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 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
How to sell your house: A complete guide for sellers
Our 12-step plan for a smooth, successful closing.
9 min read
Sep 15, 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
6.10%APR
30-year fixed
VS
National Average
6.37%APR
30-year fixed
Editor's Picks
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
Market confidence rising among home builders
3 min read
Latest Articles
-
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 -
Selling a house to a family member
Selling to (or buying from) a family member is often called a non-arm’s-length transaction.
5 min read Jan 25, 2023 -
Should you buy a house during a recession?
If the country is headed toward a recession, how might that affect the housing market? Find out what the experts think.
4 min read Jan 25, 2023 -
Offerpad review: What it is and how it works
Thinking of selling your home to Offerpad? Here’s everything you need to know.
6 min read Jan 25, 2023 -
How to sell your house for cash
A cash offer means the buyer is offering to buy it outright, without needing a mortgage.
6 min read Jan 25, 2023 -
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 -
America’s best places to live in 2023
Find out the best places to live and work in 2023.
8 min read Jan 24, 2023 -
Market confidence rising among home builders
The newest NAHB Housing Market Index shows confidence on the rise.
3 min read Jan 23, 2023 -
Existing home sales fall again in December
Sale volume has been on a downward trend all year. That trend continues with the National Association of Realtors’ newest numbers.
2 min read Jan 20, 2023 -
California housing market: Everything you need to know
California is one of the most populous — and expensive — states in the country. Its housing market is complex.
5 min read Jan 18, 2023
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information