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.

Located on an upscale quiet street, this beautiful bi-level home offers plenty of space for living and entertaining. The Beautiful entry welcomes you ...

Comfortable floor plan on quite street. Large cover front porch and 14 x 14 sun room in shaded backyard to relax on and enjoy in ground sprinkler syst...

PRICE REDUCTION: Potential short sale. Spacious bungalow style home on corner lot. Nice sized 2 car attached garage with entrance off the alley. Maste...

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.

Dont miss out on this amazing 3 Bedroom/3 Bath home in Clinton Hills Estates! This home is great for a growing family. The large bonus room in the hom...

Welcome to small town living at its finest. This Beautiful ranch with Full Basement is perfect for entertaining or just relaxing on those lazy days. M...

Well maintained 3 bedroom ranch home with large eat-in kitchen and a finished basement. The kitchen has lots of cabinets a double oven and a separate ...

2 Blocks from Community Pool and Elementary school. 2012 new carpet ceramic tile, roof, siding, bath vanity.A/C 1 yr. old, Water Heater new 1/2018 Ver...

WOW! Featuring fresh paint and revamped hardwood floors, this one is awaiting fresh owners as well! Upon entering you are greeted with a vaulted ceili...

Newly Reduced. Beautiful 3-bedroom 2 Bath single family ranch. New Roof, vinyl siding, and gutters 2012. Thermal Paned Windows 2012. Fully weatherized...

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.

The property is coming back to the market with a completely brand new home feel from the last sale. The list of things they did to bring this once ext...

Oh My Goodness! Bargain priced. Welcome Home! Check out this massive 2 story featuring over 2600 sq which just got a facelift! Featuring new landscapi...

Large Ranch Style Home on 8 ACRES. There is plenty of space for everyone is this 4 bedroom 2 bath home. Open concept with large kitchen open to dining...

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).

Spacious home with great charm! Adorable country setting, perfect for a family. Beautiful fenced yard with carport. Large open kitchen dining room are...

This spacious well maintained 3 bedroom, 2 bath one story is ready to welcome a new owner home. When entering front door you will notice large living ...

Move in ready! 3 bedroom 2 bath home. Close to everything in the middle of Albers. You will like the open concept with the living room, dining room an...

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.

Don't miss this adorable 3 bedroom 2 bath home, with a full basement in Mascoutah. Charm is found inside and out. The foyer leads to the kitchen with ...

If you're looking for an affordable, updated home in Mascoutah call your agent immediately, this one won't be on the market long. Completely renovated...

BRAND NEW HVAC WITH 15 year WARRANTY!!! 3,000 Carpet allowance with acceptable offer!!! One owner home with OPEN FLOOR PLAN! Wood floor foyer has Coat...

UPDATED Cute Ranch in Mascoutah. 3 bedroom and 1 full bath. Huge eat-in kitchen with sliding glass door leading to patio and fenced backyard. Stainles...

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.