Should I buy a house now, or wait?
Buy now, or wait? It’s a question many aspiring homeowners are struggling with.
6 min read
Dec 10, 2024
Real Estate
From finding your dream home to securing a great financing offer, we guide you through every step of the homebuying process.
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.
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.
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.
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.
RECOMMENDED ARTICLES
How to buy a house in 2024
Buying a home is complicated. This step-by-step guide will help you get to the finish line.
12 min read
Oct 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 read
Jun 29, 2023
Average credit score to buy a house
Some types of mortgages have specific minimum credit score requirements.
5 min read
Dec 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.
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.
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.
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.
RECOMMENDED ARTICLES
How to sell your house: A step-by-step guide
Our 9-step guide to a smooth, successful home sale.
8 min read
Nov 18, 2024
Should I sell my house now or wait?
Interest rates, prices and buyer demand are all factors to bear in mind when you’re selling your home.
8 min read
Oct 23, 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 read
Aug 16, 2024
BANKRATE AGENT SEARCH
Find a local real estate agent
Connect with experienced agents who can guide you on your home journey
Weekly mortgage rates
Bankrate consistently has offers well below the national average to help you fund your home for less.
Bankrate Average
6.11%APR
30-year fixed
VS
National Average
6.83%APR
30-year fixed
Editor's Picks
The future of real estate commissions
6 min read
How to buy a house in 2024
12 min read
Latest Articles
-
Housing market predictions for 2025
2024 was a tough year for the U.S. housing market. Here’s what experts predict for 2025.
5 min read Dec 10, 2024 -
Is the housing market going to crash? What the experts are saying
The housing market keeps defying expectations. But experts agree that a crash is not imminent.
6 min read Dec 10, 2024 -
Should I buy a house now, or wait?
Buy now, or wait? It’s a question many aspiring homeowners are struggling with.
6 min read Dec 10, 2024 -
Realtor commission changes are here: What they mean for homebuyers and sellers
The way real estate commissions work just changed for both buyers and sellers.
4 min read Nov 26, 2024 -
The future of real estate commissions
An industry-shaking lawsuit has upended the way commissions are paid.
6 min read Nov 26, 2024 -
Cost to buy a house in Pennsylvania
The Keystone State’s home prices are more affordable than the national average.
4 min read Nov 26, 2024 -
Case-Shiller Index: Home-price gains slow, but keep rising
Home prices keep growing, but have slowed their pace a bit.
3 min read Nov 26, 2024 -
High prices keep some renters from upsizing when they buy a home
The housing affordability crunch has led to at least one unexpected outcome for first-time homebuyers: less space.
2 min read Nov 25, 2024 -
Don’t overdo it: Here’s what not to fix when selling a house
Don’t spend time or money on fixing things that won’t recoup their cost.
4 min read Nov 22, 2024 -
How much does it cost to sell a house in Washington state?
Selling a house in Washington isn’t all profit. Here’s a breakdown of expenses for sellers.
5 min read Nov 22, 2024
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information