The Top Reasons Sellers Rely on Real Estate Agents

Thinking about selling your home on your own as a For Sale by Owner (FSBO)? You’re not alone—but in today’s changing market, more homeowners are deciding it’s just not worth the gamble.

According to recent data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the number of people choosing to sell without an agent has dropped to a record low (see chart below):

Even the Few Sellers Who Go Solo Have Second Thoughts For the small number of homeowners who do try to sell without an agent, the confidence just isn’t there. A recent survey found that 3 out of 4 FSBO sellers have doubts about whether they’re making the right move.

And it’s easy to see why. Today’s housing market isn’t bad—it’s just more complex. It requires strategy, experience, and precision. That’s where a real estate agent makes all the difference.

Here are three key ways an agent helps sellers succeed:

1. Nailing the Right Price in a Shifting Market

Pricing isn’t guesswork. You can’t just go off what your neighbor got last year. You need a number that reflects what buyers are willing to pay right now—and that takes local market expertise. As Zillow puts it:

“Agents are pros when it comes to pricing properties and have their finger on the pulse of your local market.”

Agents know what’s selling, what isn’t, and how to position your home so it stands out and sells fast.

2. Navigating the Paperwork Without Risk

Selling means signing—and a lot of it. From disclosures to contracts, the legal documentation can be overwhelming. One misstep can delay your closing or lead to costly mistakes.

Agents handle these documents every day. They know the legal requirements, how to protect you, and how to keep the process moving, especially now that buyers are adding more contingencies and asking for concessions.

3. Getting Results, Not Just Listing

More homes are hitting the market, which means more competition. Selling quickly in today’s climate takes more than a yard sign and a Zillow post.

Agents come with a marketing game plan—and a network—to get your listing seen by serious buyers. If speed matters, it pays to have someone who knows how to move the needle.

Bottom Line

In today’s evolving market, having the right agent by your side—and the right game plan—makes all the difference. The process of selling a home has too many moving parts to go it alone. A skilled local agent brings clarity, strategy, and peace of mind every step of the way.

Don’t put your biggest asset at risk. Instead, team up with a trusted expert who knows the market, understands the data, and can help you price, market, and negotiate with confidence from day one. That way, you can move forward feeling supported, informed, and ready for what’s next.