Selling a home is a major financial and emotional decision — and in 2025, more homeowners than ever are turning to real estate professionals to guide them through it. According to the latest data from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), 91% of home sellers this year worked with a real estate agent, marking the highest share on record. At the same time, the percentage of homeowners selling For Sale By Owner (FSBO) has dropped to just 5% — the lowest ever.

Agents Still Dominate the Home Selling Market

Despite the rise of tech tools and online platforms designed to simplify real estate transactions, data clearly shows that most sellers still prefer professional representation:

• 91% of sellers used a real estate agent in 2025, up from 90% the previous year and tying with the highest rate seen in recent history.

• Only 5% of homes were sold without an agent, a historic low for FSBO transactions.

This trend suggests homeowners continue to value the expertise, negotiation power, and peace of mind that licensed agents provide.

Why Homeowners Choose Agents

1. Expertise and Market Knowledge

Real estate agents understand pricing strategies, market conditions, and legal requirements — all critical for maximizing a home’s sale price and avoiding costly mistakes.

2. Better Sales Results

Studies consistently show that homes sold with agent representation often fetch higher prices than FSBO homes (sometimes tens of thousands more), reflecting both marketing strength and negotiation skill.

3. Reduced Stress

Selling involves complex paperwork, timeline coordination, and buyer negotiations. Agents manage these details so sellers can focus on their next chapter.

How Sellers Select Their Agent

Data reveals interesting patterns in how sellers choose their real estate professional:

• 66% worked with an agent referred by someone they knew or one they’d used before.

• 80% only contacted one agent before deciding who to hire, showing trust or conviction in their choice.

• 51% used the same agent to sell that had helped them buy their home.

These numbers indicate it’s not just skill, but trust and reputation that influence homeowner decisions.

What Sellers Value Most in Their Agent

When choosing a real estate agent, sellers typically prioritize:

1. Effective marketing to potential buyers

2. Competitive pricing strategy

3. Selling within a desired timeframe

These priorities show that homeowners want professionals who not only list the property but actively work to get results.

Agents + Technology = Best Results

While technology has transformed real estate — with online listings, 3D tours, and digital marketing — data shows that technology alone isn’t replacing the agent’s role. Instead, top agents blend modern tools with personal expertise, connections, and negotiation experience to deliver the best outcomes for sellers.

Bottom Line

In today’s market, working with a real estate agent isn’t just traditional, it’s typical. With 91% of sellers choosing professional representation, the data shows that expert guidance, market savvy, and supported negotiation matter more than ever. Whether you’re selling now or planning to in the future, understanding the value an agent brings can make all the difference in both price achieved and stress avoided.