Real estate agents are licensed professionals who arrange real estate transactions, putting buyers and sellers together and acting as their representatives in negotiations. Real estate agents usually are compensated completely by a commission—a percentage of the property's purchase price, so their income depends on their ability to get a deal closed.

Buying a home is still considered a key aspect of the American dream. As a first-time buyer, you have access to state programs, tax breaks, and federally backed loans if you don't have the usual minimum down payment—ideally 20% of the purchase price for a conventional loan—or you're a member of a certain group (see the Important callout, below). And you may qualify as a first-time buyer even if you're not a novice.

Traditionally, an agent is paid a commission that is a percentage of the property’s sale price. The more the house sells for, the more money an agent makes. However, with online listings allowing consumers to do much of the shopping on their own without help from an agent, the traditional payment structure is changing.

Some brokerages charge a lower commission for more expensive houses, and some handle the entire transaction for a flat fee that’s much less than a regular commission. Other companies offer a fee-for-service pricing structure that lets sellers pay only for certain parts of the sale process, such as adding the property to a multiple listing service (MLS).

A realtor is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), a trade association. Both agents and brokers can be realtors, along with property managers, appraisers, and other real estate industry professionals. Realtors are expected to be experts in their field and must follow the NAR's code of ethics, which requires agents to uphold specific duties to clients and customers, to the public, and to other realtors. In addition to NAR, realtors must belong to a state or local real estate association or board.

All realtors are real estate agents or brokers (or something related), but not all agents or brokers are realtors, in other words. As of June 2020, the organization reported that it had 1.4 million members. Roughly 2/3's of members held real estate agent's licenses.

Unique opportunity to enjoy the Vineyard the way it use to be on this lovely country lane just steps from the Homeport and Menemsha Pond. Nestled in a...

Located down an idyllic country lane, this beautiful 3 bedroom home offers an inviting open floor plan with cathedral beamed ceilings perfect for ente...

With 425 ft of private ocean beach, this offering deserves its reputation as the ''ultimate beach house.'' The 5-bedroom home has been completely reno...

Real estate agents are licensed professionals who arrange real estate transactions, putting buyers and sellers together and acting as their representatives in negotiations. Real estate agents usually are compensated completely by a commission—a percentage of the property's purchase price, so their income depends on their ability to get a deal closed.

Located on a quiet lane, this inviting 4 BR expanded cape was designed and built with a generous floor plan and custom detail thoughout. High-end kitc...

Rare Opportunity to Own One of The Nicest Winterized Homes in Chilmark. This Fully Furnished Turnkey House Has It All, And Could Either Be a Great Inc...

Ocean-view Chilmark home with swimming pool, 440 feet of private ocean beach, and big, beauteous ocean views. The house is being completely renovated ...

A substantial Tom Tate built home on 1.2 acres in Chilmark, designed to work with the landscape to maximize the spectacular water views from almost ev...

You can see for miles and miles and miles and miles from this uniquely located Chilmark cottage. 180 degree water views looking easterly over Chilmark...

Stonewall Association, one of the premier waterfront neighborhoods in Chilmark, is the location of this brilliant renovation. A wall of beautiful wind...

Buying a home is still considered a key aspect of the American dream. As a first-time buyer, you have access to state programs, tax breaks, and federally backed loans if you don't have the usual minimum down payment—ideally 20% of the purchase price for a conventional loan—or you're a member of a certain group (see the Important callout, below). And you may qualify as a first-time buyer even if you're not a novice.

This masterfully-crafted home was completed in 2010 with high quality materials, equipment, and finishes. There is custom paneling, mill work, and cab...

Endless Atlantic Ocean views, Squibnocket Pond, rolling hillsides, dramatic vistas, centuries old stone walls, gravel roads... these are just some of ...

Paradise is located at the magical intersection of the Atlantic Ocean and Stonewall Pond. A true seaside retreat, this 4-acre property with main house...

Traditionally, an agent is paid a commission that is a percentage of the property’s sale price. The more the house sells for, the more money an agent makes. However, with online listings allowing consumers to do much of the shopping on their own without help from an agent, the traditional payment structure is changing.

Some brokerages charge a lower commission for more expensive houses, and some handle the entire transaction for a flat fee that’s much less than a regular commission. Other companies offer a fee-for-service pricing structure that lets sellers pay only for certain parts of the sale process, such as adding the property to a multiple listing service (MLS).

CHILMARK - Abutting 90 + acres of Conservation Land, this gem of a property has so much to offer, with tons of potential! Located in the lovely Quanso...

Located next to the Gay Head Light, this property has magnificent north views of The Elizabeth Islands expansive south views over Philbin Beach and ou...

West End Ocean View is a rare opportunity to purchase on Cuttyhunk Island. The property consists of a winterized, one-story custom post beam-style res...

A realtor is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), a trade association. Both agents and brokers can be realtors, along with property managers, appraisers, and other real estate industry professionals. Realtors are expected to be experts in their field and must follow the NAR's code of ethics, which requires agents to uphold specific duties to clients and customers, to the public, and to other realtors. In addition to NAR, realtors must belong to a state or local real estate association or board.

All realtors are real estate agents or brokers (or something related), but not all agents or brokers are realtors, in other words. As of June 2020, the organization reported that it had 1.4 million members. Roughly 2/3's of members held real estate agent's licenses.

Located on Copicut Neck the property is sited on 4.55 acres of residential land. The residence is 2596 (measured) square feet of living area with 3 be...

This custom home is beautifully designed and built for today's living. The main house has a spacious and casual floor plan that offers a design perfec...

From the moment you enter this property, one is struck by the beautiful landscaping and high end finishes of this custom home. From the inviting gourm...

VERY interesting property on a lovely lot in West Tisbury. Originally purchased as a modest two bedroom home, the SELLER has created an extensive addi...

For sale by owner or FSBO is a term that refers to a specific method of selling a property. In an FSBO listing, the owner sells the property without the use of an agent or a broker. Sellers typically choose to sell their home on their own to avoid paying the real estate agent the commission for the transaction.