How REALTORS® Can Assist First-Time Homebuyers in Achieving Their Dreams

June 28, 2023

A thrilling life milestone, especially for first-time homebuyers, is buying a home. But without the correct assistance, navigating the complicated real estate market may be intimidating. This is where seasoned REALTORS® step in, acting as reliable consultants who provide crucial support throughout the home-buying process. We'll look at how REALTORS® can make first-time homebuyers' aspirations of owning a home a reality in this blog post.


Educating First-Time Homebuyers


First-time homeowners need to be informed about the real estate market and the purchasing process, which is where REALTORS® come in. They take the time to comprehend the preferences, spending limits, and needs of the customers. REALTORS® can aid purchasers in making educated judgments by imparting their knowledge. They ensure that homebuyers have the information they need to make informed decisions by outlining the various property types, financing options, and legal processes involved.


Assisting with Financial Considerations


Financial worries can be a substantial cause of worry for many first-time homebuyers. REALTORS® can put purchasers in touch with reliable financial consultants and mortgage lenders to help them determine their financial capacity. They help customers comprehend the different mortgage options and establish a proper budget as they walk them through the pre-approval procedure. REALTORS® can offer useful guidance on negotiating prices and financing arrangements because of their knowledge of market trends and property values. This helps to ensure that purchasers get the best possible deal.


Locating Suitable Properties


Finding suitable residences that fit a first-time buyer's wants and preferences is one of a REALTOR®'s main responsibilities. Real estate agents have access to vast databases and networks that offer current details on available listings. By doing property searches depending on the needs of the buyers, including location, size, amenities, and price range, they save purchasers time and effort. REALTORS® simplify the process and raise the likelihood of discovering the perfect house by providing a carefully curated list of homes.


Negotiating and Closing the Deal


For first-time buyers, the bargaining stage of the home-buying process might be scary. In order to obtain the best terms for their customers, REALTORS® negotiate skillfully on their behalf. They do this by using their understanding of the market, similar sales, and the history of the property. They manage proposals, counterproposals, and contingencies, making sure that the interests of buyers are safeguarded throughout the transaction. To guarantee a seamless closing process, REALTORS® also collaborate with other experts involved, such as home inspectors, appraisers, and attorneys.


Providing Post-Purchase Support


The closure of the contract does not represent the end of the REALTOR®'s obligations. They provide first-time homebuyers with crucial post-purchase assistance to ease their move into their new residences. If necessary, REALTORS® can recommend reputable builders, interior designers, or home improvement experts. They can also help with comprehending homeowners' associations, property taxes, and other ongoing duties related to homeownership. REALTORS® become trusted advisors for any future real estate requirements by developing long-term relationships.


The journey of purchasing a first home is made significantly easier with the assistance of a knowledgeable and experienced REALTOR®. From educating buyers about the process to negotiating and closing the deal, REALTORS® provide essential guidance every step of the way. Their expertise, industry connections, and dedication to client satisfaction make them invaluable resources for first-time homebuyers. With a REALTOR® by their side, buyers can navigate the complex real estate market with confidence, making their dreams of homeownership a reality.


HOMEBUYER RESOURCES

Update from 2025 REALTORS® Legislative Meetings

By Louisiana REALTORS® • June 6, 2025
The National Association of REALTORS® Board of Directors approved a 2026 budget with no dues increase and passed a Professional Standards Recommendation to clarify language in NAR Code of Ethics Standard of Practice 10-5, which prohibits harassment of any person or persons protected under Article 10 of the Code. A day earlier, the Executive Committee approved another Professional Standards change, revising language for Policy Statement 29 designed to ensure state and local associations can fairly and consistently enforce the Code of Ethics. Learn more about the changes. Read the revised Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. Board members also approved a consent agenda to elect the 2026 officers and regional vice presidents . Christine Hansen of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., was elected 2026 President-Elect, and Colin Mullane of Ashland, Ore. was elected 2026 First Vice President. The meeting opened with a video message from President Donald Trump, who welcomed REALTORS® to Washington and thanked them for support of the House-passed tax reform. NAR routinely invites the U.S. president to address REALTORS® at the Washington meetings. Over NAR's history, nine sitting presidents have addressed the association. Board Actions Approved a series of Finance Committee recommendations, accepting the association’s financial statement, approving the 2026 operating and advocacy budgets, and keeping dues at $156. The board actions also redirect $35 of the $45 Consumer Advertising Campaign assessment to operating funds. This change positions NAR to make its next settlement payment in February 2026 and maintain a balanced budget without raising total dues. The remaining $10 for the Consumer Advertising Campaign will fund optimized, metrics-driven activities that reach and engage consumers in critical markets. NAR CEO Nykia Wright and President Kevin Sears explained the shift at the opening session of the conference . Amended Standard of Practice 10-5 to give state and local associations greater clarity in how to fairly and consistently enforce Article 10 of the Code of Ethics. The amended Standard of Practice says that REALTORS®, in their capacity as real estate professionals, in association with their real estate businesses, or in their real estate-related activities, shall not harass any person or persons based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Made a series of recommendations to the Standards of Practice to bring the language in line with the terms of NAR’s 2024 settlement. Approved a motion to make one member of the Executive Committee a commercial practitioner who has served as chair, vice chair or liaison of an NAR commercial-related committee or forum to serve a two-year term and be independent of the 10% commercial representation requirement outlined in the NAR Constitution. Approved a recommendation from the Credentials and Campaign Rules Committee to amend qualifications for president-elect, first vice president and treasurer effective Jan. 1, 2026. Qualifications for top-line officers are now aligned with those already in place for regional vice presidents. Approved recommendations from the Member Accountability Committee related to applications for volunteer leadership and the Statement of Appropriate Event Conduct. The goal of the recommendations is to ensure members found in violation of the NAR Member Code of Conduct are properly disclosed. Award Winners NAR President Kevin Sears announced the 2025 Distinguished Service Award winners James P. Cormier , AHWD, C2EX, of Minneapolis-St. Paul, and Brooke S. Hunt , AHWD, E-PRO, SFR, SRS, C2EX , of Flower Mound, Texas. In addition, the group recognized the winner of the 2024 William R. Magel Award, Anne Marie DeCatsye , CEO of the Canopy REALTOR® Association and Canopy MLS in the Charlotte, N.C., metro area. REALTORS® Relief Foundation  During the meeting, REALTORS® Relief Foundation President Greg Hrabcak appealed to board members to make a tax-deductible donation. The fund provides housing assistance to victims in the immediate aftermath of a disaster; 100% of funds donated go to disaster relief. “We’ve had devastating wildfires in California, tornadoes in Missouri and Kentucky and flooding in West Virginia, and we’re still in the first half of this year,” Hrabcak said. Before the meeting ended, directors had donated more than $41,000.
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