From finding your dream home to securing a great financing offer, we guide you through every step of the homebuying process.
- Buying a home
- Selling a home
- Find an agent
- Mortgage rates
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.
Home affordability calculator
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.
See mortgage rates
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.
Find a buyer agent
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.
Closing checklist
RECOMMENDED ARTICLES
Should I buy a house now, or wait?
Buy now, or wait? It’s a question many aspiring homeowners are struggling with.
8 min readFeb 22, 2024
How to buy a house in 2024
Buying a home is a complicated process. This step-by-step guide will help you get to the finish line.
12 min readJan 08, 2024
How much money do you need to buy a house?
If you’re buying a home, here are all the costs to consider.
10 min readJun 29, 2023
Average credit score to buy a house
Some types of mortgages have specific minimum credit score requirements.
5 min readDec 13, 2022
Should I buy a house now, or wait?
Buy now, or wait? It’s a question many aspiring homeowners are struggling with.
8 min readFeb 22, 2024
How to buy a house in 2024
Buying a home is a complicated process. This step-by-step guide will help you get to the finish line.
12 min readJan 08, 2024
How much money do you need to buy a house?
If you’re buying a home, here are all the costs to consider.
10 min readJun 29, 2023
Average credit score to buy a house
Some types of mortgages have specific minimum credit score requirements.
5 min readDec 13, 2022
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.
Find a seller agent
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.
Home staging tips
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.
Home pricing guide
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.
Closing costs guide
RECOMMENDED ARTICLES
How to sell your house in 2024: A step-by-step guide
Our 9-step guide to a smooth, successful home sale.
12 min readFeb 01, 2024
Should I sell my house now or wait?
Interest rates, prices and buyer demand are a few factors to bear in mind when you’re selling your home.
10 min readJan 25, 2024
How do real estate agent fees and commissions work?
Real estate commissions: How much they are, how they work and who pays them.
8 min readJan 22, 2024
How to sell your house in 2024: A step-by-step guide
Our 9-step guide to a smooth, successful home sale.
12 min readFeb 01, 2024
Should I sell my house now or wait?
Interest rates, prices and buyer demand are a few factors to bear in mind when you’re selling your home.
10 min readJan 25, 2024
How do real estate agent fees and commissions work?
Real estate commissions: How much they are, how they work and who pays them.
8 min readJan 22, 2024
BANKRATE AGENT SEARCH
Find a local real estate agent
Connect with experienced agents who can guide you on your home journey
Find an agent
Weekly mortgage rates
Bankrate consistently has offers well below the national average to help you fund your home for less.
See mortgage rates
Bankrate Average
6.49%APR
30-year fixed
VS
National Average
7.16%APR
30-year fixed
Editor's Picks
Case-Shiller Index: Home prices decreasing, but slowly
3 min read
Is the housing market going to crash? What the experts are saying
9 min read
Inflation and the housing market: Decoding the latest numbers
4 min read
Future of real estate commissions grows murky amid legal challenges
6 min read
What the Fed’s continued rate pause means for homebuyers and sellers
4 min read
Latest Articles
Sell my house fast in New Jersey
It’s a good time to sell a home in the Garden State, but how long will it take?
6 min readFeb 29, 2024
How to boost your home’s curb appeal
You don’t have to spend a lot to enhance the impression your home makes on buyers.
5 min readFeb 29, 2024
Documents needed to sell a house
A lot of paperwork is involved in a home sale, including these important documents.
4 min readFeb 29, 2024
What is a clear title? How to check if a property has one
If the title search uncovers an issue, there can be considerable legal costs.
4 min readFeb 28, 2024
Should I get a home warranty?
Learn what a home warranty covers and when it’s a good idea to get one.
6 min readFeb 28, 2024
‘We buy houses’ companies in San Antonio, TX
San Antonio is a popular market for cash homebuying.
5 min readFeb 27, 2024
Are condos a good investment?
They can be! But before you begin your search, be sure to have clear goals and crunch the numbers.
5 min readFeb 27, 2024
Case-Shiller Index: Home prices decreasing, but slowly
The long streak of rising home prices is finally stabilizing.
3 min readFeb 27, 2024
‘We buy houses’ companies in Virginia
Old Dominion home sellers have many options to sell fast.
5 min readFeb 27, 2024
The history of women in real estate
Women could not finance a home purchase on their own until the 1970s.
5 min readFeb 27, 2024
Related Topics
- Closing costs
- Buying a home
- Best places to live in US
Helpful Links
- First-time homebuyer mistakes
- Learn about FHA loans
- Renting vs. buying a home
- Buying a short sale
- How to invest in real estate
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