Real Estate
An assumable mortgage helped me sell my house. Here’s how
5 min read
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
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
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
6.14%APR
30-year fixed
VS
National Average
6.89%APR
30-year fixed
Editor's Picks
The future of real estate commissions
6 min read
How to buy a house in 2024
12 min read
Latest Articles
-
When is it time to lower the price of your house? Here’s how to tell
How long should your house be on the market before you reduce the price?
6 min read Jul 19, 2024 -
Closing costs in South Carolina: Who pays for what
Both buyers and sellers incur some costs in a real estate transaction.
4 min read Jul 18, 2024 -
42 percent of aspiring homeowners already can’t afford a down payment. Are real estate investors making things worse?
Institutional investors can eat up housing inventory, making homebuying harder.
5 min read Jul 18, 2024 -
One surprising thing that’s working in buyers’ favor in today’s housing market
One factor of today’s housing market is actually working in U.S. homebuyers’ favor.
2 min read Jul 18, 2024 -
10 key questions to ask when buying a house
Asking the right questions can help you buy a home with more confidence.
6 min read Jul 17, 2024 -
Can you sell a house if you still have a mortgage on it?
Can you sell your house even if you still owe money on your mortgage?
9 min read Jul 17, 2024 -
Agent commissions are getting more transparent — but critics still say the real estate industry operates as a ‘cartel’
Does NAR operate like a cartel? Here’s what real estate industry critics are saying.
6 min read Jul 15, 2024 -
Do I need a Realtor to buy a house?
It’s possible to buy a house without a Realtor, but it can be risky.
7 min read Jul 12, 2024 -
What property buyers should know about land loans
Buying land is different from buying an existing house — here’s what to know about land loans.
6 min read Jul 12, 2024 -
FSBO meaning: For sale by owner, explained
Depending on whom you ask, the FSBO model can either save money or cost you even more.
6 min read Jul 10, 2024
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information