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.

Simply Charming home with lots of room and character with 5 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms. 2 car detached garage off alley. Very roomy kitchen and dining...

Come and check out this beautifully restored mixed used building. Living space in the rear and open space up front. Front area has another large room,...

The sales price is 159,300 however qualified Purchasers may receive a deferred second mortgage of up to 54,300 to ensure monthly mortgage payments are...

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, 1 bath ranch style home sitting on wonderful corner lot in the town of Campbell on French Island. Open concept main floor with updated...

IMPRESSIVE, CONTEMPORARY, WATER FRONT HOME, custom built to capture all of the superb details put into this elegant masterpiece. Open concept, gorgeou...

Opportunity knocks with this well cared for 2 bedroom, 2 bath open concept home! Property features newer windows, patio door, roof, and siding on gara...

Spacious 3 bedroom home with a 24 by 24 garage. Lots of space and hard wood floors. Upgraded electrical panel, Newer furnace, and blown in insulation....

Come and see this nicely remodeled home with lots of living space. Tons of updates make this charmer a move in ready house that is both comfortable an...

Current tenant is moving out 10/31/18. Has been rented for 750/ month with tenant paying all utilities in the past. Roof is Copper...

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.

Cute and Cozy Bungalow home conveniently located on a corner lot, on the Northside, and close to shopping. 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, and a large 2.5 c...

Do you love to cook You will enjoy cooking dinner in your new kitchen with custom counter tops! This floor plan is great for entertaining. With the op...

Water front condo. Private dock. View of quiet bay. Access to several restaurants by water, only minutes away. Ground entrance into living room with 2...

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).

Have a place to call yours! This home has a fantastic open concept from the kitchen to the living room and dining area. Kitchen is complete with plent...

This contemporary home is nestled on a private, wooded lot that overlooks Cedar Creek Golf Course. The functional layout provides ample living space. ...

Beautiful split-foyer home built in Meier Farm addition with 4br, 3.5 bath, heated 3.5 car garage with steps to basement, open concept kitchen/living ...

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.

Grab the phone. Tomorrow maybe too late. This 3 bedroom ranch in the Holmen school district won't last long. Large treelined back yard for lots of tot...

This home has plenty of features Custom Oak trim, Crown Molding, 6 panel oak doors, Galley kitchen. Main level family room feeds to a large rear deck ...

Custom Built multilevel 2 story has full 7'' of insulation in walls (6''fiber+1'' foam),with R-52 Ceilings Open foyer, Library, Loft Office, Den, Mult...

Find your NEXT home in this gorgeous 5 Bedroom, 2009 Parade of Homes Participant! Huge kitchen with Cherry and Granite Fireplace in the large Great ro...

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.