Real estate agents continue to play a pivotal role in guiding buyers through an increasingly complex and competitive housing market. In 2024, 88% of home purchases were made through agents or brokers. Even among buyers of newly constructed homes—where builder agents are often available—63% still opted for a real estate professional, while 92% of those buying previously-owned homes relied on one. These findings from the NAR 2024 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, demonstrate the enduring value of real estate agents in the home buying process.
What Buyers Value Most from Real Estate Agents
Buyers primarily seek agents’ assistance to find the right home (49%) and negotiate favorable terms (14%). These services are complemented by an agent’s ability to simplify the often-complex buying process. More than half of buyers (53%) said their agent helped them understand the process. This proved especially critical for first-time buyers, with 80% citing this service as invaluable.
Real Estate Agents and Technology
Technology and online tools are critical starting points for many buyers, with 43% beginning their search online. Though online tools help buyers browse properties and visualize spaces, they fall short of offering the context and market insight that agents provide. While online searches helped 51% of buyers identify potential properties, 29% of buyers ultimately found their home through a real estate agent. Additionally, the report found that 86% of buyers used an agent during the home-buying process, highlighting the indispensable value of real estate professionals’ personalized support and expertise in today’s market.
How Buyers Connect with Real Estate Agents
Personal touch is a cornerstone of the real estate industry. Forty percent of buyers found their agent through referrals from friends, neighbors, or relatives, with this number climbing to 51% for first-time buyers. Repeat buyers were also likely to rely on relationships, with 21% re-engaging an agent they had previously worked with. Interestingly, most buyers (77%) only interviewed one agent before making their choice, reflecting the trust placed in referrals and past experiences.
Satisfaction and Loyalty
Buyers overwhelmingly expressed satisfaction with their agents, citing responsiveness, market knowledge, honesty, integrity, and people skills as standout qualities. At least 90% of buyers were pleased with these attributes. This satisfaction translated into loyalty, with 88% of buyers stating they would use their agent again or recommend them to others. Within the first year after purchase, 61% had already referred their agent to friends or family.
Conclusion
Real estate agents are integral to the home-buying process, offering critical support in property selection, negotiation, and navigating complexities. In a housing market shaped by challenges like affordability and limited inventory, estate agents remain indispensable allies. As the NAR 2024 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers demonstrates, agents are more than facilitators of transactions. They are trusted advisors who make homeownership attainable and rewarding.
