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.

Wonderful view, wonderful location, wonderful opportunity! This end unit townhouse sits on Lake Washington, and has association amenities that you wil...

Twin style townhome in upper North Mankato. This home is located on a low traffic street with close access to Highway 14. It's also close to Benson Pa...

Single level living at it''s finest! Conveniently located off of Hwy 60 west of Madison Lake. Home offers 3 bedrooms and 3 baths. The main floor featu...

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.

Brand new town home in Madison Lake! Tons of storage, open floor plan, vaulted ceilings, located steps from the Sakatah Trail. Neutral color schem, fa...

This one owner townhome is ready for your inspection! Mankato hilltop, 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, double garage, end unit. Main floor with 2 bedrooms, 2...

If you''re looking for an affordable home that doesn''t require yard work and snow removal, this townhome is for you. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and a 2 car ...

One level living with desirable floor plan. Owner offering 7700 deduction for carpet so buy now at only 270,000 and buyers can re-do carpet to their t...

Ready to downsize This is the perfect option. Move-In- Ready, new, open floor-plan construction, single floor living, slab on grade with in-floor heat...

This is a great place to start or retire, great end unit. Very open floor plan, ready for you to move right in....

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.

Great home to start or retire in. Great end unit, custom built, well thought out open floor plan. Largest lot in the development....

Stunning and spacious 2 bdr, 2 bath, 3 car garage end-unit townhome. Many upgrades on this home and comes with a beautiful open floor plan! Custom oak...

Open spacious 2 story town home. Many bells whistles throughout home. Large new (2018) windows supply ample natural lighting. New (2018) patio door fo...

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).

This STUNNING 2 bedroom/2 bathroom twinhome is one your buyers wont want to miss out on! Resides in a quiet neighborhood, SPACIOUS bedrooms, master wa...

Desirable one level living on a quiet dead-end street! Enjoy plenty of natural light in the sun room and access to the private patio and large backyar...

Beautiful twin home with bright open floor plan and full basement. This well cared for home features hardwood and tiled floors, custom kitchen cabinet...

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 setting! South exposure. All living area on main floor. Open concept with upgrades. Spacious kitchen/dining with breakfast bar, warm and coz...

Wonderful view of Clear Lake * Lake shore with Dock and fire pit on water * Main floor living * Clean and well cared for 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo with ...

A 4 Bedroom split entry home. 2 bedrooms and a bathroom on each level. Vaulted ceiling in Living room and kitchen and dining area and Master Bedroom. ...

2 bd, 2 ba town home * Immaculate, like new * Interior construction 2011 * Owner occupied as a 2nd home only 3-4 mos. each summer since 2012 - less th...

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.