FSBOs Reach an All-Time Low: Why More Sellers Are Turning to Real Estate Agents
The housing market continues to evolve, and one trend has become unmistakably clear: fewer homeowners are choosing to sell their homes on their own. For Sale By Owner (FSBO) transactions have dropped to their lowest level on record, while more sellers than ever are placing their trust in real estate professionals. New data reveals what’s driving this shift and why the value of experienced representation has never been greater.
FSBO Activity Falls to Record Lows
In recent years, FSBO transactions have accounted for only 5% of all home sales—an all-time low. Meanwhile, a record-high 91% of home sellers hired a real estate agent to manage their sale. This continues a decades-long trend: FSBO market share has steadily declined from as high as 21% in the early 1980s to single digits since 2010.
A historical review of FSBO vs. agent-assisted sales from 1981 to 2025 shows a consistent downward trajectory for FSBOs, even as consumer-facing technology has expanded. Despite more information being available online, the process of selling a home has only become more complex, not less.
Why Fewer Sellers Want to Go Solo
Many homeowners initially consider selling on their own to save on commissions or maintain more control over the process. However, data shows that most FSBO sellers encounter significant challenges that reduce both the financial benefits and the overall experience.
Lower Sale Prices
The median FSBO sale price last year was $360,000, while agent-assisted homes sold for a median of $425,000. This is an 18% difference—amounting to tens of thousands of dollars typically left on the table for FSBO sellers. Much of this gap can be attributed to limited marketing exposure, inaccurate pricing, and reduced buyer competition.
Limited Marketing
Nearly 40% of FSBO sellers do not actively market their home, resulting in limited visibility and fewer qualified buyers. Without professional photography, MLS exposure, targeted digital campaigns, or buyer-network reach, FSBO listings tend to struggle with traffic and engagement.
Pricing Difficulties
A significant number of FSBO sellers rely on automated online home-value estimators, which can be inaccurate and fail to account for local nuances, property condition, upgrades, or shifting market dynamics. Mispricing often leads to extended time on market, lower offers, or missed opportunities.
Legal and Contractual Mistakes
Many FSBO sellers report making legal or paperwork mistakes due to the complexity of disclosures, deadlines, contingencies, and state-specific regulations. This increases financial risk and can jeopardize the transaction.
High Stress Levels
More than half of FSBO sellers describe the experience as stressful, and a large percentage report emotional strain throughout the process. Handling negotiations, inspections, appraisals, and timeline management alone can be overwhelming without professional support.
Why More Sellers Are Hiring Real Estate Agents
As the marketplace becomes increasingly competitive and legally intricate, more homeowners are recognizing the tangible advantages of professional representation. Seller surveys highlight the top reasons homeowners choose to work with an agent:
23%—to market the home to as many buyers as possible
19%—to receive expert pricing guidance
19%—to sell within a specific timeframe
13%—to receive advice on preparing the home for sale
12%—to find the right buyer
6%—to benefit from skilled negotiation
Additional data reinforces these preferences:
86% of sellers say their agent handled most or all of the home-selling process.
87% say they would recommend their agent for future services.
These numbers reflect a strong desire for full-service support—pricing strategy, staging advice, marketing, negotiation, paperwork, and timeline management.
A More Complex Market Requires Professional Expertise
Today’s housing market presents challenges that go far beyond simply listing a property online. From fluctuating interest rates and low inventory to appraisal risks, inspection negotiations, and contract deadlines, the modern real estate transaction involves numerous moving parts.
Sellers increasingly value:
Accurate and strategic pricing
Exposure to a wider pool of qualified buyers
Protection from legal and contractual risk
Skilled negotiation to maximize net proceeds
Guidance through emotional decision-making
As the stakes grow higher, homeowners are finding that professional expertise, marketing resources, and negotiation experience produce smoother transactions and stronger financial outcomes.
Bottom Line
With FSBO activity at historic lows and agent-assisted sales stronger than ever, the message from today’s housing market is clear: sellers who work with experienced real estate professionals consistently achieve better results. Higher sale prices, broader exposure, reduced stress, and greater transactional security all contribute to the growing preference for hiring a qualified agent.
For homeowners preparing to sell—or simply evaluating their options—understanding these trends can provide clarity, confidence, and a more successful path forward.
Join Angela and Michele on this week's market update video for the full scoop!