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

How much a home inspection costs

A professional home inspection tells you what condition the property is in — and what problems might be lurking.

7 min read

How do I get a property survey?

You might need a property survey to buy a home.

5 min read

The different types of houses

If the prospect of choosing from the many different types of homes available seems confusing, consider this your primer.

8 min read

Editor's Picks

The best and worst places for first-time homebuyers 2022

6 min read

Best Places to Live

America’s best places to live in 2022

12 min read

Real Estate

What can the seller do if the homebuyer backs out?

4 min read

Latest Articles

What is a buyer’s market?

For several years, most of the country has actually been experiencing the opposite: a seller’s market.

3 min read Jun 22, 2022
What Fed Chairman Powell sees for the housing market

Chairman Jerome Powell had some advice for aspiring homeowners in June’s Fed meeting.

3 min read Jun 22, 2022
What is home appreciation in real estate?

The housing market’s astronomical gains the past few years made increasing your home’s value relatively easy.

3 min read Jun 21, 2022
2022 cost of living in Hawaii

Living the island life in spectacular Hawaii is a dream — but it does not come cheap.

9 min read Jun 21, 2022
Selling a house in Florida

Looking to sell a home in the Sunshine State? Here’s your game plan.

9 min read Jun 20, 2022
Buying a house in Florida: A how-to

Thinking about moving to Florida? Here’s how you can join the party.

10 min read Jun 20, 2022
Buying a house with cash: A smart idea?

If you can afford it, there are many benefits to buying a house with cash.

5 min read Jun 17, 2022
What is an automated valuation model, or AVM?

Determining home value is an inexact science. AVMs can help you get the whole pricing picture.

3 min read Jun 17, 2022
Is it time to break up with your real estate agent?

Is it time to break up with your real estate agent?

3 min read Jun 17, 2022
What is an open house in real estate?

When a home is for sale, an open house can bring in as many potential buyers as possible.

4 min read Jun 16, 2022