How to buy a house in 2023
Buying a home can be a long, complicated process. This step-by-step guide will help you get to the finish line.
14 min read
Jan 25, 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
Should I buy a house now, or wait?
Buy now, or wait? It’s a question many prospective homeowners are struggling to answer in today’s shifting housing market.
4 min read
Dec 13, 2022
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
How to sell your house: A complete guide
Our 10-step guide a smooth, successful home sale.
9 min read
Jan 31, 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
Should I sell my house now or wait?
Interest rates, prices and buyer demand are just a few factors to bear in mind when you’re selling your home.
6 min read
Dec 20, 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
6.19%APR
30-year fixed
VS
National Average
6.44%APR
30-year fixed
Editor's Picks
Market confidence rising among home builders
3 min read
Should you buy a house during a recession?
4 min read
How to buy a house in 2023
14 min read
America’s best places to live in 2023
8 min read
Latest Articles
-
What to look for when buying a house
Make the most of your house-hunt by knowing what to look for when buying a home.
5 min read Feb 02, 2023 -
How much is my house worth?
The best ways to determine how much a home is really worth.
11 min read Feb 01, 2023 -
What the Fed’s February rate hike means for homebuyers and sellers
The Fed has raised interest rates for eight meetings in a row, but February’s hike was much smaller.
4 min read Feb 01, 2023 -
How much does it cost to build a house?
Building a new house is generally pricier than buying an existing one.
8 min read Jan 31, 2023 -
How to sell your house: A complete guide
Our 10-step guide a smooth, successful home sale.
9 min read Jan 31, 2023 -
Can you swap houses with someone — permanently?
What to know if you’re considering trading houses — permanently.
5 min read Jan 30, 2023 -
What is TRID in real estate?
Learn more about this federal consumer-protection law for borrowers.
5 min read Jan 30, 2023 -
Ownerly review: What it is and how it works
Learn more about this digital real estate platform.
5 min read Jan 27, 2023 -
Market confidence rising among home builders
The newest NAHB Housing Market Index shows confidence on the rise.
3 min read Jan 27, 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
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information