Updated July 2026
Selling Your Florida Home: Agent vs. iBuyer vs. FSBO
Three ways to sell, three very different outcomes. Here's what the 2026 data actually shows about what sellers walk away with.
Short answer: National Association of Realtors data shows agent-assisted sellers typically net more than FSBO sellers even after commission — the median FSBO sale price runs about $55,000 below agent-assisted sales. iBuyers offer speed and certainty but charge a service fee of roughly 5% and price for a fast, predictable close, not top dollar. The right choice depends on whether your priority is maximum proceeds, speed, or doing it entirely yourself.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Full-Service Agent | iBuyer / Cash Offer | FSBO |
|---|
| Typical outcome | Highest net proceeds on average | Fast, certain close at a discount | Lower median sale price |
| Time to close | 30–60 days typical | 7–14 days typical | Varies widely |
| Marketing exposure | Full MLS, professional photography, buyer network | None — private offer only | Limited to owner's own channels |
| Effort required | Agent handles pricing, showings, negotiation, paperwork | Minimal — one offer to evaluate | Seller handles everything |
| Best for | Maximizing proceeds on an open-market timeline | Relocation, inherited property, avoiding showings | Sellers with an existing buyer already lined up |
$55,000
The median gap between FSBO and agent-assisted sale prices, per NAR's most recent Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers — even before accounting for the listing commission FSBO sellers save.
Most Sellers
Full-Service Agent
91% of sellers now use an agent — the highest share NAR has ever recorded. Professional pricing, marketing, and negotiation typically outweigh the cost.
iBuyer / Cash Offer
Trades sale price for speed and certainty. Service fees run around 5%, and offers reflect a discount for the convenience.
FSBO
Now just 5% of all sales, an all-time low. Works best when the seller already has a buyer lined up — roughly 38% of FSBO sales fit this pattern.
FAQ
Do FSBO sellers really net less money?
Per NAR's most recent Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, the median FSBO sale price was $380,000 versus $435,000 for agent-assisted sales, a gap of roughly $55,000. Even after subtracting a listing commission, most agent-assisted sellers net more than FSBO sellers.
How much do iBuyers pay compared to market value?
iBuyers typically charge a service fee around 5% of the home's price and prioritize speed and certainty over top dollar. Sellers generally trade some sale price for a faster, more predictable closing with fewer showings.
How common is FSBO in 2026?
FSBO sales hit an all-time low of about 5% of U.S. home sales per NAR's most recent Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, with 91% of sellers working with a real estate agent — the highest share NAR has recorded.
When does an iBuyer make sense over a traditional listing?
An iBuyer can make sense when speed and certainty matter more than maximizing sale price — for example, a job relocation on a tight timeline, an inherited property needing a fast resolution, or a seller who wants to avoid showings entirely.
Not Sure Which Path Fits Your Situation?
Ray & Kelly Nadeau · Licensed Florida Brokers · 25+ years in real estate, marketing, and distressed property expertise
Ray Nadeau, Licensed Florida Broker BK3344407 · Kelly Nadeau, Licensed Florida Broker BK3344334. Market data approximate and sourced from NAR's most recent Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers; individual results vary by property, condition, and market timing. CertainlySold does not guarantee a specific sale price or timeline. © 2026 CertainlySold.net | The Nadeau Team.
© 2026 CertainlySold.net | The Nadeau Team