Realtor: What They Do, How They Get Paid, and Why They Matter

When you're looking to buy or sell a home, a realtor, a licensed real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of Realtors. Also known as a real estate agent, it guides you through the legal, financial, and emotional steps of moving—whether it’s your first home or your tenth investment. Not all agents are realtors—only those who follow a strict code of ethics and stay up to date with market rules. That’s the difference between someone who lists a house and someone who protects your deal.

A realtor doesn’t just post photos online. They know local zoning laws, how property taxes work in Virginia or Texas, what makes a 2BHK layout actually functional, and why a rent-to-own deal often costs more than it seems. They’ve seen how Zillow’s estimates can mislead buyers, how non-resident landlords must file tax forms, and why some properties in Utah or New York have hidden legal traps. They handle inspections, negotiate repairs, manage timelines, and make sure your deposit isn’t lost because someone skipped a step. In markets where land prices swing wildly—like California or Texas—a good realtor gives you clarity when the noise is loud.

They get paid through commission, usually 5% to 6% of the sale price, split between buyer’s and seller’s agents. That’s not a fee you pay upfront—it’s taken out at closing. But here’s the thing: a smart realtor doesn’t just sell faster. They help you avoid overpaying, spot red flags in contracts, and even find off-market deals. If you’re wondering if renting is throwing money away, or whether a 500-square-foot apartment works for two people, your realtor has seen real people live those choices—and can tell you what actually works.

Whether you’re buying a manufactured home on cheap Texas land, looking at commercial property listings, or trying to understand if a townhouse is really different from a townhome, your realtor connects the dots. They know how Maryland rental licenses work, what’s behind New York’s two-plate rule, and why Utah land claims need paperwork you didn’t know existed. They don’t guess—they check records, call cities, and use tools like Redfin or Compass to find what’s truly available. And if you’re a landlord living abroad, they’ll tell you exactly what Form 1040-NR means and how to avoid frozen assets.

You’ll find posts here that break down what realtors actually earn, how commissions vary by region, and why some agents push certain listings over others. You’ll see how property types like 3SLED apartments or ADUs fit into today’s market, and how laws in Virginia or Maryland change what’s possible. There’s no fluff—just real talk on what matters when you’re making one of the biggest financial moves of your life. What you’re about to read isn’t theory. It’s what real people and real agents have learned the hard way.