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).

Hector rambler features 3 bedrooms, lower level family room is partially finished with pallet ceiling and wall along with custom barn door that leads ...

One story home with 3 BR, 2 3/4 BA, 4 season porch, oak custom cabinets w/soft close drawers, 3/4 master with double sinks, vaulted ceilings surround ...

Buffalo Lake 2 bedroom rambler features family room in lower level, mud room, vinyl siding and insulated double attached garage. Large back yard....

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.

Wonderful fixer upper oozing with potential in a private and peaceful country setting. This charming well built home features 2 main floor bedrooms, 1...

This two bedroom home has the possibility of third bedroom in the basement, egress window already installed. Updated insulated vinyl siding, windows a...

Great lot! House on property but the value is in the lot. Would have a great view if cleared. Lot surveyed and fenced. Great Downtown/Observation Hill...

Recently updated 4 bedroom, 4 bath home. This home is located on a quiet cul-de-sac with mature trees and is the perfect retreat for the busy life and...

Excellent Location, Quiet Road. Secluded Sunny Backyard, Deer Watching. Room to build your own shop, garden, etc. Beautiful tongue and groove wood int...

TO BE BUILT: One-Level living, tray vault in Great Room, separate master bath w/walk-in shower, kitchen w/island and pantry. Den can be used as a bedr...

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.

Beautiful rambler with magnificent views of hole 4 on the Crow River Golf Course. Large vaulted master suite with access to the screen room. Grand ent...

Well cared for SW Hutchinson 1 1/2 story home features breakfast bar in kitchen, subway tile in bath and lower level family room. Upper level could be...

New construction one level twinhome located in SE Hutchinson will feature 3 bedrooms, master bath, sun room, granite counter, raised panel doors, in f...

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).

Stunning rambler w/ amazing views of Otter Lake which greet you the moment you walk in the front door. 9' ceilings w/ many unique vaults throughout. C...

Beautifully updated 3 bed, 2 bath ramble, LVT Floors and tile floors, main floor family room w/fireplace, new carpet, open floor plan, main floor laun...

NEW WINDOWS, SHINGLES, EXTERIOR PAINT. Great home on corner lot. Cedar fenced in yard. Extra side parking for RV/campers etc. Large kitchen and pantry...

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.

Move in condition. 4+ BR home on huge 1/2 acre lot. Newly finished basement, updated bathroom, main floor laundry, hardwood floors, French doors to ma...

Incredible organic property- perfect sustainable homestead or continue to develop as a fruit farm, agritourism or event operation. Updated 3 bed, 2 ba...

Great Craftsman style home with hardwood floors, many built-ins. A bright and airy sun room adjacent the family room on the main floor. This home feat...

Palatial Executive Home on 1.5 acre riverfront lot. Designed for entertaining. Sweeping grand staircase, formal dining room. Gourmet kitchen w/island,...

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.