IAR Homebuyer/Homeseller Survey 

Repeat homebuyers had been in their previous home for a median of five years. 

Eighty percent of homeowners sold their home with the assistance of a real estate agent; 12 percent were sold For Sale by Owner. 

Thirty-four percent of sellers most wanted their real estate professional to "find a buyer" for their home, help sell the home within the seller's timeframe, and help price home competitively. 

Thirty-eight percent of sellers would use the same listing agent again, thirty-percent said they would not use the same agent because they live far away from previous home. 

Eighty-four percent of sellers said the buyer had the home inspected prior to purchasing. 

Marketing tools used by real estate agent to market a home (as to most popular), yard sign, newspaper ad, Internet, open house, real estate magazine. 

The most important factors in the decision to choose a real estate agent to sell a home are: thirty-three percent used the agent previously; thirty percent were referred to by friend/neighbor/relative. 

Seventy percent of sellers interviewed one agent; twenty percent interviewed two agents. 

More than two out of five FSBOs were not sure whether they would go through the FSBO experience again; 8 percent said they would use an agent next time. 

Most important reason for selling home FSBO: 51 percent did not want to pay commission; 29 percent sold to a relative/friend/neighbor. 

How FSBOs will sell current home: 46 percent would sell themselves, only 8 percent would use a real estate agent. 

Problems in selling a home: getting the right price, understanding paperwork, attracting potential buyers, selling within the length of time planned, attracting buyers. 

Techniques used to market a home to potential buyers: yard sign, newspaper ads, friends/neighbors/relatives, open houses.