Illinois Real Estate Transfer Taxes: What Buyers and Sellers Should Know Before Closing

Illinois real estate transfer taxes are charges tied to the sale or transfer of real estate. These taxes can affect the settlement amount, so both parties should understand them before signing the papers. They may differ depending on the type of transaction and the property’s location. Taxes may be imposed at the state, county, and […]
How Are Property Taxes Prorated at an Illinois Real Estate Closing?

Taxes on property are a significant aspect of any house sale in Illinois. In the case of a house being bought, it becomes mandatory for both parties to share the tax costs depending on the period of ownership. This process is known as property tax proration. In case you buy or sell any property, it […]
What to Look for in HOA Documents Before Buying a Home in Illinois

Buying a home in a neighborhood with a homeowners association, or HOA, means you are agreeing to follow more than the purchase contract. You are also agreeing to the HOA’s rules, fees, and governing documents. If you are searching for HOA documents what to look for Illinois home buyers, the answer goes beyond monthly dues. […]
What Happens to Earnest Money If a Home Deal Falls Through in Illinois?

Buying a home often begins with an earnest money deposit. This payment shows the seller that the buyer is serious about completing the purchase. However, not every real estate deal reaches the closing table. If you are asking what happens to earnest money deal falls through in Illinois, the answer depends on why the contract […]
Real Estate Attorney vs. Title Company in Illinois: What’s the Difference and Do You Need Both?

If you decide to buy or sell a home in Illinois, you can have both a title company and a real estate attorney working for you. They seem to have similar roles, but that is far from true. A clear distinction between a real estate attorney vs title company in Illinois will tell you who […]
What Happens When a Property Survey Reveals a Boundary Dispute in Illinois?

A property survey could identify a boundary issue that was not visible when you placed your offer. You could encounter problems with the closing process, title, or even issues with whether or not you should proceed with purchasing the property as a result of the boundary dispute from a property survey in Illinois. On the […]
Can You Back Out of a Home Purchase Contract in Illinois? A Legal Guide

Yes, you can back out of a home purchase contract in Illinois in certain situations. Your ability to cancel depends on your contract terms and whether the contingency is still in effect for your protection. The four main methods that you use in order to cancel your contract include the attorney review period, inspection contingency, […]
Septic System Failed the Inspection. What Are Your Options as an Illinois Home Buyer?

Learning about a septic system failure may immediately change the fun process of buying a house into a stressful one. There are many questions regarding the future that arise in case a buyer finds out that there are some problems with the system. It may cost thousands of dollars to fix or replace it, and […]
How to Add or Remove a Name from a Home Deed in Illinois

Modifying the names listed on a deed to your property is far more commonplace than you might think. Divorce, marriage, estate planning, and even the passing of a family member can lead to a need to modify ownership details. Many people believe that changing the deed just means that you can simply add or delete […]
How to Transfer Your Home into a Living Trust in Illinois: A Step-by-Step Legal Guide

One of the most common things many Illinois homeowners do for estate planning is create a living trust. Once this is done, people think they have completed their job. Yet, there is one step people overlook in creating a living trust. It is the actual transfer of the property into a trust. It is the […]