Thinking about selling your house on your own as a “For Sale by Owner”? You’re not alone—it’s something many homeowners consider. But with the way the market is changing right now, more and more people are realizing it might not be worth the risk.
The latest data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows that fewer people than ever are choosing to sell their homes without an agent—it’s actually at an all-time low (check out the graph below).
And even among the few homeowners who do choose to sell on their own, the data shows many of them aren’t all that confident it was the right move.
A recent survey found that 3 out of 4 homeowners who aren’t planning to use an agent are second-guessing that choice—they’re just not sure it’s the best decision.
Here’s the thing—the market’s shifting. Not necessarily in a bad way, but it does call for a more strategic, well-thought-out approach. That’s where having a real estate expert on your side can really make a difference.
Here are just a couple of ways having an experienced agent on your side can really make a big impact.
1. Pricing It Right in a Market That’s Always Changing
One of the toughest parts of selling your home on your own is nailing the right price. It’s not just about choosing a number that sounds good or basing it off what your neighbor got a few years ago—you’ve got to price it right for today’s market. And without an agent’s insight, it’s easy to miss the mark. As Zillow puts it:
“Agents are pros when it comes to pricing properties and have their finger on the pulse of your local market. They understand current buying trends and can provide insight into how your home compares to others for sale nearby.”
Bottom line—agents know what’s actually selling, what buyers are willing to pay in your neighborhood, and how to position your home to move quickly. That kind of know-how can make a big difference, especially in a market that’s starting to level out.
2. Navigating (and Actually Understanding) All the Legal Paperwork
Agents have been through this process countless times—they know exactly what paperwork is needed and how to keep things moving smoothly. And with buyers now adding more contingencies and asking for concessions, having an agent to walk you through each form, step by step, ensures everything’s done right the first time and nothing gets overlooked.
3. Getting Your Home Sold Fast—Even as the Market Changes
With more homes hitting the market, they’re not selling quite as fast as they were before. But the good news? You can still sell quickly—you just need a solid strategy to make your home stand out from the rest.
Keep in mind, homeowners don’t have access to the same network or marketing tools that a seasoned agent does. So if you’re looking for a quicker sale, having a pro on your side can really speed things up.
The takeaway?
In a changing market, having the right agent and game plan makes all the difference. Let’s chat so you don’t have to navigate it all on your own—you’ll be able to list with confidence, knowing you’ve got expert support from the very start.