For many homeowners, one of the biggest questions before putting a house on the market is whether to sell with a real estate agent or take the For Sale By Owner (FSBO) route. On the surface, selling by yourself may seem attractive. You avoid paying commission, you control the process, and you are directly involved in every step. But before you decide, it is important to weigh what you gain and what you risk with either option.

Selling Without an Agent

Selling your own home means you take on every responsibility in the process. That includes researching recent sales to set the right asking price, preparing professional marketing, scheduling and hosting showings, negotiating offers, and completing all contracts and disclosures.

At first, this may seem manageable, but selling on your own often becomes overwhelming. Pricing mistakes, limited marketing reach, and errors in paperwork can cost both time and money.

What an Agent Brings to the Table

Working with an experienced real estate agent allows you to focus on your move while leaving the heavy lifting to a professional. Here are the advantages:

  • Accurate Pricing
    Agents use current market data and neighborhood expertise to set a competitive price, helping you avoid overpricing or underpricing your home.

  • Professional Marketing
    With access to staging advice, photography, online platforms, and networks of active buyers, your home reaches a larger and more serious audience.

  • Qualified Buyers
    Agents connect you with pre-approved buyers, reducing wasted time with casual lookers.

  • Negotiation Expertise
    Having an advocate in your corner means stronger negotiations, better terms, and a smoother process.

  • Paperwork and Legal Guidance
    Every real estate transaction comes with contracts and disclosures. An agent ensures everything is handled accurately to prevent delays or costly errors.

  • Less Stress
    Selling a home can feel like a full-time job. An agent manages calls, showings, and details so you can focus on what comes next.

The Commission Question

Many homeowners consider FSBO because they want to save on commission. However, commission rates are negotiable, and research shows that homes sold with an agent often achieve higher sales prices than FSBO properties. Even after paying commission, many sellers walk away with more money because their home sells faster and for a better price.

When FSBO May Work

Selling without an agent can make sense in limited situations, such as selling to a trusted family member or friend, or if you are a licensed real estate professional yourself. In very hot seller’s markets, homes can also move quickly with less effort. Even so, many who sell their own home still bring in an agent or attorney to handle paperwork and provide peace of mind.

The Decline of Selling One’s Home and What It Means for Sellers

According to the National Association of REALTORS®, only 7% of home sales are now completed without an agent, marking an all-time low. That means the overwhelming majority of sellers, about 90%, are choosing to work with real estate professionals instead.

This trend underscores how much goes into selling a home successfully. It is not just about creating a listing and waiting for buyers. It requires strategic pricing, strong marketing, skillful negotiations, and proper management of the closing process. More and more homeowners are turning to agents because their expertise helps avoid costly mistakes and leads to stronger outcomes.

Why Work with a Team

If you choose to work with an agent, the team you select matters. At EmpowerHome Team, we combine proven systems with local expertise to help families sell faster and for more money. With a massive buyer database, personalized marketing strategies, and a commitment to treating every client like family, our results speak for themselves. We are here to make the selling process seamless and stress-free while helping you achieve the best possible outcome.

Technically, you do not need an agent to sell your home. But for most homeowners, the guidance, resources, and results of hiring an experienced agent outweigh the potential savings of going it alone.

At EmpowerHome Team, our mission is to guide you through the process so you can move forward with confidence. If you are considering selling, we would love to help you explore your options and achieve your goals.

We’ve guided thousands of buyers and sellers through every type of market, and we’d love to help you navigate this market with confidence! If you or someone you know is thinking about making a move, Call or Text us! If Your Home Doesn’t Sell, Dan Harker Will Buy It – That’s Our Guarantee!* Call or Text us Today at 214-972-0135!