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 ranch home?

Learn the pros and cons of this house style and whether it’s right for you.

5 min read Sep 27, 2019
Survey: Nearly half of millennials cite living costs as a key barrier to homeownership

Millennials are exploring multiple avenues to fund their down payment and closing costs.

6 min read Sep 11, 2019
6 questions to ask about a lease-option to buy a home

Don’t enter into this kind of contract without getting some answers.

3 min read Sep 03, 2019
Should you buy a home with termite damage?

Sometimes wood-munchers cause only a little harm. Sometimes, it’s termageddon.

4 min read Aug 28, 2019
How to choose a good neighborhood (and why it’s more important than the house)

The house you can change, but not the neighborhood. Here’s what to look for.

4 min read Aug 26, 2019
4 options for making an income from your property

Find out how to make money from your property and considerations for each option.

4 min read Aug 19, 2019
6 tips to sell your house before the end of the year

Here’s how to maximize your chances of selling your home by the end of 2019.

5 min read Aug 16, 2019
Here’s how to get a better deal on a home after school starts

Learn why you can sometimes score a better deal after school is back in session.

4 min read Aug 16, 2019
If you’re a homebuyer, pay attention to which grocery stores are nearby

Neighborhood amenities can have a big impact on home values.

3 min read Aug 13, 2019
Single-family housing starts fell in May, keeping a tight lid on entry-level supply

Mortgage rates are low, but not enough new homes are being built to satisfy demand.

1 min read Jun 19, 2019