Cutting out an agent might seem like a smart way to save when selling your home—but here’s the truth: it could end up costing you more. In North County San Diego, working with a local expert who knows how to price, market, and negotiate can mean a smoother process and a better return. Don’t leave money on the table—work with someone who knows this market inside and out.

Last year, homes that sold with an agent went for almost 15% more than those that sold without one.

That gap is pretty hard to ignore. And with more homes on the market to compete with right now, selling on your own is a mistake that’s going to cost you.

This Isn’t the Market for DIY Selling

A few years ago, you might’ve gotten away with a “For Sale By Owner” (FSBO) sign in your yard, navigating the process on your own. That’s because homes were flying off the market and buyers were pulling out all the stops. But that’s just not the case anymore. With more inventory than we’ve seen in years, we’re not in a “list it and they will come” market anymore. You need professional expertise.

At Shafran Realty Group, we know how to position your home to stand out, attract serious buyers, and get you the best possible outcome in today’s market.

A yard sign and some photos you take on your own won’t cut it.

Right now, the housing market is getting back to what most would consider a more normal balance of buyers and sellers, and that really changes the game. According to Realtor.com, the latest number of listings for sale was the highest it’s been in any month of July since 2019 (see graph below):

And while inventory growth is going to vary by local market, nationally, this graph shows the number of homes for sale is inching back toward normal.

With more listings available, that means buyers can be more selective. They’ll compare your home to others on price, condition, photos, location, and more. If yours doesn’t stand out, it will get skipped over.

More Inventory = More Competition for You

Selling today requires the latest pricing strategy, expert prep work, professional marketing, and strong negotiation skills. If you’re not bringing all of that to the table, chances are, you’re going to feel it in your bottom line. That’s where Shafran Realty Group comes in. With deep experience in the North County San Diego market, we know how to position your home to stand out, attract serious buyers, and help you sell with confidence.

More Homeowners Are Turning To the Pros

That’s why even more home sellers are working with agents today. Data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows a record-low percentage of homeowners sold without an agent last year. And the few sellers who tried to sell on their own realized their mistake pretty quickly.

According to Zillow, 21% of homeowners ended up hiring an agent anyway after struggling to sell on their own.

So, why take the risk? At Shafran Realty Group, we are the local pros—and here’s what that means for you:

• Pricing precision to attract buyers and maximize your return
• Expert staging and presentation advice to highlight your home’s best features
• Pro-level marketing, including the best exposure and access to buyer networks you can’t reach on your own
• Skilled negotiation to evaluate offers and navigate inspections, protecting your bottom line
• Local market expertise that helps your listing stand out based on what inventory looks like in your area

In today’s market, an agent’s expertise isn’t optional—it’s essential. And we’re here to help you sell smarter in North County San Diego.

Bottom Line

In a market like North County San Diego, most FSBOs end up hiring an agent anyway—so why not start with the right one?

At Shafran Realty Group, we know what it takes to sell your home for top dollar in today’s market.

Let’s connect for a pro assessment—your home might be worth more than you think