City of Chicago
Chicago closings carry city-specific steps: the seller's Full Payment Certificate for water, the city transfer tax (mostly paid by the buyer), and, for rental property, the Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance. Vintage condominium buildings in neighborhoods like Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Edgewater and Hyde Park often come with association documents, reserves and special assessments to review.
Neighborhoods served include Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Gold Coast, Streeterville, River North, West Loop, South Loop, Hyde Park, Kenwood, Bronzeville, Logan Square, Bucktown, Wicker Park, Andersonville, Edgewater, Rogers Park, Beverly, Bridgeport, Pilsen and Jefferson Park. See the transfer tax calculator and the seller representation page.
Suburban Cook County
Many suburbs set their own rules for a sale. Some, such as Evanston and Oak Park, charge a municipal transfer tax; others require a water certification, a zoning letter or a pre-sale inspection before transfer stamps are issued. Suburban Cook County rental property falls under the Cook County Residential Tenant Landlord Ordinance rather than the Chicago ordinance.
Communities served include Evanston, Oak Park, Skokie, Wilmette, Park Ridge, Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, Orland Park and the surrounding suburbs. Requirements change, so each town's current rules are confirmed at the start of every transaction.
DuPage, Lake, Will, Kane and McHenry Counties
Collar-county closings follow the same Multi-Board contract and attorney review period, with county recording and local municipal requirements that differ from Chicago. Property taxes are still paid in arrears, so the tax proration at closing matters just as much.
Communities served include Naperville, Oak Brook, Downers Grove, Highland Park and neighboring towns. Many closings can be handled remotely through a mail-away arrangement.
Commercial and investment property
For mixed-use buildings, small apartment buildings and commercial space anywhere in Chicagoland, see commercial real estate. Zoning, existing leases and open building violations are reviewed during due diligence.
Questions clients ask
Do you represent buyers and sellers outside the City of Chicago?
Yes. Clients throughout Cook, DuPage, Lake, Will, Kane and McHenry counties are represented, and many closings can be completed remotely.
Do suburbs have their own transfer taxes?
Some do. Evanston and Oak Park are two examples. Others require inspections or certificates before a sale. The current local requirements are confirmed for each transaction.