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.

Beautifully updated cozy cottage on a quiet street less than 1 mile from downtown St Joseph and Lions Park Beach. With hard to come by amenities in th...

CLASS 'A' PROFESSIONAL OFFICE BUILDING over 7000 SF can be used as medical offices (last used as sleep apnea treatment center), or other possible uses...

It's a Gem! Ideal 3 bedroom, 2 bath brick ranch in a quiet neighborhood! MUST SEE INSIDE! Pleasant well-kept home offers many extras! The pleasant liv...

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.

Very desirable location in St. Joseph - elegant, well-appointed house sits on this unique and desirable street across from Lake Michigan and close to ...

So much to offer, with amenities galore inside and out! Only a short walk to private LAKE MICHIGAN beach access, plus pool hot tub on the bluff with p...

This home is an estate and is priced to sell. Three bedrooms, den (could be 4th bedroom). Newer roof and kitchen. Walk-out lower level. Need lots of g...

Three bedroom two bath brick home in quiet wooded Saint Joe location. Well built brick ranch on a ravine lot. Two brick fireplaces, 14x10 3 seasons ro...

Proposed new construction, 2 bed, 2 bath in Rolling Prairie, situated just south of the City of St. Joseph, and is the only new construction community...

This fabulous custom designed new construction ranch style home is located on a wooded ravine lot in St. Joseph. This home offers high end finishes th...

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.

Be sure to see this move-in ready 3 - 4 bedroom, 3 bath ranch home close to schools. It is larger than it looks with an open floor plan that allows lo...

Solid Cape Cod in a great neighborhood with tons of updates. 4 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms. Hardwood floors throughout and updated kitchen with all ...

Located in the heart of St. Joseph but secluded in a little-known, lightly traveled neighborhood. Enjoy the views from all the windows, the natural li...

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).

Newly constructed colonial in the Rolling Prairie Community. This 2-story home boasts features including: 10-yr structural warranty, energy star effic...

******Heritage Village is NO longer a 55+ community. ******BEAUTIFUL INSIDE AND OUT! THIS Wonderful 5 BEDROOM, 4 FULL BATH home offers a main floor la...

Newly constructed colonial in the Rolling Prairie Community. This 2-story home boasts features including: 10-yr structural warranty, energy star effic...

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.

Classic Colonial converted to 4 apartments prior to SJ City moratorium. Integrity of single family maintained as the main staircase remains. Minimal e...

This beautiful gem of a home has had amazing upgrades everywhere you look. Feel right at home in this comfortable, inviting home in a desirable sidewa...

This stunning 4 bedroom 3+ bath home in the sought after Estates Subdivision is a must see. The property has been meticulously updated over the last s...

This fabulous Lake Michigan home offers the best in lake living complete with pool, hot tub, basketball court and pool house. This is the ultimate hou...

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.