Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most people make in their lifetime. With the real estate market evolving, the role of real estate professionals remains crucial. In 2024, the overwhelming majority of buyers—88%—purchased their homes through a real estate agent or broker. That statistic alone highlights the ongoing need for skilled professionals to guide buyers through the process. But what exactly do home buyers want from an agent, and how do they choose the right one? Let’s talk about home buying and the real estate professionals that were used in 2024 as well as why the right agent matters more than ever.
How Home Buyers Purchased in 2024
While technology has made property searches more accessible, real estate agents continue to play an indispensable role in home buying. Here’s how recent buyers made their purchases:
- 88% of buyers worked with a real estate agent or broker.
- 5% bought directly from a builder or the builder’s agent.
- 5% purchased from the previous owner without agent involvement.
Interestingly, the need for an agent varied based on whether buyers were purchasing new construction or a previously owned home. About 63% of new home buyers used a real estate agent, while a staggering 92% of buyers of existing homes relied on an agent’s expertise. These numbers reinforce the fact that navigating home purchases—especially in a resale market—requires professional insight and negotiation skills.
What Buyers Want from a Real Estate Professional
While buyers seek out real estate professionals for many reasons, their top priorities are clear:
- 49% needed help finding the right home. With thousands of listings available, narrowing down the perfect match isn’t easy.
- 14% relied on their agent for negotiation support. In a competitive market, a skilled negotiator can mean the difference between winning or losing a home.
- 53% said their agent helped them understand the home-buying process. This number jumps to 80% for first-time buyers, proving that having a knowledgeable guide is invaluable when purchasing a home for the first time.
Beyond these key functions, real estate agents also assist buyers in navigating financing, inspections, and legal paperwork—critical aspects that can make or break a deal.
How Buyers Found Their Real Estate Agent in 2024
Choosing the right real estate professional isn’t something buyers take lightly. Most rely on personal connections and past experiences:
- 40% of buyers found their agent through a referral from a friend, neighbor, or relative. Among first-time buyers, referrals were even more significant, with 51% selecting their agent through a personal recommendation.
- 37% of repeat buyers also relied on referrals, while 21% returned to an agent they had previously worked with.
- Perhaps most surprising, 77% of repeat buyers only interviewed one agent before making a decision. That means first impressions and reputation matter more than ever for real estate professionals.
The Satisfaction Factor: Why Agents Continue to Be Indispensable
A great real estate professional doesn’t just help with the transaction—they build lasting relationships. Buyer satisfaction in 2024 was remarkably high:
- 90% of buyers expressed satisfaction with their agent’s responsiveness, integrity, market knowledge, and people skills.
- 88% would use their agent again or recommend them to others.
- 61% of recent buyers have already referred their agent to friends and family within the first year of purchase.
These numbers prove that the right real estate professional can make the home-buying experience smoother, more efficient, and ultimately more successful.
The real estate market in 2024 is fast-paced, complex, and competitive. When analyzing home buying and the real estate professionals that have represented buyers, buyers need more than just access to listings—they need a skilled, knowledgeable advocate who can guide them through the process with confidence. Whether it’s finding the right home, negotiating a deal, or navigating the intricacies of financing and contracts, real estate professionals remain as valuable as ever. If you’re considering buying a home this year, partnering with the right agent isn’t just a good idea—it’s essential.
