Why 91% of Sellers Still Choose Real Estate Agents — Even After All the Headlines
Why 91% of Sellers Still Choose Real Estate Agents,
Even After All the Headlines
If you’ve been anywhere near the news lately, you’ve probably seen the headlines about real estate agents. Commission lawsuits. Rule changes. Hot takes on TikTok. Plenty of opinions from people who haven’t bought or sold a home in decades.
So you’d think sellers would be running away from agents, right?
Actually… it’s the opposite.
According to the 2025 NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, a record-breaking 91% of sellers hired a real estate agent this year. That’s the highest percentage ever recorded.
And the “For Sale By Owner” (FSBO) route?
Down to just 5%—the lowest share in history.
So even with all the noise, nearly every home in 2025 was sold with a professional guiding the process. Here in the Desert Cities—Palm Springs, Palm Desert, La Quinta, Indio, Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells, Cathedral City—this lines up with exactly what I’m seeing on the ground.
Here’s what the data says about why sellers continue to choose agents.
1. Homes Sold With an Agent Sell for More
NAR’s latest report shows:
FSBO median price: $360,000
Agent-assisted median price: $425,000
That’s a $65,000 difference.
That’s not small. That’s new HVAC money. That’s “refresh the pool deck and buy a new golf cart” money.
And it’s because a full-service agent brings expertise at every stage:
✔ Pricing Strategy
Understanding actual local demand—not guesses, not Zestimates, not a cousin who “does interior design.”
Every micro-market in the desert behaves differently, and strategy matters.
✔ Marketing Reach
Between MLS exposure, professional photos, video walkthroughs, paid social media promotions, local networking, and buyer pipelines, agents can create real visibility… not just a lonely Zillow listing.
✔ Negotiation
Multiple offers, inspection requests, seller credits, timelines—these are conversations you do not want to wing.
✔ Legal + Compliance
California contracts are… a lot. This is where cutting corners can cost big money or big stress.
Selling your home doesn’t stop at “finding a buyer.” It’s navigating the entire process in a way that protects your time, money, and sanity.
2. Trust and Relationships Still Matter Most
Even with all the tech tools and big online platforms, real estate is still a relationship business.
The NAR data shows:
66% of sellers hired an agent they already knew or who came from a referral.
80% interviewed only one agent before making their decision.
People want someone they trust—not the cheapest, not the flashiest, not the loudest. Someone who will advocate for them and communicate clearly.
And honestly? That tracks. Most homeowners aren’t looking to audition five people. They’re looking for the right fit.
3. Sellers Value Skill, Not Sales Pressure
Of the sellers surveyed:
86% said their agent offered a full range of services.
Today’s homeowners want more than someone who sticks a sign in the yard. They want guidance—pricing, prep, timing, marketing, navigating feedback, negotiating offers, and shepherding the escrow process.
When asked what mattered most, sellers said:
1️⃣ Effective marketing
2️⃣ Pricing the home competitively
3️⃣ Selling within a desired timeframe
And when it came to choosing an agent?
Reputation ranked #1
Trustworthiness and honesty ranked #2
Skill + character. That’s what today’s sellers want.
4. Technology Helps… But People Still Close the Deal
Tools are amazing.
3D tours, video walkthroughs, digital paperwork, retargeting ads, AI home valuations—you know I love using the best of modern marketing.
But tech doesn’t replace strategy.
Most agents still use proven classics like the MLS, for-sale signs, and open houses—combined with new-school tools like social media campaigns, drone videos, and cross-platform exposure.
Think of tech as the turbo boost… not the driver.
5. Sellers Aren’t Just Happy. They’re Advocates.
This part surprised even me:
87% of sellers said they would recommend their agent.
65% already have.
Nearly 25% (1 in 4!) referred their agent 4+ times in the past year.
When sellers have a great experience, they talk about it. They share it. They keep the relationship going.
In a place like the Coachella Valley—where second-home owners, seasonal residents, and relocating buyers all rely on referrals—this is especially true.
The Takeaway
Despite the headlines, the noise, and the rumor mill, sellers are choosing agents in record numbers because good agents make the process easier, safer, smoother, and more profitable.
Selling your home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make.
Let’s make sure you’re supported, informed, and protected every step of the way.
If you’re thinking about selling—or you’re just curious what your home might be worth in today’s Desert Cities market—reach out anytime. I’m here to help you make smart moves with confidence and clarity.
Thinking about selling your home in the Desert Cities or just curious what it might be worth today? I’m always happy to walk you through your options. Whether you’re planning a move soon or just gathering information, I’m here to make the process simple, transparent, and stress-free.
Want personalized guidance? You can grab a quick Zoom spot or coffee chat here:
👉 https://calendly.com/lisa-angell-ooae/30-minute-meeting-with-lisa
Prefer to explore on your own first? Check out my free guides and resources here:
👉 https://stan.store/palmspringshomes
