The #1 Regret Home Sellers Have When They Skip an Agent

Thinking about selling your home without an agent? Many homeowners do—but most end up regretting it. And the top reason isn’t paperwork, staging, or showings—it’s pricing their home incorrectly.

According to the latest National Association of Realtors (NAR) data, sellers who go solo say that determining the right price is the hardest part of the process.

Top 5 Challenges for Sellers Without an Agent

1. Getting the price right

2. Preparing or fixing up the house

3. Selling within the desired time frame

4. Managing all the legal paperwork

5. Finding the time to handle every part of the sale

   
   

Pricing a home isn’t just about picking a number online or copying a neighbor’s sale from last year. It requires real insight into:

• What buyers are willing to pay right now

• The level of competition in your area

• What similar homes are actually selling for

• How desirable your neighborhood is

• Your home’s condition

  
  

Without this knowledge, it’s easy to overprice—and in today’s market, that mistake can be costly.

Overpricing Isn’t a Small Mistake

The listing price is a buyer’s first impression. Set it too high, and a chain reaction begins:

• Buyers bypass your home

• Fewer showings

• Fewer offers

• Eventually, a price reduction to attract buyers

And a price cut doesn’t always solve the problem. It can attract bargain hunters instead of serious buyers, who may interpret a drop as a warning sign.

In fact, NAR reports that 59% of homes sold without an agent required at least one price reduction.

Agents Help You Avoid Costly Mistakes

Homes sold with an agent typically sell for nearly 8% more than homes sold on your own. That’s not magic—it’s expertise. Agents know how to:

• Set the right price from day one

• Prepare and present the home effectively

• Navigate the paperwork and negotiations

Getting all of this right upfront means you maximize your sale price and minimize stress.

Selling without an agent might seem like a way to save money—but the reality is that the biggest risk isn’t the paperwork. It’s the price. Overprice your home, and it can cost you thousands.

If you’re thinking about selling, a quick conversation with a local agent about your home’s value could save you from regret—and ensure you get the best possible return on your sale.

I can also create a shorter, punchy social-media-friendly version of this blog that grabs attention in under 150 words if you want. Do you want me to do that next?