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 house is HUGE! Big kitchen w/ lots of storage center island. Gorgeous natural woodwork. Newer: furnace + corn/pellet furnace, A/C, electrical, pl...

Absolutely Stunning Victorian 4BR, 3 Bathroom Home That Features Crown Molding On 10 Foot Ceilings, Original Wood Floors And Built-Ins, Stain Glass, H...

Absolutely Beautiful 3 bed, 2 bath home in GREAT condition with many upgrades. All 3 bedrooms, bathroom and laundry room on the same level. Many updat...

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.

Convenient layout with main floor bedroom, bathroom and laundry. Enjoy the beautiful kitchen with newer coutertops and center island. This home has a ...

Spacious 4BR, 3Bath Home with 7 garage stalls/heated shop located on almost an acre lot within walking distance to school! Enjoy this home's convenien...

Beautiful one owner custom built home on 32 acres. Detailed craftsmanship throughout with granite countertops, hand scraped hickory floors, vaulted ce...

Excellent starter home. Updated windows, new laminate flooring and many other updates! Large Garage 44 x 20 With work Shop! Great location close to ho...

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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.

Look no further for a nice weekend getaway! This seasonal Little Birch cabin provides 2 bedrooms, incredible lake views from the large wraparound deck...

As soon as you step inside, you will note the unbelievable craftsmanship and attention to detail in this architect designed Queen Anne Victorian style...

Desirable home featuring 3 stall attached finished/heated garage plus additional detached garage w/porch kennel. Private fenced in backyard overlookin...

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).

Clean, well kept updated home in a desireable neighborhood. Featuring 3 garage stalls, insulated heated, beautiful kitchen, SS appliances, 4 large bed...

Impressive home with a MUST SEE completely updated interior with modern finishes. Enjoy the brand new kitchen, formal dining area, living room, firepl...

4 Bedroom - 1-3/4 Bath 1,328 Sq Ft - main level 1,288 Sq Ft - basement 576 -Sq Ft - garage shed in back yard Full Basement Full carpet replaced 2013 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.

Beautiful 4 bedroom, 5 bath custom home with in floor heat, granite marble counter tops through out the home. Master bedroom and bath with deck, whirl...

Beautiful turn of the century home. This home has been completely updated, new wiring, plumbing and walls, while keeping the old world charm. New kitc...

Executive 6000 sq. ft. home with endless amenities beautiful private yard overlooking river with mature trees. Original home is done in the Arts Craft...

Clean spacious rambler with all living facilities on main level. Add another 2 bedrooms in lower level and bathroom roughed in. Enjoy the over-sized t...

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.