Legally, no. Practically, FSBO homes sell for significantly less. NAR data shows FSBO homes sold for a median of $380,000 vs. $435,000 for agent-assisted sales in 2024 — a $55,000 gap that dwarfs the commission cost.
What an agent actually does: prices your home accurately using closed MLS data (not Zillow estimates, which can be 5-15% off in specific neighborhoods), markets to active buyer agents with pre-approved clients, negotiates not just price but inspection repair requests, appraisal gaps, and closing timeline, and manages the 40+ steps between accepted offer and closing. In Denver’s current market where 57% of listings see a price reduction, pricing strategy alone is worth the commission.