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).

Northwest Des Moines with Johnston Schools Townhouse for Sale! 2 bedrooms with Hollywood bath and laundry on 2nd floor with washer and dryer included....

Spacious 3bedroom, 2 full bath townhome. Two car garage, patio and deck. Additional features include a lower level family room with gas fireplace. All...

Top level condo just minutes from Downtown with quick access to the interstate. Adjacent to historic Sherman Hills. The only two bedroom condo near Do...

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.

Super great location - quiet neighborhood - all in the heart of Urbandale! This very clean and well kept townhome is within walking distance to the gr...

Come check out this fully remodeled first floor condominium in central Urbandale! Easy access to grocery stores, I-80, restaurants, and more! This qui...

Does snuggling by a fire on a snowy night sound good to you Or baking cookies in your cute kitchen The beautiful thing is you don't have to shovel sno...

Highly desirable Oak Brook 2+ bedroom/ 4 bath townhome with vaulted ceiling and loft. Hardwood floors, laundry, office/bedroom and 1/2 bath all on the...

Condominium living at its best. This 2-bedroom 2-bathroom condominium home with a cozy living room and brick fireplace offers secure living at such an...

Tired of shoveling snow You won't have to ever again with this amazing 3 bedroom, two full bath townhouse. Check out that huge eat-in kitchen with pan...

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.

This is an attractive 4 bedroom / 3 bath town home with just over 2300 sq. ft finished features newer carpeting, some fresh paint, cozy fireplace that...

Must see this well-maintained Urbandale townhouse. Southern exposure means lots of natural sunlight. Laminate floors throughout dining area kitchen. M...

Looking for a 2 story townhome in a park like setting This one is for you! First floor vaulted Family room with fireplace, nice kitchen and dining are...

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).

Tons of natural light in this end unit Cross Creek Townhome! This home offers 2 car attached garage, spacious kitchen with SS appliances, large dining...

Welcome home to this very nice 3 bedroom condo, perfect for either a family or single buyer. Well maintained and freshly painted this home is move in ...

Experience the space you have between you and your neighbor -- this property has a bonus lot. There is plenty of space for wood working or entertainin...

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.

Townhomes like this don't come around often! End unit with lots of space and two master bedrooms. Enter in to vaulted ceilings and open layout. The ma...

Just Listed! Here is a lovely 2 bedroom garden level condominium, nearly 1000 sq. ft. in mint condition - ready to move in!! Not only is the interior ...

Conveniently located 2 Bedroom/2 Bathroom condo on the upper level shows off views of trees and green-space. The large windows bring in so much natura...

Super clean 1 owner, central Urbandale condo. 2 bed, 2 bath, Fresh paint, New carpet. Convenient 1st floor Zero entry. 1 car garage, Pond and walking ...

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.