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).

Updated 3+ bedroom, 2 bath Southport home with classic New England architecture and generous living spaces. Sited atop a knoll above Deckers Cove, thi...

This cottage will make you think Maine Summer Vacation! A classic cottage perched on the edge of the water with a small beach area and rocks to scramb...

One of the most spectacular properties in Mid Coast Maine! An entire peninsula with protected deep water dock, pier, waterside shed, boathouse/barn an...

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.

Spectacular ocean front location for this 3 bedroom cottage style home with attached garage and separate studio/cottage on 2.7 acres on Southport. 184...

Cape Newagen, jutting out into the Atlantic, exemplifies Maine coast oceanfront. With sunny southerly orientation, 91' of frontage, and rights to a su...

Spectacularly set home on half an acre at the end of Camerons Point Road on Ebenecook Harbor. Deepwater dock with stone pier and 300 feet of waterfron...

This three bedroom energy efficient home has something for everyone! Featuring a 24' x 12' heated built-in pool with hot tub on the south side deck, h...

Southport Island Cottage is set on 5 acres, conveniently located a quarter of the way down the east side of Southport Island. With a deep-water dock i...

Airy and light filled contemporary in the desirable Dogfish Head neighborhood of Southport. Built in 1985 and totally renovated in 2006, this home sho...

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.

Custom built, post and beam home looking westerly over beautiful Ebenecook Harbor at the mouth of the Sheepscott River on Southport. House designed fo...

Enjoy quintessential summers in Maine in this custom built home offering 3 levels of living w/ decks and porches enabling spectacular views of the Atl...

This spectacular contemporary cape is located in the historic Newagen Colony with access to all the resort's amenities, tennis, dock, pool, beach, and...

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).

Here's a ranch style home offering single floor living. Located in the beautiful Boothbay Harbor region. Spacious double living room, kitchen with oak...

Cool Breezes blow through stately pines sheltering this elegant 3-bedroom 2.5 bath waterfront home in beautiful Newagen Colony. Situated on 2.8 +/- ac...

Back on the market with a new price!! 3 BR, 1 BA in-town colonial featuring large rooms, tall ceilings and elevated seasonal views of the harbor. The ...

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.

Sunny, contemporary chalet-style home with vaulted ceilings and one level living, all situated on 1.5 acres of land and a two car, detached garage. Re...

Stately four bedroom, two bath gambrel, located just up the street from the YMCA, schools, grocery store, and downtown Boothbay Harbor. With the plann...

Here is an outstanding opportunity to own a newly renovated home on Atlantic Avenue in Boothbay Harbor. This 3 bedroom, 2 bath home has been updated a...

In-town 4-bedroom bungalow. Two 50 sq ft Thermopane windows provide wide-open views of the inner harbor, Burnt Island, Cuckolds, and out to sea! Built...

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.