Skip to Main Content
GCAAR

Greater Capital Area Association of Realtors®

Why Use a REALTOR®?

Only real estate professionals who are members of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) can call themselves REALTORS®.  All REALTORS® adhere to NAR’s strict Code of Ethics, which is based on professionalism and protection of the public. That’s why all real estate licensees are NOT the same.

The National Association of REALTORS® is the largest professional association at over one million members strong. So, whether you’re buying or selling a home—it pays to work with a REALTOR®. Look for the REALTOR® logo when choosing your real estate professional.

No matter what side of the transaction you're on, REALTORS® provide you with invaluable services. Here are some highlights from the 2017 NAR Survey of Home Buyers and Sellers:

Home Buying and Real Estate Professionals

87 percent of buyers recently purchased their home through a real estate agent or broker, compared to 82 percent in 1981.


The typical buyer age rose to 45 this year, a peak reached only one other time (2011).  In 1981 the typical buyer was between the ages of 25-34.


First-time buyers made up 34 percent of all home buyers, a decrease from last year's 35 percent. In 1981, the share of first-time buyers was 44 percent. 


Buyers of new homes made up 15 percent, which is historically low compared to 29 percent in 1989.


The share of single female buyers has increased for three years to 18 percent.  In 1981, just 11 percent were single female buyers.

Home Selling and Real Estate Professionals
The typical home seller was 55 years old, increasing from 45 in 2009.

Sellers typically lived in their home for 10 years before selling.  In 1985, the median tenure was five years.

Recently sold homes were on the market for a median of three weeks, a historical low, and down from eight weeks in 1987.

Only eight percent of recent home sales were for sale by owner (FSBO) sales again this year. For the third year, this is the lowest share recorded since this report started in 1981.

89 percent of home sellers worked with a real estate agent to sell their home.