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.

Spacious family home featuring 3 bedrooms 1 1/2 baths in the village of Danville. Wonderful family room with gas log fireplace, beautiful cherry cabin...

Large 4 bedroom 2 bath home located in the River Valley Community. Separate living room and den area with a fire place, high ceilings with an open lay...

Wonderfully updated 1800's two story home on 3 acres features 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, large bedrooms and 40 x 30 barn/garage. New in the last 10 years:...

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.

Well maintained home on 2.3 acres just outside Glenmont. The 1,316 square foot house offers FREE GAS with 2 bedrooms, and a finished basement. The wal...

Great property nestled in a quiet valley close to Glenmont, Ohio with approximately 10 acres. The house is 2,176 square feet with three bedrooms and t...

Country living with 3.7 acres! This home features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and over 2,000 square feet! Basement is partially finished. Lots of potentia...

Well maintained and priced to sell! Cozy ranch home offering 2 bedrooms and 2 full baths, open floor plan that includes a large living room/dining roo...

Watch the neighbor's cows while sitting on your front deck! One owner split level home on a quiet cul-de-sac, with easy access to Monroe Mills Rd. Hom...

LAKEFRONT! Spacious and beautifully maintained lakefront home, great location and panoramic water views, walk to Sutton Beach, features include 4 bedr...

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.

1553 Apple Valley Drive. Enjoy the Apple Valley Lake Community lifestyle in this cute ranch with fireplace, screened porch, gleaming hardwood floors a...

Built in 2010 as a model single-family home, this structure was re-purposed and used for small business. This building includes 5+ offices/bedrooms, 1...

Location, Location, Location! Almost everything completely renovated Apple Valley Lake View home. Very close to Sutton Beach and boat launch. Floor pl...

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).

Amazing lakeview home ''FOR SAIL'' !! This 1.5 story contemporary would make a wonderful full time or part time lake cottage! Relax on the back deck o...

Darling ranch home ''FOR SAIL''. Located beside other nice properties. 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, open floor plan, wood flooring, some kitchen appliances,...

Gorgeous Schlabach Ranch, on 2 Cove lots offers both Water and Woods! The spacious open floor plan has wood plank floors, numerous windows, a combined...

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 H H Log home ''FOR SAIL'' at Apple Valley Lake. 2 bedrooms, 2 full baths,1st floor laundry, 2 car attached garage all with a nice private and...

What a view! Brick ranch on 7.418 acres offers 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, oak kitchen cabinets with breakfast bar and a nice sun room off eating area. Enjoy ...

Make this your permanent residence or a great weekend getaway! Great piece of property with the perfect amount of space and so much potential! One str...

779 Winesap Circle. Check out this adorable ranch with screened in front porch and beautiful semi private level back yard. With plenty of trees in the...

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.