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 maintained ranch on edge of town with no neighbors behind and beautiful views. Large MBR with his hers closets, walkout to 2nd deck, maste...

Bigger than it looks This home offers 2 bedrooms upstairs, a master with walk in closet, a third bedroom downstairs and also another non-conforming be...

Beautiful home with all original hardwood floors and trim. Large lot with mature trees and perennial flower beds. This home is a rare find. Sellers ar...

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.

Price Reduced for quick sale to allow for Estate Settlement. Nice house 4BR 2 full bath. Newer mechanicals in town acreage with mature trees. Property...

Country living in a small town on half an acre! Situated on a private street, this 3 bedroom, 3 bath walkout home has so much to offer! Gorgeous lands...

This solid and stately home has passed the tests of time and retains its character and integrity today! Here's just a few of the updates and features ...

As you step inside the front door to this GORGEOUS 4 bedroom, 3 bath home youll fall in love w/ the authenticity of this 1910 beauty! So much of the h...

Welcome home to this New Ranch featuring 3/4'' Maple hardwood throughout main floor. Open concept flows to a 24'x10' deck entertaining needs. Enjoy ov...

3 bedroom 1 bath Ranch home. Home was renovated in 2014. Everything is new from interior to exterior. Updates include New windows, roof, Vinyl siding,...

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.

WOW! Almost 2800 square feet of gorgeous finished house in the Collins-Maxwell school district! This beautiful Happe Homes build was brand new in 2015...

Beautiful executive-style home on 3 acres in Maxwell! Formal dining room, office, large kitchen with tons of cupboard space and massive island, huge l...

Lots of potential in this colonial style home in a country setting on about a 10 acre lot and 2532 square feet of living space. 4 bedrooms, 1.5 baths,...

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).

Remodeled home in the Bondurant-Farrar school district with an attached 2 car garage! This home is located in the town of Farrar (east of Elkhart). Th...

Great small town living at it's best. You'll love the character and charm of this ''turn of the century'' home. The beautiful woodwork and trim, the u...

Back on the market!! Looking for an immaculate 3 BR home in Mitchellville Look no further! This home has been lovingly maintained, finished to complet...

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.

Welcome to the heart of small town living. This home is in a great area for all being close to gas, post office, bank, Casey's, Dollar General and dow...

GORGEOUS custom built home sitting on a serene acreage with grown trees and fantastic landscaping. This 5 bedroom ranch has nearly 3600 square feet fi...

Looking for a Country retreat in the City! You will adore this Walkout Ranch on almost an acre w/a 3 car attached garage a 1 car tuck under garage. In...

Jerry's Homes' Collins 2 story plan with a twist! A side-load 3 car garage sets this home apart from the rest. AND we have an expanded plan! With over...

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.