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.

Located just outside the Phoenix metro area, the 55-Plus community of CantaMia is comprised of 587 total acres, including lakes and waterways, walking...

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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.

Gorgeous low maintenance tile is featured throughout the downstairs and in the bathrooms making your house clean-up a breeze! The modern kitchen featu...

Fresh New Paint! This Beautiful Townhome is located in the Community of Deer Run at Canyon Trails, Goodyear. Home features ceiling fans throughout. 10...

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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.

Why buy new and wait when you can move into a gorgeous Lago model Villa in the active adult golf community of Pebblecreek. This lovely home has everyt...

Located in Rio Paseo, this beautiful condominium home features Stainless Steel Appliances, Granite Kitchen Counter top with eased edge, 42'' Upper Kit...

PURCHASE THIS HOME ON OR BEFORE FEBRUARY 28, 2019 CLOSE ESCROW BY APRIL 15, 2019 TO RECEIVE A GE REFRIGERATOR AND GE WASHER DRYER! Located in Rio Pase...

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).

Beautiful Premium Villa (Lock and Leave) with 3 bathrooms. Taro model with over 50,000 in upgrades. Close to Oasis pool complex. Granite countertops a...

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Beautifully appointed Viva Villa on corner lot. Large backyard is south facing with mature trees. Extended patio with pavers, fan and electric sunscre...

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.

Located in Rio Paseo, this beautiful condominium home features Stainless Steel Appliances, Granite Kitchen Counter top, Kitchen Cabinets with Full Ove...

Located in Rio Paseo, this beautiful condominium home features Stainless Steel Appliances, Granite Kitchen Counter top, 42'' Upper Cabinets at Kitchen...

Beautifully upgraded 'Aria' plan is conveniently located to Tuscany Clubhouse, pools, fitness center, restaurants, pickle ball, tennis courts other am...

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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.