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

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

Cities where homes sell fastest

As properties fly off the market at lightning speed, buyers must be ready to compete.

3 min read

Editor's Picks

What is a single-family home?

4 min read

Real Estate

6 ways buyers can compete in an intense seller’s market

5 min read

Real Estate

Buying new construction? 5 costly mistakes to avoid

5 min read

Latest Articles

What is an escalation clause, and can it help you win a bidding war?

An escalation clause automatically raises your offer if you get outbid, which has benefits and dangers.

4 min read May 10, 2022
How to successfully negotiate a real estate commission

It’s important to find an agent you can speak with openly about costs. Here’s how to agree on a rate you can both feel good about.

3 min read May 09, 2022
How to find open houses near you

Open houses let you see a home for sale in person. Here are the best ways to find them.

4 min read May 09, 2022
Are condos a good investment?

They can be! But before you begin your search, be sure to have clear goals and crunch the numbers.

5 min read May 09, 2022
How much money do you keep when you sell your home?

If you’re selling your house, you might be expecting a huge payday. But there are many costs associated with selling a home.

6 min read May 09, 2022
What the Fed’s May rate hike means for homebuyers and sellers

Rising mortgage rates could slow the housing boom — but they’re just one factor.

4 min read May 09, 2022
9 things to do immediately when you buy a new home

Congrats, new homeowner! Do these things first before you get settled in your new place.

5 min read May 06, 2022
What is a modular home?

Modular homes offer homebuyers advantages over traditional homes.

5 min read May 06, 2022
What is a flat fee in real estate?

Flat-fee brokerages and real estate agents offer an alternative to the typical commission-based model.

3 min read May 05, 2022
What is caveat emptor in real estate?

This commonly used phrase in real estate typically serves as a warning that a property is being sold as-is — flaws and all.

2 min read May 04, 2022