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.

Adorable Private Mountain Retreat, Just 8 Miles Outside Blowing Rock, Well maintained home with acreage, several storage/out buildings plus areas to s...

Location doesn't get any better on this large brick ranch, Located near lower creek elementary school on a large level 1.2 acre lot. Home needs some u...

3 bedroom, 2 bath Brick Ranch home with full basement. This home has lots of updates, including tile bathroom floors. Lots of cabinets in the kitchen ...

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.

New Owner Needed. Absolutely Fabulous Home. Great and convenient location with easy access to Hwy 321 for easy commute to Hickory and Boone. Immaculat...

3 Bedroom, 2 Bath One Level Home in like-new condition. Large open Living Room and Kitchen with Breakfast Bar Island. Appliances include stove, side b...

You could be coming home to this Private Estate on 5+ Acres located 5 min. from downtown Lenoir. Main level features: remodeled kitchen in 2018, 6 bur...

DESIRABLE LOWER CREEK AREA! Colonial brick 2 story with full basement. Main level features a spacious kitchen with eating area plus a formal dining ro...

This home has recently received extensive updates to the interior, including new hardwood flooring, tile flooring, kitchen cabinetry, counter tops, gr...

AMAZING MOUNTAIN ESTATE! Craftsman home, end of CUL-DE-SAC, overlooking Johns River at The Coves Mountain River Club. Gorgeous stained, stacked moldin...

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.

Beautiful Home with Beautiful Mountain View nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Enjoy all the amenities of Cedar Rock Estates Golf C...

Lovely home in desirable location near downtown Lenoir...Easy walk to festivities, shopping, restaurants, school more! This 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath home has...

Looking for a great home with acreage and an inground pool Check this one out! Over 2100 HSF on the main level with finished hardwoods in most of the ...

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).

Home features almost 4,000 sf with 4 bedrooms and 3 and 1/2 baths on almost one acre of land. View of grandfather mountain, table rock and blue ridge ...

Three bedroom, 2.5 bath home. Some hardwood floors. An 18 x 25 addition made a very large master suite with spacious bath laundry. Back deck, carport ...

Nice quiet area with many updates. Recently new garage doors, roof, siding, windows, gas furnace. Well maintained home comes ready to move in. Applian...

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.

Home is situated at the top of Eagles Ridge Lane on a 1.85 acre heavily wooded lot. The exterior boasts wood and stone siding along with multi-tiered ...

This property is no longer in an internet auction. Preview property, make a written offer, get inspections done during due diligence. Beautiful settin...

Conveniently located with no city tax! With 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, this brick ranch has a lot to offer. Well maintained home is move in ready. A fenc...

Beautiful, historic, 3 bed/2-1/2 bath home that blends a Colonial Revival style w/ Neoclassical elements for a truly a once-in-a-generation property c...

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.