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.

Bigger than it looks This home offers 2 bedrooms upstairs, a master with walk in closet, a third bedroom downstairs and also another non-conforming be...

Beautiful home with all original hardwood floors and trim. Large lot with mature trees and perennial flower beds. This home is a rare find. Sellers ar...

Price Reduced for quick sale to allow for Estate Settlement. Nice house 4BR 2 full bath. Newer mechanicals in town acreage with mature trees. Property...

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.

Country living in a small town on half an acre! Situated on a private street, this 3 bedroom, 3 bath walkout home has so much to offer! Gorgeous lands...

Back on the market!! Looking for an immaculate 3 BR home in Mitchellville Look no further! This home has been lovingly maintained, finished to complet...

Welcome to the heart of small town living. This home is in a great area for all being close to gas, post office, bank, Casey's, Dollar General and dow...

GORGEOUS custom built home sitting on a serene acreage with grown trees and fantastic landscaping. This 5 bedroom ranch has nearly 3600 square feet fi...

Looking for a Country retreat in the City! You will adore this Walkout Ranch on almost an acre w/a 3 car attached garage a 1 car tuck under garage. In...

Beautifully maintained ranch on edge of town with no neighbors behind and beautiful views. Large MBR with his hers closets, walkout to 2nd deck, maste...

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.

All brick 3 bedroom home with 2 baths, hardwood floors, newer windows, newer kitchen (2013), heated tile floor in kitchen, stainless steel kitchen app...

Fully remodeled gorgeous 4 bedroom, 3 bath 2 story brick home. NEW kitchen, NEW trim package, NEW flooring throughout the home, NEW privacy fence, upd...

Make this 4 bedroom 2 bathroom home yours! Enter on the front deck through the front door into the foyer. Upstairs you will find the inviting living r...

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).

Large open canvas with many opportunities just off of Newtons city square. This space is not limited to office or retail space. Building also has indi...

Beautiful new home in an established neighborhood. Spacious entry and open staircase to lower level Main floor has two bedrooms, two baths and large l...

Beautifully maintained Ranch style home! This home has all the amenities you want with out the expensive price tag. Featuring Vinyl Siding, Newer Wind...

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.

The August H. Bergman house is on the National Historic Registry. Lots of updates, including new roof, updated plumbing, electrical, bathrooms plaster...

WOW! Over 1,600 finished sqft is showcased in this complete remodel! Step inside to gorgeous luxury vinyl planks leading through the living room into ...

This wonderful home with a large backyard has had many updates to its unique design, big cement parking area, and sought after neighborhood. This modi...

Having a hard time finding a solid home in your price range The market is crazy! Heres your chance to have a 3 BR ranch with over 2500 sq ft. Spacious...

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.