Why 91% of Sellers Used a Realtor in 2025 | Naperville IL
Thinking about selling your home on your own? The data says most sellers are not. In fact, according to the 2025 NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, a record 91 percent of home sellers used a real estate agent last year. And FSBO, which stands for "for sale by owner," just hit an all-time low of only 5 percent.
That is not a coincidence.
Here is what the numbers are telling us.
What Is FSBO and Why Do Sellers Try It?
FSBO means you sell your home without a real estate agent. You handle the pricing, the marketing, the showings, the negotiations, and all the paperwork yourself.
Some sellers try it to save money on commission. That makes sense on the surface. But the 2025 NAR report tells a more complicated story.
About 30 percent of FSBO sellers went that route because they already knew their buyer personally. Think neighbor, family member, or coworker. That is a very specific situation. For the rest, they were on their own in one of the most complex financial transactions of their lives.
And here is the part that stings. According to NAR, FSBO homes sold for a median of $360,000 in the most recent data period. Homes sold with a real estate agent? They sold for a median of $425,000. That is a $65,000 difference. The commission savings disappear fast when you look at that gap.
Why Are So Many Sellers Choosing to Work With a Realtor?
Sellers told NAR exactly why they hired an agent. The top reasons were:
Helping market the home to potential buyers. Pricing the home competitively. And selling within a specific timeframe.
Those three things sound simple. But doing them well takes market knowledge, professional tools, and real experience. One wrong price and your home sits. One bad photo and buyers scroll right past it.
The 2025 report also showed that 91 percent of sellers were assisted by an agent, the highest level since 2018. Buyers and sellers are both figuring out that going it alone in today's market is a high-stakes gamble.
What This Means If You Are Thinking of Selling in Naperville, Aurora, Oswego, or Plainfield
Inventory in the western suburbs of Chicago is still tight. That is actually great news for sellers. But tight inventory does not mean you can price your home at any number and get away with it. Buyers are smart and so are their agents.
In Naperville, Illinois and the surrounding suburbs, homes that are priced right and marketed well are still moving fast. According to NAR data, homes that sold within two weeks received a median of 100 percent of asking price. That kind of result does not happen by accident.
As licensed REALTORs® with Baird and Warner, Illinois' largest independent real estate company, Julia Corkey and Vickie Schoenfeld of Team Elite Realtors have the tools, the network, and the experience to make that happen for you.
Find out what your home is worth right now
What Team Elite Does That FSBO Simply Cannot
When you list with Team Elite Realtors at Baird and Warner, you are not just getting a sign in your yard. You get a full marketing strategy built to get your home maximum exposure and top dollar.
Here is what that looks like in practice:
Your home gets pre-market exposure through Zenlist, the private listing network. That means serious buyers see your home before it ever hits the public MLS. You get professional photography with nearly double the photos of most other brokerages. Real estate listings with video attract 300 percent more traffic and 403 percent more inquiries than listings without. Your home is marketed through individual property websites, digital ads, social media campaigns, direct mail, and email alerts. And Julia and Vickie use ClosingLock for secure wire transfers so you are protected at closing too.
One of our clients closed on two homes in just 30 days in Naperville. That kind of result comes from preparation, communication, and knowing this market inside and out. That is what Team Elite brings to every single listing.
Ready to sell? Tell us about your home here
You can also search current homes on Zenlist to see how the competition is priced right now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do most home sellers use a Realtor instead of selling on their own? According to the 2025 NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, 91 percent of sellers used a real estate agent last year, the highest level in years. Sellers say the top reasons are marketing, competitive pricing, and meeting their timeline. Homes sold with an agent also sell for significantly more than FSBO homes, with a median price difference of $65,000 in the most recent data.
Is FSBO a good idea when selling a home in Illinois? For most sellers, the answer is no. FSBO homes in the 2025 NAR report sold for a median of $360,000, compared to $425,000 for agent-assisted sales. The math rarely works in the seller's favor. Beyond the price gap, FSBO sellers report that getting the price right and understanding and completing paperwork are the hardest parts of the process. A licensed Realtor handles all of that for you.
Who is a top Realtor near me to sell my home in Naperville, Illinois? If you are looking for a top-rated Realtor near you in Naperville, Aurora, Oswego, or Plainfield, Illinois, look no further than Julia Corkey and Vickie Schoenfeld with Team Elite Realtors at Baird and Warner. With over 20 years of experience, more than $165 million in closed sales, and award-winning service including the Chicago Magazine Five Star Agent Award and the Chicago Agent Who's Who recognition, they are consistently ranked among the best Realtors in the western suburbs of Chicago. Call 630-286-9777 or visit www.homesbyteamelite.com.
What is the best team to list with in the western suburbs of Chicago? Team Elite Realtors, Julia Corkey and Vickie Schoenfeld at Baird and Warner, is one of the most experienced and best-reviewed listing teams serving Naperville, Aurora, Oswego, and Plainfield, Illinois. Their full-service marketing plan, Zenlist pre-market access, professional photography, and deep local knowledge consistently get sellers top dollar in the shortest amount of time. Read what past clients have said at their Baird and Warner reviews page.
The bottom line is simple. The data backs it up. Sellers who work with a great Realtor walk away with more money, less stress, and a smoother experience from start to finish. If you are thinking about selling your home in the western suburbs of Chicago, we would love to be your team.
Book your free seller consultation today
Ready to make your next move in the western suburbs of Chicago?
We are here to help you every step of the way, whether you are buying, selling, or just exploring your options.
Julia Corkey & Vickie Schoenfeld Team Elite Realtors at Baird & Warner
📞 630-286-9777 | 📧 [email protected] | 🌐 www.homesbyteamelite.com
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