The Real Reason FSBO Listings Are at an All-Time Low

Thinking of Selling Your Home Without an Agent? Here’s What You Need to Know

Selling your home on your own – what’s often called “For Sale by Owner” or FSBO – might sound appealing at first. Maybe you’ve considered skipping the agent to save on commission, thinking, “How hard can it be?”

But the numbers (and the reality) tell a different story. According to the latest data from the National Association of Realtors, the number of FSBO sellers just hit an all-time low.

And here’s the kicker – even among the few who still go that route, three out of four say they’re not confident it’s the right decision. That’s because today’s market isn’t what it was a few years ago. It’s shifting. And navigating that shift takes strategy, local knowledge, and experience.

Here are three reasons why hiring a qualified agent can make a real difference in your sale – and your bottom line.

1. Pricing It Right Matters More Than Ever

This isn’t a market where you can guess your price based on what your neighbor got two years ago. The right price today needs to reflect current buyer demand, interest rate trends, and local inventory.

Without an agent, you’re flying blind. But with a pro, you get a custom pricing strategy rooted in local market data – and that gives you the best shot at selling quickly and for top dollar.

2. Legal Docs and Buyer Demands Are More Complex Now

Selling a home comes with a mountain of paperwork. From disclosures to contingency clauses, one missed form can derail the deal or worse – open the door to legal trouble.

Buyers are also more cautious now. They’re asking for repairs, credits, or concessions. An experienced agent can walk you through every form and every ask, help you negotiate smartly, and keep your deal on track.

3. You Need the Right Exposure to Sell Fast

The market has more inventory now. That means your home has more competition – and just throwing a listing on a website won’t cut it.

A skilled agent brings professional marketing, social reach, high-quality photography, and a network of buyers and agents that FSBO sellers simply don’t have access to. That’s how your home gets noticed—and sold.

Bottom Line

Selling your home without an agent may seem like a shortcut, but it often leads to longer timelines, more stress, and less money in your pocket.

In this market, it’s not about luck. It’s about leverage. And the right agent gives you exactly that—along with confidence, guidance, and a strategy that works.