FSBOs Just Hit an All-Time Low

For Sale by Owner transactions just hit an all-time low — and sellers are overwhelmingly turning to REALTORS instead. The latest NAR 2025 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers shows that only 5% of homeowners sold their homes on their own this year, down from last year’s record low of 7%. Meanwhile, a record-breaking 91% of sellers used a real estate agent.

Why the shift?

Higher sales prices: FSBO homes sold for a median of 18% below agent-assisted transactions.

Less stress, fewer mistakes: Nearly half of FSBO sellers reported the process brought them to tears, and 43% admitted to legal mistakes.

Better marketing & pricing: Sellers say agents helped them reach more buyers, set competitive prices, and manage nearly every aspect of the transaction.

Trust matters: 87% of sellers say they’d recommend their agent again.

Professional guidance isn’t just helpful — it boosts the value of a transaction and protects consumers from error. The data shows that having an experienced REALTOR® by your side pays off.

Read more about the trends in home sales on NAR's REALTOR News at https://on.car.org/4r3AKtn