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Real Estate Topics
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Your resource for all things Real Estate. Including Legal, Agent & Broker, and Property Rights Issues.
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- Become a Member
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  Close
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  Only members of NAR can call themselves a REALTOR®. Learn how to properly use the logo and terms.
  Close
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  Close
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  National, regional, and metro-market level housing statistics where data is available.
  Close
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  Research on a wide range of topics of interest to real estate practitioners.
  Close
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  Access recent presentations from NAR economists and researchers.
  Close
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Representing Your Industry
NAR is widely considered one of the most effective advocacy organizations in the country.
- Advocacy Issues & News
- Federal Advocacy
  From its building located steps away from the U.S. Capitol, NAR advocates for you.
  Close
- REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC)
  Promoting the election of pro-REALTOR® candidates across the United States.
  Close
- State & Local Advocacy
  Resources to foster and harness the grassroots strength of the REALTOR® Party.
  Close
- REALTOR® Party
  A powerful alliance working to protect and promote homeownership and property investment.
  Close
- Get Involved
  Now more than ever, it is critical for REALTORS® across America to come together and speak with one voice.
  Close
Close
Education
Advancing Your Career
NAR and its affiliated Institutes, Societies, and Councils offer a wide selection of real estate training options.
- All Education & Professional Development
- All NAR & Affiliate Courses
  Continuing education and specialty knowledge can help boost your salary and client base.
  Close
- Code of Ethics Training
  Fulfill your COE training requirement with free courses for new and existing members.
  Close
- Continuing Education (CE)
  Meet the continuing education (CE) requirement in state(s) where you hold a license.
  Close
- Designations & Certifications
  Acknowledging experience and expertise in various real estate specialties, awarded by NAR and its affiliates.
  Close
- Library & Archives
  Offering research services and thousands of print and digital resources.
  Close
- Commitment to Excellence (C2EX)
  Empowers REALTORS® to evaluate, enhance and showcase their highest levels of professionalism.
  Close
- NAR Academy at Columbia College
  Academic opportunities for certificates, associates, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees.
  Close
Close
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- NAR Newsroom
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  Close
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- Blogs
  Commentary from NAR experts on technology, staging, placemaking, and real estate trends.
  Close
- Newsletters
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  Close
Close
About NAR
Who We Are
As America’s largest trade association, the National Association of REALTORS® is involved in all aspects of residential and commercial real estate.
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- Code of Ethics
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  National, state & local leadership, staff directories, leadership opportunities, and more.
  Close
- Committee & Liaisons
- History
  Founded as the National Association of Real Estate Exchanges in 1908.
  Close
- Affiliated Organizations
- Strategic Plan
  NAR’s operating values, long-term goals, and DEI strategic plan.
  Close
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- Governing Documents
  Code of Ethics, NAR's Constitution & Bylaws, and model bylaws for state & local associations.
  Close
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LATEST POLICY RESOURCES

Multiple Listing Options for Sellers

Resources on NAR’s new MLS policy providing additional marketing choices for consumers while preserving equal access to property information on Multiple Listing Services.

Multiple Listing Options for Sellers

New MLS Policy Statement

MLS Handbook Changespdf

Multiple Listing Options for Sellers Infographic

Downloadpdf | png

SITZER/BURNETT SETTLEMENT RESOURCES

Settlement FAQ

Answering your questions on the settlement and its impact.

Window to the Law - Settlement Facts Videos

Video series explaining various elements of the settlement.

Nov. 26

Settlement Approved.

Consumer Resources

Woman Searching for Homes on a Laptop

I am a homebuyer

What does the NAR settlement mean for me?
How do the MLS policy changes impact me?
What is a written buyer agreement?

For Homebuyers

Agent and Seller Signing Real Estate Agreement

I am a home seller

What does the NAR settlement mean for me?
When do the settlement practice changes go into effect?
Do sellers still need to offer compensation to buyer brokers?

For Home Sellers

Consumer Guides

Consumer Guide to Written Buyer Agreements

Consumer Guide to 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.

Downloads:
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Consumer Guide to Open Houses and Written Agreements

Consumer Guide to 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?

Downloads:
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Consumer Guide: REALTORS®' Duty to Put Client Interests Above Their Own

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.

Downloads:
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Consumer Guide: What Veterans Need To Know about Buying a Home

Consumer Guide: 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.

Downloads:
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Consumer Guide: Offers of Compensation

Consumer Guide: 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.

Downloads:
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Consumer Guide to Negotiating Written Buyer Agreements

Consumer Guide to Negotiating Written Buyer Agreements

Here's what to know about negotiating an agreement for services and compensation with an agent who is a REALTOR®.

Downloads:
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Consumer Guide: Seller Concessions

Consumer Guide: 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.

Downloads:
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Consumer Guide: Multiple Listing Services (MLSs)

Consumer Guide: 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.

Downloads:
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Consumer Guide: Fair Housing

Consumer Guide: Fair Housing

Consumers and agents all have rights and responsibilities to promote a home buying or selling process free from discrimination.

Downloads:
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Consumer Guide: Listing Agreements

Consumer Guide: Listing Agreements

One of the first things you'll do when selling your home is negotiate and sign a listing agreement with your agent.

Downloads:
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Consumer Guide: Ten Questions to Ask a Buyer's Agent

Consumer Guide: 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.

Downloads:
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Consumer Guide: Ten Questions to Ask a Seller's Agent

Consumer Guide: 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.

Downloads:
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Consumer Guide: Buying Your First Home

Consumer Guide: 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.

Downloads:
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Consumer Guide: Mortgages and Financing

Consumer Guide: 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.

Downloads:
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Consumer Guide: Steps Between Signing and Closing on a Home

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.

Downloads:
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Consumer Guide: Agency and Non-Agency Relationships

Consumer Guide: 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.

Downloads:
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Consumer Guide: The Appraisal Process

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.

Downloads:
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Consumer Guide: Home Inspections

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.

Downloads:
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Consumer Guide: Homeowners Insurance

Consumer Guide: Homeowners Insurance

Understanding homeowners insurance is essential for anyone looking to purchase a home. Here's what you need to know.

Downloads:
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Consumer Guide: Flood Insurance

Consumer Guide: Flood Insurance

Flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster in the U.S. A licensed insurance agent can advise you on how to protect your assets. Find out what you need to know.

Downloads:
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Consumer Guide: Fire Damage and Policy Coverage

Consumer Guide: Fire Damage and Policy Coverage

Most homeowners insurance policies cover fire damage. Some may limit coverage if your risk is higher. Here's what you need to know about understanding your coverage.

Downloads:
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Consumer Guide: Preparing to Sell Your Home

Consumer Guide: Preparing to Sell Your Home

Here are common considerations as you prepare your home for listing and viewing by potential buyers. An agent who is a REALTOR® can guide you.

Downloads:
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Consumer Guide: What Goes Into Pricing Your Home

Consumer Guide: What Goes Into Pricing Your Home

An important question to ask your agent is how to determine your home's listing, or asking, price. Here is what sellers should know about home pricing.

Downloads:
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Consumer Guide: Escrow and Earnest Money

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.

Downloads:
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Consumer Guide: Preparing for Homeownership

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.

Downloads:
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Consumer Guide: Property Taxes

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.

Downloads:
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Consumer Guide: Seller Disclosures

Consumer Guide: 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.

Downloads:
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Consumer Guide: Marketing Your Home

Consumer Guide: 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.

Downloads:
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Consumer Guide: Homeowners Associations

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.

Downloads:
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Consumer Guide: Navigating Multiple Offers

Consumer Guide: Navigating Multiple 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.

Downloads:
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Consumer Guide: Alternative Listing Options

Consumer Guide: Alternative Listing Options

Home sellers looking to market their homes may have different preferences for how they do so. An agent who is a REALTOR® can help you craft a marketing strategy that best suits your needs.

Downloads:
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Consumer Guide: Deeds and Titles

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.

Downloads:
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Consumer Guide: Buying Land and Building a New Home

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.

Downloads:
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Consumer Guide: Understanding & Protecting Yourself From Title Fraud

Consumer Guide: Protecting Yourself From Title Fraud

Title fraud is a serious crime that can result in loss of title to a property. Here's what to know about how title fraud happens, who's at risk, and how to prevent it.

Downloads:
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Consumer Guide: Overcoming Barriers to Homeownership

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.

Downloads:
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Consumer Guide: Mortgage Interest Tax Deduction

Consumer Guide: 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.

Downloads:
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Additional Consumer Information

Real Estate Practice Changes and Impact on the Consumer
infographicAugust 17, 2024

Infographic: See how NAR’s proposed settlement and changes, which took effect on August 17, impact home buyers and sellers.

What the NAR Settlement Means for Buyers & Sellers

The settlement includes changes to real estate transactions, but importantly, consumers will continue to have choices regarding real estate services.

Homebuyers: What the NAR Settlement Means for You

REALTORS® are a trusted source of advice and stand ready to help you navigate your homebuying journey and make the choices that work best for you.

Home Sellers: What the NAR Settlement Means for You

REALTORS® are a trusted source of advice and stand ready to help you navigate the complex home selling process with choices that work best for you.

179 Ways Agents Who Are REALTORS® Are Worth Every Penny of Their Compensation

Agents Who are REALTORS® Provide Market Expertise

Agents Who are REALTORS® Provide Market Expertise

video

October 10, 2023

Buyer Richard explains how agents who are REALTORS® provide market expertise.

Agents Who are REALTORS® Provide a Valuable Human Touch

Agents Who are REALTORS® Provide a Valuable Human Touch

video

October 10, 2023

Buyer/seller Robin explains how agents who are REALTORS® provide a valuable human touch.

Agents who are REALTORS® Provide Property Expertise

Agents who are REALTORS® Provide Property Expertise

video

October 10, 2023

First-time homebuyers Dany and Litzy M explain how agents who are REALTORS® provide property expertise.

Member Resources

Dos and Don’ts When Working With Buyers
Guidance on implementing new business practice changes in your transactions with homebuyers.

Dos and Don’ts When Working With Sellers
Guidance on implementing new business practice changes in your transactions with homesellers.

Written Buyer Agreements 101
Outlining the services an MLS Participant will provide and how they will be compensated.

MLS Policy Changes Summarypdf
Details of changes to MLS policies and model MLS governing documents.

Handbook on Multiple Listing Policy
Guide for REALTOR® associations operating multiple listing services.

Settlement Agreementpdf
Full documentation of the settlement. (PDF)

Final Settlement Approval Orderpdf
Full documentation of the settlement approval order. (PDF)

Navigating the Practice Changes Webinar

Watch a recording of an all-member webinar that reviews the practice changes that took effect on August 17 and discusses where to direct consumers for answers about the settlement class notice.

Slide Deck - Navigating the Practice Changes Webinarpdf (1.52 MB)

Broker Resources