Extra services provided by real estate companies — such as inspections, appraisals and legal and moving company recommendations — have become increasingly important to home buyers and sellers, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Home Buyer/Seller Study.

The study, now in its second year, measures the satisfaction of home buyers and sellers with the largest national real estate companies. Overall satisfaction is determined by examining three factors for the home-buying experience: agent (47 percent); office (28 percent); and package of additional services (25 percent). Four factors are examined for the home-selling experience: agent (34 percent); marketing (34 percent); office (17 percent); and package of additional services (15 percent).

For both buyers and sellers, the agent is still the most important driver of overall satisfaction. Among home sellers, Coldwell Banker ranks highest with a score of 815 and performs particularly well in all four factors.

The study finds that the proportion of first-time home buyers has increased considerably — to 56 percent in 2009 from 44 percent in 2008. Many of these first-time buyers may be attracted by improved home affordability and the perception of a strong buyer’s market. This presents both challenges and opportunities for real estate companies.

The presence of more first-time buyers is encouraging, as it indicates that the real estate market is returning to more normal activity, with fewer speculators. However, real estate companies and agents must carefully manage first-time buyer expectations. Although these buyers may believe otherwise, they must still overcome the traditional barriers to purchasing a home, such as being able to fund down payments, closing costs and monthly payments. Solid advice and service from agents may assuage these first-time buyers’ concerns and build customer loyalty.

“In a tight market, every aspect of service offered will be scrutinized very closely,” said Jim Howland, senior director of the real estate and construction practice at J.D. Power and Associates. “For this reason, it is critical for real estate companies to promote the value that they bring to buyers and sellers, not only in any additional services they offer, but also in their agents and operations.”

The 2009 Home Buyer/Seller Study includes more than 3,100 evaluations from 2,801 respondents who bought or sold a home between April 2008 and June 2009. The study was fielded between April and June 2009.

The local Coldwell Banker office, Coldwell Banker Holtan Real Estate, consists of: Susan Richards, Dave Springborg, Dawn Freeman, Terry Fox, Pat Holtan, Delores Sherburne, Kisti Skaar and Doris Hagen. The office is located at 305 S. Newton Ave, Albert Lea, and can be reached at 373-8963 or at www.cbholtan.com.