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 Anthony Acosta - ALLATLANTACONDOS.COM, Associate Broker
(Harry Norman, REALTORS® )
Thank you Eric Robb for your original blog.  Marietta, Georgia, is a charming rustic city in Cobb County. Though it is technically a city, Marietta maintains a small, town-like charm that residents really love. Between the relaxed vibes, excellent schools, and proximity to vibrant and exciting downtown Atlanta, it’s pretty easy to see why you’d want to live in Marietta. But, how do you choose which is of the best neighborhoods to move to in Marietta, GA? Well, we are sharing everything you need to know about the best neighborhoods in Marietta. From the details about each neighborhood, including what you can expect, and where it’s located, to the all other small things that will help you choose the best neighborhood in Marietta, GA for you.  9 Best Neighborhoods To Move To In Marietta GA...
Comments 1
By Sandy Sills, Associate Broker
(Preferred Real Estate Brokers)
3 Ways You Can Use Your Home Equity If you’re a homeowner, odds are your equity has grown significantly over the last few years as home prices skyrocketed and you made your monthly mortgage payments. Home equity builds over time and can help you achieve certain goals. According to the latest Equity Insights Report from CoreLogic, the average borrower with a home loan has almost $300,000 in equity right now. As you weigh your options, especially in the face of inflation and talk of a recession, it’s important to understand your assets and how you can leverage them. A real estate professional is the best resource to help you understand how much home equity you have and advise you on some of the ways you can use it.  Here are a few examples. 1. Buy a Home That Fits Your Needs If you no lon...
Comments 1
By John Martino
(lookSmart Home Inspections, LLC)
New Jersey home inspectors should be familiar with fire egress requirements for finished basements especially basements with bedrooms. The current International Residential Code (IRC) requires that all finished basements and basement bedrooms have two points of egress. The traditional basement steps and an egress window or door that opens to the exterior of the home.  These exits allow for quick and safe exit from the home in the event of an emergency and also allow access to the home for emergency personnel.  A fully outfitted fire fighter should be able to enter through the fire egress window. The word egress means to go out. These windows provide occupants with natural light, ventilation and provide a means of escape in the event of an emergency.  If there is a fire in the home the s...
Comments 0
By Eric Robb, Real Estate Consultant serving Metro Atlanta
(Robb Realty)
Marietta, Georgia, is a charming rustic city in Cobb County. Though it is technically a city, Marietta maintains a small, town-like charm that residents really love. Between the relaxed vibes, excellent schools, and proximity to vibrant and exciting downtown Atlanta, it’s pretty easy to see why you’d want to live in Marietta. But, how do you choose which is of the best neighborhoods to move to in Marietta, GA? Well, we are sharing everything you need to know about the best neighborhoods in Marietta. From the details about each neighborhood, including what you can expect, and where it’s located, to the all other small things that will help you choose the best neighborhood in Marietta, GA for you. 9 Best Neighborhoods To Move To In Marietta GA1. Chestnut Creek Chestnut Creek is a charming...
Comments 2
By Joe Manausa - Tallahassee, FL, Tallahassee Real Estate
(Joe Manausa Real Estate)
112 My St, Havana, FL Photos Maps & Local Schools Print Click Here to Get Directions $2750003bed - 2bath - 2 acres lotProfession Photos coming soon! Lake front 3/2 cottage style house sitting on 2 acres over looking 20 acre Wayside Lake. Large Florida Room that allows a stunning view of the Lake. This home also includes two shed type out buildings. Additionally, this home also has a private dock for easy access to fishing and boating. Also included is a whole house generator. This home will need some TLC/Work. It could use some paint inside and and flooring in in most areas. There are some cosmetic items that need to be address on the outside. Once done, the new owner of this home will truly have a Lake Front retreat! Come see your getaway that is a short 30 minute drive from Tallahasse...
Comments 0
By Victoria Henderson, Washington DC Real Estate
(HomeBuyer Brokerage)
The final step in the home-buying process is the settlement.  At the settlement or the closing day, the buyers and sellers sign all the paperwork that makes the transaction happen.A settlement agent or a settlement attorney ensures all necessary paperwork is properly signed. In addition, the settlement office handles property surveys, the transfer and registration of the deed, and the handling of all the funds in the transaction.The home buyer chooses the settlement agent or attorney. In fact, the buyer agent, or in my case, the exclusive buyer agent and the home inspector is also the buyer's choice.  It is imperative that home buyers do their research and fully understand the home-buying process. Meet Peter Parente a title officer with Stewart Title in Washington D.C. Pete provides an ...
Comments 0
When you’re in the market to buy a house, of course you want to find a great deal, but it probably seems like most houses are priced higher than they’re worth. That happens a lot; many homeowners initially list their house for more than they should. And sometimes they get it!In the past few years, when the rates were super low, and there were more buyers clamoring for a house than there were houses for sale, sellers could get away with listing their house a little on the higher side.But, as the market shifts, you have more breathing room to look for and find a deal. If only there was a sign that the owner was negotiable…Well, there is—a price reduction! And apparently, the best day to look for price reductions is on Thursdays, according to this Lifehacker article. Research shows that 18...
Comments 2
By Tom Gilliam- RE/MAX Classic, Exceeding Your Expectations
(Re/Max Classic)
A new survey of home sellers found 86 percent of them preferred a buyer who's been pre-approved for a mortgage over one who's pre-qualified. That's the overwhelming majority and a clear indication that home shoppers should first get pre-approved for a loan before proceeding on their house hunt. But what's the difference anyway? Well, pre-approval requires a more thorough check of your finances than pre-qualification does. That means, you'll be asked to provide some documentation confirming your income, assets, debts, etc. It also includes a credit check. In other words, it's a more detailed look at your financial situation and gives home sellers confidence that you'll be able to close on time and without issue.That's why the overwhelming majority of those surveyed chose a pre-approved b...
Comments 2
By Joe Manausa - Tallahassee, FL, Tallahassee Real Estate
(Joe Manausa Real Estate)
2031 E Dellview Dr, Tallahassee, FL Photos Maps & Local Schools Print Click Here to Get Directions $2200002bed - 1bath - 0.28 acres lotRare Midtown find with room for the hobbyist!! 2 bedrooms and 1 bath in an efficient designed 1948 home full of charm and character! REAL hardwood floors. One car attached garage AND 3 bay detached garage with electricity with additional covered patio. Water can easily be run to the garage for a building conversion for additional living space. Super convenient location where you can walk to the gym, many restaurants, grocery shopping, and entertainment. Fenced backyard and plenty of room for parking.Follow This Home Joe Manausa Joe Manausa Real Estate 850-888-0888 Licensed In: FloridaContact MeUseful Links Tallahassee Homes For Sale Tallahassee Home Sear...
Comments 3
By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
West Hollywood Weekly Market Update November 21st - 27th, 2022 The Bristol RECENTLY SOLD N Olive Drive | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1488 sq. ft. | $999,999
Comments 0
By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Panorama City Weekly Market Update November 21st - 27th, 2022 14657 Nordhoff St RECENTLY SOLD Nordhoff Street | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1316 sq. ft. | $439,999 Terra Bella Gardens NEWLY LISTED Terra Bella Street | 3 bedrooms | 3.5 baths | 1450 sq. ft. | $520,000
Comments 0
By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Westwood Weekly Market Update November 21st - 27th, 2022 Club California RECENTLY SOLD Roebling Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1056 sq. ft. | $795,000
Comments 0
By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Encino Weekly Market Update November 21st - 27th, 2022 Encino Oaks BACK ON THE MARKET White Oak Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 990 sq. ft. | $338,000 Encino Park West RECENTLY SOLD Genesta Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1662 sq. ft. | $575,000
Comments 0
By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Reseda Weekly Market Update November 21st - 27th, 2022 Park Reseda NEWLY LISTED Reseda Boulevard | 3 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1108 sq. ft. | $488,000
Comments 0
By Ryan Case, Realtor servicing all of Southern California
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Los Feliz Weekly Market Update November 21st - 27th, 2022 Griffith Park Garden Estates RECENTLY SOLD Griffith Park Boulevard | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1354 sq. ft. | $875,000
Comments 0
By Westchester Modular Homes Inc, Serving NY, NJ, PA, CT, NH, RI, MA, VT & ME
(Westchester Modular Homes Inc)
Register for one of our next Live Virtual Factory, Design Center & Models Tours on November 30th 2022 @5:30 PM at https://vt-sign-up.com Experience a live virtual tour of our actual Westchester Modular Homes factory & models located at the factory, as well as custom homes that our customers have allowed us to shoot in 3D and share with you. If you are interested sign up at https://vt-sign-up.com   What will you learn by attending the Live Virtual Factory Tour? The Benefits & Advantages of Modular Construction The Design Software & how you can take a 3D walkthrough of your home before its built 3D Tour of our Factory & Sample Homes Q & A Session after Presentation   Westchester Modular Homes Inc works with independent qualified builders throughout NY, NJ, PA, CT, RI, NH, MA, VT & ME... c...
Comments 0
By Westchester Modular Homes Inc, Serving NY, NJ, PA, CT, NH, RI, MA, VT & ME
(Westchester Modular Homes Inc)
Our custom colonial modular home designs offer spaciousness, privacy and the ability to incorporate custom options that create distinctive, “one of a kind” luxury homes and estates.This 2,324 sf custom designed 3 bed 2.5 bath modern Colonial comes with a built in 1 bed 1 bath apartment for a total floor plan of 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths. Hardwood floors and tile work as seen, as well as custom kitchens and baths.Many more optional upgrades are also available. There are almost no limitations as to what can be done.See more details, photos & floorplans HERE
Comments 0
By Westchester Modular Homes Inc, Serving NY, NJ, PA, CT, NH, RI, MA, VT & ME
(Westchester Modular Homes Inc)
One of the homes delivered by Westchester Modular Homes Inc this year... custom designed 4 bed 2 bath 1768 sqft coastal vacation home designed and built for clients of https://southeasterndevelopment.net... you can explore more of it (photos, floorplan, details, etc) at https://westchestermodular.com/portfolio-item/custom-colonial-xxxx...
Comments 0
Back to Top