If you've been following the headlines, you'd think nobody trusts real estate agents anymore. Between the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) lawsuit, big shifts in commission rules, and the usual internet noise, it sounds like the traditional real estate model is falling apart.
But when you dig into the actual numbers, the story is very different—especially right here in Greater Boston.
According to the NAR’s 2025 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, a record 91% of home sellers worked with a real estate agent this year. That’s the highest percentage ever. In fact, only 5% went the For Sale By Owner (FSBO) route—an all-time low.
Even after a year full of controversy, nearly every home sold in 2025 had a professional involved. And it’s not just tradition—it’s results.
1. Agent-Listed Homes Sell for More Money
Let’s talk about the bottom line. That same NAR report shows the median price of FSBO homes was $360,000, compared to $425,000 for agent-assisted sales.
That’s a $65,000 difference.
Now, apply that to Greater Boston—where the average single-family home price is well above $700K—and that gap can get even wider. Selling your home without guidance in a competitive market like Dorchester, Westwood, or Newton isn’t just risky—it could cost you six figures.
Here’s what a good agent brings to the table:
- Pricing Strategy: In Boston, no two streets are the same. Knowing how to price your home based on hyper-local demand is both art and science.
- Marketing Reach: It's more than a Zillow post. It’s targeted social campaigns, professional photography, email marketing, and old-fashioned local networking.
- Negotiation Skills: Managing multiple offers, inspection issues, timelines, and terms takes real finesse.
- Legal + Ethical Protection: Massachusetts has unique disclosure requirements. One mistake here can delay or derail a deal.
Selling a house isn’t just about getting an offer—it’s about navigating the maze and coming out ahead.
2. Trust and Relationships Still Matter
Boston is a relationship town. We like working with people we know, or someone a friend swears by.
The NAR report found:
- 66% of sellers hired an agent they already knew or were referred to.
- 80% only interviewed one agent.
In other words, most people don’t shop around—they hire the agent they trust. That means reputation, results, and relationships are still everything in this business.
It’s why I focus so much on the people side of the job—not just the transaction.
3. Full-Service Agents Do More Than You Think
There’s a myth that agents just list the house and collect a check. Not true.
Today’s top-performing agents—especially in a complex market like Greater Boston—are doing a ton of behind-the-scenes work:
- Helping prep the home for sale
- Guiding on pricing and timing
- Running marketing campaigns
- Vetting buyers and negotiating offers
- Handling vendors, timelines, and legalities
According to the NAR report, 86% of sellers said their agent provided a full range of services, and what they valued most were:
- Effective marketing
- Competitive pricing
- Selling within their desired timeframe
And when asked what mattered most when choosing their agent? The top responses were:
- Reputation
- Trustworthiness
- Honesty
That tracks with everything I see in my business. People don’t just want a salesperson—they want a pro they can count on.
4. Tech Is Great—But People Still Close the Deal
There’s no doubt tech has changed the game. Drone shots, 3D tours, social media ads—they’re all part of a modern listing strategy.
But the tools only matter if the person using them knows what they’re doing.
Yes, I use all the latest digital platforms—but it’s still the personal connection, the negotiation strategy, and the local experience that drive real results.
Most of my listings combine:
- MLS syndication
- Paid social and video marketing
- Targeted emails
- Open houses
- And good old-fashioned buyer outreach
Because in the end, it's not just about getting seen—it's about getting sold.
5. Sellers Aren’t Just Happy—They’re Referring Like Crazy
This one says it all.
- 87% of sellers said they would recommend their agent
- 65% already have
- Nearly 1 in 4 have referred their agent 4+ times in the past year
In Greater Boston, where word-of-mouth is king, that matters. I’m proud to say the bulk of my business comes from past clients, family members, and trusted local referrals. And that’s the way I like it.
Final Thought: It’s About More Than a Transaction
Selling your home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. It’s emotional, high-stakes, and full of moving parts.
So whether you’re selling a triple-decker in Dorchester, a colonial in Westwood, or a condo in the South End—don’t go it alone.
Let’s make sure you’ve got the right plan, the right pricing, and the right person to guide you through it.
📲 Thinking about selling? Let’s talk. I’d be honored to be the person you trust with your next big move.
