§ II · Practice area
Real estate law for Chicago buyers, sellers and landlords
In the Chicago area, each side of a home sale usually has its own attorney. We review the contract during attorney review, handle the inspection and title questions, and sit beside you at closing.
What we handle
Homes, condos, two-flats and leases
A property deal involves a lot of people: agents, a lender, a title company, an inspector, sometimes a condo board. Our part is to protect your side of the contract and make sure the paperwork is right on the day you get the keys or hand them over.
Matters are led by Thomas Whitcomb. You get his direct line, and his paralegal keeps you updated at each stage.
- Home purchasesAttorney review, inspection requests, mortgage contingencies, the title commitment and the closing.
- Home salesContract review, replies to inspection requests, payoff letters, transfer tax declarations and closing documents.
- CondominiumsReading the declaration, budget and minutes, and the resale disclosures an Illinois condo association must provide.
- Two-flats and small buildingsPurchases of two- to six-unit buildings, existing leases and the city’s landlord and tenant ordinance.
- Commercial leases and titleOffice and retail leases, personal guarantees, old liens and estate transfers that hold up a sale.
How it runs
From accepted offer to keys
Attorney review
Within the review period we approve the contract, propose changes or, if needed, cancel it on your behalf.
Inspection and mortgage
We negotiate repairs or credits after the inspection and track your mortgage commitment date.
Title and survey
We read the title commitment and survey, clear old liens and fix anything that would delay closing.
Closing
We check every figure on the settlement statement and attend closing with you, in person or remotely.
| Matter | From |
|---|---|
| Home purchase or saleAttorney review through closing | $750 |
| Condo purchaseIncluding association documents | $850 |
| Two- to four-unit buildingIncluding review of existing leases | $1,250 |
| Commercial lease reviewTenant or landlord | $900 |
Sample figures for this demo website. Title, recording and transfer charges are separate.
Questions buyers and sellers ask
Before you sign
General answers about how real estate deals work in the Chicago area. Your contract and timeline decide the details.
Do I need a lawyer to buy a home in Illinois?
It is not required by law, but it is standard practice in the Chicago area. The usual contract assumes each side has an attorney during attorney review, and lenders and title companies expect one at closing.
What happens during attorney review?
Within the review period, either side’s attorney can approve the contract, propose changes or cancel it. Most proposals concern inspection timing, the closing date, credits and what stays with the property.
When should I call you?
Before you sign if you can, and no later than the day the contract is accepted. The review period starts running straight away.
Do you handle evictions?
No. We advise small landlords on leases and the city’s landlord and tenant rules, and we refer contested eviction cases to firms that handle them.
Next step
Under contract, or about to be? Call today.
Attorney review moves fast. Send the contract date and the property’s neighborhood, and we will confirm a time to talk the same business day where we can.