Should I buy a house now, or wait?
Buy now, or wait? It’s a question many prospective homeowners are struggling to answer.
7 min read
May 30, 2023
Real Estate
From finding your dream home to securing a great financing offer, we guide you through every step of the homebuying process.
What you need to know about
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.
Start your research and make sure you're ready
Buying a house is a major commitment. Before you begin shopping for properties or comparing mortgage options, you need to make sure you're ready to be a homeowner. We've curated our top articles and resources to help you with the big decisions.
Start saving and get your finances in order
Get the details on how to save for a down payment, decide which type of mortgage works for you, and start getting quotes from lenders.
Begin your home search and find an agent
Now it's time to find a real estate agent and shop for your home! We've got the tips and trips to help you get started.
Negotiate offers, get an inspection, and prepare to close
From making an offer to negotiating closing costs and hiring a home inspector, we have the information you need.
RECOMMENDED ARTICLES
How to buy a house in 2023
Buying a home is a complicated process. This step-by-step guide will help you get to the finish line.
12 min read
Apr 28, 2023
Average credit score to buy a house
Some types of mortgages have specific minimum credit score requirements.
5 min read
Dec 13, 2022
How much money do you need to buy a house?
If you’re buying a home, here are all of the costs to consider.
8 min read
Jun 01, 2022
Selling a home isn’t hard if you’ve got the right guidance and approach. Here we break down the process to sell your house—from deciding if you really should sell, to finding a real estate agent who’ll be your partner through it all, to pricing your home and negotiating offers.
Set a plan and timeline to sell your home
From finding an agent who knows the market to setting a timeline for selling your home, we have plenty of resources to help you get started.
Get your home market-ready and arrange for showings
Once you're ready to sell, you'll need to get a pre-sale home inspection and put your house on the market. You might also consider staging your home to attract buyers at showings.
Set a realistic price and review your offers carefully
Here are some tips and tricks to help you set a realistic price for your house and negotiate incoming offers.
Anticipate closing costs and get your paperwork together
Some of the last steps you'll need to take to sell your home include anticipating your closing costs, weighing your tax implications, and gathering the necessary paperwork to close.
RECOMMENDED ARTICLES
Should I sell my house now or wait?
Interest rates, prices and buyer demand are a few factors to bear in mind when you’re selling your home.
9 min read
May 18, 2023
How to sell your house: A step-by-step guide
Our 9-step guide to a smooth, successful home sale.
10 min read
Apr 26, 2023
How do real estate agent commissions work?
The lowdown on commissions — how much they are, how they work, and who pays them.
9 min read
Jan 26, 2023
How much money do you keep when you sell your home?
Warning: It may be a lot less than you think. Here are the most common costs that eat into your payout.
9 min read
Dec 21, 2022
BANKRATE AGENT SEARCH
Find a local real estate agent
Connect with experienced agents who can guide you on your home journey
Weekly mortgage rates
Bankrate consistently has offers well below the national average to help you fund your home for less.
Bankrate Average
6.44%APR
30-year fixed
VS
National Average
7.21%APR
30-year fixed
Editor's Picks
Housing market heat shifts to Southeast
8 min read
Should you buy a house? 8 signs you’re ready
9 min read
Latest Articles
-
What is an automated valuation model, or AVM?
Determining home value is an inexact science. AVMs can help you get the whole pricing picture.
4 min read Jun 02, 2023 -
Sundae review: What it is, how it works
Sundae is a real estate marketplace that connects sellers with buyers.
6 min read Jun 02, 2023 -
Housing market predictions for 2023
Pros predict where mortgage rates, home prices, supply, sales and affordability are headed.
5 min read Jun 01, 2023 -
What income do I need to afford a $1 million house?
How much income do you need for a million-dollar home purchase?
5 min read May 31, 2023 -
Hidden gems in America: 10 cities with affordable homes and great jobs
These hidden gems may not be top of mind when deciding where to move to next, but they should be.
6 min read May 31, 2023 -
Miami real estate: What buyers and sellers need to know
Miami’s real estate market is as hot as its weather.
6 min read May 31, 2023 -
Should I buy a house now, or wait?
Buy now, or wait? It’s a question many prospective homeowners are struggling to answer.
7 min read May 30, 2023 -
U.S. home prices rise again after seven straight months of declines
Home prices rose again in March after months of declines.
3 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
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information