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.

Great home on the lake with gentle easy slope to water! Original cabin built in 1955, home completely rebuilt in 1994 from ground floor up. Home featu...

This home is situated on almost 1/2 an acre is within walking distance to resort amenities. Spacious living room offers a high ceiling, wood burning f...

3 bedroom/2 bath open floor plan home situated on 3/4 of an acre overlooking Glade Creek gorge. The spacious living room boasts a vaulted ceiling, gas...

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.

4 bedroom/2.5 bath home situated on 1/2 an acre with views of the tee box of Stonehaven 5. Relax enjoy the views from the back deck gazebo. Large livi...

Beautifully renovated, brick home located just minutes from Princeton. Gorgeous hardwood flooring, new stainless appliances, and large garage help mak...

Well kept 6 bedroom, 4 bath, with great amenities. Pool. Three car garage, extensive decking. Nice landscaping. Large driveway wired for generator. Ta...

Spacious 3BR 3BA brick ranch with an open floor plan and large fenced back yard. Renovated in 2005. Enjoy the view of the mountains from your choice o...

Move in ready house that boasts lots of room. Dining room ca be used as living room. Quiet street. Great for kids....

Endless potential Office/Medical/Spa/Salon/Studio/Shop. Where your imagination wants to go. Formally Little General Office, Currently Dog Grooming Sho...

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.

Beautifully laid out floor plan, 4 bedrooms, bonus room upstairs with private bath could be another master suite. Hardwood throughout home, 2 car atta...

A beautifully constructed custom brick home located in the heart of Bellepoint, Hinton, WV. 3BR,LR, DR, quality Whirlpool appliances including Washer/...

Prime location and high traffic area within a mile of I77! Six suites with private entrances, waiting room, billing offices, numerous bathrooms, small...

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).

This is an amazing home and only 4 years young. Hardwood floors throughout the main living space with neutral carpeting in the family room and bedroom...

One owner Brick Ranch home with ADA master bedroom suite and bathroom. Located on private estate type lot this home offers spacious one level living w...

Conveniently located close to downtown and WVU Tech, this facility is ready to accommodate a restaurant or coffee shop. The facility features eclectic...

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 spacious home is located in one of Beckley's finest communities and features 5 spacious bedrooms, 2.5 baths, family room, formal dining room, and...

Great one-floor home conveniently located walking distance to uptown Beckley and to WVU Tech campus. Home has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, a 8x20 covered back...

The Fairest Of Them All What A Deal On This Magnificent Two-Story Home In Wyndale!! Stone Front, Hardwood Flooring, Solid Surface Counter Tops, Cerami...

This BEAUTIFUL home has everything to offer! The home is VERY SPACIOUS! There are 4 Bedrooms. One is used as and Office. And another one of the 4 bedr...

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.