HARRISBURG, PA — A new consumer survey by the National Association of Realtors® reveals that 88% of home purchases and 90% of home sales are conducted with the help of a real estate agent, highlighting the critical role these professionals play in the process. The survey also found that nearly 9 in 10 buyers and sellers would recommend their agent to others, emphasizing high satisfaction levels with agent services.
According to the report, 90% of buyers were pleased with their agent’s responsiveness, market knowledge, and integrity. Similarly, 88% of buyers and 87% of sellers said they would recommend their agent. These findings confirm the strong trust and value consumers place on agents’ expertise.
Personal referrals were a major factor in connecting buyers with agents, with 40% of buyers finding their agent through friends, family, or neighbors. For first-time buyers, this number was even higher at 51%. The survey also noted that most buyers opted to work with the first agent they interviewed.
“These findings demonstrate the high value consumers place on having an agent by their side in the home buying and selling process,” said Bill Lublin, president-elect of the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors® and a Philadelphia-area broker.
Additionally, the survey showed that only 6% of home sales were “for sale by owner,” the lowest level since the survey began in 1981. This further underscores the reliance on and value of professional real estate services.
The Pennsylvania Association of Realtors® encourages consumers to hire agents who are Realtors®, as they adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and provide expert guidance throughout the transaction process. Buyers are also reminded to sign a formal agreement with their agent before home tours, as required by changes implemented this past August.
The survey, conducted annually, included participants who completed home transactions between July 2023 and June 2024. These findings reaffirm the indispensable role of agents in navigating the complexities of real estate, ensuring smoother transactions and high customer satisfaction.
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