The headlines love drama. NAR lawsuits, new commission rules, and endless online shouting matches can make it seem like real estate as we know it is collapsing. The truth looks very different once you dig into the data.
This year, a record 91% of home sellers hired a real estate agent. That is the highest share ever reported. FSBO sales dropped to just 5 percent. Nearly every seller chose professional guidance because the results speak for themselves. Homes sold with an agent continue to outperform.
If you are thinking about selling, here is what the numbers really mean for your wallet and your stress level.
1. Agent-Assisted Homes Sell for More
According to the NAR 2025 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, FSBO homes sold for a median of 360,000 dollars. Agent-assisted homes sold for a median of $425,000.
That is a $65,000 gap.
Agents bring strategic insight that automated tools cannot match. A strong agent helps you win through:
- Pricing strategy grounded in real market data
- Marketing reach that goes far beyond a sign in the yard
- Negotiation skills that protect your bottom line
- Legal guidance that keeps surprises to a minimum
Selling a home is not about finding any buyer. It is about finding the right buyer at the right price while avoiding costly missteps.
2. Trust Still Runs the Show
Even in a noisy digital world, relationships drive real estate decisions. This year:
- 66% of sellers hired an agent they already knew or who came from a referral
- 80% interviewed only one agent
Most sellers do not shop around. They go straight to someone they trust. When big financial decisions are on the line, confidence matters more than hype.
3. Sellers Want Skill, Not Pressure
Today’s sellers expect more than basic service. And they are getting it.
86% of sellers said their agent provided a full range of services, including pricing, prep support, and marketing.
When asked what mattered most, sellers named:
- Effective marketing
- Competitive pricing
- A smooth and timely sale
Reputation, trustworthiness, and honesty topped the list when choosing an agent. Sellers want strategy, clarity, and a protector in their corner.
4. Technology Helps, but Humans Still Close the Deal
Digital tools have made marketing smarter. Video tours, social ads, and better listing exposure all matter. But technology is only powerful when paired with experience.
Most agents still use proven methods like the MLS, open houses, and local networking while layering in modern marketing. The winning combination is human judgment supported by technology.
5. Sellers Are Not Just Happy. They Become Raving Advocates
Working with an agent often becomes a long-term relationship. NAR found that:
- 87% of sellers would recommend their agent
- 65% have already done it
- Nearly one in four sellers referred their agent four times or more this year
When a sale goes well, sellers talk about it. A smooth real estate experience becomes part of the story they pass along.
Final Word
Selling your home is one of the biggest financial decisions you will ever make. The data shows that having a skilled agent in your corner is not just helpful. It is valuable.
If you want the right strategy, strong advocacy, and a partner who will protect your future every step of the way, you deserve to work with someone who treats your sale like their own. Ready to talk through your next move with clarity and confidence? Let’s connect and build the plan that gets you where you want to go.