How to buy a house in 2025
Buying a home is complicated. This step-by-step guide will help you get to the finish line.
11 min read
Jul 09, 2025
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.
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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.
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Our 9-step guide to a smooth, successful home sale.
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How do real estate agent fees and commissions work?
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Bankrate Average
6.13%APR
30-year fixed
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6.78%APR
30-year fixed
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