Update: Download any of these 12 NAR consumer guides to connect with consumers

(This article was updated Oct. 30.)

Help local consumers understand how the NAR settlement agreement has changed residential real estate transactions by browsing the growing list of NAR consumer guides. In the last several weeks, six guides about sellers' agents, buyers' agents, fair housing, listing agreements, Multiple Listing Services (MLSs) and seller concessions have been added.

"Consumer Guide: 10 Questions to ask a seller's agent" answers:

1. Are you a REALTOR®?
2. What types of services can you provide me?
3. Are you familiar with the market where I am selling my home?
4. What will be included in our listing contract?
5. How did you arrive at your suggested list price for my home?
6. How will you market my home?
7. How do I attract potential buyers?
8. What do I need to do to get my house ready?
9. How will you vet potential buyers?
10. Do you have references I can speak with?

"Consumer Guide: 10 Questions to ask a buyer's agent" answers:

1. Are you a REALTOR®?
2. What types of services can you provide me?
3. How well do you know the markets where I am searching for a home?
4. Do you have experience working with buyers in my situation?
5. Can you tell me about your approach to scouting properties?
6. What will be included in our written buyer agreement?
7. How long will we work together?
8. What are my options for paying you?
9. Can you recommend service providers who can help me obtain a mortgage, make home repairs, or support other closing tasks?
10. Do you have references I can speak with?

"Consumer Guide: Fair Housing" answers five questions:

1. What is "fair housing" and how does it help me?
2. How do fair housing laws apply to me as a buyer?
3. How do fair housing laws apply to me as a seller?
4. How does working with an agent who is a REALTOR® help ensure fair housing practices are followed?
5. Where can I report suspected discrimination in the homebuying or selling process?

"Consumer Guide: Listing Agreements" answers five questions:

1. What is a listing agreement?
2. What are my options for agent representation?
3. What services might be included in a listing agreement?
4. Are offers of compensation mandatory?
5. How do I know what will work best for me?

"Consumer Guide: Multiple Listing Services" answers eight questions:

1. What is an MLS?
2. What value does an MLS provide?
3. As a buyer, how can an MLS help me buy a home?
4. As a seller, how can an MLS help me sell my home?
5. Am I required to market my home through an MLS?
6. Can I make an offer to compensate a buyer's agent on an MLS?
7. Can I offer concessions on an MLS?
8. How do I access MLS information?

"Consumer Guide: Seller Commissions" answers seven questions:

1. What are seller concessions and why make them?
2. What are some examples of concessions I can offer?
3. How do seller concessions work?
4. What's the difference between a concession and an offer of compensation?
5. How do I tell buyers I'm offering concessions?
6. Is there a limit to the concessions I can offer?
7. How do I know what option is best for me?

Each of the guides can be downloaded and printed on 8½-by-11-inch sheets of paper or distributed digitally on social media or as an email attachment.

In addition, NAR has developed six other one-page resources to help members educate customers about the ins and outs of residential real estate transactions, whether they are buying or selling. The guides are designed to answer some of the most common questions consumers ask about one of the biggest purchases they will ever make.

REALTORS® can use the documents to reinforce their reputation as real estate professionals who focus on their clients' needs, negotiate the best deals and offer superior customer service. Additional consumer guides answer questions about:

• Why am I being asked to sign a written buyer agreement?
• Open houses and written agreements
• REALTORS'® duty to put client interests above their own
• What (military) veterans need to know about buying a home
• Offers of compensation
• Negotiating written buyer agreements

Members can get more information by logging in at https://www.nar.realtor/the-facts and scrolling down the page to "Consumer Guides."

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