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

What is a single-family home?

4 min read

Real Estate

6 ways buyers can compete in an intense seller’s market

5 min read

Real Estate

Buying new construction? 5 costly mistakes to avoid

5 min read

Latest Articles

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
What do buyers compromise on most when buying a house?

Buying a home that includes every single item on your wish list is a tough goal to achieve — compromises almost always have to be made.

4 min read May 11, 2022
How to resolve a property line dispute before selling your home

Do you know exactly where your property ends? If not, do some homework before listing.

3 min read May 11, 2022
How to buy a foreclosed home: A 5-step guide

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

5 min read May 11, 2022
Real estate broker vs. agent vs. Realtor: What’s the difference?

Buying or selling a home? Understand the roles of the real estate pros who can help.

3 min read May 10, 2022
What is an escalation clause, and can it help you win a bidding war?

An escalation clause automatically raises your offer if you get outbid, which has benefits and dangers.

4 min read May 10, 2022