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.

Affordable home with lots of updates throughout! Cozy front porch leads to an inviting main floor. Separate den with living room area, dining room wit...

Great 4 bedroom home just listed in Le Center. This is close to downtown and has a very good 2+ car detached garage. The home has updated most areas o...

Schedule a showing today! 4 bed 2 bath home located in Le Center on a spacious corner lot! Newer roof, vinyl siding, updated windows, large deck plus ...

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.

Solid home on treed corner lot! Features 2 main floor bedrooms and partially finished lower level with tons of storage space. Room to expand into the ...

Very nice twinhome in Le Center. This one is on a corner lot and isn't in an association. The basement is full and has some finish including a family ...

Move in condition!!! Upstairs has 3 bedrooms and a full bath. The main floor has a half bath.Church School Liquor store all within a block or so. Also...

Small-town living with easy access to Mankato and the southwest suburbs of the Twin Cities. Split-entry with open concept, vaulted, living, dining and...

Perfect starter Home. The Den could really be a bedroom if you reversed the closet to the bathroom. This home has a detached 1+ garage in the back yar...

Move in ready home with New Maple Kitchen, Stainless Appliances, 4 Car Garage, Freshly painted, Backing up to park....

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.

Welcome Home to the Charm of the 1920's! Beautiful built in cabinets and hardwood floors throughout this open floor plan. Features 3 bedrooms on one l...

So many current updates in 2 years. Roof, flooring, cabinets, granite counter tops, lighting, vanities, dishwasher, washer, dryer, range, refrig all i...

To be Built by Loomis Homes. Welcome to the Linden II! This model features an open floor plan with kitchen, dining, large family room, 3 bedrooms 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).

Awesome place to start or retire!!! This 3 bedroom home has been well maintained, a little updating and this house becomes a home....

I like big lots and I can not lie. The large house you cant deny. With a walk-out basement, you''ll want to buy. Ready for you-give home ownership a t...

2-story on 7 landscaped ACRES, wrapped round Lake Phelps creating your private shoreline! Custom Woodwork creates modern rustic ambiance. Enjoy views ...

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.

New custom made kitchen cabinets with center island. Hardwood floors, 2 bedroom rambler with lots of natural lighting on oversized corner lot with all...

One level living with main floor laundry. Large, private master suite, on the opposite end of the house from the other bedrooms. Main floor family roo...

Start the new year in your brand new home, Located on the edge of Montgomery this home offers pond views and easy access to Hwy 13. Fully finished ram...

To be Built by Loomis Homes. The Sherwood Model features an open floor plan with kitchen, dining, andspacious family room on the main level. Welcome g...

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.