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.

This incredible 2-story home with 5 bedrooms,5 bath boasts VALUE! Over 5000 sq ft nestled on 2.2 acres. Asian walnut hardwood floors throughout. Eat-i...

A must see property with grand potential. Owned by a licensed builder, over 3,000 sq ft with main floor master, nice sized living spaces, 4 bedrooms w...

Beautifully built one level new construction just steps from Grand Meadow schools. Enjoy in floor heat (2 zones), hickory cabinets, upgraded panel doo...

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...just 12 short miles to Rochester! Start the day sipping a cup of coffee on the back deck, just off of the master bedroom suite, and f...

Custom built 3 bedroom, 3 bath 2-story home. Large kitchen loaded with custom cabinets, hardwood floors, main floor laundry. Upper level features 3 be...

Great setting! 2 bedroom 2 bath home located on approximately 2.34 acres on edge of town. Open floor concept provides spacious kitchen, dining, and fa...

Enjoy hassle free main floor living. 2 bedroom, 1 bath townhome. Custom kitchen, master bedroom with large walk-in closet. Nice family room, 2nd bedro...

Hard to find Country Living at its best. Unique property with 2 homes and a large heated shop 50X50 and a large machine storage shed 50X150 just off a...

Peaceful country living near interstate 90 for a quick drive to Rochester or Austin. Room to roam or maybe some farm pets. A must see is the get away ...

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.

Loads of charm and character w/master BDRM suite upstairs. Beautiful woodwork, leaded stain glass windows, open stair case, fireplace w/awesome origin...

Totally renovated updated 3 bedroom 2 bath home w/main floor laundry. New foundation work, updated elec. plumbing, new sheet rock, new carpet upper le...

This one of a kind home w/nearly 1 wooded acre of privacy if waiting for you. The main floor kitchen/dining room has an open floor plan is ideal for e...

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).

NEW patio homes now available! Featuring 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 2 car garage, comforts of in-floor heat throughout house and garage, laundry, premium ...

Beautifully updated remodeled 4 bedroom, 1.5 bath home. Kitchen is all new, updated mudroom/laundry area, laminate floors throughout main floor, perm....

This well kept two story has a complete kitchen remodel. The large Family/ living room provides plenty of entertainment spaces along with a dining roo...

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.

Country living on Amazing 20 acres w/panoramic views of the countryside. Quality 3 bedroom/2 bath split level home with finished lower level. 32x30 lo...

This custom built ranch home features an open floor plan w/zero entry access, stunning kitchen cabinetry, inviting great room w/stone surround gas fir...

4 bedroom, 2 bath. Featuring completely remodeled home, main floor master bedroom, master bathroom, master walk-in closet, new stainless steel kitchen...

5 Acres. 3 bedroom. Remodeled inside and out. Some of the updates include permanent siding, windows, kitchen cabinets/countertops, complete bathroom i...

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.