Why the “FSBO Homes Sell for Less” Stat Is Misleading - And What You Should Know
- Ashley Hedges
- Jul 17
- 2 min read
You’ve probably heard it before:
“Homes sold by owners make less than homes sold by agents.”
It’s a stat that gets repeated often — by agents, brokerages, and real estate media — as a reason not to sell your home yourself. But there’s more to the story. In fact, that stat is often deeply misleading, and here’s why:
The Data Compares Apples to Oranges
Many of these stats — including the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) claim that FSBO homes sell for 12–26% less — are based on broad averages, not true apples-to-apples comparisons.
The problem?Most FSBO homes are not the same as agent-listed homes.
FSBO homes tend to be smaller, less updated, and more rural or lower-priced.
Agent-listed homes tend to skew toward higher-value, more move-in ready, and urban or suburban markets.
So of course the average sale price is lower — it reflects the type of home, not the method of sale.
Many FSBO Sellers Already Know Their Buyer
According to NAR’s own data, over 50% of FSBO homes are sold to someone the seller already knows — a friend, family member, or neighbor. These deals are often:
Priced below market (as a favor or quick close)
Not professionally marketed
Not even listed publicly
That dramatically pulls down the average FSBO sale price — but it doesn’t mean a publicly listed FSBO home with full support performs worse than one listed by an agent.
With the Right Tools, FSBO Sellers Can Compete — or Outperform
Today, FSBO sellers aren’t just posting a yard sign and hoping for the best. Platforms like Egguity give homeowners access to:
MLS exposure (the same listing database agents use)
Professional staging, photos, and pricing support
Agent-level guidance for forms and closing
Flat-fee pricing so you don’t give away 3% of your equity
When you compare equivalent homes with equivalent marketing and support, FSBO sellers using modern platforms often net more, because they’re not paying high agent commissions.
What Really Affects Your Sale Price
Whether you sell with or without an agent, your sale price depends on:
Market conditions
How your home is presented (photos, staging, pricing)
Exposure (MLS, online listings)
Your negotiation strategy
The sales method matters less than how prepared and supported you are.
Bottom Line
The idea that FSBO homes “always sell for less” is based on outdated and biased data that lumps together all kinds of homes and scenarios.
If you're selling a well-presented, competitively priced home with proper support — like what Egguity offers — you have every chance to sell for market value (or more) and keep more of your equity in the process.
Ready to sell smarter in Georgia — without giving away 3%?Check out egguity.com to see how we make flat-fee selling full-service, local, and seller-first.
