One of our agents walked into a neighborhood estate sale and found a Victorian four-flat that the owner planned to sell himself, with three units still under construction. Every sale has to clear pricing, zoning, permits, appraisals, financing and negotiation before it can close, and finding a buyer covers only the first step. We walk through the FSBO risks Chicago sellers tend to miss and how a listing agent handles them before you go under contract.

Outdated assumptions still cause some sellers to discount qualified buyers who use VA financing. Current appraisal timelines, recent VA rule changes, and proposed federal legislation give buyers and sellers better information. An experienced local team can present the financing clearly and address property concerns before they disrupt the deal.

Military buyers face a more complex home-buying process than most, with PCS timelines, VA loan requirements, and remote purchases adding real risk. Veteran Realtors provide specific, meaningful protection at every stage of the transaction. Dorazio Real Estate, the only Mil-Estate affiliate in Chicagoland, is built to safeguard military families from first call to closing.

In today’s market, even good deals can fall apart if small issues go unchecked. Here are six of the most common deal killers we’ve seen 2025 and how buyers, sellers, and agents can stay prepared, avoid surprises, and keep transactions moving to the closing table.

If you’re planning to sell this fall, setting the right price can make or break your sale. A realistic number attracts more buyers and prevents wasted time on the market. Learn how to price smart, avoid overpricing, and sell with confidence before the holidays.

Appraisals are one of the most important and often stressful parts of buying or selling a home. For military families navigating VA loans and PCS timelines, a low appraisal can create serious complications. Here’s how to stay prepared and make smart decisions on either side of the deal.