If you have been watching the headlines lately, you might think no one trusts real estate agents anymore. With the National Association of Realtors (NAR) lawsuit, commission rule changes, and heated online debates, it is easy to assume the traditional real estate model is falling apart.

But the numbers tell a very different story.

According to the NAR 2025 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, a record 91 percent of home sellers worked with a real estate agent this year. That is the highest share ever recorded.

Even after a year filled with controversy and industry noise, only 5 percent of sellers went the for-sale-by-owner (FSBO) route, which is the lowest level ever documented. Nearly every home sold in 2025 had a professional guiding the process from start to finish.

And there is a clear reason why: homes listed with an agent consistently sell for more money and with less stress.

1. Homes listed with an agent sell for significantly more

The same NAR report found that FSBO homes sold for a median price of $360,000, while agent-assisted sales averaged $425,000.

That is a $65,000 difference.

The expertise that experienced agents bring to the table cannot be replicated by automated pricing tools or online listing platforms. Here is where professional value shows up the most for sellers in markets like Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary, and Apex:

• Accurate pricing backed by real-time local data
• Strategic marketing that reaches qualified buyers on multiple platforms
• Skilled negotiation to protect the seller’s financial position
• Contract and legal oversight to prevent costly mistakes

Selling a home is not just about finding a buyer. It is about earning the strongest net return while minimizing risk.

2. Trust and relationships still drive real estate success

There is a lot of talk about disruption, but real estate is still a relationship-based industry.

NAR research shows:

• 66 percent of sellers hired an agent they already knew or were referred to
• 80 percent of sellers interviewed only one agent before hiring

That means most homeowners do not shop around. They choose the professional they trust. In communities throughout Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Holly Springs, Wake Forest, and Garner, referrals and reputation still mean everything.

3. Sellers want skills and service, not sales pressure

Sellers today expect a full-service experience. The stereotype of a pushy salesperson does not reflect the modern real estate landscape.

According to NAR:

• 86 percent of sellers said their agent provided a wide range of services, including market preparation, pricing guidance, and professional marketing

When sellers were asked what they valued most from their agent, they said:

• Marketing the home effectively
• Pricing it competitively
• Selling it within the desired timeframe

Reputation, trustworthiness, and honesty were the top deciding factors when choosing which agent to hire.

In other words, both skill and character matter.

4. Technology matters, but people still close the deal

Technology has reshaped how buyers search and how listings are promoted. Today’s most successful agents combine:

• MLS exposure
• Professional photography and video
• Social media marketing
• Open houses and private showings
• 3D tours and targeted online advertising

The tools are powerful, but they are most effective when backed by strategy and expertise. Homeowners in Cary, Clayton, Pittsboro, Apex, and Fuquay-Varina continue to prioritize experience over automation when their largest financial asset is on the line.

5. Sellers are not just satisfied. They are recommending their agents.

Working with a professional does not just drive results. It builds loyalty.

According to the survey:

• 87 percent of sellers said they would recommend their agent
• 65 percent have already referred their agent
• Nearly 1 in 4 sellers have referred their agent four or more times within the past year

When sellers have a positive experience, they do not just remember it. They share it.

The bottom line

Despite lawsuits, commission debates, and industry headlines, homeowners are choosing professional guidance more than ever before. Real estate remains a people-driven business rooted in expertise, strategy, communication, and trust.

Selling a home is one of the largest financial decisions most people will ever make. The stakes are high. The margin for error is real. And the results are directly tied to the strategy and the professional behind it.

If you are thinking about selling in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary, Apex, Holly Springs, Wake Forest, Garner, or surrounding areas, let's talk early and build a plan that protects your equity, maximizes your sale price, and delivers a streamlined experience from start to finish.

Thanks for reading!

Brandon Yopp