Let’s talk about something you might not check nearly as often as your bank account – and that’s how much your home is worth. But when it comes to your financial situation, it;
Why Sellers Need to Rethink FSBO: The Real Profits Are in the Numbers
Dated: December 5 2024
Views: 81
Let’s cut to the chase—many home sellers think going it alone with a For Sale By Owner (FSBO) approach will save them big bucks. In fact, 46% believe FSBO is the most profitable way to sell a home. But here’s the kicker: sellers who work with real estate agents consistently walk away with higher profits, even after accounting for commissions.
The Reality Behind Home-Selling Myths
According to Clever Real Estate’s latest research, misconceptions about agent costs are leaving money on the table for many sellers. Nearly 70% of sellers view working with an agent as the most expensive option, which pushes some toward FSBO. However, sellers who use an agent often end up making more because agents know how to price, market, and negotiate better than most DIY sellers.
Here’s a stat that might surprise you: while 51% see FSBO as the least expensive method, 66% also rank it as the most difficult. When it comes to ease, speed, and results, agents come out on top—76% of sellers who used an agent said the service was well worth the investment.
Why More Sellers Are Choosing Agents
The numbers speak for themselves. A staggering 90% of home sellers worked with an agent in the last year, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Compare that to just 6% who attempted FSBO, and it’s clear the tide has shifted. Agents provide expertise, handle the heavy lifting, and ultimately deliver results that FSBO sellers often struggle to achieve.
In Clever’s survey, 77% of home sellers who worked with an agent over the past five years said it was their preferred choice. Among them, 76% felt the cost of hiring a professional was worth every penny. Meanwhile, only 12% of respondents believed FSBO was the best option, and a significant number of past FSBO sellers (53%) wouldn’t recommend the experience.
Regret Hurts More Than Commission
Selling your home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make—so why risk regrets? According to the survey, 16% of sellers wish they had chosen a different method. Among those who sold to cash buyer companies, 27% expressed regret, with many seeing these companies as scams. FSBO sellers often find themselves wondering if they left money on the table. In fact, nearly 40% of sellers who skipped an agent believe their home would have sold for more with professional guidance.
Sellers’ Top Priority: Maximize Profits
The number one goal for nearly half of sellers (48%) is to get the highest price possible for their home. While FSBO might seem like the way to keep more cash in your pocket, it’s clear that agents deliver better results when it comes to net profits. Plus, agents bring more to the table—a smoother process, faster sales, and access to a network of buyers you can’t tap into on your own.
Misconceptions Are Costing Sellers
Misinformation about agent expenses keeps some sellers from making the smartest financial decision. The truth? Agents do more than list your home—they strategize, market, and negotiate to ensure you walk away with the best possible deal.
Your Role as the Expert
For real estate professionals, this data underscores the importance of educating clients. Many sellers don’t realize the value you bring until after the fact. Make it a priority to highlight your expertise and the tangible benefits of working with an agent. In your conversations, marketing materials, and even social media, demonstrate how you simplify the selling process while maximizing profits.
Bottom line: Sellers need to stop focusing on saving pennies upfront and start thinking about the big picture. With an agent by their side, they’re not just selling a house—they’re selling smart.
Andy Rose
Andy brings to the table over 12 years of real estate experience including becoming a licensed Georgia broker in 2018 and a licensed Broker in Florida in 2019. Prior to his real estate career he proud....
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