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If you’ve been online lately, you’ve seen the headlines.
“Agents are done.”
“Commissions are changing everything.”
“NAR lawsuit shakes the industry.”
It all makes it sound like homeowners are running away from real estate agents. But the reality? The exact opposite is happening.
According to the NAR 2025 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, a record-breaking 91% of sellers worked with a real estate agent this year. That’s the highest percentage ever recorded.
And FSBO?
Dropped to an all-time low of 5%.
So despite all the drama, the majority of homeowners aren’t ditching agents—they’re doubling down on expertise, representation, and real-deal service.
Let’s break down why.
1. Agent-Assisted Sales Make More Money. Period.
You can DIY your home sale…
But you’ll very likely leave money on the table.
Here’s the truth coming straight from NAR’s data:
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FSBO median sale price: $360,000
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Agent-assisted median sale price: $425,000
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Difference: $65,000
That’s not pocket change.
That’s expertise.
Agents bring what online platforms can’t:
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Pricing strategy rooted in real demand in Stockton and surrounding cities)
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Marketing reach that extends far beyond Zillow
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Negotiation skills that protect your equity
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Legal guidance that keeps your deal safe and clean
Selling your home isn’t just about a buyer showing up. It’s about not making a mistake that costs you thousands.
2. Trust and Relationships Still Drive This Business
Even in a digital world, people hire people they trust.
The NAR report shows:
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66% of sellers hired an agent they personally knew or were referred
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80% only interviewed one agent before listing
That means most homeowners don’t “shop around.”
They hire the agent who shows character, consistency, and results.
In Stockton, that trust matters even more.
3. Today’s Sellers Want Skill—Not Sales Pressure
Sellers aren’t choosing agents for hype.
They’re choosing the ones who get it done.
86% of sellers said their agent provided full service from prepping the home to pricing it right to marketing it aggressively.
Here’s what sellers value most:
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Effective marketing
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Accurate pricing
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A smooth timeline
And when choosing the agent?
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Reputation comes first
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Trustworthiness comes second
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Honesty comes third
Skill matters.
Character seals the deal.
4. Tech Helps, but Humans Close the Deal
Yes, tech is changing the game 3D tours, social media ads, video marketing, you name it.
But tools only work in the hands of someone who knows what they’re doing.
The most successful agents mix:
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MLS exposure
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Social media strategy
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Local expertise
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Strong relationships
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Traditional methods (open houses, yard signs, local network)
It’s not one or the other.
It’s both.
5. Sellers Aren’t Just Satisfied…They’re Becoming Advocates
When homeowners hire the right agent, they don’t stay quiet about it.
According to NAR:
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87% would recommend their agent
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65% already have
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Nearly 1 in 4 referred their agent four or more times in the past year
A great selling experience becomes a ripple effect.
Bottom Line: Selling Your Home Is a Big Financial Move—Don’t Do It Alone
There’s a reason nearly every seller in 2025 chose to work with an agent.
Selling a home in Stockton requires strategy, negotiation, marketing, and someone who’s in your corner from start to finish.
If you’re thinking about selling, don’t gamble with your equity.
Let’s build a plan that protects your profit and gets you the results you deserve.
Whenever you’re ready, I’m here to walk you through your options no pressure, just real expertise and real results.
