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

What can the seller do if the homebuyer backs out?

4 min read

Real Estate

Buying amid affordability squeeze? Here’s how homebuyers can cope

7 min read

Real Estate

The final walk-through: Top tips for homebuyers

5 min read

Latest Articles

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
Tips when selling a home to a family member

To ensure the transaction goes off without a hitch, be clear about your goals.

3 min read Jun 24, 2022
What to look for in a starter home

There are some considerations to keep in mind — and ones you potentially might not want to budge on.

3 min read Jun 24, 2022
Is it time to relocate to a more affordable area? What to consider

There are many considerations to give thought to before packing up and moving.

3 min read Jun 24, 2022
Average vs. median home price: What’s the difference?

Why is the average so much higher?

2 min read Jun 24, 2022
Is the housing market about to crash? Here’s what the experts say

Yes, the housing market is frothy. But there’s wide agreement among experts about one thing.

8 min read Jun 24, 2022