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

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
Real estate negotiations: What to expect and how to strategize

Here are some of the best strategies to get what you want.

3 min read Jun 24, 2022
How much over the asking price should I offer on a home?

The asking price might simply serve as a starting point.

4 min read Jun 24, 2022
Rent-back agreements explained

Is a rent-back agreement a good idea?

5 min read Jun 24, 2022
Signs of a cooling housing market and what that means for buyers and sellers

A more firm signal: the sudden surge in mortgage rates.

4 min read Jun 24, 2022