Real Estate
Is the housing market going to crash? What the experts are saying
8 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
6.26%APR
30-year fixed
VS
National Average
6.96%APR
30-year fixed
Editor's Picks
How to buy a house in 2025
11 min read
Latest Articles
-
Existing-home sales retreat, prices keep rising
Existing-home sales are sliding amid record-high prices.
3 min read May 22, 2025 -
What is a cost segregation study in real estate?
This approach can help real estate investors reduce their taxes on investment-property income.
4 min read May 21, 2025 -
Does buying a home in retirement make sense?
If you’re retired, buying a house may seem a little daunting, especially if you’re looking at getting a mortgage. Yet, homeownership remains a powerful aspiration even among older Americans. In fact, [...]
5 min read May 21, 2025 -
Study: Top vacation spots where short-term rental prices jump the most in the high season
Vacation rental rates can double in popular U.S. summer destinations during peak season.
10 min read May 21, 2025 -
America’s largest real estate companies
Here are the top real estate brokerages in the U.S., by sales volume.
4 min read May 20, 2025 -
Real estate commissions in Minnesota: What to expect
A breakdown of real estate agent commissions in Minnesota.
4 min read May 20, 2025 -
The ‘single-person penalty’: Why more and more singles are choosing to rent
Why renting is a better financial option than buying for so many single people.
4 min read May 16, 2025 -
Should I take an all-cash offer on my house?
What makes a cash offer better than one financed with a mortgage?
4 min read May 16, 2025 -
More options, more bargaining power: Is a buyer’s market on the way?
Are U.S. homebuyers finally about to gain the edge in the housing market?
5 min read May 16, 2025 -
What is mortgage escrow?
It’s an often-inescapable fact of homebuying and homeowning life.
6 min read May 13, 2025
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information