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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 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)
Normal Heights Weekly Market Update October 27th - November 2nd, 2025 Cherokee Court RECENTLY SOLD Cherokee Street | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 761 sq. ft. | $405,000 Cleveland Avenue Condos RECENTLY SOLD Cleveland Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 871 sq. ft. | $699,000 Utah West Villas RECENTLY SOLD Utah Street | 2 bedrooms | 1 baths | 725 sq. ft. | $485,000
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By RPDFW @ Salas Home Team, #1 Team in Real Estate Specialty Services
(Realty Preferred DFW)
Are you ready to seize the incredible opportunity to own a brand-new home in one of Texas's most promising communities? Nestled in the charming town of Princeton, TX, you’ll find a vibrant atmosphere and family-friendly amenities that offer an enriching lifestyle. With impressive financing options, homeownership has never been more accessible.Imagine stepping into a stunning new house tailored to your lifestyle, priced from $239,990 to $365,990. Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or looking to upgrade, this community features a variety of floor plans and styles to suit every need.What sets this opportunity apart is the exceptional promotional financing options available from the builder. For the first year, enjoy an unbeatable interest rate of just 1.9%, yielding substantial savings ...
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By Andrea Bedard, Fluent in Real Estate & German, GRI® ABR® CIPS®
(Thompson Company, REALTORS® 240.593.2860)
In honor of the 50th anniversary of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, which was passed into law in October of 19741975 wasn't that long ago. Before then, women couldn't get a mortgage without a husband. Lenders routinely denied credit to single women, excluding their income, or requiring a male co-signer... even if her income was higher! Some lenders even asked for so-called 'baby letters' proving that she wasn't pregnant but on birth control. The Equal Credit Opportunity Act changed that. It prohibits creditors from discriminating against applicants based on religion, color, sex, marital status, or age. The driving force behind the ECOA was Margaret Heckler, who, after being elected to Congress, arrived in Washington without credit in her name. Heckler joined the House Committee on Ban...
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By Desiree Whalen, The Whalen Team
(Nest Realty)
by The Whalen Team.**OPEN HOUSE!** This Saturday 11/8/25 1-3pm! Stunning 2br/2bth 1st-floor condo overlooking the pool & pond in The Gardens, Wilmington NC! Beautifully renovated condo in centralized location close to schools, shopping, parks, & just minutes from area beaches! Stop by this weekend & see for yourself - This Is The One! https://www.desireewhalen.com/property/ushive-f56efb0e9ef108a14cb6379c66c0e77d/
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The Ontario DC: A Historic Condo Community in Adams MorganThe Ontario DC is one of the most recognizable and architecturally significant condominium residences in Washington, DC. Located in the thriving Adams Morgan neighborhood, this landmark combines timeless craftsmanship with modern conveniences and walkable city living. Buyers who appreciate history, character, and strong long-term value frequently place The Ontario DC at the top of their search list.A Washington Landmark with Immense Historic AppealBuilt in 1905, The Ontario DC is proudly listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The exterior alone tells the story of a different era in Washington housing — elegant masonry, limestone trim, decorative arches, and a distinctive rounded corner tower anchoring the front entry...
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By Laura Sellers, www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate, Inc)
In Auburn, real estate is like football — timing and strategy win the game.If you’re moving to Auburn or Opelika, remember this: in Auburn, real estate is like football — timing and strategy win the game. Knowing when to buy or sell makes all the difference, especially with market shifts, inventory, and seasonality shaping every play. With the right plan, buyers score their dream home and sellers maximize value. I’ll guide you step by step so you come out a winner.Why timing matters in Auburn–OpelikaJust like kickoff at Jordan-Hare Stadium, the start time changes the whole day. Listing a home before a surge of new inventory can put you front and center. Shopping for a home right after a small rate dip can expand your budget. Seasonality plays a role, too: spring often brings more listin...
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By Laura Sellers, www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate, Inc)
Neighborhood Living in Auburn’s East Lake 🏠 or Opelika’s The Cottages at Fieldstone 🏘️?If you’re torn between living in Auburn’s East Lake and Opelika’s The Cottages at Fieldstone, you’re not alone. These two sought-after neighborhoods represent two distinct lifestyles in Lee County — both with beautiful homes, strong community vibes, and easy access to everything the Auburn–Opelika area has to offer. Whether you’re relocating for work at Auburn University or looking for your forever home near top-rated schools, this side-by-side look will help you decide which community fits your lifestyle best.East Lake: Auburn elegance with a lakeside feelEast Lake is one of Auburn’s most desirable neighborhoods for those who crave both elegance and peace. You’ll find upscale homes with timeless arch...
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By Christopher Pataki, Hockessin Delaware Real Estate
(RE/MAX Associates)
If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to buy a home in New Castle County, Delaware, this fall season might just be it. According to recent research, mid-October tends to be one of the most favorable windows for buyers—driven by more listings, fewer competing offers and sellers who are motivated. Here’s why this season lines up so well with your home-buying plans:  1. More homes to choose from. Inventory often ticks up in the fall as sellers who waited through the summer list their properties. With fewer buyers actively shopping, you’re less likely to get caught in bidding wars.2. Price flexibility & incentives. Data shows homes may drop around 3.4 % below their seasonal peaks in early October, giving buyers potential savings. Sellers may also be more open to covering closing costs...
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By inboundREM Market Updates
(InboundREM)
Cypress Shores: A Waterfront Community Offering Comfort and Convenience Cypress Shores is one of Mobile’s most desirable waterfront neighborhoods, offering an appealing balance of scenic beauty, southern charm, and everyday practicality. Tucked along the Dog River, the community provides residents with convenient access to boating, fishing, and water-focused recreation while remaining close to Downtown Mobile, major employers, and top-rated amenities. As a local realtor who has helped many buyers discover the lifestyle here, I’ve seen firsthand what sets Cypress Shores apart for both homeowners and investors. Why Homebuyers Love Living in Cypress Shores The neighborhood’s appeal begins with its location. Cypress Shores sits near the western shore of Mobile Bay, just a short drive from ...
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By inboundREM Market Updates
(InboundREM)
Condos for Sale in Gulf Shores: Your Guide to Coastal LivingIf you’re searching for condos for sale in Gulf Shores, you’re likely drawn to our white-sand beaches, vibrant dining scene, and relaxed waterfront lifestyle. Gulf Shores has become one of the most desirable spots on Alabama’s coastline, attracting everyone from vacation homeowners to full-time residents who want the beach lifestyle year-round. As a local real estate professional who works with both buyers and sellers, I’m here to help you understand what makes this market unique—and how to find the right condo that aligns with your lifestyle and goals.Why Buyers Choose Gulf Shores CondosOwning a condo in Gulf Shores means waking up to coastal breezes, quick beach access, and an active community with endless opportunities for r...
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By Lane Rogers & Patricia Zars, Making Moves. Making a Difference.
(Epique Realty)
What Are Current Mortgage Interest Rates — and How Do They Impact Your Buying Power?Buying a home isn’t just about finding the right house. It’s about how much home you can afford — and one of the biggest levers in that equation is the interest rate on your mortgage. Let’s break it down: what rates look like right now, how they affect your buying power, and what you need to know if you’re shopping in our San Antonio / Boerne area.1. The Current Rate Landscape (USA)Here’s a snapshot of what’s happening nationwide: For a standard 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, current published rates are in the ~6% range. For example, some national lenders are showing rates like 6.25%. bankofamerica.com+4Bankrate+4Freddie Mac+4 One large bank’s published rate for a 30-year fixed was about 5.875% for a defin...
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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 Charles Stallions, 850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.
(Charles Stallions Real Estate Services )
🏡 A Myth-Busting Guide for First-Time Buyers from Charles Stallions, Pensacola’s Trusted Real Estate AdvisorBuying your first home is a milestone—and in Pensacola, it’s also a lifestyle upgrade. Whether you're dreaming of a beachside bungalow or a family-friendly home near top schools, preparation is key. As a Gulf Coast broker who combines market expertise with holistic support, I help buyers get off to a strong start by focusing on what matters most: financial readiness, clarity, and confidence.Before you scroll through listings or schedule showings, here are five essential steps to take: 1️⃣ Check Your Credit ScoreYour credit score is the foundation of your financing options. Lenders use it to assess your reliability and determine the terms of your mortgage. A higher score means bett...
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By Denise Gentile, REALTOR , Riverside County
(Coldwell Banker Associated Brokers Realty)
Seller Motivated! Just reduced price $14K. New price $575,000 for this Gorgeous 2/Bed, Den (option 3rd. Bed) 2 Full Baths, Fireplace, 1,813 sf., in beautiful 55+ gated Orchid/Primrose Community in Menifee. Terrific HOA amenities, low dues, well kept newer community - this could be all yours, and just in time for the Holidays -this Turnkey home is waiting for you! For more details or to schedule a private showing call/text Denise Gentile at 951-751-1311. *22 years experience* DRE:013924023 https://youtu.be/JIn4Ms9t0v8
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By Tom Gilliam | RE/MAX Classic, Exceeding Your Expectations
(RE/MAX Classic)
  7 Key Millennial Home Buying Trends Shaping Oakland County Did you know that over 90 percent of millennials begin their home search online? Millennial buyers in Oakland County are reshaping real estate by favoring digital tools, walkable neighborhoods, flexible financing options, and smart home technology. This new generation cares about convenience, sustainability, and low maintenance living, leading to a fresh perspective on what makes a home truly valuable.Table of Contents 1. Embracing Digital Home Search Tools 2. Prioritizing Walkability and Community Life 3. Focusing on Affordability and Flexible Financing 4. Seeking Modern Features and Smart Home Tech 5. Valuing Sustainable and Energy-Efficient Homes 6. Moving Toward Suburbs and Flexible Locations 7. Favoring Move-In Ready and ...
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By Anna Chroscicki, Realtor - St. Lucie County affordable Real Estate
(Re/Max Masterpiece Realty)
Follow the links below to check out properties for sale in HOA communities:  VIEW LISTINGS IN HOA COMMUNITIES IN PSL https://www.annasellsrealestate.com/fine/real/estate/newsearch/lndgname/gated_community/HOA-GATED-COMMUNITIES-ALL-AGES-in-PSLAnna Chroscicki with RE/MAX Masterpiece RealtyEMAIL - anna@annasellsrealestate.comWeb-site:www.annasellsrealestate.com1775 SW Gatlin Blvd Ste 101, PSL, FL, 34953
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By Tom Bashe, Your Temecula Valley Expert
(Localist Realty)
San Marcos Weekly Market Update October 27th - November 2nd, 2025 Ambiance RECENTLY SOLD Matin Circle | 4 bedrooms | 3.5 baths | 2132 sq. ft. | $600,000 Campana RECENTLY SOLD Aurora Avenue | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1279 sq. ft. | $599,000 Carriage Walk RECENTLY SOLD Borden Road | 3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1563 sq. ft. | $574,900 Chateau RECENTLY SOLD Circa Del Lago | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 962 sq. ft. | $289,000 Coronado Ranch RECENTLY SOLD Almond Road | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1209 sq. ft. | $499,000 Almond Road | 2 bedrooms | 2 baths | 1051 sq. ft. | $585,000 Almond Road | 3 bedrooms | 3 baths | 1228 sq. ft. | $675,000 Corte Bella RECENTLY SOLD Almond Road | 2 bedrooms | 2.5 baths | 1209 sq. ft. | $499,000 Almond Road | 3 bedrooms | 3 baths | 1228 sq. ft. | $675,000 Almond Road | 2 ...
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