From Setbacks to a Record Sale: The Hidden Complexity of Real Estate Deals
By Frank Campobasso, Century 21 Circle
Real estate transactions can look simple from the outside—list a home, get an offer, and close. But anyone who’s been through it (or better yet, worked in it) knows how unpredictable and challenging the process can be. I recently closed a deal in Park Ridge, IL that’s a perfect example of just how complex things can get—and why having the right agent by your side is absolutely critical.
The Listing
This particular property was a 2-flat, and while I knew it was priced slightly high compared to recent sales, inventory was low. I was confident that my marketing strategy would generate strong interest. Sure enough, the showings came in right away—but showings don’t always equal offers.
The First Offer… Then Silence
Within the first week, we received an offer and went under contract for $765,000. It looked promising—until the buyer’s agent suddenly vanished. No inspection, no earnest money, no follow-up. Just radio silence. It turned out to be a classic case of buyer’s remorse, and just like that, we were back at square one.
Multiple Offers, But Too Low
Back on the market, we pulled in multiple offers—but all well below the original one. I had a sense that these offers reflected the true market value, but my seller wasn’t ready to accept them. Instead of going with a traditional “highest and best” approach, I decided to negotiate directly. It was a slower process, and I could tell the buyers weren’t fully committed.
Then Came the Big One
Then, out of nowhere, we landed a serious buyer. A big fish. I used specific negotiation techniques (which I won’t reveal here—my competitors might be reading) and got the buyer up to $807,211. Yes, a strange number—but significantly over asking, and a win in my book.
The buyer had 50% down and conventional financing. I brought the offer to my seller expecting a celebration. Instead, I was met with hesitation. After some serious discussion—and a bit of pleading—I got them to accept.
The Inspection Hurdle
But we weren’t in the clear. The inspection brought up some issues, and like many deals, that led to tough conversations. I negotiated through it, knowing that even with some concessions, this was still the best deal on the table—by a long shot. In the end, my seller was set to walk away with over $30,000 more than the next-best offer. It wasn’t easy, but the result made it worthwhile.
Then Came the Appraisal
The next challenge? The appraisal. The property had no strong recent comps to justify the sale price. I knew this could make or break the deal. I worked closely with the appraiser, walking through the numbers, explaining appreciation trends, and highlighting the property’s value. It took collaboration and persistence—but in the end, we made it work.
Preparing for Closing
And that’s still not the end of the story. Getting to the closing table involves more than just a signed contract. A good agent has to:
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Coordinate attorneys, lenders, and inspectors
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Monitor contingency deadlines
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Handle title and survey issues
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Communicate constantly with all parties
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Ensure all paperwork is complete and accurate
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Anticipate potential problems before they arise
It’s not just about selling a home—it’s about guiding the entire process from listing to close while managing emotions, expectations, and timelines.
The Result: A Record-Breaking Sale
This transaction closed at $807,211, which was by far the highest sale price for this type of 2-flat in the area. That didn’t happen by accident. It happened because the property was marketed correctly, priced strategically, and handled with the experience and foresight to navigate every twist and turn.
I’m not writing this to brag about another successful transaction—this is about educating sellers. Deals can fall apart in an instant. Things will go wrong. The key is how you respond, how you negotiate, how you adapt, and how you keep pushing forward.
If you’re thinking about selling your home, understand that there are dozens of moving parts—many of which are out of your control. That’s why it’s critical to choose an agent who knows what they’re doing and can lead you through the chaos with confidence and clarity.
Let’s get it done right.
Frank Campobasso
Century 21 Circle
773-425-6265
About Frank Campobasso
With over 20 years of industry experience, Frank Campobasso is a seasoned real estate expert known for marketing single-family homes, townhomes, condos, multi-unit buildings, and investment properties. He is also a highly successful buyer’s agent, known for helping clients navigate competitive markets and secure the right home at the right price. Dedicated to achieving outstanding results, Frank prioritizes customer satisfaction, ensuring that his clients’ homes sell quickly and for top dollar. His expertise in pricing, preparing, and showcasing listings has earned him recognition in leading real estate magazines, newspaper articles, and radio programs. If you’re ready to buy or sell your home with expert guidance, call Frank at 773-425-6265 to schedule a personalized in-home consultation.
