The National Association of Realtors 2014 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers is an annual survey that looks at the way the typical home buyer experiences the process of buying a home. For example, this year’s survey found 43 percent of home buyers began the home-buying process by searching online for properties, while 12 percent started looking for information about the process itself. The vast majority of buyers used the Internet in some way or another, however, with 92 percent of buyers reporting they used the web in some fashion. A rising number are also using apps to help them find their house. In fact, 50 percent of buyers said they used a mobile or website application during their home search. But though the home search is increasingly aided by the Internet, real-estate agents still prove to be invaluable to buyers. Among buyers who used an agent, 98 percent said they were a useful source of information during the process. Overall, the typical buyer’s search lasted 10 weeks and they viewed 10 homes. More here.