Why FSBO Home Sales Are at Record Lows — and What It Means for Sellers and Buyers

Recent data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) reveal that For Sale By Owner (FSBO) home sales have dropped to historic lows, with only about 5% of homes selling without an agent in 2025. Meanwhile, 91% of sellers opted to work with a real estate agent, underlining how rare FSBO transactions have become in the modern market. National Association of REALTORS®

The Decline of FSBO — A Market Shift

For decades, some homeowners chose to sell their homes on their own to avoid agent commissions. However, recent survey data show that this approach is much less common today. Even when sellers attempt FSBO, many struggle to get the results they want. Fewer than one in five FSBO listings reaches a successful sale without turning to a real estate professional at some point. National Association of REALTORS®+1

Why FSBO Has Fallen Out of Favor

Several factors explain why FSBO sales are shrinking:

  • Lower Sale Prices: FSBO homes often sell for significantly less than those listed with an agent. Data indicate FSBO sales can trail agent-assisted sales by tens of thousands of dollars on average, even when commissions are factored in. This suggests that professional pricing and negotiation make a real financial difference. National Association of REALTORS®+1
  • Marketing Challenges: Without MLS exposure and professional marketing, many FSBO listings fail to reach the broad pool of buyers that agents can access. Some FSBO sellers don’t actively market their homes at all, limiting visibility and reducing competitive offers. National Association of REALTORS®+1
  • Complexity of the Process: Selling a home entails pricing decisions, paperwork, inspection coordination, and contract negotiations. Many FSBO sellers find these tasks overwhelming or stressful, leading some to eventually enlist an agent to avoid costly mistakes or legal issues. National Association of REALTORS®+1

What This Means for Sellers

While FSBO might sound appealing as a way to save commission fees, the data suggest that going it alone can cost sellers in time, effort, and money. For many, working with a real estate agent provides broader marketing reach, better pricing strategies, and smoother transactions.

And What It Means for Buyers

Buyers benefit too—homes listed with agents tend to have more professional photos, accurate pricing, and increased visibility, which can make the search process more efficient and comparative. However, buyers can still purchase FSBO homes, and many work with their buyer’s agent to navigate negotiations and paperwork effectively. realtor.com

While selling your home on your own may seem like a way to save on commission, the data clearly show that working with a real estate professional can help you get the best price, simplify the process, and reduce stress. Whether you’re considering FSBO or listing with an agent, having a clear strategy is essential. Our comprehensive selling guide is designed to walk you through every step of the process, offering tips, insights, and best practices to make your home sale as smooth and successful as possible.