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.

Fabulous open concept home! So very bright spacious too! South facing for that comfortable sun! 3 bdrm 2 bath w/finished lower level! Huge garage! Cal...

Spacious home, huge lot! 3 bdrm, 2 bath home with tons of space. H/W floors, French doors, new central air too! The family room is amazing w/ gas fire...

Step back in time to this lovely Victorian, where time stands still. Enjoy a lemonade on the front porch while visiting with your neighbors. This love...

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.

Charming home and very spacious too! 4-5 bdrm 3 bath w/ fabulous family room above the garage, with a fireplace! The garage is HUGE and allows for wor...

3 bdrm 2 bath home! Tons of update here including updated kitchen, flooring, and new upper level bath too! Finished breezeway for extra living space. ...

Updated ranch throughout! H/W floors, newer windows, new bath, newly finished lower level, new concrete double tiered deck w/gorgeous backyard. Locate...

Description Enjoy this ranch home close to swimming pool, park ball fields. 2 bedroom, hardwood floors infloor heat eat in kitchen. Cozy family room i...

Lots of character in this 4 bdrm home! Gorgeous woodwork and h/w floors. Spacious kitchen plus dining space. Newer bath! Amazing huge lot, on end of t...

A piece of heaven just out of town in beautiful subdivision! Many major updates to this home! Recent updates to kitchen, flooring, and bath. Newly fin...

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.

Everything you need on one level! Spacious kitchen, open concept. M/F laundry. Finished lower level w/new bath. Huge lot for family recreation, garden...

Remodeled 1.5 story, 3 bedroom, 2 bath home on a corner lot close to churches, schools,parks, and downtown area. New kitchen with hickory cabinets, ne...

Cute cozy home w/huge yard. Newer windows in the home. Newer flooring in living room. Convenient layout w/spacious kitchen. Take a look today!...

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).

Gorgeous 2-story home on a huge lot. H/W floors, pocket doors, stunning foyer, front enclosed porch/mudroom entry, updated kitchen, servants staircase...

Step back in time to the lovely Victorian home where time stands still. Enjoy a lemonade on the fron tporch while visiting with your neighbors. Home h...

Amazing ranch home on corner lot. Spacious kitchen w/ open concept to living room tons of natural light. Finished lower level w/ new bath too! All on ...

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.

Wow! incredible view of Mississippi River from Charming turn of the century four bedroom, 2.5 bath home. Large country kitchen, main floor laundry and...

One level living, master bath (huge), 3 season porch with ramped deck and large backyard for fun and gardening. But wait! There's more! A garage lover...

This beautiful home sits on over 15 acres outside of New Albin, IA.The home features 4-5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms has an attached garage walkout basement...

One of a kind custom built home w/ beautiful woodwork in every room around every corner. 4 bdrms, (3 upstairs 1 on the main), 3 full bths, (1 on every...

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.