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

What can the seller do if the homebuyer backs out?

4 min read

Real Estate

Buying amid affordability squeeze? Here’s how homebuyers can cope

7 min read

Real Estate

The final walk-through: Top tips for homebuyers

5 min read

Latest Articles

How to decide when to trade up to a bigger home

There are plenty of reasons why moving to a bigger home makes sense, but it isn’t right for everyone.

3 min read Jun 10, 2022
What is a property survey, and how do I get one?

You might need a property survey to buy a home.

5 min read Jun 10, 2022
Can you sell a home with a lien on it?

Selling a home is complicated enough without having to worry about a lien. Here’s what to know.

3 min read Jun 10, 2022
America’s best places to live in 2022

Find out what makes a city a great place to live and work.

12 min read Jun 09, 2022
Should I sell my home with a big brokerage, or a small local one?

Before listing your home for sale, consider whether a small local brokerage or a large national one will serve you best.

4 min read Jun 08, 2022
Common home styles and 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 Jun 07, 2022
What is joint tenancy in real estate?

Joint tenancy is a legal way to title property when multiple individuals purchase it together.

3 min read Jun 06, 2022
12 questions buyers should ask a Realtor

Buying a home can be stressful and confusing. Your real estate agent or Realtor is a great resource for information.

4 min read Jun 06, 2022
2022 summer housing market predictions

How will the real estate market will shake out this summer? We asked several experts for their summer housing market predictions.

5 min read Jun 06, 2022
Can you buy a home with cryptocurrency?

Cryptocurrency plays almost no role in real estate today, but change may be on the horizon.

5 min read Jun 03, 2022