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.

Simply stunning waterfront property is priced to sell and offers one of the nicest beaches on the lake! Situated on a spectacular lot you can enjoy go...

THIS IS LIVING! Casual elegance here in this well cared for custom home. Dramatic kitchen and dining area with tall cathedral ceiling, granite counter...

This lovely home has been tastefully remodeled. Fully updated kitchen, maple cabinets, office/entry w/pellet stove, dining room living room with tin c...

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.

Beautiful 3-4 bedroom, 2 bath contemporary style home with 2 car heated garage located only minutes to town and interstate 95. Home has cathedral ceil...

Meticulously cared for home sitting on double in-town lot. Nicely landscaped and paved driveway gives it great curb appeal. Large four season deck and...

Previous price of 282,500 did not include the 25 acres which is now included. BRING THE HORSES to 13 acres of fields and prime land for farming or hor...

Newport Home- Enjoy the water views without the waterfront taxes in this Cape with large master suite, finished space on all levels with second floor ...

This charming cottage is nestled close to the water on one of Maine's most beautiful lakes. There is a large garage for storage of all of the water to...

Charming in-town home with lots of recent renovations! Spacious living and dining room area. Beautiful original hardwood floors, pocket doors, and a l...

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.

Your horses will absolutely love this pristine mini-farm consisting of 2.21 surveyed acres, 24x24 stable with two 12x12 box stalls offering direct acc...

This is the one you've been waiting for! Enjoy one level living in this wonderful ranch that sits on a large beautiful lot in the country with easy ac...

Specious in-town home with many new improvements. Great neighborhood with easy access to the public beach and boat landing. Close to shopping and I-95...

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).

Charming Log Cabin/Camp. 2 Rooms and 2 Loft areas. Lots of possibilities with 25 acres. Great spot for sportsman, fishing, boating, water recreation a...

One of a kind! Absolutely stunning 3 bedrm, 2 bath waterfront home will take your breath away! Exceptional open floor plan w/beautiful stonework, wood...

Elegance radiates from this stunning Colonial offering 4 spacious bedrooms and 2.5 bath. A gorgeous master suite with master bath awaits. Enjoy being ...

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 3 Bedroom Ranch is in move in condition. Back yard is wooded and goes down to the Sebasticook River. Near public beach and boat landing. Easy com...

Beautiful 3 bedroom, 2 bath ranch style waterfront home on 2 nicely landscaped acres w/261 feet of exceptional waterfront. This home is filled with ch...

A Great Property for year round recreation! You can have it all... direct access onto the ITS Trail, access to Sebasticook lake without the high taxes...

Affordable price, easy and convenient location! Put your own personal touches on this corner lot, raised ranch home. Kitchen, living room and 3 bedroo...

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.