Why Working with a Realtor Beats Going FSBO

By Paul Stroud and Sofia Penuliar

Selling your home is a big decision, and in the age of online listings and DIY resources, you might wonder: “Do I really need a realtor?”

While it’s possible to go the FSBO (For Sale By Owner) route, most homeowners discover that working with a professional realtor delivers better results.

Here’s why partnering with a realtor is a smart move:

1. Higher Sale Price

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), homes sold with the help of a realtor consistently sell for more than FSBO listings.

• “In 2024, 90% of home sellers sold their home with the assistance of a real estate agent, up slightly from 89% the previous year.”
  
• “Only 6% were FSBO sales. The share of FSBO sellers was a historical low.”

2.  Maximum Market Exposure

Realtors list your home on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which feeds into major sites like Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com. They also leverage:

• Professional photography & staging
  
• Social media marketing
  
• Email campaigns
  
• Open houses & networking with other agents
  

More exposure = more interested buyers = better offers.

3. Accurate Pricing

Overpricing your home can scare off buyers. Underpricing can leave money on the table. Realtors use market data, comps, and local trends to help you price your home competitively—and confidently.

4. Expert Negotiation

Real estate transactions involve multiple rounds of negotiation: price, inspections, repairs, credits, timelines, and more. Realtors are trained negotiators who advocate for your best interests, not any buyer’s.

5. Legal Protection & Paperwork

Selling a home involves legal disclosures, contracts, and timelines that must be followed precisely. A realtor ensures:

• All required documents are completed
  
• Local and state laws are followed
  
• Deadlines are met to avoid delays or penalties
  

This minimizes your risk of legal trouble or costly mistakes.

6. Saves You Time & Stress

Selling a home isn’t just about putting up a “For Sale” sign. It’s about:

• Handling inquiries and showing requests
  
• Vetting buyers
  
• Coordinating inspections and appraisals
  
• Managing the escrow process

When you go FSBO, all of this falls on you. A realtor handles the process so you can focus on your next chapter.

7. Serious Buyer Interest

Buyers’ agents often hesitate to show FSBO homes, knowing they’ll have to do double the work or worry about unclear terms. With a professional realtor, your listing will be taken more seriously and presented professionally.

8. Support Even After the Sale

Realtors don’t disappear after an offer is accepted. They guide you through:

• Escrow
  
• Appraisals and inspections
  
• Closing timelines
  
• Final walkthroughs
  
• Any hiccups along the way
  

This end-to-end support ensures your sale stays on track.

While selling FSBO might seem like a good way to save on commission, most sellers actually lose money in the long run—due to lower offers, pricing errors, missed marketing opportunities, and legal risk.

Working with a realtor gives you:

• A higher likelihood of a faster sale
  
• More money in your pocket
  
• Fewer headaches from start to finish

Thinking of selling? I’d love to show you how the right strategy can make all the difference.

📩 Contact Paul Stroud today to schedule a consultation!