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.

**Under Contract - Backup Offers Accepted** Imagine Winter Afternoons With Tea On Your Screened Back Lanai. Enjoy Privacy Of The Reading Nook In The U...

Welcome Lake Murray Living! Adorable condo with hardwood flooring and great outdoor space, this is perfect for the weekend get away or year round livi...

1901-B single family - Three story Townhome! The first floor includes a bedroom and a full bath! The second floor features an open kitchen and spaciou...

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.

Water Views of the lake, close to Lexington!!...

Welcome to the beautiful community of Hammock Bay on Lake Murray! This community includes all the amenities for your active lifestyle. Walking Trails,...

1901-B single family - Three story Townhome! The first floor includes a bedroom and a full bath! The second floor features an open kitchen and spaciou...

Price reduced and seller is motivated! Beautiful and spacious (Jocassee floor plan) 1st floor condo in Hammock Bay with elevator to lower level 2 car ...

1508 -B. NEW two-story garage home! The main floor includes a great room that leads to an open dining room and kitchen. The 2nd floor features an owne...

1901-B single family - Three story Townhome! The first floor includes a bedroom and a full bath! The second floor features an open kitchen and spaciou...

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.

These prices won't last long so buy now and save!...

1901-B single family - Three story Townhome! The first floor includes a bedroom and a full bath! The second floor features an open kitchen and spaciou...

Breathtaking lake views from this 2 bedroom, 3 bath condo in desirable River Bluff school district!! Needs some cosmetic updates but the view is aweso...

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).

1901-B single family - Three story Townhome! The first floor includes a bedroom and a full bath! The second floor features an open kitchen and spaciou...

Welcome home to your permanent vacation! This is lake living at it's finest. From your balcony there is a spectacular view of the lake, with privacy n...

Location- this is it! Comfort- Oh yes! Beautiful-yes it is. This condo has it all. Hardwood and tile throughout. Well maintained and loved. Hammock Ba...

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.

A RARE OCCASION FOR SALE IN THIS IMPRESSIVE WATERFRONT COMMUNITY ON BIG WATER! Established waterfront community with grounds. Pool/pool house/kitchen-...

Located on Big water with the best views on lake Murray. From the Living Room Upstairs master Bedroom looking at the Dam and outside huge windows Spen...

Well maintained with fantastic views of Lake Murray! This home is one of the few that have high ceilings throughout and vaulted ceilings in the living...

This Amazing Home Is Waiting For You!! Zoned For River Bluff High School. This Home Features 3 Br's , 2.5 Ba's, With The Master On The Main. The Immac...

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.