18 Ways Members Can Show Value in 2025

Happy New Year! The reset of the annual calendar is a reminder that no matter what came before, there’s opportunity ahead. To help your members kick off 2025 strong, share NAR’s popular and growing series of Consumer Guides. Each one-page resource gives clients a handy overview of key aspects of the real estate transaction, like negotiating written buyer agreements and understanding offers of compensation. They’re an invaluable way to start conversations with and educate consumers. After all, knowledgeable home buyers and sellers are your members’ best advocates.

• 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.