More than half of today’s home sellers have seriously considered cutting out the agent, and many feel they have strong reasons for doing so.
Because in a market where speed and simplicity feel urgent, many believe they can get a fast cash offer and move on.
But here’s the problem: many of those same sellers walk away with regrets. The fast path often means leaving tens of thousands on the table, navigating the process alone, or realizing too late that what they really needed was expert guidance.
That’s where agents can showcase their value. Especially when you walk in not just with a listing presentation, but with real options, including vetted cash offers. You’re not just selling your service. You’re solving a problem with clarity and confidence.
Here’s what agents need to know about shifting seller preferences, rising skepticism, and where cash buyers actually fit in.
Sellers Want Options, But Don’t Always Understand the Tradeoffs
According to a new survey by Clever Offers, 52% of homeowners have considered selling without a real estate agent. The idea of skipping commissions and fast-tracking the sale is appealing, especially to sellers facing foreclosure, repairs, or life changes.
But many don’t realize what they’re giving up.
- 51% of sellers who went with a cash buyer didn’t get the profit they hoped for.
- On average, cash buyers offer just 67.5% of a home’s after-repair value.
- While 57% of sellers want the highest price possible, 36% say they’d accept a below-market offer to save on commissions, most not realizing agent fees average just 2.74%.
- Of those who made that tradeoff, 62% were willing to cut the price by 5% or more.
Sellers who used cash buyer companies prioritized the following in their sale:
- Profits: Maximizing their sale price (40%)
- Ease: Having a hassle-free process (25%)
- Speed: Selling as quickly as possible (15%)
- Saving $: Minimizing selling costs (13%)
- Support: Having the benefit of a real estate agent’s knowledge and experience: (8%)
Regarding speed, selling to a cash buyer is generally the fastest method. According to Clever’s survey, 65% of homeowners who sold to a cash buyer say their home sold in a month. Compare that 35% of FSBO sellers and 52% of those who worked with a real estate agent.
Just 30% of homeowners use a cash buyer to avoid paying agent commissions.
Perception Problems on Both Sides
The report also highlights a growing trust gap.
In 2025, only 63% of sellers said they believe real estate agents are essential to the sales process, down from 73% in 2024, marking a 10-point drop in confidence.
Still, 83% of sellers who used an agent would recommend them.
Meanwhile, 61% of sellers think cash buyer companies are scams, but 65% of those who used one would do it again.
Here’s what sellers say about agents:
- 38% believe agent commissions aren’t worth the cost.
- 33% worry agents won’t put in enough effort.
- 31% fear their agent cares more about their own paycheck than the seller’s best interest.
And here’s what they say about cash buyers:
- 30% go this route to avoid agent commissions.
- 24% sell in under a week, compared to 11% with an agent.
- 54% skip staging, repairs, or cleaning.
- 27% of sellers who went this route regret it—nearly double the rate of agent-led sales.
Read the full survey report on Clever Offers for more information, including charts and methodology.
What This Means for Real Estate Agents
The takeaway here isn’t to fight the rise of cash buyers.
It’s to meet sellers where they are.
Show them what’s possible, walk them through their options, and help them make the smartest move for their situation.
Tools like Zoodealio make that easier. Instead of choosing between offering speed or serving as a trusted advisor, you can do both. You show up with real cash offers on hand, and the expertise to explain all their options.
This kind of transparency builds trust. And in 2025, trust is what sells.
Pro tip: If you’re a BAMx member, you already have access to the full Zoodealio cash offer platform at no additional cost. It’s built to work with agents, not around them, so you stay in the deal, provide more value, and win more listings.
Not in BAMx yet? Join here.
