Homes for sale by owner, or FSBO, are ones that are being sold by a homeowner without the service of a listing agent. According to the National Association of Realtors, studies have shown that less people are selling a home this way in recent years. Justyna Johnson – Edina Realty, a top listing agent in Woodbury, MN, has explained the logic and numbers behind this phenomenon that explains why people choose to hire an agent instead.

Why More People Are Selling a Home With an Agent

Agents Keep Up With the Digital Market

It used to be that homeowners could list and advertise a home using traditional methods, such as placing a classified ad in the newspaper or putting a sign in the yard. However, the real estate market — and buyers themselves — are changing in an increasingly digital world. Most buyers now search for homes online, which makes the service of a real estate agent even more valuable today. Agents can list the home on the MLS (multiple listing service) and post the listing to popular websites such as Zillow®, Redfin®, and Trulia®. Those who don’t use these online services are missing out on a significant market of potential buyers.

The Numbers Add Up

The most significant reason a seller chooses to go the FSBO route is because they do not want to pay the real estate commission check. However, NAR studies on sales numbers have shown that homes sold by an agent sell for a significantly higher amount. Even after paying their commission check, the sellers of these homes will still walk away with more money than those who choose to sell it themselves. Sellers see these numbers and can’t argue with them; an agent pays for themselves and more.

When you choose to sell your home with an agent, sell with the best. Justyna Johnson – Edina Realty is a top local realtor who makes it easy to navigate the complex real estate market and sells her clients’ homes for more money and faster than her competitors. Contact her at (651) 501-2345 to schedule a consultation for selling a home, or text HOME to the same number for a free and accurate online property report. She’ll send you a TRUSTimate with no calls, spam, or sales communication! You can also visit her website and Twitter page for more on her expertise.