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.

EASY WALK to restaurants, shopping, marina THE BEACH! Located on the lake-side of downtown New Buffalo, just 3 blocks off of N. Whittaker Street. Move...

Beautifully maintained Grand Beach home has a huge 0.66 acre double lot on quiet Marjeanette Avenue. This home has it all! Built in 2002 with over 250...

4 Bedroom Farm house on 30 acres of wooded splittable, developable land. Property is adjacent to Whittaker Woods Golf course and on paved Wilson Road,...

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.

Down a quiet street just north of New Buffalo, this private oasis has a pool and easy access to beautiful Sturgeon Beach. 3+luxurious bedrooms 4 delig...

PLENTY OF BEACH!! Owned by same family for multiple generations. Huge corner lot with expansive home on two levels and steps to private deeded beach a...

Completely remodeled Grand Beach home just 3 blocks from Lake Michigan access. With a classic exterior and sleek contemporary interior, this 4 BR/2BA ...

The perfect cottage style home with sweepings views of the Grand Beach Golf Course. This delightful totally renovated home feels like new, from the fo...

CHARMING Farmhouse style home, nestled in the trees, situated in City limits of New Buffalo, off the beaten path, 1 mi to Beach. First floor boasts of...

Michigan Grand Cottage Style elegant home on prestigious Marquette Drive. Private deeded beach access is directly across the street. Lake views with t...

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.

Spacious, contemporary 3BR/2BA home 4 blocks from association beach! Formal living room has vaulted ceiling, gas fireplace and L-shaped window with be...

Lake Michigan views for under 1 mill. FANTASTIC opportunity to be in a great home on a quiet cut de sac with AMAZING BEACH right in front of you. Plen...

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!! The magnificent Lake Michigan is right around the corner...what are you waiting for! Grab up this quaint cottage for yo...

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).

Quintessential beach cottage with Lake Michigan views in charming Grand Beach! You can't help but fall in love with this light, airy 4BR/3BA beach hou...

This is a great 5 bedroom home sitting on a large corner lot. The home is larger than it appears. With four bedrooms in the main house and one bedroom...

Spectacular Harbor Country home has 5 bedrooms, 5 full baths, includes a bonus game room guest quarters above a two car garage on jumbo parcel. Club l...

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 Michiana Home has a marvelous floor plan and has been completely redone for you. New hardwood floors throughout main level.Two master suites,one ...

Beautiful 4 bedroom 3-1/2 bath cottage-style year-round home loaded with upgrades, walking distance to New Buffalo Public Beach, eateries and shopping...

Exquisite, turnkey luxury lakefront home with stunning views and great private beach! NEW in 2016, this captivating 5BR/5BA home elevates lakefront li...

Inviting and cozy, this stunning 3 bed/2.5 bath Summerhill Cottage home is perfect for entertaining and relaxation. Entertain in the exquisite open li...

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.