Cutting out the agent might seem like a smart way to save when you sell your house. But here’s the hard truth.
Last year, homes that sold with an agent went for almost 15% more than those that sold without one.
That gap is pretty hard to ignore. And with more homes on the market to compete with right now, selling on your own is a mistake that’s going to cost you.
This Isn’t the Market for DIY Selling
A few years ago, you might’ve gotten away with a “For Sale By Owner” (FSBO) sign in your yard, navigating the process on your own. That’s because homes were selling quickly, and buyers were making offers with all the stops pulled out.
However, that’s no longer the case. With more checklists than we’ve seen in years, we’re no longer in a “list it and they will come” market. You need professional expertise.
A yard sign and some photos you take yourself won’t suffice.
Currently, the housing market is returning to what most would consider a more normal balance of buyers and sellers, which significantly changes the landscape. According to Realtor.com, the latest number of listings for sale was the highest it’s been in July since 2019 (see graph below):
And while inventory growth will vary by local market, the graph shows that the number of homes for sale is inching back toward normal nationally.
With more listings available, that means buyers can be more selective. They’ll compare your home to others on price, condition, photos, location, and more. If yours doesn’t stand out, it will likely be overlooked.
More Inventory = More Competition for You
Selling today requires the latest pricing strategy, expert prep work, professional marketing, and strong negotiation skills. And if you’re not bringing all of that to the table, chances are, you’re going to feel it in your bottom line.
More Homeowners Are Turning To the Pros
That’s why an increasing number of home sellers are now working with agents. Data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows a record-low percentage of homeowners sold without an agent last year. And the few sellers who tried to sell on their own soon realized their mistake.
According to Zillow, 21% of homeowners ultimately hired an agent after struggling to sell their homes on their own.
So, why take the risk? With a local pro, you’ll have:
- Pricing precision to attract buyers and maximize your return
- Expert staging and presentation advice to highlight your home’s best features
- Pro-level marketing, including the best exposure and access to buyer networks you can’t reach on your own
- Skilled negotiation to evaluate offers and navigate inspections, protecting your bottom line
- Local market expertise that helps your listing stand out based on what the Inventory looks like in your area
An agent’s expertise is no longer optional. It’s essential.
Bottom Line
In a market with more listings and pickier buyers, many sellers who try to sell on their own end up working with an agent anyway. So why not start there?
Let’s connect so you have a pro from KM Realty Group LLC, a trusted real estate agency in Chicago, who knows exactly what it takes to sell your house in today’s market, for the best possible price, without leaving money on the table.
Reach out if you’d like a professional assessment of what your house could sell for today.
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