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.

Too many updates to list!! You'll love this adorable home situated in the heart of St. Peter. Lots of updates but still has the unique charm. Updated ...

Great commuter location, private setting PLENTY of room to graze! With 14.6 acres your horses other animals will LOVE it here! Sectioned into 5 large ...

Look no more! Fantastic 5 BR walkout in high demand Pine Pointe location! You will love this huge .65 acre lot with views for miles. This meticulously...

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.

This immaculate spacious home has it all! Situated on over an acre lot w/beautiful landscaping. The welcoming front porch opens to the main lvl offeri...

Cute and Cozy, Move In Ready Home. Seller took down to the studs and completely re-did this home over the years. Beautiful hardwood floors, updated ki...

From the large open kitchen to the landscaped fenced yard, there is plenty of room for the whole family to enjoy. Recent updates include new dishwashe...

One level living. Walk-in-tub. Main floor laundry. 4 season porch. New carpet upstairs and fresh paint. Large garage 34x34. Concrete driveway....

Wonderful home ready for your finishing touches! 4 Bedroom, 2 Bath home in beautiful, quiet neighborhood with large yard. Newer Lennox furnace, many u...

Welcome to 905 Woodland St., St. Peter! This wonderful ranch home was built in 1978 and is nestled on a corner lot in a fantastic location! The main f...

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.

Rural living/hobby farm at its finest! This 3.5 acre farmhouse has many updates, but yet some of the original character remains - transom windows, ori...

Welcome to 418 W. Skaro St., Saint Peter! SUPER CUTE, well maintained, move in ready, great location, affordable 3 bedrooms, 2 bath home that you wont...

OVER 20,000 Square Feet of space- great visibility in an expanding marketplace. Large showroom and shop area too....

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).

Character and charm, describe this move-in ready 1 1/2 story on a large landscaped lot! This home is move-in ready, 3 bedrooms, hardwood floors, updat...

This is 5.9 ac farm site for you! The home is a 2 bedroom, 2 bath in-earth home with an attached single-stall garage. Outbuildings include: shop, mach...

Come and see this unique opportunity! The home is a 5 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath that has the option of being a duplex with a 2 bedroom, 1 bath unit. The fea...

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 house is Simply Beautiful, Custom Built, Some of the Highest Quality Workmanship Throughout, Ceramic Tile Flooring, Hardwood Flooring, Corian Cou...

Check out this split foyer, 4 bedroom, 1 1/2 bath home with a detached 2-stall garage! Some features of this home include: Eat-in kitchen with updated...

Modified 2 story. Nearly 3,800 total square feet with 3,400 + finished. Ravine lot. Main floor master suite. Vaulted living room and family room on ma...

This immaculate rambler has an open and functional layout with 3 bedrooms and laundry room all on the main floor! Bright living room features vaulted ...

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.