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.

- 105,000, 3 Bedrooms, 1 Full Bath, Call Michael Knepper, MLS201904497...

Nice Solid Brick home, lovely heated sunroom with cedar vaulted ceiling joins the house and attached 2 car garage. Freshly painted. all appliances sta...

Beautiful country home on approximately 3 acres near Big Lake. This four bedrooms, two and a half bathroom home has plenty of space to accommodate you...

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.

Nice 3 bedroom ranch, 2 full baths, split bedrooms. 16x12 addition for that extra living space that leads out to the patio. Hardwood floor, ceramic ti...

Charming 3 bedroom, 1 1/2 bathroom ranch on full unfinished basement on 4 acres. With one to two acres with electric fence. Perfect for horses or a sm...

HORSE FARM AND FAMILY POTENTIAL... pride from 1876 rock solid construction combined with a 2006 modern addition makes this property a must see. The or...

There is only 1 word to describe this property, 116 acres of UNIQUENESS! First it has 2 properties located on approx. 1000 ft of lake front, one of a ...

Gorgeous, affordable and almost new! Three bedrooms, 2 full baths on a walkout basement. Set up for horses! A pond! 9' Ceilings. Full basement ready f...

What a unique home and property! This 20.9 acre property with a pond is a very secluded property bordering Chain-O-Lakes State Park. The tillable land...

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.

Great updated starter home or home to down size to. This home sits on 2.85+- acres in a rural setting. There is a lot of updates in this home. Home ha...

Large updated 3-4 bedroom 1.5 bath home on full walk-out basement in Albion! This home offers it all! The interior features very well maintained hardw...

Beautiful 1 BR, 2 1/2 BA ranch with walnut, cherry and white oak details throughout with a combination of wood and ceramic flooring. Open concept with...

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).

There are plenty to be caught in the lake. This Tri-level, 1,816 SQFT home with a detached 2 car garage sits across the street from a channel that lea...

This Meticulously Maintained Church is Perfect to convert to a Large Residence with 4100 Finished Sq Ft. on one Level. Beautifully Landscaped and on L...

Bright and open Wawasee channel front ranch features 4 bedrooms and 3 full baths. Walkout lower level with family room. Fenced and private backyard ca...

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 property is move-in ready and has been updated this year. The den in the basement has been used as a third bedroom, and has a walk-in closet. The...

This large 4 possibly 5 bedroom home is truly a diamond in the rough. With large rooms and original hardwood floors and the quite country setting this...

Handyman Special, wiring and drywall is in, finish to suit yourself. Property needs septic, well, and gas lines run. Entering the front, a room immedi...

Wonderful large country home located in Woodview subdivision with nearly four acres of land. Home includes master bedroom on the main with two large b...

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.