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.

Don't miss this totally updated 3/2 home in Brandon. All new interior paint with light and bright colors. Lots of natural lighting throughout the home...

Beautiful 4 bedroom 3 bath open split plan with 2358 sq. ft. on .7 acre corner lot in Ironwood Estates of Brandon. Formal entry, large kitchen with st...

Wonderful 3 bedroom / 2 bath home PLUS office in Lennox of Brandon! This one features wood floors, a split plan, and neutral colors throughout! The sp...

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.

Beautiful move-in ready home located in the exclusive neighborhood of Grandeur. You will fall in love with this house when you walk through the front ...

4 bedrooms. 2 full baths. Open Foyer divides into the office, formal living room, and great room. Great room with gas starter fireplace. Laundry room....

Very cute studio condo, ground floor, newer A/C. Long term tenant in place who would like to stay. Next to the Country Club. Comes fully furnished inc...

Beautiful 4 bedroom 3 bath open split plan with over 2600 sq. ft. on over half an acre lot in Ironwood Estates of Brandon. Formal entry, formal dining...

This BEAUTIFUL 3bd/2bath home in Greenfield Station is just like New Construction! With granite counter tops in kitchen bathrooms, stained/scored conc...

SOUTHERN LIVING AT IT'S BEST!! Beautiful Traditional Home on 5.13 acres. 4 BR/ 4.5 BA., WORKSHOP is +/- 20X30 with garage door entrance, also has Wate...

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.

Quality new construction in prime location! Silver Ridge 3/2 traditional plan: master with separate shower and jetted tub, wood floors throughout, cer...

Vintage Old Town Cottage In The Heart Of Bay Saint Louis! Circa 1930, This 4 Bedroom, 3 Full Bath Home Features Handscraped Hickory Hardwood Flooring ...

You are sure to feel right at home as soon as you enter this spacious and beautiful 4 bedroom 2 bath home. It offers 2 large living spaces with a gorg...

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).

Cute, updated 3 bedroom, 1 bath with additional room attached to master that could be a 4th bedroom, office, etc. Situated in a cul-de-sac, and slight...

Beautiful home in the sought after golf course community of Patrick Farms. Fresh paint throughout the entire house, and floors professionally cleaned....

Amazing 4 Bedroom home in Country Place! 2 Master Suites and 3 Full Bathrooms! This split plan has room for everyone! Formal Dining Room, 2 Living Are...

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.

Great house in a great location! Just a few minutes south of Merit Health River Oaks and Lakeland Drive, this home backs up to Bright Park. Move-in re...

This home is like brand new and just waiting for the perfect person or family to call it home. It has been completely updated with new windows, kitche...

Show Stopping Curb Appeal! Arches Embellish Welcoming Front Porch & Huge Tree Shades The Front Yard*enter This Lovely Home & You Will Find A Dedicated...

Come see this 3 bedroom 2 bath in St Charles Parke of Ridgeland! Split plan with large great room open to spacious kitchen and dining. Call your Realt...

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.