Consumer Resources

REALTORS® are a trusted source of advice and stand ready to help you navigate the complex transaction process with choices that work best for you. The resources found on this page can help you with a basic understanding of many facets of the transaction. For more information on why you should work with a Realtor®, click here.

Offers of Compensation

Here's what to know about a seller or agent offering to compensate another agent for bringing a buyer to successfully close the transaction. 

 

Negotiating Written Buyer Agreements

Here's what to know about negotiating an agreement for services and compensation with an agent who is a REALTOR®.

 

Seller Concessions

Home sellers may choose to offer concessions to attract buyers or close a deal. Find out if this approach is right for you.

 

Open Houses and Written Agreements

Real estate professionals nationwide will require a written agreement prior to touring a home. But what if you are just attending an open house? Learn more.

 

Realtors®' Duty to Put Client Interests Above Their Own

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. Learn more.

 

What Veterans Need to know about Buying a Home

REALTORS® are committed to helping ensure the unique needs of veterans and active servicemembers are met following new real estate practice changes.

 

Multiple Listing Services (MLSs)

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. You can learn more about CCMLS here.

 

Fair Housing

Consumers and agents all have rights and responsibilities to promote a home buying or selling process free from discrimination. 

 

Listing Agreements 

One of the first things you'll do when selling your home is negotiate and sign a listing agreement with your agent. 

 

10 Questions to Ask a Buyer's Agent

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. Learn more.

 

10 Questions to Ask a Seller's Agent

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. Learn more.

 

Buying Your First Home

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.

 

Mortgages and Financing

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. 

 

Steps Between Signing and Closing on a Home

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.

 

Agency and Non-Agency Relationships

When buying or selling a home, agency and non-agency relationships with real estate professionals vary by state law and offer different options.

 

The Appraisal Process

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.

 

Home Inspections

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.

 

Homeowners Insurance

Understanding homeowners insurance is essential for anyone looking to purchase a home. Here's what you need to know.

 

Changes in Residential Real Estate—Quickstart FAQ for Consumers

These questions will help homebuyers and home sellers better understand the recent practice changes in residential real estate and what the changes mean for them. 

  

Flood Insurance

Flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster in the United States. Here's what you need to know.

 

Fire and Damage

Most homeowners insurance policies cover fire and smoke damage, but some insurers may limit or not offer coverage if your risk is higher. Here's what you need to know.

 

 

Preparing to Sell Your Home

Once you decide to sell your home, you might have questions about how to prepare it for listing and viewing by potential buyers. Here's what you need to know.

 

 

Pricing Your Home

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 you need to know.

 

 

Escrow and Earnest Money

One of the steps between signing and closing on a home is when homebuyers typically deposit money into an escrow account. Here is what you need to know.

 

 

Preparing for Homeownership

Whether you are a first-time buyer or planning your next move, you should consider many factors as you prepare for the home purchase process. Here is what you need to know.

 

 

 

Property Taxes

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 Here is what you need to know.

 

 

 

Seller Disclosures

 

Home sellers must disclose certain characteristics of the property to buyers. An agent who is a REALTOR® can help you understand why and what you need to disclose. Here is what you need to know.

 

 

 

Marketing Your Home

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.  Here is what you need to know.

 

 

 

Homeowners Association 

In many housing markets, HOAs and other community associations can be a part of the homebuying (and owning) experience. Here’s what buyers should know.  Here is what you need to know.

 

 

 

Navigating Mulitple Offers

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. Here is what you need to know.

 

 

 

Alternative Listing Options

As a home seller, you may have your own preferences for how you want to market your home. Here is what you need to know.

 

 

 

Deeds and Titles

Closing day is an exciting milestone for buyers and sellers alike. To complete the process of a home sale, a property’s ownership rights are formally transferred from the seller to the buyer. Here's what you should know.

 

 

Buying Land and Building a New Home

When looking to purchase property, buyers may consider purchasing a plot of land or a new construction project instead of an existing home. Here’s what prospective buyers should know.