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.

Hard-to-Find patio home in a quiet location with no busy street. Corner unit, Move-In ready, Granite Counter tops, Master suite, 2 bdrms, 2 baths, Fin...

This Condo is located at 241 W Broadway St 114, Rockville, MN is currently for sale and has been listed on Trulia for 31 days. This property is listed...

TO BE BUILT! Patio home with 2 bedrooms + den, 2 bathrooms, kitchen with breakfast bar, master suite with walk-in closet, living room w/sliding glass ...

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.

Great value for 3 bedroom townhome! Very clean, neutral decor, with open floor plan and lots of light. Patio door to awesome deck overlooking backyard...

You can be living the good life in the 55+ neighborhood of upscale private homes for sale near downtown St. Joseph, located just across the street fro...

To-Be-Built Patio Home with 2 Bedroom, 2 bath, 2 garage stalls in desirable area with association taking care of snow and lawncare. Located on a priva...

TO BE BUILT! Patio home with 2 bedrooms + den, 2 bathrooms, kitchen with breakfast bar, master suite with walk-in closet, living room w/sliding glass ...

One level living. Located within walking distance of vibrant downtown St Joseph. Walk-able distance to the College of St Benedict, local shops and din...

What A Great Place To Call Home! Kitchen offers oak cabinets, updated 2017 SS appliances, beautiful granite counters, center island w/storage and lg p...

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.

Newly built spacious one level end-unit townhome that features a beautiful extended patio on the back side of the property. Features stainless steel a...

Great location for this southside patio home. Close to St. Cloud Golf Course - walk to lunch or dinner at the Club House. 2 BR's, 2 Baths one with wal...

Experience the condo lifestyle at The Lofts Condominiums in the heart of St. Cloud. This 3rd floor Uptown unit is a 1 bed/1 bath and features handicap...

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).

The Lofts Condominiums in the heart of St. Cloud. This third floor, two bedroom, two bath Metropolitan model features balcony, custom cabinets, stainl...

Totally updated remodeled townhome in the St. Cloud Country Club neighborhood. This exceptional 2 BR 3 bath townhome has a completely new kitchen, rem...

This top floor, two bedroom, two bath Metropolitan unit features private balcony, custom cabinets, stainless steel appliances, granite counters, washe...

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.

Prestigious Country Club Location Offers Both Privacy and a Sense of Community. Enjoy the 4 Season Room and Private Patio Through the Seasons, the Spa...

Top floor living at The Lofts Condominiums! This two bedroom, two bath Germain model features 2 balconies, custom cabinets, stainless steel appliances...

This fifth floor, two bedroom, two bath Metropolitan unit features balcony, custom cabinets, stainless steel appliances, granite counters, washer/drye...

Very open floor awesome detached Town home boasting 1451' sq ft MAIN Many AMENTIES Vaulted 9 ft ceilings, Anderson windows, ceramic tile,Master suite ...

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.