Consumer Guide: Ten 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. Here are ten questions you should consider when selecting an agent.
Spotlight
Consumer Guides for Buyers
Navigate your homebuying journey with confidence. These guides from the National Association of REALTORS® will help you learn more about the steps of the homebuying process.
Consumer Guide: Mortgage & 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.
Consumer Guide: Buying Your First Home
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.
Consumer Guide: Negotiating Written Buyer Agreements
Here’s what to know about negotiating an agreement for services and compensation with an agent who is a REALTOR®.
Consumer Guide: 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?
Consumer Guide: Written Buyer Agreements
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.
Consumer Guide: 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.
Consumer Guide: Steps Between Signing and Closing
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.
Consumer Guide: 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.
Consumer Guide: 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.
Consumer Guide: Homeowners Insurance
Understanding homeowners insurance is essential for anyone looking to purchase a home. Here’s what you need to know.
Consumer Guide: What Veterans Need to Know About Buying a Home
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.
Consumer Guide: Escrow and Earnest Money
Between signing and closing, homebuyers typically deposit money into an escrow account. An agent who is a REALTOR® can help advise you on how to keep your deposits safe.
Consumer Guide: Preparing for Homeownership
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.
Consumer Guide: Homeowners Associations
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.
Consumer Guide: 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.
Consumer Guide: Overcoming Barriers to Homeownership
Whether you’re saving for a down payment, managing debt, or dealing with other barriers to entry, agents who are REALTORS® can help you find your dream home.
Consumer Guide: Deeds and Titles
To complete the process of closing a home sale, a property’s ownership rights are formally transferred from the seller to the buyer. Here’s what you should know about deeds and titles.
Consumer Guide: Buying Land and Building a New Home
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.
Consumer Guide: Assistance Programs
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.
Consumer Guide: Real Estate Auctions
Buying a home at auction can be an exciting opportunity. First-time buyer and experienced investors should be aware of the rules and risks.