Why 91% of Sellers Still Work with Agents, and What That Means for You 

If you’ve read the headlines lately, you might think no one trusts real estate agents anymore. Between the NAR lawsuit, commission changes, and the constant online drama, it’s easy to assume the real estate industry is crumbling.

But here’s the truth: the opposite is happening.

According to the 2025 NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, a record 91% of home sellers hired a real estate agent this year, the highest number ever recorded.

And FSBO? Sellers going the “For Sale By Owner” route dropped to an all-time low 5%.

So despite all the noise, nearly every home sold in 2025 had a professional guiding the process. And honestly… there are some very clear reasons why.

1. Homes Listed With an Agent Sell for More

The numbers don’t lie: FSBO homes across the US had a median sale price of $360,000, while agent-assisted homes sold for a median of $425,000.

That’s a $65,000 difference.

Why? Because selling a home isn’t just sticking a sign in the yard. It’s strategy.

As a full-time San Diego Realtor®, here’s what actually moves the needle:

• Smart pricing that reflects real-time demand in your neighborhood

• Professional marketing — photos, video, social media, email campaigns

• Negotiations that protect your bottom line

• Compliance + contract expertise that keeps your sale on track

There’s a reason experienced agents consistently outperform DIY selling. Mistakes in this market can cost you thousands,  or your entire deal.

2. Sellers Choose Agents They Trust

Even with all the tech and industry changes, real estate is still a relationship business.

NAR found that:

• 66% of sellers hired an agent they already knew or who came from a referral

• 80% interviewed just one agent

People choose the agent they trust, the one who has a proven track record, who communicates clearly, and who protects their interests.

For me, most of my business comes from repeat clients and referrals, and that tells me people value the experience they had and want their friends and family to get the same level of care.

3. Today’s Sellers Want Skill — Not Pressure

The days of the “pushy salesperson” stereotype are long gone. Sellers want a true professional who actually knows what they’re doing.

According to NAR:

• 86% of sellers said their agent provided a full range of services

• The top services they valued were:

  • Marketing the home effectively

  • Pricing it correctly

  • Selling within their desired timeframe

And when choosing their agent, sellers ranked reputation, trustworthiness, and honesty at the top.

In other words? People want someone who shows up, knows the market, and puts their needs first.

4. Technology Helps, But People Still Close Deals

Yes, tech is amazing. I use professional photography, video tours, targeted social ads, and Google Business to generate massive visibility for my listings.

But at the end of the day, technology is a tool, not a replacement.

You still need someone who:

• Understands how buyers think

• Knows how to structure offers

• Has relationships with lenders, inspectors, and other agents

• Can problem-solve when things get messy

The magic happens when human expertise and modern marketing come together.

5. Sellers Aren’t Just Happy, They’re Raving Fans

Great service creates loyal clients, and the numbers back it up:

• 87% of sellers said they would recommend their agent

• 65% already have

• Nearly 1 in 4 sellers referred their agent four or more times in the past year

When someone has an exceptional real estate experience, they don’t keep it to themselves, they share it.

The Bottom Line

Selling your home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. And even with all the industry changes, one thing remains true:

Experience, strategy, and trust still matter.

If you’re thinking about selling in San Diego, let’s talk. I’ll walk you through what’s happening locally, what your home could be worth, and how to position it to sell for the highest price possible, with a lot ess stress.

Reach out to me anytime for a strategy session, to help you gauge your next step. https://links.townsites.com/widget/bookings/intro-call-with-shelly