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.
Considering Buying or Selling?
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.
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.
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.
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.
Buyer's vs. Seller's Markets
The real estate market constantly shifts, and knowing whether conditions favor buyers or sellers can help you make smarter, more confident decisions. Here’s how to recognize which type of market you’re in and what each means for you.
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.
What is the VA Home Loan Guaranty?
As a home buyer, the VA Home Loan is a powerful benefit that makes homeownership more accessible for current and former military service members. Here is what you need to know.
How to Protect Against Real Estate Wire Fraud
Why real estate transactions are targets for wire fraud, how scammers work, and ways buyers can protect themselves against fraud. Here is what you need to know.
What to know during the process
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.
Negotiating Written Buyer Agreements
Here's what to know about negotiating an agreement for services and compensation with an agent who is a REALTOR®.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Real Estate Auctions
Buying a home at auction can be an exciting opportunity to get involved in real estate, but there are certain risks and rules to be aware of. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or an experienced investor, Here’s want you need to know.
Working with a Real Estate Attorney
Buying a home is one of the most important decisions you can make. Many professionals are available to help you throughout the homebuying process, including a real estate attorney. When navigating the homebuying process, here's how a real estate attorney can help you.
10 Tips for Packing Smartly for a Move
Buying or selling a home is an exciting—but stressful—milestone. For some, the most daunting part is packing and moving. Here's 10 practical tips that will help.
As a property owner...
Homeowners Insurance
Understanding homeowners insurance is essential for anyone looking to purchase a home. Here's what you need to know.
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.
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.
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.
Understanding & Protecting Yourself From Title Fraud
Title fraud is a serious crime that can be overlooked and result in a property owner unknowingly losing the title of their property. Here’s what you need to know about title fraud, how it happens, who’s most at risk, and how you can prevent it from happening to you.
Mortgage Interest Tax Deduction
If you're navigating tax season or planning to buy a home, understanding how this deduction works can help you make smarter financial decisions. Here’s what you need to know.
Your Home and Estate Planning
Estate planning helps you prepare for the future by deciding what happens to your home and other assets if you can no longer care for them. Here's what you need to know.
Making Your Home More Energy Efficient
Improving your home’s energy efficiency doesn’t have to involve a full home renovation. Whether you’re looking to lower utility bills, preparing to sell, or simply modernizing your home, here’s how to get started and what to keep in mind.
State and Local Tax (SALT) Deductions
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 what you need to know.
