At first glance, skipping the agent might seem like an easy way to save money when selling your house. After all, why pay commission if you can handle it yourself? But here is the reality: last year, homes sold with an agent brought in almost 15 percent more than those sold without one.
That gap is hard to ignore. And in today’s market—where more homes are for sale and buyers are becoming increasingly selective—selling on your own is a risk that could cost you big.
This Is Not the Market for DIY Selling
A few years ago, when homes were flying off the market within days, some sellers managed to succeed with a “For Sale By Owner” sign in the yard and a handful of photos. But today, the environment is completely different.
The housing market has shifted back toward balance, and buyers have options. According to Realtor.com, the number of homes for sale this past July reached its highest point since 2019. In other words, inventory is climbing and competition is heating up.
With more choices, buyers are comparing every detail—price, photos, condition, location, and presentation. If your listing doesn’t stand out, it will get overlooked. A yard sign and cell phone pictures simply will not cut it anymore.
More Homes on the Market Means More Competition for You
Selling today requires more than just listing a property. You need a precise pricing strategy, professional-level staging and presentation, high-quality marketing, and skilled negotiations. Without these, you risk leaving money on the table.
Buyers expect polished listings, strategic exposure across multiple platforms, and accurate pricing that reflects market conditions. Agents bring all of this to the table, while a do-it-yourself approach almost always falls short.
Why More Sellers Are Turning to Professionals
The data backs this up. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reports that the percentage of homeowners selling without an agent has dropped to record lows. And many of the few who attempted to go it alone ended up changing course.
According to Zillow, 21 percent of FSBO sellers ultimately hired an agent after struggling to get results. That number highlights a simple truth: in today’s market, professional expertise is not optional. It is essential.
What an Agent Brings to the Table
Working with a local real estate professional means gaining access to:
- Accurate pricing strategies that attract qualified buyers and maximize your profit
- Expert staging and presentation guidance to highlight your home’s best features
- Professional marketing and exposure, including access to buyer networks you cannot reach on your own
- Skilled negotiations to evaluate offers, handle inspections, and protect your bottom line
- In-depth knowledge of your local market, ensuring your home stands out in a crowded field
These are not luxuries. They are the tools that separate successful home sales from costly mistakes.
In a market with more listings and pickier buyers, selling on your own is no longer the shortcut it might have seemed a few years ago.
Many who try end up working with an agent anyway—only after losing valuable time and money in the process.
Why take that risk? By partnering with a trusted local professional from the very beginning, you give yourself the best chance to sell quickly, for the best possible price, and without the stress of going it alone.