Real Estate

From finding your dream home to securing a great financing offer, we guide you through every step of the homebuying process.

Bankrate and OJO help you complete the homebuying process with ease.

We've paired with OJO, an AI-driven real estate assistant that communicates via text, to help you navigate the homebuying process with speed and precision.

Get personalized recommendations

Based on your preferences, OJO quickly learns the details you crave and can text you newly listed homes or answer every little (and not so little) question.

Supercharge your agent relationship

Ready to set up a tour or put in an offer? OJO can connect you with a local expert and quickly get them up to speed so you can hit the ground running.

Get expert help with your budget

Ready for financing? OJO can help you search Bankrate’s lender network to find the top mortgage offers that you prequalify for.

This home just hit the market. It's two miles outside your preferred area, but matches your preference of four bedrooms and space to grow.

When was the bathroom last renovated?

According to the listing agent, the bathroom was remodeled last year.

Is the backyard private?

The backyard is fenced and has a large oak tree for extra shade.

Check your texts!

OJO will be texting you any minute to get things started.

Real Estate Basics

Backing out of an accepted offer

Contingencies can help you back out of a purchase with little pain.

3 min read

How to buy a foreclosed home

Buying a foreclosed home can be complicated. Learn how to do it like a pro.

5 min read

Things to do in a new home

Congrats, new homeowner! Do these things first before you get settled in your new place.

5 min read

Cities where homes sell fastest

As properties fly off the market at lightning speed, buyers must be ready to compete.

3 min read

Editor's Picks

Couple inspecting a fireplace in a home walk through

Considering a long-distance move? Read this first

3 min read

Real Estate

Rents rising: Top metro areas most and least affordable for renters

2 min read

Real Estate

Everything to know about buying a fixer-upper

8 min read

Latest Articles

The final walk-through: Top tips for homebuyers

Find out everything you need to know about your final walk-through before you go.

5 min read May 17, 2022
The final walk-through before closing: A checklist

There are several items you should confirm during the final walk-through of a home.

2 min read May 17, 2022
5 ways to expand the housing supply

Builders are getting creative in attempts to address affordability pressures.

4 min read May 17, 2022
Biden administration announces plan to ease housing crunch

The Biden administration has announced initiatives to boost housing supply.

2 min read May 16, 2022
Old vs. new homes: Which should I buy?

Price and location aren’t the only factors when buying a home. Its age might be just as important.

6 min read May 16, 2022
Real estate agents reinvent ‘love letters’ as competition heats up

Real estate agents are experimenting with a new approach to love letters.

3 min read May 16, 2022
Buying a house for sale by owner

Buying a home that’s for sale by its owner can be complicated. Follow these guidelines when buying a FSBO property.

7 min read May 13, 2022
Listing agent vs. selling agent: What’s the difference?

Whether you’re buying or selling a home, you should know the difference.

3 min read May 13, 2022
How to back out of an accepted home purchase offer

Contingencies can help you back out of a purchase with little pain.

3 min read May 12, 2022
For sale by owner, or FSBO, explained

Depending on whom you ask, the FSBO model can be money-saving or actually net you less money.

4 min read May 11, 2022