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.

Pine Bluff is a Purl Homes Community by HH Homes. Purl home plan designs are lower in square footage for home buyers who are looking into purchasing t...

Pine Bluff is a Purl Homes Community by HH Homes. Purl home plan designs are lower in square footage for home buyers who are looking into purchasing t...

The Prelude. New construction two story home on almost 3/4 acre lot. Affordable living just minutes from Southern Pines and Pinehurst attractions. Bui...

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.

Beautifully updated 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home in quiet subdivision featuring a pool jacuzzi in fenced backyard. Lots of storage throughout with immense...

Pine Bluff is a Purl Homes Community by HH Homes. Purl home plan designs are lower in square footage for home buyers who are looking into purchasing t...

Beautiful custom home and barn on 6 acres in The Meadows equestrian subdivision (miles of great trails shared arena). Over 5,000 sq ft in this well-de...

Very well kept modular home in a great neighborhood. Home features a split floor plan, nice front porch and back deck, new hardwood in living room, ne...

- Golfing Resort Style communitySpa Style Pool Tennis CourtsFitness Center Legacy Lakes is an absolutely gorgeous resort style community. This neighbo...

McKee Homes presents the Reynolds Craftsman, a great ranch-style open floor plan with master suite and second bedroom on the first floor. The open kit...

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.

-McKee Homes presents the Winston Craftsman. This is a great ranch-style open floor plan with flex room and master suite on first floor as well as cov...

Spectacular and extraordinarily well built new construction 5 bedroom home with modern open floor plan and every custom feature imaginable in a charmi...

Take another look! Lovely 5.5 acre horse farm w/ guest cottage riding ring just outside of Pinehurst city limits. Convenient location off Linden Rd is...

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).

-The Nelson has a study/office on the first floor, kitchen with island, and mud room with cubbies by the garage entry. The bonus room can be a fourth ...

-McKee Homes presents the Reynolds Craftsman, a great ranch-style open floor plan w master suite, second bedroom on the first floor. The open kitchen ...

Privacy and seclusion abound, stunning 4/3.5 w/ 3 car garage on wooded .75 acre lot w/ water views. Rocking chair front porch, foyer flanked by formal...

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.

The Cumberland by HH Homes. A columned, covered porch invites you inside this lovely ranch home with split floor plan. The foyer leads to a large fami...

Golfing Spa style pools Tennis courts Fitness center Legacy Lakes resort style community is for YOU! This gorgeous home is a must see! It boasts 4 bed...

Gorgeous gently lived in golf front home in amenity rich Legacy Lakes. Terrific floorplan with master bed and bath downstairs as well as a second bed/...

-McKee Homes presents the Owen Classic, a new ranch floorplan that delivers spacious one level living. It comes complete with a large kitchen island, ...

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.