Is it better to work with solo agent or team?

If you’re choosing representation for a 2025 move, you’re not alone in asking: is it better to work with solo agent or team? Recent data shows that 88% of buyers used an agent or broker in 2024, and FSBO (for-sale-by-owner) sales fell to just 6%, reinforcing how central professional representation remains in a complex market. Sellers who went without an agent also netted less on median price than agent-assisted sales—a reminder that structure, process, and negotiation expertise matter when the stakes are six figures or more. nar.realtor+2nar.realtor+2

At the same time, the industry itself has changed. Teams have grown rapidly and now dominate many markets in scale, while solo agents continue to deliver highly personal, end-to-end service—especially on higher-price or niche listings. HousingWire+1

Below is a clear, data-backed way to decide which fit—solo agent or team—matches your price point, timeline, and communication style in 2025.

Solo agent vs team: what the 2025 landscape looks like

Solo agent: personalization and direct accountability

Who it’s for: Clients who want one point of contact and a highly tailored approach.

What you get:

Potential trade-offs:

Real estate team: speed, coverage, and process depth

Who it’s for: Clients who value fast scheduling, multiple showings, and “always-on” coverage.

What you get:

Potential trade-offs:

Decision framework: match your situation to the right setup

Timeline & availability

Price band & property type

Communication style

Negotiation & accountability

Risk management & depth of bench

The money question: how fees and value show up

Market data from 2024 shows agent-assisted transactions outperform FSBO on median price, reflecting negotiation leverage, marketing reach, and contract diligence. Whether you hire a solo agent or a team, insist on tangible value: pricing models, staging plans, digital marketing, offer tactics, and post-inspection strategies. nar.realtor+1

With rule changes, buyers may now choose fee structures (flat, hourly, percentage, success-based, or seller-paid with agreement). Ask for side-by-side service tiers from both solo agents and teams so you can compare apples to apples. The Wall Street Journal

Pros and cons at a glance

Working with a solo agent (summary)

Pros: One relationship, deep context, niche market insight, flexible strategy.
Cons: Limited bandwidth during peak weeks; coverage risk without a helper.

Working with a real estate team (summary)

Pros: Speed, redundancy, role specialization, standardized processes, high availability.
Cons: Multiple contacts, variable day-to-day experience unless roles are crystal-clear.

Red flags to watch for (solo or team)

Vague scope

If the proposal says “full service” but doesn’t list staging, pro photos, offer strategy, or inspection playbooks, press for specifics. No data or comps

You should see recent comparable sales, list-to-sale ratios, average days on market, and a pricing rationale. If you’re a buyer, ask for recent win rates and post-offer debriefs.

Thin availability plan

For solo agents: who is the backup? For teams: who is your negotiator and when are they reachable?

A simple 7-point checklist before you sign

So… is it better to work with solo agent or team?

It depends on your priorities. If you want one senior expert from search to close, a strong solo agent can be ideal. If you need speed, overlapping showings, and constant availability, a well-run team delivers coverage and process depth. Either way, the data from 2024 shows that professional representation correlates with better outcomes than going it alone, so the bigger question isn’t “solo or team,” it’s “Who can prove their process works for your exact move?” nar.realtor+1

Call to action: Want a quick, no-pressure comparison? Book a 10-minute call and I’ll map your timeline, budget, and preferred communication style to the right setup—solo advisor or team—so you can move with confidence.

External Link + Internal Link Placeholder

Internal: https://tomjahed.ca/blog/

External: National Association of REALTORS® — Quick Real Estate Statistics. nar.realtor