While you might be able to change the oil in your car, you probably would need help to repair or replace a fuel pump.   And while you may be diligent in your oral hygiene, brushing and flossing daily, when you find yourself needing the inevitable root canal, the chances are pretty good you are going to seek a highly recommended oral surgeon to perform the procedure.

The same applies to the residential real estate transaction.  While you might have found an excellent real estate broker, got your house listed, survived a multitude of showings, completed mountains of paperwork and negotiated what you believe is an awesome deal, the assistance of an experienced real estate attorney will prove essential to a successful, and hopefully painless, residential real estate closing.

Our real estate attorneys make sure you completely understand the legal process that culminates in a successful real estate closing.  Whether you make a living as a real estate agent or are attempting to sell or purchase a home, the guidance and assistance of an experienced real estate attorney will be invaluable both before and during (and sometimes after) the real estate closing.  The closing itself is essentially the last opportunity to raise concerns, question contract language, deal with lingering issues or put out last minute fires. Of course, our goal is to make sure there are no concerns, questions or lingering issues by the time the closing is scheduled, but life happens.  Having an experienced real estate attorney at your side for the closing will ensure that the closing process is smooth and successful, and, in the event an issue arises, will be able to propose a solution that protects your interests and is mutually acceptable to all parties.

Real estate closing attorneys do much more than review the language and terms of your residential contract.  Having successfully closed thousands of real estate transactions in northern Illinois, we have an intimate knowledge of each phase of the contract and how to coordinate a successful closing.   Let our legal team spearhead your real estate transaction in McHenry County and Lake County, Illinois because, frankly, you have enough to do without worrying about loose ends or missed dates.

Our real estate attorneys communicate every day with the various parties to the contract, from Sellers and Buyers to brokers and agents, other attorneys, lenders, mortgage companies, surveyors, title companies, home inspectors, radon remediation contractors, pest control companies, contractors, insurance companies, homeowner’s and condo associations, municipalities and more.  Our closing attorneys have the experience needed to effectively coordinate your closing with these individuals and entities so you don’t have to.

A residential real estate closing in McHenry County and Lake County, Illinois can be quickly derailed if the title commitment discloses title issues that could be an obstacle to obtaining clear title.  We have examined thousands of title commitments and know what to look for and how to address title issues. Our real estate attorneys will check for chain of title defects, legal description errors and will analyze restrictions, easements and encroachments. We understand exceptions and know which ones are unacceptable and how to deal with them and which ones will not pose a problem in the future.   Concerns about the property’s title status, liens, judgments and mortgages must be addressed before the closing can occur. At closing, the title company will issue a title insurance policy to the Buyer. Title insurance protects the Buyer against unknown defects (bad surprises) that may pop up in the future, such as finding out your neighbor has an easement to share your driveway which he has decided to use to store his 8 derelict clunkers.  Defects that were disclosed and left on title are not covered and our legal professionals re-examine each commitment closely for your protection.

As the closing date approaches, your To Do List gets longer and longer.  There is packing and cleaning to do, utilities to arrange and forms to fill out.  There simply aren’t enough hours in the day. The last thing you want to do is add reviewing a pile of confusing or complicated forms to that list or, even worse, drafting the forms yourself.  By the time the closing is scheduled, our real estate attorneys are putting the final touches on the closing documents or may be reviewing documents provided by the other party’s attorney. At the closing table, the pertinent documents and forms are reviewed again by the real estate attorney who will explain each document and answer any questions you may have.  From the settlement statement to the deed, title company disclosures, loan documentation and beyond, there are all sorts of documents necessary to ensure the closing proceeds as intended.

We understand that selling your home or buying a new home may be the most important financial transaction you ever do.  Hiring a qualified real estate attorney makes you a wise consumer. As your real estate and closing attorney, we advocate for you every step of the way.  As your attorney, we are here to fight for your best interests and legal rights. Our fee is disclosed up front and, in most instances, we don’t get paid unless you close.

Let us help you navigate the residential real estate process.  Our real estate attorneys will explain your legal obligations and how to avoid potentially costly pitfalls.  Selling or buying residential property in McHenry County and Lake County, Illinois has the potential to unnecessarily set you back tens of thousands of dollars or more.  There is no sense in losing sleep, or even worse, money, when our team of talented real estate attorneys are here to help. The flat fee you pay for our legal services will pale in comparison to what you could potentially lose without the assistance of a proven, experienced real estate closing attorney.  We are not satisfied until the deal has closed and you are happy.