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.
For Clients
Land trusts & power of attorney forms
Recommended reading and official Illinois forms. New clients can start with the consultation request.
- 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).
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 Building ViolationsSearch permits, inspections and violations by address.
- Municipal Transfer RequirementsTransfer taxes and inspection rules by municipality (ATG).
- 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
SHARAKAMAL.COM