Selling a home in Illinois requires a significant number of careful steps which can be a stressful and even overwhelming experience. A misstep that fails to comply with legal requirements could cause delays and setbacks causing a loss of time, money and peace of mind.
The Chicago area real estate lawyers at Fagan, Fagan & Davis can help make sure the process is managed efficiently in a way that avoids the threat of financial, emotional and legal complications that take the joy out of what should be a great experience. We work with your interests in mind and use our resources strategically. Contact us today at (847) 635-8200 to schedule a brief, free initial phone consultation.
Selling Illinois Residential Real Estate
Once you decide to sell your home, there are some steps you can take to ensure the process is as smooth as possible. Described here are some of the most important ones.
Hire a Real Estate Lawyer Familiar with Illinois Law
We might be showing a bit of bias, but one of the first decisions you should make is finding the right real estate lawyer. Right from the start, an experienced lawyer can help set up a successful transaction by explaining the process, your options and be ready to review any offer you receive to purchase your property.
Hire a Real Estate Agent
A real estate agent can help you with listing your home and showing your home, among other things. You do not have to pay for their services upfront; instead, they will collect a previously agreed-upon percentage of the sale price at the closing. Some people choose a DIY approach, and we understand that, but real estate agents do often have contacts and methods that will help smooth out the process and ultimately save you time and money, even after their fees. They can also help you set an appropriate value for your home based on their experience in the marketplace, which is of vital importance.
Consider an Inspection
It's true, the buyer will also want to have their own inspection, but before there's even an offer, it might be worth arranging for a licensed inspector to uncover and issues so that you have the opportunity to repair or address them before you list the home for sale. Though you may live in your home, there might be issues you've never considered, and this would give you the chance to avoid an objection by a potential buyer up front.
Review Offers and Get Advice Before Acceptance
In some cases you might receive multiple offers on your home, which is a great problem to have, but how will you decide? It's not only about the money. The highest offer may not always be the overall best offer because they may make certain demands or place unwarranted conditions on the real estate transaction. A lawyer can help you determine the best offer aligned with your interests and how you should consider the terms offered.
The Closing Table
In Illinois, a real estate closing is an event in which you finalize the transfer of ownership of your property to another person. You will receive documentation of any deductions that are coming out of the amount you will receive from the sale. Then, after the documents are all signed, you should receive the funds from the sale after all costs are paid. An attorney's presence is particularly important during the closing process. In Illinois, your real estate lawyer can even attend the closing on your behalf, and the attorneys at Fagan, Fagan & Davis can tell you how. It's true, you could even sell your home while you're enjoying a vacation if you choose.
Contact a Chicago Area Residential Real Estate Attorney Today
Selling your home or another residential property can be rewarding once it's over, but the process itself is challenging with many pitfalls. Make sure you do it right by retaining an Illinois real estate lawyer familiar with the process in the Chicago area. Contact Fagan, Fagan & Davis by filling out our online form or calling us at (847) 635-8200 to learn more about our real estate services.