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.

This Macatawa Landmark property sits directly across from Eldean Marina and offers great views of Lake Macatawa with all the boating activity. Enjoy t...

Situated near Lake Macatawa, this charming coastal cottage is your private retreat. Head down to the Lake Michigan beach access for a sunny day spent ...

Inviting 3200+ SF home in Macatawa Hills, only a few steps from the beach at Lake Michigan! Especially nice for large groups (sleeps 12-14)! First and...

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.

Step back into a time when life was simpler and the main ingredients to a fulfilling day were sun, Lake Michigan beach, and fun. Come see this cottage...

Welcome to The Owls Nest, the historic flagship cottage at Macatawa Park, is being offered for the first time in over 4 decades. Enjoy the most beauti...

This Victorian cottage in Macatawa has a large patio and 3 season porch that has seasonal views of Lake Macatawa and the boats plus a place for relaxa...

Located in the desirable Lawndale and Elmdale area across from Holland Hospital !! Enjoy a hot cup of cider while swinging on the quaint front porch!!...

This home is conveniently located on a quiet cul de sac close to downtown Holland. It has been well maintained and updated. As a matter of fact, durin...

Superb Laketown Township traditional 2 story home. The setting is over an acre and private. There is a very large (37x21) two tiered deck to enjoy. 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.

WELCOME HOME!! Great home located on a quiet street and a 1/2 block from Kollen Park and Lake Macatawa. The home features a spacious kitchen with eati...

Cute bungalow - 4 bedrooms 1 bath....

Custom design quality Craftsmanship grace this amazing home on 3.79 acres in Laketown Twp. Over 5,500 SF with 5 BR's 3 full 3 half baths. Features inc...

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 private French Chateau gate leads you to your pristine waterfront estate, situated on 200' of sugar sand Lake Michigan beach. Surrounded by rolling ...

This Home is ''Under Construction'' and should be finished in March, 2019. BOSGRAAF HOMES is building this CUSTOM ''BLUEBELL'' and it is designed with...

Lovely Bed Breakfast, Centennial Inn, offers turn of the century charm with opportunity for owner to offset cost of owning with established bed and br...

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 2 bedroom home offers hardwood floors, main floor laundry, eat in kitchen and spacious living room. Enclosed front porch. Close to downtown and r...

Outstanding opportunity to own this beautiful home on over 2 Acres in Laketown township just steps away from Lake Michigan. This private wooded settin...

DOWNTOWN HOLLAND - HOMECOR HAS RENOVATED THIS 2 BR 1 BA HOME AT AN AFFORDABLE PRICE. Move right in and enjoy being close to Kollen Park, Farmer's Mark...

Incredible opportunity to live on a private setting in Laketown Township. over 13 acres, a long, winding private drive leads to the home. The property...

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.