Sell Smarter. Save Thousands. Avoid Surprises.
Most sellers focus on the first negotiation, the offer.
But the real money is lost in the second one…after the buyer’s inspection report arrives.
I’m Ernie Raulli, owner of Realistic Realty and Chicago’s first Hybrid Agent - a Realtor and Licensed Home Inspector in one.
For 20 years, I’ve helped Northwest Chicago homeowners sell with confidence, avoid post-inspection chaos, and protect their profit.
The Second Negotiation — Where Most Sellers Lose
Here’s how it usually goes:
You accept an offer.
The buyer’s inspector shows up.
A 60-page report appears with repair demands and “urgent issues.”
Suddenly, your $450,000 sale turns into $435,000 - or worse, no sale at all.
That second negotiation can cost sellers $10,000–$15,000 or more.
And it happens every single day.
But it doesn’t have to happen to you.
The Hybrid Agent Solution — Be Inspection-Ready
As both a Realtor and Licensed Home Inspector, I know exactly what buyers’ inspectors look for and how to get ahead of them.
Before your home hits the market, I’ll perform a Pre-Listing Walkthrough designed to uncover hidden issues and prioritize what’s worth fixing.
This process puts you in control, not the buyer.
How It Works
Pre-Listing Inspection Walkthrough
I examine your home using my inspector-trained eye, from roof to foundation.
Smart Repair Prioritization
We’ll separate what’s cosmetic from what’s costly so you don’t waste money on the wrong upgrades.
Strategic Disclosure & Pricing
You’ll list your home knowing what’s coming. No surprises, no panic, and no one holding you hostage with inspection requests.
Confident Negotiation
When the buyer’s inspector shows up, you’ll already know what’s in that report and you’ll have the facts to stand firm on price.
The Realistic Realty Advantage
When you sell with Realistic Realty, you’re getting two professionals in one:
A Realtor who knows how to market and negotiate
A Licensed Inspector who knows how to anticipate and prevent problems
That’s what makes this approach so powerful.
You’re not reacting — you’re prepared.
You’re not guessing — you’re informed.
And that preparedness often puts thousands back in your pocket.
Real Stories, Real Savings
“Ernie found a structural issue before listing that would have scared off any buyer. We fixed it for a fraction of what a price reduction would’ve cost.”
“We sold in 8 days — no inspection drama, no delays, full price. The pre-listing walkthrough made all the difference.”
“Our last agent told us to ‘wait and see what comes up.’ Ernie helped us see it before it came up.”
What You Gain With a Pre-Listing Advantage
Benefits
Identify problems early
Control the repair narrative
Strengthen your pricing power
Reduce time on market
Keep more profit
Results
Prevent deal-breakers before buyers see them
Avoid inflated buyer requests
Negotiate from knowledge, not panic
Buyers love move-in-ready confidence
Save thousands in post-inspection concessions
Local Expertise That Pays Off
With two decades serving Jefferson Park, Norwood Park, Dunning, Harwood Heights, and Edison Park, I know what Chicago inspectors focus on, what local buyers expect, and which repairs add real value in our neighborhoods.
Selling an older Chicago home takes more than a sign in the yard…it takes strategy, insight, and foresight.
Don’t Wait for the Buyer’s Inspector to Find It
If a buyer’s inspector finds it first, it costs you money.
If we find it first, it saves you money.
It’s that simple.
Ready to Sell Smarter and Protect Your Profit?
Let’s walk your home together — and uncover every opportunity before your buyer does.