Guides for home buyers and sellers
Straight answers to the questions people ask before hiring a realtor — what agents do, what they cost, how to check a license and when you might not need one.
Hiring a realtor
How to Choose the Right Realtor for Your Move
A practical process for finding, interviewing and hiring a realtor, with the questions to ask before you sign and the warning signs to watch for.
7 min readWhat Does a Realtor Actually Do?
A step-by-step look at a realtor's job for buyers and sellers, how agents get paid, and the tasks that belong to attorneys, inspectors, appraisers and lenders.
6 min readQuestions to Ask a Listing Agent Before You Sign
Interviewing listing agents? Use these questions on pricing, CMAs, marketing, communication and listing agreement terms to compare candidates side by side.
8 min readHow to Check a Realtor License Before You Hire
A practical walkthrough of state license lookups, what each field means, where to find disciplinary records, and how to confirm REALTOR membership.
7 min readDual Agency Explained in Plain English
When one agent works for both buyer and seller, the rules change. Learn how dual agency, designated agency and transaction brokerage differ and when to say no.
6 min readCan You Fire Your Realtor? How to End It the Right Way
Ending a listing or buyer agreement is usually possible. Learn how cancellation clauses and protection periods work and how to switch agents without owing twice.
6 min readClosing Gifts and Thanking Your Realtor, What Is Customary
Tipping a realtor is not expected, but reviews and referrals mean a lot. Plus closing gift ideas for agents and general RESPA cautions on referral gifts.
Costs & commissions
Realtor Commission Explained in Plain English
What realtors charge, how a commission is split and paid at closing, who pays which agent, and practical ways to negotiate a lower or different fee.
7 min readThe NAR Settlement and What It Means for You Today
How the 2024 realtors settlement changed buyer agent pay, what a written buyer agreement must say, and practical steps for buyers and sellers now.
6 min readFlat-Fee and Discount Realtors Explained
Flat-fee MLS listings, discount brokerages and buyer rebates can cut costs. Learn how each works, what is usually included and what you take on yourself.
6 min readDo Realtors Help With Rentals? A Guide for Renters and Landlords
Many realtors help tenants and landlords with leases. Here is how leasing fees work, who usually pays, and how a leasing agent differs from a property manager.
7 min readHow Much Do Realtors Make and Why Incomes Vary So Much
Follow a commission from the sale price to the agent's pocket, compare split models, see the expenses agents pay, and learn why realtor income ranges so widely.
Buying & selling
Selling a House Without a Realtor, Step by Step
How for-sale-by-owner works in practice, what paperwork you need, how flat-fee MLS listings fit in, and an honest look at when skipping a listing agent pays off.
6 min readBuying a House Without a Realtor, Including New Construction
What it takes to buy a home without your own agent, who handles each task instead, the real risks, and how to approach a builder on your own.
7 min readThe Home Buying Process Step by Step, From Pre-Approval to Keys
A clear walk-through of buying a home with an agent, from pre-approval and offers to inspection, appraisal, contingencies and closing day.
6 min readFirst-Time Home Buyer Guide, From Budget to Keys
Set a realistic budget, find local down payment help, compare conventional, FHA, VA and USDA loans, and learn how to work with an agent on your first home.
8 min readDo You Need a Realtor When Buying New Construction?
The friendly agent in the model home works for the builder. Here is when your own realtor helps, why registering on the first visit matters, and which inspections to schedule.
6 min readComparative Market Analysis Explained for Buyers and Sellers
What a CMA is, how agents choose comps and adjustments, how to read the report, and how it differs from an appraisal or a Zillow, Redfin or Realtor.com estimate.
8 min readZillow vs Realtor.com vs Redfin, What Really Sets Them Apart
Zillow, Realtor.com and Redfin pull data differently, sell leads differently and estimate value differently. Here is how to use each one wisely.
Licensing & industry
Realtor vs Real Estate Agent vs Broker, and Why It Matters
Agent, broker, associate broker and REALTOR are not interchangeable. Here is what each title means, how licensing works, and what designations add.
7 min readThe REALTOR Code of Ethics, What It Means for You
A plain-English tour of the NAR Code of Ethics, its 17 articles, the ones that matter most to buyers and sellers, and how to file an ethics complaint.
6 min readRealtor Dues and Associations, Who Does What and What It Costs
Local boards, state associations, NAR, and the MLS each play a different role. Here is what realtor dues cover, how bills are built, and how consumers benefit.
7 min readHow to Become a Realtor From Coursework to First Closing
The full path to a real estate license and REALTOR membership, including education hours by state, exam tips, broker selection, startup costs, and a timeline.
7 min readRealtor Lead Generation for Agents, Sources, Systems and Compliance
Where real estate agents find leads, how portal leads compare with your own IDX website, CRM basics, and the Do Not Call, TCPA and RESPA rules to respect.