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).

3 Bedroom, 2.5 bath Colonial in Troy. This home offers a finished basement, large living room, gorgeous wood floors throughout, master living room, ma...

Amazing well-built and maintained 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath open-concept home on 36+ private acres in Troy. Soaring 22'' ceilings in the living room with ...

Enjoy Southern panoramic views from this home on 31+- acres. This Home was Custom built in 2008 with the sellers intention to never leave, therefore q...

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.

Let the beautiful grounds and quiet country feel greet you as you meander up your private 700 ft driveway to your 2017 quality built custom cape on 19...

This impressive, well-built attractive salt-box style home offers a large kitchen, separate laundry room, formal dining room, living room w/wood stove...

Must See!!Investment Opportunity!Lovely B B well cared for New Englander on 7 acres former restaurant with full kitchen and 2 baths. Land can be subdi...

Ranch style home on 20/- acres in Detroit. Close access to ATV and ITS trails. Newer metal roof, 3 bedrooms/ 2 full baths. 33 x 56 2 story barn with p...

Year-round lake front living on beautiful Unity Lake. Three bedrooms on the second floor with skylights. Master bedroom has views of the waterfront. T...

Spacious, well built ranch in the peaceful country side is convenient to Unity, Waterville and Bangor. Basement has a finished room -- family room, ex...

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.

Ideal setting for this sunshine filled cape home with southern exposure. It sits back from the road on 4.6+/- acres. Features 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, H...

Built in 2004, this well-designed home on 5+/-acres has a pretty private patio overlooking the back yard. 1st floor features an open floor plan w/cath...

This is a real Maine Camp that sits on the west shore of Unity Pond. Not only will you be able to watch the morning sunrise but you can be sitting on ...

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).

Quaint country antique home, for decades the homestead for the Littlefield's Orchard (and previously Red Apple Orchard). This home has been well-loved...

Quaint, comfortable, spacious, and inviting best describe this lovely Maine year round cottage on the lake. With may updates to make it year round liv...

REMOTE COUNTRY! Beautiful new contemporary home has never been lived in and sits on nearly 100 acres of ATV snowmobile trails. You are sure to get you...

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.

Spectacular views and peaceful living can be yours in this 3BR, 2BA contemporary ranch. Perched on a hill overlooking a mountain scene, this home feat...

This 3 BR New England Farm home on 90+/- acres of mostly pasture is an affordable option if you are looking for a mini-farm or cattle ranch property i...

Remarkable living space with a custom kitchen, ceramic tile floor, beautiful wood floors though out, wrap around porches on 2 levels, 3 fire places, n...

This Single-Family Home is located at 551 Moosehead Trl, Dixmont, ME is currently for sale and has been listed on Trulia for 98 days. This property is...

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.