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

Rent price index

Zillow data shows the most and least affordable metro areas for home renters.

2 min read

How much a home inspection costs

A professional home inspection tells you what condition the property is in — and what problems might be lurking.

7 min read

How do I get a property survey?

You might need a property survey to buy a home.

5 min read

The different types of houses

If the prospect of choosing from the many different types of homes available seems confusing, consider this your primer.

8 min read

Editor's Picks

The best and worst places for first-time homebuyers 2022

6 min read

Best Places to Live

America’s best places to live in 2022

12 min read

Real Estate

What can the seller do if the homebuyer backs out?

4 min read

Latest Articles

What to know about buying a house with solar panels

It’s an eco-friendly idea, but be aware how it affects your home’s financing, closing and future costs.

7 min read Jul 01, 2022
What is a counter-offer on a home?

Counter-offers are a key part of the homebuying process. Here’s what to know.

3 min read Jul 01, 2022
Should you replace your roof with solar shingles?

They let the sun shine in. But be aware of this new tech’s pros and cons, and how they differ from solar panels.

3 min read Jun 30, 2022
Don’t fix these things when selling your house

Don’t spend time or money on things that prospective buyers don’t care about.

5 min read Jun 30, 2022
Building materials that are illegal in homes now

Some may surprise you. Here are workarounds, if you’re renovating or building.

4 min read Jun 29, 2022
Step wisely when you add a 2nd story

You can choose the hard way to add a floor to your home. Or you can pick the harder way.

5 min read Jun 28, 2022
Selling a house in San Diego

Home values in San Diego have increased by 19 percent in the last year. Here’s what to know if you’re ready to sell.

5 min read Jun 28, 2022
Buying a house in San Diego

Sunny San Diego is a popular — and expensive — place to call home.

6 min read Jun 28, 2022
Homes that can withstand hurricanes, wildfires and other natural disasters

In a sobering trend for homeowners, natural disasters like hurricanes and wildfires are becoming more frequent.

6 min read Jun 28, 2022
5 reasons home sales fall through and how to prevent it

Here are some of the top reasons home sales fall through.

3 min read Jun 24, 2022