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.

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OJO will be texting you any minute to get things started.

Real Estate Basics

Unsolicited home sale offers

Offer letters come in many forms, and you should work with an agent to figure out the best deal.

3 min read

How to make an offer on a house

Learn what to include an offer to buy a house to get your bid noticed.

6 min read

Buy or rent? How to decide

Want to buy a home? Or keep renting? We give you some pluses and minuses.

5 min read

NAR Confederate flag ban

The National Association of Realtors determined that Confederate flags are hate symbols that have no place in listing photos.

2 min read

Editor's Picks

5 housing trends for 2022: What’s ahead for mortgage rates, home prices, demographic trends?

4 min read

Real Estate

How long does it take to buy a house?

5 min read

Real Estate

Renting vs. buying a home: Which is right for you?

5 min read

Latest Articles

Renting vs. buying a home: Which is right for you?

Want to buy a home? Or keep renting? We give you some pluses and minuses.

5 min read Dec 13, 2021
Is that house you’re considering a flip? Here’s what to know

A flipped house may need more work than it seems. Here’s to look out for if you’re considering a flipped home.

3 min read Dec 10, 2021
Realtors ban Confederate flag in home sale listing photos

The National Association of Realtors determined that Confederate flags are hate symbols that have no place in listing photos.

2 min read Nov 24, 2021
Overcoming bias in home appraisals starts with the appraisers

Increasing diversity won’t just make home appraisals more fair, it could also boost trust in the industry.

3 min read Nov 22, 2021
What home sellers need to know about iBuying platforms

Yes, you can sell your house with a few mouse clicks. But should you?

5 min read Nov 04, 2021
5 steps to get an instant home offer

Getting an instant home offer from an iBuyer? Here’s how.

5 min read Nov 04, 2021
What Zillow’s exit from iBuying business means for home sellers

Opendoor and Offerpad remain in business — but their offers might grow less generous as a major rival pulls the plug.

3 min read Nov 04, 2021
Is now a good time to sell your home?

The current housing market still strongly favors sellers. Here’s what to consider if you’re weighing a sale.

3 min read Oct 15, 2021
Home security cameras change how buyers, sellers approach showings

Security cameras are now ubiquitous. Buyers must behave as if they’re being watched — and listened to.

4 min read Oct 07, 2021
The final walkthrough before closing: Checklist and tips

There are several items you should confirm during the final walkthrough of a home.

4 min read Sep 24, 2021