In 2025, the number of homeowners attempting to sell their homes without a real estate agent—known as For Sale By Owner (FSBO)—has plummeted to a historic low of just 5% of all home sales, according to the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) 2025 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers. This marks a sharp decline from last year’s previous record low of 7% and continues a decades-long trend away from DIY home sales.
Meanwhile, a record 91% of sellers chose to work with a licensed real estate agent—the highest percentage ever recorded.
If you’ve ever wondered whether selling your home by owner is still a smart move in today’s market, the latest data delivers a clear answer: most homeowners are deciding it’s not worth the risk.
Why FSBO Sales Are Disappearing (Even in the Internet Age)
You might think that with Zillow, Redfin, and countless online tools, selling a home solo would be easier than ever. Yet the FSBO market share has been steadily shrinking for 40 years:
- 1985: 21% of sales were FSBO
- 2010–present: Consistently in the single digits
- 2025: Just 5%
“Real estate agents remain indispensable in today’s complex housing market,” says Jessica Lautz, NAR Deputy Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of Research. “Agents provide critical expertise, negotiation skills, and emotional support during an increasingly challenging process.”
The Hidden Costs of For Sale By Owner
The numbers tell a compelling story:
| Metric | FSBO (2025) | Agent-Assisted (2025) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Share of total sales | 5% | 91% | — |
| Median sales price | $360,000 | $425,000 | +18% ($65,000) |
That $65,000 gap is significant—and it’s not just because FSBO homes are more often mobile or rural properties. Many FSBO sellers simply leave money on the table due to common pitfalls:
- Difficulty pricing the home correctly
- Inadequate preparation and staging
- Failure to sell within the desired timeframe
- 40% of FSBO sellers didn’t actively market their home at all
A separate survey by Clever Real Estate paints an even starker picture of the FSBO experience:
- More than half described the process as stressful
- 47% admitted the experience brought them to tears
- 43% made legal mistakes
- 64% said they did not achieve their desired sales price
- Nearly 30% struggled with pricing, often relying on free online estimators instead of professional CMAs
- About 1 in 5 eventually hired an agent anyway
Even the primary motivation—avoiding commission fees—often backfires. Many FSBO sellers still end up paying a buyer’s agent commission as a concession to attract offers.
Why Today’s Sellers Are Choosing Agents in Record Numbers
According to NAR’s 2025 report, sellers who hired agents cited these top reasons:
- Wider marketing exposure to qualified buyers
- Help pricing the home competitively
- A full-service experience where the agent handled most (or all) details
In fact:
- 86% said their agent provided a broad range of services
- 87% would recommend their agent to others
In a market filled with low inventory, complex contracts, and shifting mortgage rates, the expertise and peace of mind an agent provides have become more valuable than ever.
Summary
Selling a home is likely the largest financial transaction most people will ever make. While the idea of saving on commission sounds appealing on paper, the reality for most FSBO sellers in 2025 is lower net proceeds, higher stress, and frequent regrets.
The data is clear: 91% of sellers now trust a professional real estate agent—and they’re walking away with more money and far less headache.
If you’re thinking about selling in the coming months, the smartest first step isn’t listing your home yourself. It’s connecting with a top local real estate agent who knows your market inside and out.
Are you thinking about selling your home in the South Florida area? We can help! Contact Natasha at Live South Florida Realty, Inc. today! Also, don’t forget to download the free Florida Home Search App for your smartphone or tablet.
