED Marina Pacifica | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 873 sq. ft. | $690,000 Ohio Square BACK ON THE MARKET Ohio Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1134 sq. ft. | $509,000 Villa Del Obispo RECENTLY SOLD Obispo Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 944 sq. ft. | $449,900
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
Santa Monica Weekly Market Update September 7th - 13th, 2026 101 Ocean BACK ON THE MARKET Ocean Avenue | 3 bedrooms | 3.5 baths | 4148 sq. ft. | $11,499,000 San Vicente Villas RECENTLY SOLD San Vicente Boulevard | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1542 sq. ft. | $1,299,000 California Patios RECENTLY SOLD California Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1024 sq. ft. | $799,000 Villa Toscana RECENTLY SOLD Yale Street | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 2001 sq. ft. | $1,345,000
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By David Buck, Realtor-Broker
(Harcourts Island Real Estate)
What would it be like to wake up 37 floors above Honolulu?Royal Iolani 3705 offers elevated island living with incredible Diamond Head and ocean views. 🌴This three-bedroom, two-bath residence features a 2020 remodel, granite countertops, travertine floors, central air, and a spacious open lanai.The views stretch across Diamond Head, Waikiki, the Ala Wai Golf Course, and the Waianae Mountain Range.Residents also enjoy a swimming pool, hot tub, fitness center, sauna, barbecue areas, and secured parking... Read More
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By Jasvir Josan, Target Marketing Specialist
(Direct Realty and Mortgage)
A recent real estate survey revealed that nearly 70% of house hunters admit to having a “home crush.” They fall completely head-over-heels for a property before they even know if they can actually buy it! When you first step into a stunning living room or walk out into a perfect backyard oasis, your heart naturally takes over. But before you start mentally arranging your furniture in a house you don't own yet, you need to firmly understand your initial capital requirements. Simply put, this means figuring out exactly how much upfront cash you need for your down payment and closing costs, alongside the absolute maximum monthly payment you can comfortably carry.The #1 Must-Do Step: Get Fully Pre-ApprovedI see it all the time. Buyers jump straight into touring homes after getting a quick "...
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By Wendy Rawley, Straight Talk. Clear Guidance. Real Results.
(The Wendy Rawley Team)
The flat pad is the scarce ingredient, not the square footageOn a hillside parcel in Anaheim Hills, the feature that makes or breaks an ADU is where the usable flat ground actually sits once you subtract the driveway and the required four-foot side and rear setbacks. A detached single-family home on a larger, relatively flat lot with an existing garage or accessory structure is the strongest starting point. Under California law, a single-family lot can generally support one interior or converted ADU, one detached new ADU at four-foot side and rear setbacks, and one junior ADU inside the existing dwelling. Two homes can look identical on paper and rank very differently the moment you measure the pad.Updated September 2026. Last reviewed September 15, 2026.The reason this trips people up ...
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By GilbertRealtor BillSalvatore, Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net
(Arizona Elite Properties )
Bill Salvatore of Arizona Elite Properties featured a post toRe-Blog today on Active Rain. Good post by Lew today, andworthy of our daily Re-B. Gilbert AZ  GILBERT ARIZONA HOMES FOR SALE, Bill Salvatore, AZVHV / HelpingArizona Heroes, New-Construction Advantage, Realtor, sell my house, 2026Market, Chandler  #Sellmyhouse #whatsmyhomeworth #homevalues#2026market #ArizonaEliteProperties #ChandlerAZ#yourValleyProperty #GilbertRealtor #AZVHV#buyingaHome #LiveinSunnyAZ #BillSalvatore Why the "Perfect" House Isn't Always the Right House   Content Summary   A dream home doesn't need to check every box on your wish list. In today's market, focusing on your true priorities can open more opportunities, reduce stress, and help you make a confident decision. Here's how an experienced real estate age...
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By Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI, Arizona Homes and Land Group/ Buy or Sell
(HomeSmart Real Estate)
Are you looking for a motivated seller or bargain home in the Phoenix metro area? Well, when a home has been on the market for over 1 year something is going on.365 days and nights on the market by PixelAnarchy, PixabayEither the home is:1. Overpriced or it is in need of2. TLC. TLC can mean several things:Tender Loving Care or TLC1. Needs tender loving care or "fix me up"2. TLC may mean "tons of liquid cash"3. TLC may mean fresh paint and new landscapingMany times, these sellers are ready for an offer. How do you find these homes and find out why they have been for sale for over 1 year in the Phoenix Arizona metro area? Well, you have come to the right place.Homes For Sale 1+ Year In Phoenix MetroTo see on a full page and/or to create and save on your own free MLS Portal see motivated s...
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
Carlsbad Weekly Market Update September 7th - 13th, 2026 Alta Mira RECENTLY SOLD Caminito Del Sol | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 839 sq. ft. | $865,000 Brindisi RECENTLY SOLD Alexandri Circle | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 2166 sq. ft. | $629,900 Cortez Building RECENTLY SOLD Costa Del Mar Road | 1 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 796 sq. ft. | $700,000 EL Oasis NEWLY LISTED Unicornio Street | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1332 sq. ft. | $779,000 Portico RECENTLY SOLD Corte La Luz | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1538 sq. ft. | $545,000 Sea Point Tennis Club RECENTLY SOLD Calle De Fuentes | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1409 sq. ft. | $789,000 Vista Grande | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1158 sq. ft. | $750,000 Sea View NEWLY LISTED Caringa Way | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1536 sq. ft. | $879,000 Seaport Villas RECENTLY SOLD Goldenrod ...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Waiting for mortgage rates to come down may feel like the only way to make buying a home possible.But 41% of buyers who waited wish they'd bought sooner – before rates and prices rose again.Right now, factors like inflation, the economy, and global events are all having an impact on rates – and it’s not in the direction you’d hope.So, for a lot of buyers, waiting might not pay off. Sometimes it just means putting your life on hold for what feels like too long.Before you decide to hit pause on your move, talk to a trusted lender. They’ll go over options that can help make buying work at today’s rates, and how to get the best rate you can.You certainly don’t have to buy now. You should buy when the numbers work for you. But you should at least know your options before making a decision. C...
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
College Area Weekly Market Update September 7th - 13th, 2026 Lake Park Villas RECENTLY SOLD College Grove Way | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1024 sq. ft. | $455,000 Menlo Ave Condos RECENTLY SOLD Menlo Avenue | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 556 sq. ft. | $195,000 Montezuma Townhomes NEWLY LISTED Reservoir Drive | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1740 sq. ft. | $774,999 Presidio Park RECENTLY SOLD Seminole Drive | 2 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 850 sq. ft. | $295,000 Sunrise Point RECENTLY SOLD Dandridge | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1193 sq. ft. | $358,000 Tuscany Place RECENTLY SOLD Rolando Court | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 578 sq. ft. | $229,900
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By Doug Haney, Springfield Ohio Real Estate Agent
(The Haney Group / Coldwell Banker Heritage)
What Happens During a Home Inspection When You Buy a Home in Dayton, Ohio? A step-by-step walkthrough of what your inspector checks, what it costs, and what to do if problems turn up — before you're standing at the closing table. Talk to Douglas Haney & The Haney Group Published September 2026 · Updated September 2026 · By Douglas Haney & The Haney Group, Springfield, OHDouglas Haney leads The Haney Group at Coldwell Banker Heritage, working alongside Lisa Ackerman, Brad Shuman, and Amanda Russell to help buyers and sellers navigate Dayton, Springfield, and the surrounding Ohio market every day. Quick Answer A standard Dayton, Ohio home inspection is a visual, non-invasive walkthrough of a home's roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems, usually taking two to four hours...
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
Imperial Beach Weekly Market Update September 7th - 13th, 2026 Costa Del Mar II NEWLY LISTED Elkwood Avenue | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1160 sq. ft. | $719,000 Dolphin Bay RECENTLY SOLD Calla Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 960 sq. ft. | $315,000 Ocean Terrace RECENTLY SOLD Donax Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1294 sq. ft. | $499,000
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By Laura Sellers, www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate, Inc)
Move to Auburn: Game Day Is More Than a GameIf you plan to move to Auburn, you need to understand that an Auburn football game does not affect only the people inside Jordan-Hare Stadium.On home-game weekends, traffic patterns change, roads near campus become packed early, restaurants and stores fill up, and the energy spreads across much of Auburn.Some buyers want to live right in the middle of that excitement. Others love Auburn but prefer a home where game-day activity has less effect on their routine.Neither preference is wrong. The important thing is finding a location that fits the way you want to live throughout the entire year.Game Day Starts Long Before KickoffGame-day traffic does not begin five minutes before kickoff.Many Auburn fans, alumni, students, and visitors arrive in t...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
Finding a home you love is exciting, but making sure the cost fits comfortably into your budget is just as important. I can help you focus your search, understand the full financial picture, and connect you with a trusted loan officer. Ready to buy? Let’s find what works for you!Finding a home you love is important, but so is making sure the cost of owning it feels comfortable long after moving day. 🏡Finding a home you love is important, but so is making sure the cost of owning it feels comfortable long after moving day. 🏡 I can help you focus your search around your budget and connect you with a trusted loan officer to make sure you understand the full financial picture. If you’re thinking about buying, send me a message and let’s build a home search around what works for you! #thehelp...
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
North Park Weekly Market Update September 7th - 13th, 2026 Arizona Estates RECENTLY SOLD Arizona Street | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 840 sq. ft. | $349,900 California Village RECENTLY SOLD Haller Street | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1434 sq. ft. | $399,000 Coventry Woods RECENTLY SOLD Florida Street | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1265 sq. ft. | $550,000 Florida Villas RECENTLY SOLD Florida Street | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 622 sq. ft. | $325,000 Park Gardens RECENTLY SOLD Grim Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 869 sq. ft. | $384,900 Sunflower NEWLY LISTED Kansas Street | 1 bedrooms | 1 baths | 482 sq. ft. | $486,000 Wilshire on the Park NEWLY LISTED Upas | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1428 sq. ft. | $879,000
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By Manfred Lewis Leslie Horne & Associates, Realtor Spartanburg and Greenville SC
(Leslie Horne &Associates )
Finding a home you love is important, but so is making sure the cost of owning it feels comfortable long after moving day. 🏡Finding a home you love is important, but so is making sure the cost of owning it feels comfortable long after moving day. 🏡 I can help you focus your search around your budget and connect you with a trusted loan officer to make sure you understand the full financial picture. If you’re thinking about buying, send me a message and let’s build a home search around what works for you! #thehelpfulagent #houseexpert #a091526 #realestate #dreamhome
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
Hillcrest Weekly Market Update September 7th - 13th, 2026 Centre Court Condominiums RECENTLY SOLD Centre Street | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1119 sq. ft. | $699,000 Mission Crest Gardens RECENTLY SOLD Dove Street | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 950 sq. ft. | $429,000
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By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Localist Realty)
Vista Weekly Market Update September 7th - 13th, 2026 Marlin Terrace RECENTLY SOLD Marlin Drive | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1278 sq. ft. | $599,999 Vista De Vista RECENTLY SOLD Ascot Drive | 2 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 1159 sq. ft. | $484,000 Vista Park Villas NEWLY LISTED Mariposa Court | 2 bedrooms | 1.5 baths | 975 sq. ft. | $459,999
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