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.

Super cute, nicely updated & surprisingly large! 4 legitimate bedrooms. 1.5 baths. No carpet! Beautiful white kitchen. Nice lighting. Lots of original...

3 bedroom ranch style home, 2 bathrooms, 2 car garage, flat fenced in backyard, new kitchen only a couple of years old with stainless steel appliances...

Beautifully maintained ranch style 2 (with a 3rd non-conforming) bedroom, 2 bath home. Newer painting and carpeting. Radon mitigation recently install...

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.

Outstanding open floor plan! High vaulted ceiling with skylight and large windows in the Great Room. Granite counters and breakfast bar in the kitchen...

Absolutely adorable, well cared for, clean and movie in ready! This updated 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home in a fantastic central Moline location boasts a...

Please see for qcfsbo-dot-com for more details and photos for this amazing home....

This property is no longer available to rent or buy. This description is from February 13, 2017 There's a fresh look for this 3 bedroom brick ranch! V...

Loaded with charm. Sensational brick classic. Refinished hardwood floors, roof 2009, central air 2006, all new kitchen cabinets & countertop, newer si...

The time is right for this opportunity! Coming soon - new vinyl siding on the house! 4 bedrooms and updated 1 1/2 baths. Large finished basement. Open...

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.

Homewood Addition home with 2,800 SQFT of finished living space! 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms in desirable Jane Addams School District! Non-conforming 4...

Located in desirable Villa Park neighborhood, this 2 bedroom 2.5 bath 1937 Dutch colonial is full of character and charm. New Pella windows (installed...

Come check out this fully remodeled 4 BR, 3 BA Moline ranch located on a dead-end road. You will love all this move-in ready home has to offer! Enjoy ...

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).

All brick ranch condo with 2 1/2 garage located in a prime location with an awesome view! Unbelievable Oak staircase, granite and corian countertops, ...

Come home to greatness when you purchase this three bed, three bath ranch style home with attached two car garage. Inside youll find new Congoleum lux...

Charming brick ranch. 3 bath, newer roof, gutters, windows and doors. Living room boasts a priceless wooded view and fireplace. Spacious Rec Room with...

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.

Completely Updated! NEW Furnace, Central Air, Plumbing, Electrical Panel, All New Windows. The Kitchen and Baths have been completely renovated to inc...

This property is no longer available to rent or buy. This description is from May 03, 2017 SOLD - Price reduced by 22,900! (Originally 164,900) - NEW ...

Nearly 500sq Ft Finished In The Basement, With The Possibility Of A 4th Bedroom, This Meticulously Maintained Raised Ranch Has Many New Amenities! Upd...

This move in ready ranch is located in a family-friendly neighborhood, on a quiet street, close to HyVee, Walmart, Restaurants. The main level has car...

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.