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).

Amazing Oak Harbor Lake front home, 4,871 sq. ft. on 3 levels. This fabulous home features first floor custom master suite w/walk-in closet. The kitch...

Almost new, 3 bedroom, 2 bath Ranch home with a full basement, 2 car detached garage situated on 5 acres including old dairy barn in excellent conditi...

Unrivaled Cayuga Lake Views from this well maintained Greek Revival Farm Home and Barns, set nicely off the road on 67 + acres that preserves controls...

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.

Charming 3 bedroom home close to the library, restaurants and shops. Lovely landscaping and views. There is a formal living room, an extra room for an...

Exceptional modern home with lake views, open floor plan, contemporary look feel, great outdoor space. Front entry walks into a mud room, upstairs the...

Contemporary home with a hint of Frank Lloyd Wright. 1.5 acre yard filled with unique plants, conifers and trees. Stream with multiple natural waterfa...

Beautifully renovated move in ready 3 bedroom 2 full bath home is situated on 3 private acres and includes a detached garage with dog kennel and a lar...

This Single-Family Home is located at 9586 State Route 96, Trumansburg, NY is currently for sale and has been listed on Trulia for 46 days. This prope...

This 1850's Federal Farmhouse has original wide plank floors and hand hewn beams. The main level has an open floorplan, skylight in the kitchen, laund...

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.

Exquisite custom farmhouse on 8 acres w/lake view. The main floor has a formal living room w/fireplace, wide plank floors, sliding barn doors to dinin...

One of a kind, custom-built home on 110 ft. of lakefront on the eastern shore of Seneca Lake. Post Beam, quality workmanship. Custom, cherry kitchen w...

Log Cabin Ranch home nestled on a quiet 3 acre corner lot. Stream runs through the property, wooden bridge. 3 bedrooms, 1 full bath, living room, fami...

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).

Lake level home! Drive down the paved, county maintained Bergen Beach Road to this 3 bedroom 1.5 bath home on Cayuga Lake's West shore. Pull down your...

Beautiful NY Finger Lakes Farm is ready for new owner. This Farm formerly used as a cattle farm is complete with high-tensile fencing and two large ba...

Charming 1.5 story lake cottage is a must see property. Gorgeous views, lots of natural light, 106 feet of lake frontage. Boat and electric lift negot...

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.

Beautiful spacious home in North Shore Country Club. This home features open floor plan with volume ceiling and curving staircase. Open to the formal ...

Dramatic contemporary lake home in the heart of the Finger Lakes Wine Trail. Two story great room with wall of windows, hardwood floors and wood burni...

Beautiful view of Seneca Lake with 79' of lake front dock. 2 bedrooms 2 bath with full walkout could be finished for extra living room or bedrooms. Di...

Contemporary home located across the street from a Nation Forest, lots of outdoor living space to take advantage of the lake view. Bright, open airy w...

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.