Real Estate
High prices keep some renters from upsizing when they buy a home
2 min read
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.
RECOMMENDED ARTICLES
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
6.20%APR
30-year fixed
VS
National Average
6.78%APR
30-year fixed
Editor's Picks
How to buy a house in 2025
11 min read
How to buy a house in 2025
11 min read
Latest Articles
-
Best cities for families to live in
With quality schools, affordable childcare, kid-friendly activities and more, these 15 cities are great places to raise a family.
6 min read Jul 22, 2022 -
What’s a HUD house?
These federal foreclosed-on fixer-uppers can be bargains, but they come with caveats. What to know before you bid.
5 min read Jul 22, 2022 -
Top 5 problems that can delay your home closing
Whether you’re buying or selling, here are the five most common problems that hold up home closings.
4 min read Jul 21, 2022 -
Buying a home in Texas: A how-to
Texas is famously huge, with no shortage of choices for where to buy a home.
9 min read Jul 21, 2022 -
What is a ranch-style home?
Single-story ranch houses boomed in popularity after World War II and are still beloved today.
5 min read Jul 19, 2022 -
What is open bidding, and can it help bring down home prices?
In this process of making an offer on a home, all prospective buyers know exactly how much the others are bidding.
6 min read Jul 18, 2022 -
Most climate-resistant states in America, ranked
Climate change touches every part of the U.S. But some states are in better shape to withstand it than others.
6 min read Jul 15, 2022 -
5 lessons I stumbled into as a first-time homebuyer
Five lessons this first-time homebuyer learned along the way.
5 min read Jul 15, 2022 -
How home sellers can start a bidding war
Multiple offers give home sellers more options. What can you do to jump-start a bidding war?
3 min read Jul 13, 2022 -
Buying a house in North Carolina: A how-to
From big-city buzz to coastal chill to mountain beauty, the Tar Heel State has loads to offer.
11 min read Jul 13, 2022
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information