Despite the Headlines, More Sellers Than Ever Are Choosing Real Estate Agents

by Joe Graham

Naperville Home Sellers Still Trust Real Estate Agents—Here’s Why That Matters in 2025

If you've been following the headlines lately, you'd think trust in real estate agents is dead. Between the NAR lawsuit, commission rule changes, and all the back-and-forth on social media, it sounds like the traditional real estate model is falling apart.

But let’s get real—the numbers tell a different story.

According to the latest NAR 2025 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, 91% of home sellers worked with a real estate agent this year. That’s the highest percentage ever.

Meanwhile, for-sale-by-owner (FSBO) listings hit an all-time low—just 5%. So despite the noise, most sellers in the Naperville area still choose to work with a pro.

Let’s talk about why.

Homes Sold with an Agent Go for More—$65K More, to Be Exact

Pricing Smarts and Market Know-How in Naperville

The NAR report found:

That’s a $65,000 difference.

Why? Because agents do a lot more than stick a sign in the yard.

Here’s how I help Naperville sellers get top dollar:

  • Local pricing strategy: I know this market inside and out—from East Highlands to Ashbury

  • Strong marketing game: MLS, Facebook, YouTube, and Google—your listing shows up where buyers are

  • Tough negotiation: Offers, repairs, appraisals—I’ve got your back

  • Compliance and peace of mind: Avoiding costly mistakes is part of my daily job

Relationships Still Matter in Naperville Real Estate

People don’t want to roll the dice with a stranger when it comes to selling their home.

  • 66% of sellers worked with an agent they already knew or who came recommended

  • 80% only interviewed one agent

Most people don’t “shop around”—they call someone they trust. In Naperville, that often means someone who knows the area, knows the people, and shows up when it counts.

See my online reviews and read about the number of repeat clients who choose to work with me!

It’s About Skill—Not Pressure

What Sellers Value Most

  • 86% of sellers said their agent helped prepare the home, set the price, and market it to serious buyers

  • Sellers said the top things they wanted were:

    • Strong marketing

    • Accurate pricing

    • Selling within their timeline

And when it came to picking an agent, sellers ranked reputation, trustworthiness, and honesty at the top.

That’s what I aim to bring to every client relationship.

Technology Helps, But People Still Get Deals Done

Yes, I use modern tools—3D tours, drone video, social ads. But those are tools, not a replacement for judgment.

Experienced agents still lean on proven strategies:

  • MLS listings

  • Yard signs

  • Open houses

What makes the difference is knowing how and when to use everything. That’s where experience and instinct come into play.

Great Service Turns Clients Into Advocates

Here’s what the data shows:

  • 87% of sellers would recommend their agent

  • 65% already have

  • 1 in 4 sellers referred their agent 4+ times in the past year

When someone has a great experience, they talk about it. And that’s how most of my Naperville business continues to grow—one referral at a time.

Thinking of Selling in the Naperville Area? Let’s Talk

Selling a home is one of the biggest financial moves you’ll ever make. Don’t leave it to chance—or to an algorithm.

If you want straight answers, expert support, and a smoother sale in Naperville, let’s connect. No hype. Just a solid plan that works.

Joe Graham
Joe Graham

Broker

+1(630) 761-5415 | joe@joegrahamhomes.com

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