Why 91% of Sellers Still Choose an Agent in 2025 — Even With All the Noise

by Chris Jamison

If you’ve spent any time online this year, you’ve probably seen the national drama around the real estate industry. Big lawsuits, loud headlines, commission rule changes — all kinds of noise.

You’d think folks would be running away from agents.

But here’s the truth: according to the NAR 2025 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, 91% of home sellers still worked with a real estate agent this year.
That’s the highest share ever recorded.

And in Omaha? The pattern’s even clearer. FSBOs (for-sale-by-owners) tend to sit longer, attract fewer qualified buyers, and sell for less. Listed homes in the metro consistently sell closer to list price — especially in places like Millard, Papio, Gretna, and Elkhorn where demand is steady.

So why are sellers doubling down on agents in a year when the headlines say the opposite? A few big reasons.

1. Agent-Listed Homes Still Sell for More

Nationally, FSBO homes sold for a median of $360,000, while agent-assisted homes came in at $425,000. That’s a $65K gap.

Locally, the pattern tracks:
Well-marketed Omaha listings sell faster and closer to list price than FSBOs.

That difference comes from real strategy, not luck:

Pricing with precision based on actual Omaha demand
Marketing that reaches real buyers, not drive-bys
Negotiation that protects your bottom line
Experience managing inspections, appraisals, timelines, and headaches

This matters a lot for downsizers and upsizers — two groups who can’t afford to take a bath on their sale.

2. Trust Still Runs the Show — Especially Here

Even with all the national chatter, real estate is still a relationship business.

Sellers said:

66% hired someone they already knew or who came recommended
80% interviewed only one agent

That tracks perfectly with midwestern behavior. Folks in Omaha want someone they trust, not someone who talks loud. A familiar face goes a long way — especially for downsizers who haven’t sold a home in 20–30 years and feel overwhelmed by how different the process looks today.

3. Today's Agents Are More “Full-Service” Than Ever

Sellers said the top things they valued were:

Marketing the home effectively
Pricing it competitively
Selling within their ideal timeline

And 86% said their agent handled a “broad range of services.”

Around here, that means everything from coordinating contractors, helping prep the house, navigating buyer financing quirks, and keeping emotions level when multiple offers roll in.

A good agent isn’t here to pressure you — they’re here to keep you clear-headed and protected.

4. Tech is Great. But People Still Close the Deal.

Most agents use a blend of old and new:

MLS
Yard signs (still incredibly effective in neighborhoods like Dundee and Benson)
Social media ads
Video tours
Targeted buyer outreach
Email marketing
Local network connections

Tech helps more buyers see your home.
A human makes sure the right buyer actually closes on it.

5. Sellers Aren’t Just Happy — They Become Advocates

Once people go through a smooth sale, they don’t just keep it to themselves:

87% said they would recommend their agent
65% already have
Nearly 1 in 4 have referred their agent four or more times in a year

In Omaha, word travels fast — especially in close-knit areas like Millard, Aksarben, and Papio where neighbors talk and people lean on each other for recommendations.

The Bottom Line for Sellers in Omaha

Selling your home is a big deal. For downsizers, it’s often an emotional process. For upsizers and first-time sellers, it’s a major financial leap.

But no matter the situation, the data makes one thing clear:

Working with the right agent gives you a smoother, faster, and more profitable sale — even in 2025.

If you’re thinking about selling in the next year (or even just curious where you’d land), I’m happy to walk through your options, your timeline, and what a realistic price looks like in your neighborhood.

Friendly, practical, no pressure.
Just good information to help you make a smart move.