Homes

Owning a home is a big financial commitment, but with Bankrate in your corner, you can confidently navigate the ins and outs of homeownership, from mortgages and real estate to insurance and home equity.

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.

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Make sure you're ready to buy a home

Buying a house is an exciting step and a major commitment. Before you start going to open houses, it's important to know what you can afford. We've curated our top articles and resources to help.

See what you can afford
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Discover your mortgage options

Once you've got your down payment ready to go, it's time to decide which type of mortgage works for you. A great first step is to compare quotes from lenders.

Compare mortgage rates
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Find an agent and start your search

Now's the fun part! Find a real estate agent and start searching for your dream home. Check out these tips and tricks to help you get started.

Read the latest
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Navigate the final steps before closing

From making an offer to negotiating closing costs and hiring a home inspector, we have the information you need.

View the walkthrough checklist

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How to get a mortgage

Get a breakdown of everything you need to know about the mortgage process.
Calculator

Mortgage calculator

Quickly estimate your monthly payment with our mortgage calculator.
Article

Should I buy now or wait?

The housing market feels like it's constantly changing. Here's what you should know.

Finding a good homeowners insurance policy is a key part of the homebuying process. We're here to help you find the coverage you need without the hassle.

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Determine how much insurance you need

Getting the proper amount of coverage when you choose a homeowner's policy can help prevent insurance hassles later. 

More about home insurance coverage
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Compare home insurance companies

Get a feel for your options so you how know how to choose the best carrier for your home.

Choosing an insurance carrier
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Get customized quotes for your home

Find out exactly what you can expect by getting accurate insurance quotes from top carriers.

Get a home insurance quote
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Explore coverage add-ons

Home insurance policies may not cover everything, like floods or home-based businesses. Check out this list for common exclusions you should be aware of.

Learn more about add-ons
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Purchase your home insurance

Once all the prep work is done, it's time to finalize your homeowners insurance and get that peace of mind. Here's how to make it happen.

Learn how to buy home insurance
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Comparison

Cheapest home insurance companies

Find insurance coverage for your home without having to rethink your entire budget.
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Guide to homeowners insurance

Get all the info you need to know when you're looking for a home insurance policy.
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How to estimate home insurance cost

Here's how to figure out what you can expect to spend on home insurance.

When it's time for major renovations, using home equity can be a smart move. We're here to help break down your options when it comes to borrowing from your home equity.

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Understand the home equity essentials

Borrowing from your home's value can be a great financial move. But first, let's cover the basics.

Learn about home equity
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Figure out how much you should borrow

It's key to get a sense of your current home equity to avoid borrowing too much.

Calculate what you can borrow
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Choose how to access your funds

Home equity loans and home equity lines of credit are two different ways that you can borrow from your equity.

Compare loan options
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Compare current home equity interest rates

Take a look at the latest home equity rates to see what might work for you.

Today's best rates

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Article

What is home equity?

Your home equity can be a great asset in improving your home. Here's how to put it to use.
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Pros & cons of home equity loans

There are always advantages and drawbacks to different kinds of loans. Here's what to consider.
Article

Pros & cons of a HELOC

A home equity line of credit lets you borrow from equity as you need to, but there are several things to consider. 

Selling a home isn't hard if you've got the right guidance and approach. Let's break down the process to sell your house—from deciding if you really should sell to negotiating offers.

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Estimating your home's market value

One of the first steps to selling your home is knowing what to expect. Determine roughly what your house is worth before you get started.

Learn about home values
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How to sell your home to buy another

The process of buying and selling simultaneously takes some effort, but it's totally doable with some planning.

Learn about selling to buy
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Do I need a real estate agent to sell?

If you're unsure about whether or not to hire a seller's agent, here's what to consider.

Learn about seller's agents
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How much do I keep from a home sale?

Understanding the costs and fees related to a home sale can help you know what to expect.

Learn about net proceeds
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RECOMMENDED READING

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How to sell your house

Get a breakdown of everything you need to know about selling your home with our step-by-step guide. 
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Is the housing market about to crash?

What do current prices and market trends say about the future of home sales? Here's what to know. 
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Should I sell now or wait?

Here are some key things to consider if you're thinking about selling your home right now.

Compare your borrowing options

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Weekly mortgage rates

Bankrate consistently has offers well below the national average to help you fund your home for less.

Bankrate Average

6.48%APR

30-year fixed

VS

National Average

6.99%APR

30-year fixed

Refinance

A new loan to replace your current mortgage, likely with a lower rate or different term.

Features
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    No effect on home equity

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    Can lower interest rate

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    No access to cash

Today’s refinance rates
Cash-out refinance

A lump sum of cash taken out of your home equity, paid back through your new mortgage payment.

Features
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    Secured by home equity

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    Higher borrowing limits

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    No extra monthly payment

Today's cash out rates
Home equity loan

A loan that’s taken out of your home equity, but is paid back as a separate monthly payment.

Features
  • Checkmark Icon

    Secured by home equity

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    Access a lump sum of cash

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    No effect on mortgage

See home equity rates
Home equity line of credit

A line of credit that’s borrowed from your home equity, and works more like a credit card.

Features
  • Checkmark Icon

    Secured by home equity

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    Common for home projects

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    Use what you need

See HELOC rates

Compare the cost of home insurance

Understanding home insurance rate trends may be integral in finding a policy that fits your needs. Take a look at the chart below to compare average homeowners insurance rates for $250K in dwelling coverage from 2021 to today.

Quoted rates are based on 40-year-old male and female homeowners with a clean claim history, good credit, and $250k in dwelling coverage.

Ready for your rates?

While the rates shown are a helpful starting point, they’re no substitute for personalized quotes. Answer a few questions to start your quotes in 3 minutes or less.

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