Consumer Resources

A REALTOR® is a special kind of real estate agent: one who follows NAR’s strict Code of Ethics, including the first and primary pledge to protect and promote the interests of their clients. This obligation means that a REALTOR® cannot make decisions or provide...

As of August 17, 2024, many real estate professionals nationwide will be asking buyers to enter into a written agreement prior to touring a home. But what if you are just attending an open house? Here’s what you should know:  I am attending an open house without an...

The National Association of REALTORS® is proud to support those who serve our country on their journey to achieve the American Dream of homeownership. Veterans and active servicemembers often have unique needs when looking for a home, and agents who are REALTORS® are...

If you’re a homebuyer working with an agent who is a REALTOR®, it means you are working with a professional who is ethically obligated to act in your best interest. As of August 17, 2024, you will be asked to sign a written buyer agreement after you’ve chosen the...

As a home seller, you have a wide range of choices when deciding how to market your property. This includes whether you’d like to offer—or authorize your agent to offer—compensation to a buyer’s agent as a way to attract potential buyers. Here’s what you need to know...

You’ve decided it’s time to buy a home and want to work with an agent to guide you through the process. The next step is to interview agents and negotiate a written agreement that includes the services the agent will provide and the compensation they will receive....

As a home seller, you have choices when deciding how to market your property, including whether you’d like to offer concessions to attract buyers or close a deal. Here’s what you need to know as you consider whether this approach is right for you:  What are seller...

When buying or selling a home, your real estate professional may use a Multiple Listing Service (MLS) to find homes for sale or market your property. Here is what you need to know:  What is an MLS? MLSs provide online platforms that compile home listings from...

 Buying or selling a home is more than a transaction—it’s fundamental to your long-term goals and financial future. Consumers and agents all have rights and responsibilities to promote a home buying or selling process free from discrimination. Here’s what you need to...

If you choose to work with a real estate professional to sell your home, one of the first things you’ll do is negotiate and sign a listing agreement with the agent you’ve selected. Here’s what you need to know:  What is a listing agreement? A listing agreement is a...

 If you’re ready to sell your home, you should feel empowered to find and work with the agent who is the best fit for your needs. Here are ten questions you should consider when selecting an agent:  Are you a REALTOR®? When you work with an agent who is a REALTOR®,...

 If you’re ready to buy a home, you should feel empowered to find and work with the agent who is the best fit for your needs. Here are ten questions you should consider when selecting an agent:  Are you a REALTOR®? When you work with an agent who is a REALTOR®, you...

So, you’re ready to find your first home. But where do you begin? And what resources are available to help you? Here’s what you need to know as you embark on your homeownership journey:  Who is considered a first-time homebuyer? The definition of “first-time...

Buying a home is one of the largest personal and financial decisions you can make. For many buyers, the process includes finding a loan that will help you pay for your new home over time. An agent who is a REALTOR® can help you learn about your options. Here’s what...

Once you sign a purchase agreement on your new home, there are still several steps to complete before you can finalize—or “close”—the transaction. While the process differs in each state, here are the basics of what you can expect during the period between signing and...

When you are looking to buy or sell a home, you may hear about different types of relationships—agency and non-agency—that exist between buyers and sellers and the real estate professionals they are working with. These relationships are defined by state law and the...

If you are financing your home purchase, you will likely be required to get a home appraisal as one of the steps between signing and close. Here’s what you should know:  What is an appraisal? An appraisal is an opinion on a home’s market value that helps a lender...

Between signing and close, a homebuyer may choose to have a new home inspected to make sure it is in good condition and safe for a new owner. Here’s what buyers and sellers should know:  What is a home inspection? A home inspection is an assessment of a home’s...

One of the steps between signing and closing on a home is when homebuyers typically deposit money into an escrow account. An agent who is a REALTOR® can help advise you on your offer and how to keep your deposits safe. When it comes to escrow, here’s what homebuyers...

Most homeowners insurance policies cover fire and smoke damage, but some insurers may limit or not offer coverage if your risk is higher. You should contact an insurance agent or broker if you need separate fire insurance or have questions. An agent who is a REALTOR®...

Flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster in the United States. Even a few inches of water can cause devastating damage. A licensed insurance agent can advise you on purchasing the right flood insurance to protect your assets. Here’s what you need to...

Understanding homeowners insurance is essential for anyone looking to purchase a home. Start looking at policies early and ask an agent who is a REALTOR® to connect you with a licensed insurance agent for assistance. A detailed industry overview of available coverage...

Once you decide to sell your home, you might have questions about how to prepare it for listing and viewing by potential buyers. An agent who is a REALTOR® can guide you through this process. Here are some common considerations as you prepare your home to sell:  How...

As a home seller, one of the most important questions to ask your agent is how to determine your home’s listing, or asking, price. Here is what sellers should know about home pricing: What characteristics of my home will my agent evaluate? Agents will consider many...