T
he real estate industry has been under scrutiny due to class-action lawsuits over commission fees, but a new report from the National Association of Realtors reveals that homebuyers and sellers are more concerned with finding the right property and having a smooth transaction than getting a good deal.

    According to the survey, 49% of buyers want their agent's help in finding the right home, making it the top priority. Financial concerns, such as price negotiations, take a backseat, with only 11% citing this as their primary need. Sellers also prioritize practical matters over monetary issues, with 22% saying they want help marketing their home and 20% wanting assistance with pricing competitively.

    The survey also sheds light on how agents market homes for sale. The Clear Cooperation Policy, which requires Realtors to post listings on a NAR-affiliated MLS within a day of signing an agreement, appears to be influencing responses. A staggering 86% of sellers reported that their agent posted the listing on an MLS, making it the most popular marketing method. Other methods, such as yard signs and open houses, also received significant attention, with 61% and 58% of sellers respectively reporting their use.