The 2004 NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers provides research results on the experiences home buyers and sellers had when purchasing or selling their home. The majority of the respondents used a REALTOR® (a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®). Here's what they had to say:

• Fifty-three percent of home buyers reported that the most important service provided by a real estate agent is helping them find the right home.
  
• Seventy-seven percent of home buyers used a real estate agent and/or broker to complete their transaction.
  
• The real estate professional is first and foremost someone to be trusted; for that reason, most buyers continue to find their agents through referrals from friends or family.

REALTORS® provide critical assistance with the home buying process. A REALTOR®:

• Has many resources to assist you in your home search.
  
• Can provide objective information about each property.
  
• Can help you negotiate.
  
• Can help you determine your buying power.
  
• Provides guidance during the evaluation of the property.
  
• Can guide you through the closing process and make sure everything flows together smoothly.

Courtesy of NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®