FREE Consumer Guides For Home Buyers and Sellers - Updated!

Buying or selling a home comes with plenty of questions—and the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) has introduced a new resource to help. The Consumer Guide Series offers quick, one‑page explainers that deliver clear, practical guidance for clients working with a Realtor®.

We’re pleased to highlight and share these resources with home buyers, sellers, and our REALTOR® members, empowering everyone with the knowledge needed to navigate each stage of the real estate journey with confidence.

Why These Guides Are a Must-Have

• Comprehensive Topics: Covering key areas, from buyer agreements to seller disclosures, and 10 questions to ask a seller's or buyer's agent.

• Flexible Formats: Download the PDFs below to share, or visit NAR’s Consumer Guide landing page (link) to access the web-based versions.

• Bilingual Availability: Offered in both English and Spanish to reach a broader audience.

What's Included in the Consumer Guide Series?

Each guide addresses a specific topic, offering quick and easy insights for consumers:

• Written Buyer Agreements: Understand the purpose and importance of formal agreements when working with an agent.

• Seller Disclosures: Home sellers must disclose certain characteristics of the property to buyers.

• 10 Questions to Ask a Buyer's Agent: If you’re ready to buy a home, you should feel empowered to find and work with the agent who is the best fit for your needs.

• 10 Questions to ask a Seller's Agent: If you’re ready to sell your home, you should feel empowered to find and work with the agent who is the best fit for your needs.

• Several guides on detecting Fraud in Real Estate.

Perfect for REALTORS® to share with Clients

• Whether you're welcoming a new client, preparing for an open house, or assisting a first-time buyer, these resources are your reliable go-to handouts.

• Share them to help your clients feel confident, informed, and ready to make smart real estate decisions.

• Click below to access the guide in a web or PDF version for easy sharing!

Consumer Guide Downloads:

• Staging Your House for a Sale

• Spotting Deepfake Scams in Real Estate

• 15 Things to Do Before Every Showing

• Are You Ready to Invest in Real Estate?

• Thinking of Selling? 7 Factors to Consider

• How to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

• Can't Pay Your Mortgage? You Have Options

• 8 Tips for Selling Your Home in Winter

• Hiring a Remodeling Contractor

• Real Estate Sales Contract Contingencies

• Understanding Condo Ownership

• How to Protect Against Real Estate Wire Fraud

• 5 Home Selling Tips for Privacy and Safety

• Do You Need Private Mortgage Insurance?

• What is the VA Home Loan Guaranty?

• 10 Tips for Packing Smartly for a Move

• State and Local Tax (SALT) Deductions

• Buying a Historic Property

• Making Your Home More Energy Efficient

• Working with a Real Estate Attorney

• Real Estate Auctions

• Assistance Programs

• Your Home and Estate Planning

• Mortgage Interest Tax Deduction

• Overcoming Barriers to Homeownership

• Protecting Yourself From Title Fraud

• Buying Land and Building a New Home

• Deeds and Titles

• Alternative Listing Options

• Navigating Multiple Offers

• Homeowner Associations

• Marketing Your Home

• Seller Disclosures

• Property Taxes

• Preparing for Homeownership

• Escrow and Earnest Money

• Preparing to Sell Your Home

• Flood Insurance

• Fire Damage and Policy Coverage

• Homeowner Insurance

• Home Inspections

• The Appraisal Process

• Agency and Non-Agency Relationships

• Steps Between Signing and Closing

• Mortgages and Financing

• Buying Your First Home

• 10 Questions to Ask a Seller's Agent

• 10 Questions to Ask a Buyer's Agent

• Listing Agreements

• Fair Housing

• Multiple Listing Services (MLSs)

• Seller Concessions

• Negotiating Written Buyer Agreements

• Written Buyer Agreements

• Open Houses and Written Agreements

• REALTORS® Duty to Put Client Interests Above Their Own

• What Veterans Need to Know About Buying a Home

• Offers of Compensation 

• (List Updated 10/7/2025)

For even more helpful tools, tips, and information, be sure to visit www.silvercityrealtors.org or explore the wide range of resources available at the National Association of REALTORS® website at www.nar.realtor today! Whether you're a real estate professional or a client, you'll find valuable support to guide you through every step of the real estate process.