Chicago Real Estate Guides
Plain-language explanations of how property changes hands in Chicago: contract deadlines, transfer taxes, condominium documents and the closing sequence. Bookmark what's useful.
The Attorney Review Period in Illinois
Five business days that shape the rest of a Chicago home purchase.
ToolChicago Transfer Tax Calculator
Estimate city, county and state transfer taxes, and see which side pays each one.
7 min readThe Chicago Closing Timeline
From accepted offer to recorded deed, in the order it actually happens.
5 min readCondo Resale Disclosures in Illinois
What Section 22.1 requires, and what to read closely before you buy.
Recent articles
Leaving a Legacy: Passing Property to Family with a Land Trust
How Illinois families use land trusts and contingent beneficiaries to pass a home to the next generation without probate, and what to plan for.
Landlord & Tenant · April 2, 2026A Smooth Eviction Process in Illinois: Practical Tips for Landlords
Illinois eviction steps for landlords: the right notice, Chicago and Cook County ordinances, documentation, filing, court and settlement.
Business & Investing · March 29, 2026Bracket Play: Deal Structure in Real Estate and Business
How investors position between two transactions through double closings, assignments and value-add deals, and the legal guardrails in Illinois.
Closings · March 17, 2026The FinCEN Real Estate Reporting Rule: Avoiding Closing Delays
Since March 1, 2026, many non-financed residential transfers to LLCs and trusts must be reported to FinCEN. What buyers and sellers need to prepare.
It pays to have good counsel.
Talk through your purchase, sale or property question with Attorney Shara Kamal. Consultations by phone, video or in person.
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