NAR is pleased to provide the following Consumer Guides as a resource for buyers, sellers, and REALTORS®. All guides in this series are available for download—in both English and Spanish—on facts.realtor.
• Buying Your First Home
Where to begin and what resources are available to buyers as they embark on their homeownership journey.
• 10 Questions to Ask a Buyer’s Agent
Key questions buyers should ask prospective agents during an interview to find the practitioner who best fits their needs.
• 10 Questions to Ask a Sellers’ Agent
Key questions sellers should ask prospective agents during an interview to find the practitioner who best fits their needs.
• REALTORS®’ Duty to Put Client Interests Above Their Own
What it means for an agent who is a REALTOR® to act in their client’s best interest and how the practice changes combat unlawful steering practices.
• Agency and Non-Agency Relationships
A clear understanding of the relationship options that may be available to consumers under state law.
• Multiple Listing Services
How agents use an MLS to find homes for sale or market properties.
• Listing Agreements
What they are, what they include and sellers’ options for representation.
• Written Buyer Agreements
What they are, why consumers will be asked to sign them and how they help create clarity and transparency at the start of a relationship between a buyer and their real estate professional.
• Negotiating Written Buyer Agreements
How and why consumers can negotiate the terms of written buyer agreements with a prospective real estate representative.
• Open Houses and Written Agreements
When agents are and aren’t required to enter into written agreements with buyers.
• Mortgages and Financing
Options for finding a loan that will help buyers pay for their new home over time.
• Offers of Compensation for Home Sellers
The process and options available for offering compensation to a buyer’s agent and the reasons why this may be a compelling strategy for sellers to consider when marketing their property.
• Seller Concessions
The most common types, guidance for when and where to offer them and how they can facilitate a successful transaction for both homebuyers and sellers.
• The Appraisal Process
Answers to eight common questions about appraisals, including why consumers need one and what happens when the appraised value is different from the purchase price.
• Home Inspections
Answers to eight common questions to help consumers understand the inspection process and how it informs decision-making.
• What Buyers Should Know Before Closing
What happens between signing the purchase agreement and closing, including escrow, appraisal and more.
• What Veterans Need to Know About Buying a Home
What NAR is doing to promote access to financing for veterans and their options in the homebuying process.
• Fair Housing
Consumer and agent rights and responsibilities for promoting a homebuying or selling process free from discrimination.
• Homeowners Insurance
Why homeowners insurance is essential and what homebuyers should look for in and expect from a policy.
• Flood Insurance
Flood insurance ins and outs, including what it is, when it’s required, and what to look for in a policy.