Homes
Owning a home is a big financial commitment, but with Bankrate in your corner, you can confidently navigate the ins and outs of homeownership, from mortgages and real estate to insurance and home equity.
Like any big project, a successful homebuying experience is all about getting the details right from start to finish. We’re here to help you navigate the process, save money and close the deal.
Make sure you're ready to buy a home
Buying a house is an exciting step and a major commitment. Before you start going to open houses, it's important to know what you can afford. We've curated our top articles and resources to help.
Discover your mortgage options
Once you've got your down payment ready to go, it's time to decide which type of mortgage works for you. A great first step is to compare quotes from lenders.
Find an agent and start your search
Now's the fun part! Find a real estate agent and start searching for your dream home. Check out these tips and tricks to help you get started.
Navigate the final steps before closing
From making an offer to negotiating closing costs and hiring a home inspector, we have the information you need.
RECOMMENDED READING
How to get a mortgage
Should I buy now or wait?
Finding a good homeowners insurance policy is a key part of the homebuying process. We're here to help you find the coverage you need without the hassle.
Determine how much insurance you need
Getting the proper amount of coverage when you choose a homeowner's policy can help prevent insurance hassles later.
Compare home insurance companies
Get a feel for your options so you how know how to choose the best carrier for your home.
Get customized quotes for your home
Find out exactly what you can expect by getting accurate insurance quotes from top carriers.
Explore coverage add-ons
Home insurance policies may not cover everything, like floods or home-based businesses. Check out this list for common exclusions you should be aware of.
Purchase your home insurance
Once all the prep work is done, it's time to finalize your homeowners insurance and get that peace of mind. Here's how to make it happen.
RECOMMENDED READING
Cheapest home insurance companies
Guide to homeowners insurance
How to estimate home insurance cost
When it's time for major renovations, using home equity can be a smart move. We're here to help break down your options when it comes to borrowing from your home equity.
Understand the home equity essentials
Borrowing from your home's value can be a great financial move. But first, let's cover the basics.
Figure out how much you should borrow
It's key to get a sense of your current home equity to avoid borrowing too much.
Choose how to access your funds
Home equity loans and home equity lines of credit are two different ways that you can borrow from your equity.
Compare current home equity interest rates
Take a look at the latest home equity rates to see what might work for you.
RECOMMENDED READING
What is home equity?
Pros & cons of home equity loans
Pros & cons of a HELOC
Selling a home isn't hard if you've got the right guidance and approach. Let's break down the process to sell your house—from deciding if you really should sell to negotiating offers.
Estimating your home's market value
One of the first steps to selling your home is knowing what to expect. Determine roughly what your house is worth before you get started.
How to sell your home to buy another
The process of buying and selling simultaneously takes some effort, but it's totally doable with some planning.
Do I need a real estate agent to sell?
If you're unsure about whether or not to hire a seller's agent, here's what to consider.
How much do I keep from a home sale?
Understanding the costs and fees related to a home sale can help you know what to expect.
RECOMMENDED READING
How to sell your house
Is the housing market about to crash?
Should I sell now or wait?
Compare your borrowing options
A new loan to replace your current mortgage, likely with a lower rate or different term.
-
No effect on home equity
-
Can lower interest rate
-
No access to cash
A lump sum of cash taken out of your home equity, paid back through your new mortgage payment.
-
Secured by home equity
-
Higher borrowing limits
-
No extra monthly payment
A loan that’s taken out of your home equity, but is paid back as a separate monthly payment.
-
Secured by home equity
-
Access a lump sum of cash
-
No effect on mortgage
A line of credit that’s borrowed from your home equity, and works more like a credit card.
-
Secured by home equity
-
Common for home projects
-
Use what you need
Compare the cost of home insurance
Quoted rates are based on 40-year-old male and female homeowners with a clean claim history, good credit, and $250k in dwelling coverage.
Ready for your rates?
While the rates shown are a helpful starting point, they’re no substitute for personalized quotes. Answer a few questions to start your quotes in 3 minutes or less.
Powered by Coverage.com (NPN: 19966249)
Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.
The latest
-
5 high-yield alternatives to Series I bonds
With inflation seemingly on the downturn, the yield on Series I bonds is likely to fall over the near term.
4 min read Jun 06, 2023 -
What does TINA mean in investing?
TINA tends to arise when economic conditions cause certain investments to fall out of favor.
3 min read Jun 05, 2023 -
Unemployment or recession fears aren’t stopping workers from making career moves
A resilient job market makes it hard to tell if it’s the last call to negotiate.
13 min read Jun 05, 2023 -
How to pay off credit card debt in one year
Making only minimum payments could keep you in credit card debt for decades, but here are some strategies to become debt-free within a year.
4 min read Jun 02, 2023 -
Auto loan delinquency rates expected to return to normal
Delinquency rates are on the rise — but not dramatically so.
3 min read Jun 01, 2023 -
10 credit card mistakes to avoid in 2023
Using a credit card for the first time comes with a learning curve. Avoid these mistakes.
7 min read Jun 01, 2023 -
What the debt ceiling deal means for student loan payments
The proposed deal on the debt ceiling means that the student loan payment pause will end and not be able to be extended again.
2 min read May 30, 2023 -
Mark Spain Real Estate review: What it is, how it works
Mark Spain is a home-selling option throughout the Southeast.
5 min read May 26, 2023 -
Quitclaim deed vs. warranty deed: What’s the difference?
Learn what protections each type of deed provides, and when to use them.
5 min read May 26, 2023 -
6 signs your side hustle needs a business bank account
Here’s how to tell if you need a dedicated business account for your side gig.
7 min read May 26, 2023