Why Home Sellers Still Trust Full-Service Real Estate Agents

As the real estate world adjusts to major changes stemming from the recent commission lawsuit settlement, one thing remains clear: Americans overwhelmingly trust full-service real estate agents to sell their homes. According to a survey conducted by Clever Real Estate, 73% of recent home sellers believe agents are the best way to navigate the complex home-selling process.

This preference is reflected in practice, with 77% of sellers opting for traditional full-service agents. This far outpaces other methods, such as For Sale By Owner (FSBO) transactions (10%) and iBuyers like Opendoor or Offerpad (2%). Despite being seen as the most expensive method by 69% of sellers, traditional agents are also regarded as the easiest (58%) and often the fastest (40%) way to sell.

Why Full-Service Agents Remain the Gold Standard

The survey highlights why traditional agents continue to dominate:

• Value for Cost: 76% of sellers who worked with agents felt their services were worth the cost, even as rising mortgage rates cooled the market.
• Ease and Expertise: Two-thirds of sellers who considered FSBO ultimately chose an agent due to the complexity and potential risks of navigating a sale on their own.
• Trust in Professionals: Many sellers view working with an agent as the best way to avoid costly mistakes.

These trends persist even as buyer-side commission percentages shift. Redfin recently reported fluctuations in buyer-agent commission splits after the National Association of Realtors (NAR) settlement, but overall, the demand for full-service agents remains steady.

Alternatives Fall Short for Many Sellers

While alternatives like FSBO or cash buyer companies appeal to some, they come with drawbacks:

• Cash Buyers: While 65% of those selling to cash buyers closed quickly, 61% called such companies “scams.” Many cited dissatisfaction with the selling price and process.
• FSBO: Though perceived as potentially more profitable, 66% of FSBO sellers found it the hardest method, and 55% said it was the slowest.

These challenges reinforce the idea that working with a trusted agent is often the best path for sellers seeking a smooth, efficient, and profitable experience.

What This Means for Sellers in Colorado Springs

As a seasoned real estate agent in Colorado Springs, I provide the personalized guidance you need to achieve your goals. Whether you're considering selling traditionally, exploring FSBO, or evaluating alternative options, I’ll ensure you have all the information to make the best decision.

Let’s navigate this evolving market together! Reach out today to discuss your home-selling options.

📲 Call or text me at 719-922-0102
🌐 Visit my website: NicoleStromRealtor.com
💌 Email me at: [email protected]
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