Trust as a Factor in Deciding on a Real Estate Purchase Transaction

The aim of this dissertation is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of trust as a key factor influencing the decision-making process in real estate transactions. The study focuses on examining the mechanisms of trust formation among market participants and identifying ways to enhance trust and its impact on transaction efficiency and security. The theoretical framework of the study explores the foundations of trust in the context of economics and psychology. A review of existing research highlights the main approaches to studying trust and its role in economic interactions. Key theories and models describing the nature of trust and their application in the real estate market are considered. The empirical part of the research is based on the results of a survey conducted among 304 respondents. The questionnaire included questions aimed at assessing the importance of trust in real estate transactions, identifying factors influencing trust formation, and studying respondents' preferences for information sources and communication channels. The Rosenberg Trust Scale was also used to evaluate the general level of trust among respondents towards other people. The main findings of the study indicate that trust plays a critical role in the decision-making process in the real estate market. The most important factors influencing trust are the professional experience and reputation of the agent or seller, the transparency of transaction conditions, and personal communication. Analysis of open-ended questions revealed several suggestions for improving the real estate purchase process, aimed at enhancing trust among transaction participants. Based on the data obtained, practical recommendations were developed for real estate market participants, including proposals to increase transaction transparency, strengthen control, and improve communication. These recommendations can be used to develop strategies and programs aimed at enhancing the level of trust and, consequently, improving the efficiency and security of real estate transactions. This dissertation contributes to the development of theoretical and practical aspects of studying trust in the real estate market and offers specific measures to strengthen it in this context.