Why Selling Without an Agent Could End Up Costing You More

Hi there,
I completely understand why you might think, “If I sell my home myself, I can save a lot of money.” On the surface, that seems logical—but after years of helping clients in all kinds of market conditions, I can tell you that selling without professional support often costs far more than it saves.

In fact, homes sold with an agent last year brought in nearly 15% more than those sold without one. 📈

That’s a pretty big difference—and with buyers having more choices now than they have in years, it’s more important than ever to have someone in your corner who knows the market inside and out.

Why This Market Isn’t FSBO-Friendly

A few years ago, when homes were flying off the market and buyers were competing fiercely, a “For Sale By Owner” sign in the yard might have been enough. But times have changed.

We’re now seeing more balance between buyers and sellers, which means you’re competing with more listings. According to Realtor.com, this past July had the highest number of homes for sale since 2019. And while the numbers vary depending on where you live, the trend is clear—buyers have options, and they’re being selective.

That means they’re comparing your home to others based on price, condition, photos, location, and more. If your home doesn’t stand out in every one of those areas, it could easily get passed over.

More Homes on the Market = More Competition for You

Selling successfully today is about so much more than putting up a sign and snapping a few quick photos. You need:

✅ A strategic pricing plan that draws in the right buyers
✅ Professional staging advice to make your home shine in person and online
✅ A marketing approach that reaches buyers you simply can’t access on your own
✅ Negotiation skills that protect your bottom line during offers and inspections

If even one of these pieces is missing, it can mean less money in your pocket at closing.

Why More Sellers Are Turning to Agents

More and more homeowners are realizing the value of having a trusted guide from the start. In fact, the National Association of Realtors reports that the number of people selling without an agent is at a record low. And of those who do try to sell on their own, Zillow found that 21% end up hiring an agent after facing challenges.

Here’s what you gain when you work with a local expert:

• Pricing expertise that helps you attract serious buyers and maximize your sale

• Staging and presentation guidance to highlight your home’s best features

• Wide-reaching marketing that gets your property in front of more potential buyers

• Negotiation experience to protect your profit and navigate any challenges

• Local market knowledge so your home stands out against the competition

When we work together, my goal isn’t just to list your home—it’s to be your advocate, your guide, and your resource from start to finish.

The Takeaway

In today’s market, where buyers have more choices and higher expectations, going the “For Sale By Owner” route often ends with hiring an agent anyway. So why not start with the right strategy from the beginning?

If selling is on your mind, let’s connect and talk about your goals, your home’s current value, and the best plan to get you the strongest results possible.

📞 Call me at 860-985-4363 or visit melindatherealtor.com for your free consultation.
💬 Never too busy for you to be my #1 client
#MarketUpdateCT #CTHousingTrends #TollandCountyHomes #WindhamCountyRealEstate #RealEstateInsights #PlanYourMoveCT