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

What is a multi-family home?

Learn about the upsides and downsides to buying a multi-family home.

6 min read Jun 03, 2022
The BRRRR method: What does it mean in real estate?

The acronym in this investing strategy stands for Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat.

4 min read Jun 02, 2022
Buying in a 55+ community: Everything you need to know

Curious about life in a 55+ community? We’ve got all the details for you.

5 min read Jun 02, 2022
What can the seller do if the homebuyer backs out?

Not every real estate deal closes. If a buyer backs out, what options does the seller have?

4 min read Jun 01, 2022
What is a Realtor?

When you’re looking to sell or buy a house, you’ll see a range of titles attached to the professionals who can help you navigate the process: agent, associate, broker, Realtor. While all of these individuals [...]

3 min read Jun 01, 2022
What does ‘opportunity zone’ mean in real estate?

Developers, homebuyers and investors may be able to find a bargain in an Opportunity Zone.

4 min read Jun 01, 2022
How long does it take to close on a house?

The closing process officially begins once the seller accepts the buyer’s offer. It ends on closing day, when they sign all the paperwork and the property officially changes hands.

6 min read May 26, 2022
2022 Cost of Living in Seattle

Seattle offers easy access to water, mountains and numerous national parks. It’s also home to many huge and well-known corporations.

9 min read May 25, 2022
Moving checklist: What to do before, during and after your move

Create a checklist that details every step of your move: The best way to make sure all goes smoothly is to be super-organized.

5 min read May 25, 2022
How to sell your house fast

The faster you sell, the sooner you’ll be able to move on to the next stage of your life. Here’s how to speed things up.

7 min read May 24, 2022