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

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

Editor's Picks

Front view of brick and siding condominium buildings from parking lot

How to back out of an accepted home purchase offer

3 min read

Real Estate

How to find open houses near you

4 min read

Real Estate

Considering a long-distance move? Read this first

3 min read

Latest Articles

How long does it take to close on a house?

The closing process officially begins once the seller accepts the buyer’s offer. It ends on closing day, when they sign all the paperwork and the property officially changes hands.

6 min read May 26, 2022
2022 Cost of Living in Seattle

Seattle offers easy access to water, mountains and numerous national parks. It’s also home to many huge and well-known corporations.

9 min read May 25, 2022
Moving checklist: What to do before, during and after your move

Create a checklist that details every step of your move: The best way to make sure all goes smoothly is to be super-organized.

5 min read May 25, 2022
Rents rising: Top metro areas most and least affordable for renters

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

2 min read May 25, 2022
How to sell your house fast

The faster you sell, the sooner you’ll be able to move on to the next stage of your life. Here’s how to speed things up.

7 min read May 24, 2022
Housing supply squeeze finally begins to ease

After hitting an all-time low in January, housing supply is on a gradual rise.

3 min read May 23, 2022
Price per square foot: Is it useful?

Price per square foot is a useful metric for home pricing, but it does not necessarily reflect a home’s fair market value.

4 min read May 23, 2022
Buying amid affordability squeeze? Here’s how homebuyers can cope

If you’re stretching to buy a home, here are some tips.

7 min read May 23, 2022
What does contingent mean in real estate?

What are contingent listings, and are they still worth looking at when you’re searching for a new home?

6 min read May 20, 2022
How to buy land to build your dream house on

Here’s everything to know about buying land for your dream house.

5 min read May 20, 2022