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).

New construction condo at the Glen at Magnolia Park, ready for move in this spring. This 3 bedroom, 2 bath, upper level condo has an open floor plan w...

Breathtaking corner lot with all high-end finishes! 12' ceiling, 8' windows with refreshing cross-breezes and glorious lighting. Soft-close high end c...

CUSTOM BUILT - ONE OWNER TOP NOTCH SUMMIT TWP CONDO! This gorgeous condo is like new throughout. Covered porch at front. Foyer, open flr plan living/d...

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.

New construction condo at the Glen at Magnolia Park. This 3 bedroom, 2 bath, upper level condo has an open floor plan with 9' ceilings. Featuring 42 M...

New construction condo at the Glen at Magnolia Park. This 2 bedroom, 2 bath, garden level condo has an open floor plan with 9' ceilings. Featuring 42 ...

Fabulous Condo located near M-50 in Oak Hills Estates. Large kitchen with hardwood floors. 2 large bedrooms and baths. Lower level has a newly finishe...

Much bigger than appears! This fantastic condo has a new Gourmet Kitchen with 2 islands, Gen Air appliances, copper sinks, Corian countertops, coffee ...

New construction condo at the Glen at Magnolia Park, spring completion. This 2 bedroom, 2 bath, upper level condo has an open floor plan with 9' ceili...

Welcome Home to your beautiful 2 bedroom 2 bathroom condo! This upper level condo features 9 foot ceilings making your already spacious floor plan fee...

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.

New construction condo at the Glen at Magnolia Park, spring completion. This 2 bedroom, 2 bath, upper level condo has an open floor plan with 9' ceili...

Under Contract/Under construction Great light from your 8' windows bounces off your original hardwood floors and 12' ceilings, showcasing your build o...

Second Floor 2BR/2BA Condo at the Glen of Magnolia in Summit Township. This original owner condo (new in 2006) has been well maintained and offers a d...

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).

IDEAL CONDO LIVING - Only one short flight of stairs down to lovely garden level unit w/walkout to park-like courtyard. 9 Ft ceilings open floor plan ...

Seller is motivated and says bring offers! THEE location in Country Club Hills, over looking holes 6 7, w/mature trees to the north adding to the view...

3's a charmer! When you are done building out loft 3 you can sit back and admire your brand new home in a historic building with awesome original feat...

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.

New construction condo at the Glen at Magnolia Park, ready for spring move in. Last main level available! This 2 bedroom, 2 bath, main level condo has...

HIGHLY POPULAR CONDO STYLE! Single story 2 bedroom, 2 full bath condo plus a full finished basement w/garden windows. Affordable too! Lovely wooded se...

Breathtaking corner lot with all high-end finishes! 12' ceiling, 8' windows with refreshing cross-breezes and glorious lighting. Soft-close high end c...

City View Lofts are upscale, convenient and luxurious condominiums built in the former, Albert Kahn designed, Camp International Building. This gated ...

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.