REAL Law Group
Service Area

Real Estate Attorneys Serving Cook County

Closings, attorney review, building violations, and investor representation across Chicago and the Cook County suburbs, with meeting locations in Logan Square and Park Ridge.

How We Work in Cook County

Cook County is the busiest real estate market in Illinois, and it comes with rules the collar counties do not have. The City of Chicago and many suburbs charge their own transfer stamps on top of the standard state and county transfer tax, several municipalities require village transfer stamps, zoning certificates, or final water readings before closing, and Chicago enforces its building code aggressively. We work these requirements every week, so nothing about your closing checklist is a surprise.

Since 2016 we have represented buyers, sellers, landlords, and investors throughout Chicago and the suburbs. Cook County clients can meet us by appointment at our Logan Square satellite office on North Avenue or our Park Ridge satellite office on Prospect Avenue, and we routinely close at title company offices throughout the county. Every transaction includes attorney review, contract negotiation, title and survey review, and closing coordination.

What We Handle in Cook County

Cook County Communities We Serve

ChicagoPark RidgeSkokieNilesDes PlainesBerwynOak ParkCiceroEvanstonSchaumburgArlington HeightsPalatineOrland ParkTinley Park

Cook County Closing Facts

  • Deeds and other title documents are recorded with the Cook County Clerk's office in downtown Chicago, which took over the recorder of deeds function.
  • Illinois charges a state transfer tax of $0.50 per $500 of price plus a county transfer tax of $0.25 per $500; the City of Chicago and many Cook County suburbs add their own transfer stamps on top.
  • Chicago and several suburbs require the seller to obtain a zoning certificate, transfer stamps, or a final water certification before closing.
  • Under the standard Multi-Board Residential Contract used across Chicagoland, your attorney can propose modifications during the attorney review period, which is typically five business days after acceptance.

Nearest Meeting Location

Chicago (Logan Square) (by appointment)

3250 W North Ave, Unit STO, Chicago, IL 60647

Office details

Free consultation for Cook County buyers, sellers, and investors.

(630) 299-7600Schedule Online

Cook County Frequently Asked Questions

Illinois does not require one by law, but in Cook County it is the near-universal practice for both buyers and sellers to be represented, and the standard contract is written around an attorney review period. Chicago closings also involve city transfer stamps, zoning certificates, and water certifications that your attorney handles so the closing is not delayed.
By appointment at our Logan Square satellite office at 3250 W North Ave in Chicago, or our Park Ridge satellite office at 222 S Prospect Ave. We also attend closings at title company offices throughout the county. Call (630) 299-7600 to schedule.
State and county transfer taxes are customarily paid by the seller. Municipal transfer stamps vary by town: Chicago splits its stamp between buyer and seller, while some suburbs put it on the seller and others on the buyer. We confirm the exact allocation for your municipality as part of the contract review.
Yes. Chicago building code violation defense is one of our core practice areas. We represent owners in administrative hearings and Circuit Court cases, and we resolve open violations that would otherwise block a sale or refinance.
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