Many homeowners wonder if they can save money by selling their home without a real estate agent. On the surface, going the For Sale By Owner (FSBO) route may seem like a good idea. After all, if you do not pay commission, that should mean more profit in your pocket, right? The reality, however, is more complicated. Saving on commission is only one part of the equation, and the real cost of selling your own home often comes in hidden ways.

The Workload of Selling on Your Own

Selling your home without an agent means you take on every responsibility that a professional normally handles. You must research the market to determine the right listing price, prepare and manage all marketing, schedule and host showings, and negotiate directly with buyers. On top of that, you must complete contracts, disclosures, and other legal paperwork with accuracy to avoid delays or costly mistakes.

What often looks like savings upfront can turn into extra time, stress, and even lost money if the sale does not go as planned.

Why Homes Listed with Agents Often Net More

It might surprise you to learn that homes listed with a real estate agent typically sell for more than FSBO properties. Even after paying commission, sellers often walk away with higher profits. Here’s why:

  • Pricing Expertise: Agents use current market data and neighborhood insights to price your home competitively, avoiding the risk of overpricing or underpricing.

  • Professional Marketing: With access to staging, photography, online platforms, and networks of buyers, agents attract serious offers faster.

  • Qualified Buyers: Agents filter out unqualified buyers, connecting you only with those who are pre-approved and ready to purchase.

  • Negotiation Skills: Experienced agents negotiate on your behalf to secure the strongest price and terms.

  • Paperwork and Legal Support: Contracts, inspections, appraisals, and closing documents are handled correctly, reducing costly errors or delays.

Each of these factors can directly impact how much money you take home at the end of your sale.

When Selling One’s Home May Actually Work

There are a few situations where selling without an agent may make sense. If you are selling directly to a family member or friend, the process may be straightforward. If you are a real estate professional yourself, you may have the knowledge and resources to handle everything on your own. In very hot seller’s markets, where demand is extremely high, some homeowners may find it easier to sell without extensive marketing or negotiation support.

Even in these cases, many still rely on legal or professional guidance to review contracts and documents.

Why More Sellers Are Turning to Real Estate Agents

Recent research from the National Association of REALTORS® shows that only 7% of homes are sold directly by owners, the lowest percentage ever recorded. On the other hand, nearly 90% of homeowners now choose to work with a real estate agent.

This change highlights an important reality. Selling a home takes more than putting it on the market. It involves accurate pricing, professional marketing, careful negotiations, and managing the details all the way to closing. With so much at stake, more sellers are placing their trust in experienced agents to guide the process and help them achieve the strongest possible return.

Why a Team Can Help You Net More

If you decide that working with an agent is the better choice, selecting the right team makes all the difference. At EmpowerHome Team, we combine proven systems, a massive database of ready buyers, and local market expertise to help families sell faster, with less stress, and for top dollar. Our approach is designed to make the selling process seamless while protecting your bottom line.

Skipping an agent may sound like an easy way to save money, but for most homeowners, the opposite is true. With the right pricing strategy, wider marketing reach, skilled negotiations, and accurate paperwork, an experienced agent can help you net more profit than selling by yourself.

At EmpowerHome Team, our goal is to help you sell your home quickly and for the best possible outcome. If you are considering selling, we would love to guide you through the process with confidence.

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, Linde Will Buy It – That’s Our Guarantee!* Call or Text us Today at 404-301-3303!