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.

One level living at its best! Immaculate 3 BD 1BA rancher within close range of schools, parks and town. The back yard is perfect for those summer par...

The Gingerbread House Bed Breakfast is a lovely restored 1903 Victorian Home with wrap-around porch. It is situated just off the Great Allegheny Passa...

welcome home! walk in, kick your shoes off relax in this well-maintained 3 bdrm/3 bath house on 2 plush acres with apple/pear orchards countryside vie...

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.

Glorified tree-house! Stunning mountain home on 1.6 acres with 360 views of the Laurel Highlands. Kings Mountain golf community with lake access. 3-4 ...

Cozy cottage on a wooded lot located just minutes to 7 Springs, Hidden Valley and laurel Hill State park! Recently renovated with flexible floor plan....

Professionally furnished and decorated, with a custom designed kitchen floor plan, this townhome is like no other. Family fun in the media room, which...

The great room featuring an inviting stone fireplace is the dramatic focal point on the main level of this exceptional home, accompanied by an elegant...

Meticulous, redesigned, Southwind, Ardmore floor plan. This three level interior town home offers 3bedrooms, 3.5 baths, a family room and a garage. Se...

Beautiful Southwind Townhome in the gated community at Seven Springs Mountain Resort. This luxurious, turnkey resort home is ready for you to call you...

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.

Great ski-in/ski-out townhome with long-distance views. Four additional feet has been added to the living room, giving you more space to relax in fron...

Recently staged! This single family home is an incredible opportunity that offers great space with 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths an integral 2 car garage! On ...

Breathtaking picture perfect setting for this traditional, classic full Timberframe home on a large five- acre lot. This four bedroom chalet has all t...

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).

Enjoy the privacy of this meticulous brick ranch home tucked away on 2 acres in the mountain with a spectacular view! Enter the front door to the larg...

Enormous farmhouse sprawling out on .....6.85 ACRES. If you love a country setting and plenty of living space this is the house for you. Three of the ...

Only 8 miles from seven springs mtn. Resort! Nestled among a sprawling canopy of trees on 3. 04 level acres is this magnificent 5 bedroom home in oak ...

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.

Location is key for this tremendous Timberframe home with long distance views and only approx 1 mile to the entrance of 7 Springs and 2 miles to Hidde...

Beautifully remodeled residence at 7 Springs in Deer Ridge with native stone wood burning fireplace, granite kitchen, first floor master, hickory hard...

Nestled atop 35 acres next to Forbes State Forest Roaring Run Nature preserve and just minutes from Seven Springs Mountain Resort, This Custom-built, ...

Look no further than this extraordinary stone cottage nestled on a picturesque corner lot in the beautiful Laurel Highlands. Only 5 miles form 7spring...

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.