According to highlights from the National Association of Realtors Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers 2012, approximately two-thirds of home sellers contacted only one agent before selecting the one to assist with their home sale! This reaffirms that staying in touch with your sphere of influence is more important in today’s competitive real estate market than ever before. Another statistic, 89% of buyers purchased their home through a real estate agent or broker in 2012, which is similar to last year’s report—a share that steadily increased from 69% back in 2001.
Other highlights reveal that the first step for 41% of home buyers is searching online. Ninety-three percent of sellers report that they listed their home on the Internet – no surprise there. The report also mentions heating and cooling costs, and the financial burden of commuting, as top factors for 87% of home buyers. Interesting data surrounding For-Sale-By-Owner (FSBO) appears in the report as well, listing the top three reasons a seller goes the FSBO route which includes the owner trying to avoid paying fees or commission, they sold the property to a friend or relative, or the buyer contacted the seller directly. For more insight into the needs and expectations of clients you can purchase the full report here.