Regret Home Sellers Have When They Don’t Use an Agent (and How to Avoid It)

Want to know the #1 thing homeowners regret when they sell without an agent? It’s that they didn’t price their house correctly for their current market.

Selling your home yourself can seem appealing — but there’s one regret most DIY sellers share.

1. The Biggest Regret: Pricing It Wrong

The top thing homeowners regret when selling without a real estate agent is not pricing their home correctly for the current market.

Pricing a home isn’t simply pulling a number from an online estimate or copying a neighbor’s selling price. It requires:

• Knowing what buyers are actively willing to pay today

• Understanding how much competition is in your neighborhood

• Evaluating truly comparable homes

• Factoring in local market trends and buyer demand

• Accurately assessing your home’s condition

When sellers list too high:

• Buyers often scroll past the listing

• Homes get fewer showings

• Fewer showings lead to fewer offers

• Sellers may eventually have to make price cuts

• Price reductions can attract bargain hunters rather than strong buyers
  …and by the time the home finally sells, sellers often walk away with less money than they would have with the right price from the start.

2. Why Pricing Matters More Than You Think

Getting the price right has a domino effect:

• Correct pricing generates interest

• More interest = more competitive offers

• Competitive offers often mean higher final sales prices

In fact, data shows that homes sold with a real estate agent typically sell for nearly 8% more than homes sold without one — largely because agents help set accurate, market-savvy pricing from the beginning.

3. The Other Tough Tasks for DIY Sellers

While pricing is the #1 regret, sellers who don’t use an agent also struggle with:

• Preparing or fixing up the house for sale

• Selling within the timeline they hoped for

• Handling all legal documents and contract details

• Finding the time to manage the entire sales process

All of these can be overwhelming — and mistakes can cost money, time, or even put a sale at risk.

4. How an Agent Helps You Avoid Regret

A professional real estate agent brings expertise in:

✔ Accurate market pricing
✔ Strategic home preparation (staging, repairs, marketing)
✔ Negotiations with buyers and buyer agents
✔ Handling contract details and legal paperwork
✔ Managing inspections, appraisals, and closing processes

Their goal is not just to sell your home — it’s to help you sell it well. Connecting with a local agent early can prevent costly missteps and improve your overall experience.

Bottom Line

Selling your home on your own might seem like a way to save money — but the biggest regret that sellers report is leaving money on the table by not pricing their home correctly.

If you want to ensure your home is priced right, marketed effectively, and sold for top dollar, partnering with an experienced agent can make the difference.