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Why 91% of Sellers Still Choose Real Estate Agents — And What That Really Means for You

Let’s be honest… if you’ve been anywhere near real estate TikTok or the news lately, you’ve probably seen the drama. The NAR lawsuit. Commission changes. “Do we even need agents anymore?” debates happening every five minutes.

It’s a lot.

And with all that noise, it would be easy to assume that everyone is ditching agents and selling homes on their own.

But here’s the plot twist:
91% of home sellers STILL worked with an agent this year.
That’s not just high — that’s a record.

Meanwhile, FSBO (for-sale-by-owner) sales dropped all the way down to 5%, the lowest ever recorded.

So what’s actually happening? Why, after a year full of controversy, are more sellers choosing professional help than ever?

Let’s break it down in a way that actually makes sense — human to human.

  1. Homes Sell for More With an Agent — Period

The numbers don’t lie.

FSBO homes sold for a median of $360,000.
Agent-assisted homes? $425,000.

That’s a $65,000 gap.

And before anyone says, “Well, that’s just luck,” here’s what agents actually bring to the table:

  • Pricing strategy — Not just guessing based on Zillow. Real strategy based on real data.
  • Marketing reach — MLS, social media, email, networking… all the things your cousin’s “For Sale” sign can’t do.
  • Negotiation skills — Because not all offers are created equal, and the highest one isn’t always the best one.
  • Legal & ethical guidance — Avoiding those expensive “oops” moments you don’t want to learn the hard way.

Selling a home isn’t just about finding a buyer.
It’s about finding the right buyer — and avoiding the landmines along the way.

  1. People Still Trust People — Not Algorithms

Even with tech taking over, real estate is still a relationship business.

  • 66% of sellers hired someone they already knew or who came from a referral.
  • 80% only talked to ONE agent before deciding.

Most people aren’t shopping for the cheapest option.
They’re looking for someone they feel safe with. Someone who gets them. Someone who they know won’t leave them hanging.

Trust still matters — maybe more now than ever.

  1. Today’s Agents Aren’t Just “Salespeople”—They’re Full-Service Partners

The stereotype of the pushy salesperson? It’s outdated.

Today’s top agents are strategists, marketers, project managers, and negotiators rolled into one.
And most sellers want that level of support:

86% said their agent provided a full service experience — prepping the home, pricing it correctly, and marketing it to serious buyers.

When sellers were asked what mattered most, they said:

  • Marketing the home well
  • Pricing it right
  • Selling it in a certain timeframe

Basically — “Help me do this the right way and without losing my mind.”

And when choosing an agent?

Reputation, trustworthiness, and honesty were the top deciding factors.
Skill matters. But character matters more.

  1. Technology Is Great… But People Still Close the Deal

Yes, tech has changed the game — online searches, social media, virtual tours.

But tech is a tool.
A tool still needs someone who knows how to use it.

The best agents blend:

  • Old-school reliability (MLS, open houses, local connections)
  • New-school innovation (video marketing, ads, digital branding)

The magic happens when experience meets technology — not one or the other.

  1. Sellers Aren’t Just Happy — They Become Repeat Fans

This part says everything:

  • 87% of sellers say they’d recommend their agent
  • 65% already have
  • Nearly 1 in 4 sellers referred their agent four or more times in the past year

When people walk away from a sale feeling supported, protected, and cared for… they talk about it. A lot.

Because selling your home isn’t just a transaction.
It’s emotional. It’s stressful. It’s a big life moment.

And having the right person by your side?
It makes all the difference.

Bottom Line

Selling your home is a massive decision — financially and emotionally.
And even with all the changes happening in the industry, one thing hasn’t changed:

People want expert guidance they can trust.

If you’re thinking about selling, you deserve someone who brings strategy, honesty, and real support — not pressure, not confusion, and not guesswork.

And when you’re ready, I’m here to walk the journey with you.

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