Selling your house on your own, often referred to as "For Sale by Owner" or FSBO, might have crossed your mind. However, it’s important to recognize that in today’s changing market, many homeowners are realizing that taking that risk might not be the best choice.

The most recent data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows that the number of homeowners selling their properties without an agent has reached an all-time low, as illustrated in the graph below.

For those few homeowners who choose to sell their homes on their own, data indicates that they often lack confidence in their decision-making.

The market is shifting, but it’s not necessarily bad news. It just means you’ll need to be smarter and more strategic moving forward. That’s where having a real estate expert by your side really makes a difference.

Here are a couple of ways an agent's expertise really stands out.

1. Figuring out the right price in a market that’s constantly changing

One of the toughest challenges of selling your house on your own is setting the right price. It’s not just about choosing a number you think is good or basing it on what your neighbor sold their house for a few years ago. You really need to nail the current market value. Without the guidance of an agent, there's a higher chance you'll misprice your home. As Zillow puts it:

““Agents are pros when it comes to pricing properties and have their finger on the pulse of your local market. They understand current buying trends and can provide insight into how your home compares to others for sale nearby.”
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— Zillow

They have a solid understanding of what's actually moving in the market, what buyers are ready to spend in your neighborhood, and how to present your home to attract quick offers. This knowledge can make a significant difference, particularly as the market stabilizes.

2. Navigating all the legal paperwork—and actually understanding what it all means

Selling a house involves a lot of paperwork, like disclosures and contracts. A single mistake can lead to serious legal issues. This is another reason why having an agent on your side can be valuable. Having an agent can really make a difference in this area.

They’ve worked with these documents many times and understand what’s necessary to keep everything moving smoothly, helping you avoid delays. With buyers adding more contingencies and requesting concessions again, your agent will walk you through each form step by step, ensuring everything is done properly and documented correctly from the start.

3. Selling your home fast—even when the market's all over the place

With the increase in homes for sale, properties aren’t moving as fast as they used to. However, you can still sell your home quickly by having a solid plan to make it stand out.

Keep in mind that homeowners usually don’t have access to the same network or marketing resources as a seasoned agent. If you’re looking to speed up the process, having a professional on your team is a smart choice.

Bottom Line

Having the right agent and a solid strategy is crucial in a changing market. Reach out to me so you don’t have to go through this alone. With my expert guidance from the very beginning, you can list your property with confidence.