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
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.
13 min readMar 06, 2024
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 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
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.
13 min readMar 06, 2024
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 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
6.35%APR
30-year fixed
VS
National Average
6.95%APR
30-year fixed
Editor's Picks
Inflation and the housing market: Decoding the latest numbers
4 min read
Is the housing market going to crash? What the experts are saying
9 min read
Do I really need a 20 percent down payment for a house?
6 min read
How to buy a house in 2024
13 min read
Case-Shiller Index: Home prices decreasing, but slowly
3 min read
Latest Articles
How to sell my house fast in Maryland
Home prices are on the rise in Maryland. But how fast can you sell?
6 min readMar 15, 2024
Capital gains tax on real estate and selling your home
Real estate sales may be subject to capital gains taxes. Here’s how to keep as much profit in your pocket as possible.
8 min readMar 15, 2024
How to interview a Realtor: 10 questions to ask
How to interview Realtors and find the right fit for you.
7 min readMar 14, 2024
How to sell a house by owner in Illinois
You can sell without a real estate agent in Illinois, but it’s a lot of work.
5 min readMar 14, 2024
‘We buy houses’ companies in Illinois
What to know about companies that advertise, “we buy houses in Illinois.”
5 min readMar 13, 2024
Cost of living 2024: How to calculate and compare
Where you live affects how much income you need to maintain your desired lifestyle.
7 min readMar 13, 2024
Inflation and the housing market: Decoding the latest numbers
The housing market isn’t immune from outside economic forces, including inflation.
4 min readMar 12, 2024
24% of Americans would be willing to move out of state to find affordable housing. Would you?
How far would you be willing to move to afford a home?
5 min readMar 11, 2024
Should you buy a house during a recession?
How might a recession affect the housing market? Find out what the experts think.
7 min readMar 11, 2024
Is the housing market going to crash? What the experts are saying
Yes, the housing market has cooled. But experts agree that a crash is not imminent.
9 min readMar 10, 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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