Real Estate
Bidding war strategies for homebuyers (and sellers)
5 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.
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
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
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
5.82%APR
30-year fixed
VS
National Average
6.49%APR
30-year fixed
Editor's Picks
Average closing costs on a house in 2025
2 min read
Latest Articles
-
What the Fed’s continued rate pause means for homebuyers and sellers
The Fed has again hit the pause button on rates. How will it affect the housing market?
4 min read Jul 30, 2025 -
Is a new-construction home a better buy in today’s market?
Some days it feels like the housing market is suffering from a hangover. The rush to increase supply has led to more new construction available. Meanwhile, the recent swing in mortgage rates has led to [...]
5 min read Jul 29, 2025 -
Closing costs in Arizona: Who pays for what?
The Grand Canyon state has relatively low closing costs.
4 min read Jul 29, 2025 -
Understanding escrow: How it works in homebuying
It’s not complicated, but it involves several steps. Here’s how to navigate them.
7 min read Jul 28, 2025 -
Can you buy a home on disability?
Homebuyers on disability may have more options than they think.
5 min read Jul 28, 2025 -
What is a homestead exemption and how does it work?
A homestead exemption can shield you from creditors or reduce your taxes.
4 min read Jul 28, 2025 -
Single-Family Vs. Multi-Family Homes: What’s The Difference?
It’s basically house v. apartment living. How to decide which suits you better.
6 min read Jul 25, 2025 -
Buying a house in California
The Golden State consistently ranks as one of the most expensive places in the U.S. to live.
7 min read Jul 25, 2025 -
When are home prices going to fall — and how far?
U.S. home prices have been rising for 24 straight months — when will it end?
4 min read Jul 24, 2025 -
What is a probate sale in real estate?
When someone dies, they leave behind an estate that contains all the assets they owned. Probate is the legal process through which these assets are sold.
3 min read Jul 24, 2025
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information