20/20 Says Agents Sell their homes for more than their sellers....

I had to record this show last night as I was busy with other things.  I was intrigued by the comment of one of those interviewed praising the FSBO practice & saying that agents don't have their sellers interest at heart.  They cited research that claims agents sell their homes for 3-4% more than their sellers homes and they leave the homes on the market for approximately 10% longer.  They advised this shows that agents tend to 'hold out' for higher offers and should be advising their clients of the same thing.  This got me to thinking....

Do you suppose that agents homes actually sell for more because as agents they do more to prepare their homes for sale?  I know when I look at homes on MLS when I am prospecting agents homes actually do tend to look better.  I also know that I stage investment properties owned by agents more than those of average consumers.  Average consumers don't want to spend any additional money, agents seem to understand the value and are willing to part with the cash.  I think it is also interesting how close to the 3.9% higher sales prices staged homes garnish over un-staged homes is to the 3-4% higher sales prices of agents... hmmmm....

Now what about the 10% longer?  I would be willing to bet that agents, after taking the time to prepare their homes also list them higher.  Do they list them at higher costs than they may recommend for their clients?  Well, ok, I'll give them this one, but if the clients aren't willing to do any preparation... Besides, how many clients would be willing to 'hold out'?  As an ex office manager for a real estate office, I would say NONE!  If the offer is good enough, they will take it.  Agents may be more likely to counter, etc knowing trends that sellers will not understand no matter how much they explain it!

What do you think?  Am I onto something?  Should I email 20/20 with a rebuttle?? (Ok, I probably really won't do that).  What did you think about the show in general?  While it was flattering to staging professionals, it surely was against real estate agents!