The results in ORAA's 2009 survey show that the majority of buyers and sellers used a real estate professional for assistance.  Forty-six percent of buyers purchased their home through a real estate agent or broker.  Forty-six percent of buyers found their agent through a referral from a friend or family member.  Sixty-four percent of buyers would definitely use their real estate agent again or recommend the same agent to others.  Some of the most important factors in choosing an agent in the Orlando area are as follows:  an honest and trustworthy agent, agent is friend of family member, agent has a good reputation, agent's knowledge of the neighborhood, agent has a caring personality/good listener.

Eighty-seven percent of sellers were assisted by a real estate agent when selling their home.  Nationwide, 85 percent of sellers used a real estate agent when selling their home.  Recent sellers typically sold their homes for 94 percent of the listing price, and 74 percent reported they reduced the asking price at least once.  Among all sellers nationally, sellers typically sold their homes for 95 percent of the listing price, and 60 percent reported that they reduced the asking price at least once.  Forty-three percent of the sellers offered incentives to attract buyers, most often assistance with home warranty policies and closing costs.