Why Selling Without an Agent Can Cost You More Than You Think

Cutting out the agent might seem like a smart way to save when you sell your house. But here’s the hard truth:

Last year, homes that sold with an agent went for almost 15% more than those that sold without one.

That gap is pretty hard to ignore. And with more homes on the market to compete with right now, selling on your own is a mistake that’s going to cost you.

This Isn’t the Market for DIY Selling

A few years ago, you might’ve gotten away with a “For Sale By Owner” (FSBO) sign in your yard — handling the process yourself.

Back then, homes were flying off the market and buyers were pulling out all the stops. But that’s not the case anymore.

With more inventory than we’ve seen in years, we’re not in a “list it and they will come” market.
You need professional expertise — a yard sign and some phone photos just won’t cut it.

Right now, the housing market is shifting back to a more balanced state between buyers and sellers, and that really changes the game.

According to Realtor.com, the number of listings for sale in July was the highest it’s been since 2019 (see graph below).

While local markets vary, nationally, inventory is climbing back toward normal levels — giving buyers more choices.

More Inventory = More Competition for You

When there are more homes for sale, buyers can be selective.
They’ll compare your home to others on:

• 💲 Price
• 🏡 Condition
• 📸 Photos
• 📍 Location

If your home doesn’t stand out, it gets skipped over.

Selling today requires:

• A smart pricing strategy
• Expert prep work
• Professional marketing
• And skilled negotiation

If you’re missing any of these pieces, you’ll likely feel it in your bottom line.

More Homeowners Are Turning to the Pros

That’s why more sellers than ever are choosing to work with real estate agents.

Data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows a record-low percentage of homeowners sold without an agent last year.

And the few who tried to go it alone? Many ended up hiring one anyway.

According to Zillow, 21% of FSBO sellers eventually hired an agent after struggling to sell.

So, why take the risk?

With a local pro, you’ll have:

• 🎯 Pricing precision to attract buyers and maximize your return
• 🛋️ Expert staging and presentation to highlight your home’s best features
• 🌐 Pro-level marketing with access to buyer networks you can’t reach alone
• 🤝 Skilled negotiation to evaluate offers and protect your bottom line
• 📊 Local expertise to make your listing stand out in your specific market

💬 An agent’s expertise isn’t optional anymore — it’s essential.

Bottom Line

In a market with more listings and pickier buyers, many sellers who start off on their own end up hiring an agent anyway.
So why not start there?

Let’s connect so you have a pro who knows exactly what it takes to sell your house in today’s market — for the best possible price, without leaving money on the table.

Reach out if you’d like a professional assessment of what your home could sell for today.

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