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.

Looking for a home in the highly sought out Carrsville area This home has 3 large bedrooms, and 3 full baths! Offers large living and family rooms all...

Check out this lovely 3BR 2BA ranch on just over half an acre in desirable Carrsville area of Isle of Wight County. Large deck off den overlooking pon...

Immaculate 3BR 2.5BA brick ranch on just over 1.3AC in highly sought out Carrsville/Franklin area. New roof, gutters, downspouts in 2017. Very well-bu...

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.

TUCKED AWAY........A restful rustic retreat. Secluded home, just far enough away, on 1 acre with option to purchase more land available. Creek on one ...

This spacious 4 bedroom home offers an abundance of character and a great environment to raise a family or to retire to an affordable rural area. Loca...

Quality Abounds In This Beautiful Home that was Custom Built by a Local Craftsman. Coastal Carolina Cape Cod w/ Large Brick Front Porch on Nearly 1 Wo...

Make this your next home, all the hard work has already been done for you. Move in ready, large yard is fenced in for your pets and children to run fr...

Beautiful country home w/tons of potential all the old world charm! Huge master suite, large deck pool, 2 car garage, paved drive patio. Call me today...

Welcome Home to this Cute Country Bungalow. 2 bedroom 1 bathroom with an additional flex space for a home office or a small study. Updated with new ro...

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.

Desirable one story townhouse facing the golf course. Features include enormous updated and open kitchen, high ceilings, huge windows, new wood floori...

Here's the farmhouse you always wanted, complete with a lovely screened porch, located in historic Zuni. Beautiful landscaping, side deck, detached ga...

Fantastic find on almost 5 Acres with back property bordering Mill Creek. Custom built Log home with open floor plan, separate in law suite, 1500 sg f...

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).

Gorgeous country estate! Home is nestled off the road on over 6 private acres w/beautiful gardens, plants trees. A true paradise w/exotic unusual plan...

Looking for that country property that has privacy This home is being sold AS-IS. But home is in overall good condition. Affordable Living with space ...

Priced below tax assessment. Owner is anxious to sell this mobile home on permanent foundation on an acre of land in the country. This home has been w...

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 is an excellent four bedroom 2 1/2 bath custom house. It is located far enough from the city to enjoy the stars at night, but still close to all ...

Spacious Ranch Home on Well Over an Acre of Land!! Renovated to Include: Soft Close Shaker Style Cabinets, Granite Counters, Subway Tiled Back Splash,...

To Be Built by Award Winning Home-A-Rama Builder on spacious 2.24 Acre lot. Lovely 3 Bedroom, 2 1/2 Bath home with attached 2-car garage. Kitchen comp...

Wow!! You will not believe the space in this home! This well built brick 6 bedroom, 2.5 bath cape cod offers spacious rooms, potential for 2 dens and ...

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.