Resources
Client Resources & Forms
Guides, checklists and forms for buying, selling and owning property in Chicago, plus the official city and county tools we use every day.
Guides & Tools
Chicago real estate, explained
Plain-language guides and a transfer tax calculator.
- The Attorney Review Period in IllinoisFive business days that shape the rest of a Chicago home purchase.
- Chicago Transfer Tax CalculatorEstimate city, county and state transfer taxes, and see which side pays each one.
- The Chicago Closing TimelineFrom accepted offer to recorded deed, in the order it actually happens.
- Condo Resale Disclosures in IllinoisWhat Section 22.1 requires, and what to read closely before you buy.
- Selling Your Home By Owner in IllinoisWhat a for sale by owner (FSBO) seller in Chicago and the suburbs needs to handle, from disclosures to closing day.
- Appealing Your Cook County Property TaxesHow the three levels of appeal work, what evidence helps, and the exemptions to check first.
For Clients
Estate planning workbooks & forms
Recommended reading and official Illinois forms. New clients can start with the consultation request.
- Personal Estate Planning Kit: Lesson BookA free plain-language workbook on wills, trusts, beneficiary designations and building your planning team, from AARP Foundation (PDF).
- Personal Estate Planning Kit: Record BookA free fill-in organizer for your accounts, assets, documents, contacts and final wishes, from AARP Foundation (PDF).
- The Ultimate Guidebook on Land TrustsThe Land Trust Company's guide to privacy, protection and planning with Illinois land trusts (PDF).
- Power of Attorney for PropertyIllinois Statutory Short Form Power of Attorney for Property (PDF).
- Power of Attorney for Health CareIllinois Department of Public Health form (PDF).
- Power of Attorney for Tax MattersIllinois Department of Revenue power of attorney forms.
- Secretary of State Power of AttorneyIllinois Secretary of State form for vehicle title matters (PDF).
Transfer Ordinances
Municipal transfer requirements
Transfer taxes, stamps, water certificates and pre-sale inspections vary by town. Start with our town-by-town guide and the transfer tax calculator.
- Town-by-Town Transfer RequirementsOur reference for Chicago and more than 30 suburbs: transfer taxes, who pays, inspections and water certificates.
- Fidelity National Title: Chicago-area transfer tax chartState, county and municipal transfer taxes, who pays, and local water, inspection and certificate requirements, as of July 1, 2026 (PDF).
- ATG: Real estate transfer tax ordinancesAttorneys' Title Guaranty Fund directory of Illinois municipal transfer ordinances, stamp offices, penalties and special requirements.
- City of Chicago: water Full Payment CertificateThe water and sewer certificate Chicago requires before transfer stamps are issued.
Property Taxes
Cook County property tax appeals
Official offices for appeals and exemptions. Start with the property tax appeal guide.
- Cook County Assessor: appeal calendarWhich townships are open now and the last day to file in each.
- Cook County Assessor: file an appealFree online appeals, the appeal rules and paper forms.
- Cook County Board of ReviewSecond-level appeals, township filing dates, hearings and free seminars.
- Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board (PTAB)State-level appeal after a Board of Review decision; no filing fee.
- Cook County Assessor: exemptionsHomeowner, senior, senior freeze, disability, veteran and longtime homeowner exemptions.
- Cook County Property InfoYour PIN, assessment history, exemptions and tax bills in one place.
- Cook County TreasurerPay bills, check for overpayment refunds and update your mailing address.
Facing Foreclosure
Free foreclosure help
Free counseling, mediation and legal aid for homeowners. For representation, see foreclosure defense.
- Cook County Mortgage Foreclosure Mediation ProgramFree housing counseling, legal help and court mediation for Cook County homeowners in foreclosure on a 1–4 unit home they live in. Call (855) 452-2637.
- Illinois Housing Development Authority: Saving My HomeFree foreclosure-prevention counseling and a statewide list of legal aid and assistance programs.
- Find a HUD-approved housing counselorConsumer Financial Protection Bureau search for free or low-cost counselors near you.
- Circuit Court of Cook County: Chancery Division mediationHow court-annexed mediation works in Cook County foreclosure cases.
- Illinois Legal Aid Online: the foreclosure processA step-by-step explanation of the Illinois foreclosure process and deadlines.
- Report mortgage or rescue fraud (IDFPR)Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation complaints; mortgage fraud line 1-844-768-1713.
Official Tools
City & county property records
Links to government and title-industry sites. They open in a new tab.
- Cook County Property InfoProperty tax bills, exemptions, appeals and liens in one portal.
- Cook County Assessor ExemptionsHomeowner and senior exemption applications, with online filing.
- Cook County ClerkRecorded documents and property records search.
- Chicago AlderpersonsCity Council directory with ward office contacts for all 50 wards.
- Chicago Building ViolationsSearch permits, inspections and violations by address.
- Chicago Title Real Estate LibraryTitle insurance, closing and 1031 exchange references.
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.
Scheduling after hours? Call our 24-hour line: (872) 326-9600
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