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.

Lovely townhome is in total turn-key condition-professionally cleaned and painted throughout! Spacious living space with vaulted ceiling-kitchen and d...

Buyer and buyers agent to verify all information....

Affordable Sartell Twin home with no association fee! Features spacious kitchen dining rooms, living family rooms! Many updates including a newer furn...

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.

Built in 1996, here is an updated 2 bed 1.75 bath one level townhome overlooking the Watab River with great access to a nearby park scenic views of th...

Spacious open floor plan with fresh paint flooring 2018. Vaulted ceilings in living room dining room. Walk-in pantry in kitchen. Private master bathro...

One level living in Foley School District for under 200,000! This is where you want to be!! Well-maintained end unit features 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms ...

Move in ready! 3 same floor bedroom and 2 bath living with a community park down the block on a cul-de-sac. Home has tons of storage, 6 panel doors th...

Lovely 2BR/2BA townhome with maintenance free deck, concrete patio, 2 fireplaces, beautiful kitchen with newer SS fridge dishwasher, walk-through mast...

This Condo is considered one of the larger units in Stratford! Very spacious. The den could be used as a 3rd bedroom. Close to YMCA, hospital, college...

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.

Spacious patio home with everything you need on one level. There are 2 bedrooms and 2 baths, three season porch, 2nd bedroom has French doors and woul...

Amazing opportunity! This 3 bed 4 bath townhome is a rare find! Tons of living space, master suite, and 3 beds on the same level! Big living room with...

Home ownership without the outside chores is a great way to live.Find this conveniently located town home that features a two stall garage, patio, and...

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).

Nicely updated town home. Property has one stall garage. Patio area opens to shared courtyard. Lower level has den!...

This wonderful ground level condo has a nice west facing patio overlooking parkway, providing direct access to the trail system in north St. Cloud. Ce...

One level living! Large 2 bed townhome with open floor plan. Features kitchen with center island, newer laminate flooring, walk thru bath, and patio o...

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.

You found it! The perfect location just across from Whitney park, the YMCA and Whitney Senior Center...close to shopping, bus-line and medical! Home o...

Gorgeous patio home on the Sauk River. featuring 1,570 sqft, 2 bedrooms with walk-in closets, 2 baths, master bath with walk-in bath tub, in floor hea...

Hard to find centrally located condo on Stearns Way. All walls painted 2016, all appliances replaced 2017, furnace and AC replaced in 2017. Very clean...

Welcome to Tuscany Villas private community with a spectacular park with water fountains, ponds and connected to miles of walking trails. This home fe...

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.