Home Ownership Matters

The National Association of REALTORS® fights for the rights of property owners across America.

We know that a home is not just a home. It’s a place that is uniquely yours. A place to build your future. As real estate policy continues to evolve at all levels of government, we too, look to evolve our approach to protecting the dream of homeownership.

As we move into a new, exciting chapter of homeowner advocacy, we will be retiring the Home Ownership Matters brand and investing in new tools, resources and opportunities that help secure and protect your most valuable asset.

Your participation is appreciated. Our collective homeowner journey is just getting started. Thank you for your support.

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Why Use a REALTOR®?

All real estate professionals are not created equal. The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® estimates that over 2 million people hold real estate licenses in the United States, but only about 1 million of them have earned the REALTOR® distinction. Through membership in their national, state and local REALTOR® associations, REALTORS® gain numerous opportunities to enhance their educational and professional development. They also are required to adhere to a strict…

Code of Ethics

Buying or Selling a home is a complex process involving what’s likely to be your most prized financial asset. Enacting a smooth transaction requires the expertise of a REALTOR® whose extensive training has prepared him or her to generate the best possible results on your behalf. Just like you shouldn’t treat a broken leg without a doctor or handle a major legal dispute without an attorney, it’s unwise to sell your home without the professional assistance of a REALTOR®.

  • Act as an expert guide.

    Buying or Selling a home typically requires a variety of forms, reports, disclosures, and other legal and financial documents. A knowledgeable real estate agent will know what's required in your market, helping you avoid delays and costly mistakes. Also, there’s a lot of jargon involved in a real estate transaction; you want to work with a professional who can speak the language.

  • Offer objective information and opinions.

    A great real estate agent will guide you through the buying and selling process with an unbiased eye, helping you meet your objectives. Agents are also a great source when you have questions about local amenities, utilities, zoning rules, contractors, and more.

  • Give you expanded search power.

    You want access to the full range of opportunities. Using a cooperative system called the multiple listing service, your agent can help you evaluate and market effectively.

  • Stand in your corner during negotiations.

    There are many factors up for discussion in any real estate transaction—from price to repairs to possession date. A real estate professional who’s representing you will look at the transaction from your perspective, helping you negotiate with your best interest in mind.

  • Ensure an up-to-date experience.

    Most people buy or sell only a few homes in a lifetime, usually with quite a few years between purchases. Even if you’ve bought a home before, laws and regulations change. Real estate practitioners may handle hundreds or thousands of transactions over the course of their career.

  • Be your rock during emotional moments.

    A home is so much more than four walls and a roof. And for most buyers, a home is the biggest purchase they’ll ever make. Having a concerned, but objective, third party helps you stay focused on the issues most important to you when emotions threaten to sink an otherwise sound transaction.

  • Provide fair and ethical treatment.

    When you're interviewing agents, ask if they're a REALTOR®, a member of the National Association of REALTORS®. Every member must adhere to the REALTOR® Code of Ethics, which is based on professionalism, serving the interests of clients, and protecting the public.

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