Real Estate Resources - Latest Real Estate News and Expert Advice | Bankrate.com (2024)

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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

Real Estate Resources - Latest Real Estate News and Expert Advice | Bankrate.com (5)

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

Real Estate Resources - Latest Real Estate News and Expert Advice | Bankrate.com (6)

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

Real Estate Resources - Latest Real Estate News and Expert Advice | Bankrate.com (7)

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

Real Estate Resources - Latest Real Estate News and Expert Advice | Bankrate.com (8)

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

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How to sell your house in 2024: A step-by-step guide

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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

6.41%APR

30-year fixed

VS

National Average

6.94%APR

30-year fixed

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Related Topics

  • Closing costs
  • Buying a home
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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

The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information

Real Estate Resources - Latest Real Estate News and Expert Advice | Bankrate.com (2024)

FAQs

How to buy real estate when interest rates are high? ›

Here are nine tactics that they suggested.
  1. Ask the seller to reduce the mortgage rate. ...
  2. Use part of your down payment to pay down debt. ...
  3. Use home buyer assistance programs. ...
  4. Ask the seller to finance the purchase. ...
  5. Don't wait for a rate you like better. ...
  6. Don't get distracted by things you don't need. ...
  7. Buy a house that needs work.
Sep 5, 2023

Is it a bad time to buy a house when interest rates are high? ›

Pros. Home prices and interest rates could keep rising, so while rates are higher than they were a few years ago, you might get a better deal now than if you wait. With fewer buyers shopping right now due to higher costs of borrowing, you might have more negotiating power.

Is it a good time to buy a house with rising interest rates? ›

Buying a home while interest rates are high

There's likely to be less buyer competition for the home you want, plus the potential that higher rates will provide downward pressure on sales prices. And you can always refinance when rates come down again, provided that your income and credit score remain strong.

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