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).

Located on a non through-way street you'll enjoy a big backyard, pool, 2 tier deck. Many interior updates, flooring, decor, newer windows and roof! Wi...

1996 colonial tucked away on a pretty, landscaped 1.31 acre lot less than 1 mile from I95. Mature trees and perennial garden. Open floor plan from kit...

Move right into this turnkey ranch on 1.38 acres. House features 2 spacious bedrooms, 1 full ceramic tiled bath, hardwood floors, new windows througho...

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.

Private secluded 1,804 sqft 4 bedroom, 1 bath, Ranch style log home on 4.69 acres. Spacious open concept design with beautiful stone fireplace. New de...

Set up for horses, 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, attached 2-car garage, 30x36 horse barn with water, 2-stalls with room for 300 bales of hay, 200+ feet of water...

A hard to fine 4 bedroom home at a great price! This colonial home has formal and informal living room, and a formal dining room. Front 3-season porch...

Nice, quiet corner lot featuring generous back yard and patio! Hardwood floors under carpets in bedrooms and wood floor in living room, updated window...

Enjoy convenient in-town living. Many updates in this solid home, fenced in yard, garage with direct entry to home. This home has a unique charm to it...

Very charming early 1900's colonial with elegant wrap around porch offers 4 bedrooms and 2 full baths located in much sought after Old Town neighborho...

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.

A unique, affordable opportunity to own an American Foursquare with beautifully maintained original woodwork and hardwood floors, complete with many t...

Extremely well maintained New England Style home in town on 0.56 acres. 9+ rooms, 5 BR's with a bonus family room on the 3rd floor. Natural gas furnac...

Rare opportunity to live intown on a cul de sac. 2500 sqft in a quiet neighborhood. Built in 1976, this home features 4 large 2nd floor bedrooms inclu...

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).

Move in ready condition 3 bedroom nestled in wooded lot. New paint kitchen flooring, Brownville slate hearth, and metal roof. Penscott 1boiler will sa...

Very charming and inviting 3-4 bedroom cape style home with 2 full baths and first floor bedroom or study on 20.6 acres. Country eat-in kitchen open t...

Lovely home conveniently located close to amenities and the interstate with in-law apartment and gorgeous Stillwater River views. Spacious lot with me...

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.

This cozy 2 bedroom, 1 bath home with a 1 car garage is nestled on an in-town lot close to public schools, shopping, and walking/hiking/biking trails,...

Walk or bike the University of Maine trail which takes you directly onto campus or cut through to town in minutes! Large, fenced-in back yard. 12X18 d...

Your Next Home is perched on top of a hill with incredible views along the banks of the Penobscot River! Updates throughout this well cared for home a...

This beautiful North Tacoma view home has so much to offer. Custom kitchen has a six burner gas range, prep sink and concrete counters. French doors c...

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.