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.

Quiet country setting. Almost 5 acres of peaceful country living. Much, much quality in this home. Beautifully updated kitchen with granite counter-to...

This outstanding home features many modern updates while maintaining some amazing historic details. Moldings, doors, an original staircase, Double ent...

The home has a updated kitchen, gas furnace and central air conditioning. The rooms are large and spacious. There are formal dining room, some hardwoo...

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.

Sit on the deck and enjoy the scenic views of the Historic Erie Canal. This completely updated 3500 sq ft Colonial will not disappoint, from the spaci...

Take a step back in time with this 1800s mansion. The home has been restored over the last 11 years to all its original grandeur. This treasure offers...

This is a Modern Country Gem! This property is situated on a private setting tucked way back from the road on 3. 7 scenic acres. This property is bett...

Hard to find Log Home on a slow country road. The home features cathedral ceilings ,8ft deep sitting porch, woodstove , 3 season room ,new metal roof ...

Country home with a great deal of updating and 4.3 acres. . All 1 st floor has been redone. Possible 1st floor master bedroom. Newer windows and 6 yr ...

Recently remodeled offering a welcoming and cozy country appeal. Large downstairs living area has a bonus room that could be turned into a 4th bedroom...

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.

Nice ranch home with detached garage and plenty of land for hunting and/or farming. Approximately 34 acres has been farmed. House has very large livin...

Move in ready 4 BEDROOM house on 5 ACRES! It just really doesn't get any better than that! Watch the deer from your back yard. Good bones, lots of upd...

Cozy 3 Bedroom Cape on 13 plus Acres! Spacious Eat-in Kitchen! Living Room with Gas Fireplace. First Floor Master with access to Main Bath! Ideal Offi...

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).

Great 3 BR, 1BA Ranch on 3.44 acres. New carpets, freshly painted, move in ready! 12 x 12 Shed (detached). Fruit cellar in basement....

This home has so much to offer!! Beautiful family room with a wood burning fire place and sliding glass doors to the deck which overlooks the pond, fi...

Don't miss your opportunity to own this amazing 3 bed 2 bath ranch style home! Sitting on 8 acres the home is set back about 400ft from the road for p...

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.

A well maintained two story year round home, just a stone's throw to Lake Alice. The first floor features a large Living Room with vaulted ceiling, sp...

Here is your opportunity to own a year round home on Lake Alice! Priced below assessment this home has a 1.5 car detached garage, first floor laundry,...

You can view picturesque Lake Alice from your own living room! This year around ranch is in impeccable condition and is situated in an awesome locatio...

impeccable ranch overlooking picturesque Lake Alice! Move in condition! The living rm as a vaulted knotty pine ceiling with pellet stove and views of ...

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.