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Buyer or Seller's Market?
Click on the NAR links below to access the pdf guide in either English or Spanish
Consumer Guides
Consumer Guides
When searching for a home, you will be asked to sign a written buyer agreement after you’ve chosen the real estate professional you want to work with.
Real estate professionals nationwide will require a written agreement prior to touring a home. But what if you are just attending an open house?
NAR's Code of Ethics means that a REALTOR® cannot provide representation in a way that puts their own interests ahead of their clients' interests.
Veterans and active servicemembers often have unique needs when looking for a home. Find out how to address those needs before buying a home.
As a home seller, you can choose to offer—or authorize your agent to offer—compensation to a buyer’s agent as a way to attract potential buyers.
Here's what to know about negotiating an agreement for services and compensation with an agent who is a REALTOR®.
Home sellers may choose to offer concessions to attract buyers or close a deal. Find out if this approach is right for you.
When buying or selling a home, your agent may use an MLS to find homes for sale or market your property. Here's what you need to know.
Consumers and agents all have rights and responsibilities to promote a home buying or selling process free from discrimination.
One of the first things you'll do when selling your home is negotiate and sign a listing agreement with your agent. Here's what you need to know.
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.
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.
You’re ready to find your first home. Find out where to begin and what resources are available to you as you embark on your homeownership journey.
An agent who is a REALTOR® can help you learn about options for finding a loan that will help you pay for your new home over time.
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.
When buying or selling a home, agency and non-agency relationships with real estate professionals vary by state law and offer different options.
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.
Between signing and close, a buyer may have a home inspected to ensure it is in good condition and safe for a new owner. Here's what you should know.
Understanding homeowners insurance is essential for anyone looking to purchase a home—ask a REALTOR® to connect you with a licensed insurance agent.
A licensed insurance agent can advise you on purchasing the right flood insurance to protect your assets from the most common natural disaster.
Most homeowners insurance policies cover fire damage. Some may limit coverage if your risk is higher. Find out how to understand your coverage.
Here are common considerations as you prepare your home for listing and viewing by potential buyers. An agent who is a REALTOR® can guide you.
An important question to ask your agent is how to determine your home's listing (asking) price. Here is what sellers should know about home pricing.
Between signing and closing, homebuyers typically deposit money into an escrow account. A REALTOR® can advise you on how to keep your deposits safe.
Whether you are a first-time buyer or planning your next move, here's what prospective buyers should know to prepare for the home purchase process.
Property taxes are a reality of homeownership. An agent who is a REALTOR® can help connect you with a tax expert in your area, but here are the basics.
Home sellers must disclose certain characteristics of the property to buyers. A REALTOR® can help you understand why and what you need to disclose.
Once you decide to sell your home, your agent will work with you to determine the best strategy to reach potential buyers and attract strong offers.
In many housing markets, HOAs and other community associations can be part of the homebuying (and owning) experience. Here’s what buyers should know.
When your home is on the market, you may receive offers from multiple interested buyers. Here's how to determine which one is best for you.
An agent who is a REALTOR® can help home sellers craft a marketing strategy that best suits their needs and preferences.
To complete a home sale, a home's ownership rights are formally transferred from the seller to the buyer. Here's what to know about deeds and titles.
Prospective homebuyers may consider purchasing a plot of land or a new construction project instead of an existing home. Here's what you should know.
Here's what to know about how this serious crime happens, who's at risk, and how to prevent losing the title to your property.
Whether you're saving for a down payment, managing debt, or dealing with other barriers to entry, REALTORS® can help you find your dream home.
If you're navigating tax season or planning to buy a home, understanding how this deduction works can help you make smarter financial decisions.
A home is a long-term financial asset. Estate planning helps you decide what happens to your home and other assets if you can no longer care for them.
Recognizing whether shifting market conditions favor buyers or sellers can help you make more confident decisions. Learn what each means for you.
Buying or keeping a home can be financially challenging—but you may not have to do it alone. There are assistance programs designed to help.
Buying a home at auction can be an exciting opportunity. First-time buyer and experienced investors should be aware of the rules and risks.
Buying a home is an important decision. Many professionals are available to help you throughout the process, including a real estate attorney.
Whether you’re looking to lower utility bills, preparing to sell, or modernizing your home, here’s how to get started and what to keep in mind.
From architectural character to lasting craftsmanship, historic homes offer one-of-a-kind charm, but they also come with unique responsibilities.
Homeownership has always had its perks when it comes to tax deductions, but the latest tax reform helps homeowners save even more money. Here’s why.
Buying or selling a home is exciting—but packing and moving can be daunting. Proper planning and a solid strategy from these 10 tips can ease the task.
For those who’ve completed military service or are actively serving our country, the VA Home Loan Guaranty offers a path to homeownership.
When buying a home for the first time, there are plenty of new terms to learn. One that can cause confusion is private mortgage insurance, or PMI.
An agent who is a REALTOR® can help you ensure privacy and security by managing access during the marketing and transaction process.
Buying a home is an exciting milestone. Work with a real estate professional who is a REALTOR® to keep your investment safe from potential wire fraud attempts.
Condos are typically more affordable than single-family homes and require less maintenance. Here’s a primer that will help you evaluate your options.
Regardless of which side of a transaction you’re on, you need a clear understanding of any contingencies that are part of the real estate contract.
Home-improvement project on the horizon? Learn how to find a remodeling contractor to ensure your project is easy and up to code.
Additional Consumer Information
Additional Consumer Information
infographicAugust 17, 2024
infographicAugust 17, 2024
Infographic: See how NAR’s proposed settlement and changes, which took effect on August 17, impact home buyers and sellers.
The settlement includes changes to real estate transactions, but importantly, consumers will continue to have choices regarding real estate services.
REALTORS® are a trusted source of advice and stand ready to help you navigate your homebuying journey and make the choices that work best for you.
REALTORS® are a trusted source of advice and stand ready to help you navigate the complex home selling process with choices that work best for you.
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