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Thinking of Selling Yourself? Check out These Stats!

ByMichael Sechman
Is the “Do-It-Yourself” Home Sale Going Extinct?

📉 The “Do-It-Yourself” Home Sale is Going Extinct! 📉

Every year, fewer homeowners are choosing to sell on their own. If you’ve ever wondered whether a “For Sale By Owner” sign is really worth it, the latest numbers might surprise you.

Key Stats at a Glance

Here’s what’s happening with FSBOs right now:

  • Only 5% of sellers went the For Sale By Owner (FSBO) route this year — the lowest share ever recorded.
  • 91% of sellers hired a real estate agent to guide them through pricing, marketing, negotiations, and closing.

In other words, the “do-it-yourself” sale is becoming the exception, not the norm.

The Big Reveal: The Price Gap

Now for the part that really matters to most sellers: the bottom line.

  • Homes sold by agents had a median sale price of $425,000.
  • Homes sold by owners had a median sale price of just $360,000.

That’s a $65,000 difference. 💸 Even after paying a commission, many sellers still walk away with more money when they use an experienced agent.

Why FSBOs Leave Money on the Table

So why is there such a big gap between FSBO and agent-listed sales?

  • 40% of FSBO sellers said they didn’t even actively market their home.
  • The #1 challenge they reported was getting the price right (17%).

When a home is underpriced, you give away equity. When it’s overpriced, it can sit on the market, grow stale, and ultimately sell for less than it could have with the right strategy.

Most FSBOs are also missing:

  • Professional photos, staging, and marketing
  • MLS exposure and syndication to major home search sites
  • Experienced negotiation when offers, inspections, and repairs come up
  • Guidance through financing, appraisals, and closing details

When FSBO Might Actually Work

There is one common scenario where FSBO can make sense: when you already know the buyer.

About 30% of FSBO sellers sold directly to a friend, neighbor, or family member. In those cases, the marketing and “finding a buyer” piece is basically solved.

Even then, many people still choose to involve an agent for pricing help, contract terms, negotiation, and making sure nothing important gets missed.

Thinking About Selling in Central PA?

If you’re considering selling — whether soon or “sometime in the next year or two” — the best first step is a simple conversation about your options.

When we sit down together, we can:

  • Look at what your home could realistically sell for in today’s market
  • Discuss small improvements that might boost your net
  • Map out a clear timeline that works for your life and goals
  • Compare FSBO vs. using an agent so you can decide what makes the most sense

If you’re curious about your equity or just wondering what the numbers would look like, reach out and we’ll walk through it together.

📞 Call, text, or email anytime — I’m here to make sure you sell with confidence and keep as much of your hard-earned equity as possible.