Posted on January 25, 2026 in Residential Real Estate

"As-is" home sales can be risky for Illinois buyers, especially when buyers do not fully understand what "as-is" really means. In 2025, Zillow reported that about 14 percent of homebuyers did not get a home inspection before purchasing a property, increasing the chance of discovering serious problems only after closing.

That risk is often higher in "as-is" sales, where sellers refuse to make repairs. If you are considering this type of purchase, a Chatham, IL real estate lawyer can help you understand where the real risks are and how Illinois law still protects buyers in certain situations. As of 2026, those protections matter more than ever when inspections or disclosures are overlooked.

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 Posted on December 21, 2025 in Residential Real Estate

A property inspection helps you understand what you are buying before the sale is final. For Illinois buyers, inspections can reveal issues that are not easy to see during a showing. A Hyde Park, IL real estate lawyer can also help you understand how inspection results affect your purchase and your legal options, protecting your rights through the entire buying process.

What Does a Property Inspection Do in Illinois?

A property inspection is a professional review of a building’s visible condition. The inspector looks at how the property appears to be working on the day of the inspection. This includes major systems and parts of the structure that can be seen and accessed. The purpose is to spot problems that could affect safety, comfort, or repair costs.

In Illinois, inspections are common in residential real estate purchases. Buyers usually schedule the inspection after signing a purchase agreement. Once the inspection is complete, the inspector provides a written report. This report explains what was found and often includes photos.

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 Posted on November 19, 2025 in Estate Planning

Unexpected medical emergencies can happen to anyone. If you cannot speak for yourself, someone else will need to make choices about your care. Without guidance, your family may struggle to decide what you would have wanted. They may not even know who has authority. You can avoid confusion by planning ahead. A Homewood, IL power of attorney lawyer can guide you through these decisions and help you protect your loved ones.

Do You Need an Illinois Power of Attorney for Health Care?

A power of attorney for health care is one of the strongest ways to help your family know what to do during a medical emergency. This document lets you choose a trusted person to make decisions if you cannot speak for yourself. Your agent can talk with doctors, review medical records, and approve or decline treatments based on your stated preferences.

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 Posted on October 19, 2025 in Estate Planning

Owning property in your own name can make your information public. It can also make transferring that property after your death more complicated. A land trust can help you avoid these issues and hold real estate privately while still staying in control of it. If you are considering a land trust, an experienced Calumet City, IL estate planning lawyer can help you understand how it works and how it fits into your long-term plans.

What Is a Land Trust?

A land trust is an agreement that separates who owns a property from who benefits from it. Under 765 ILCS 405/, a person or company called the trustee holds the legal title to your property. However, you are the beneficiary. That means you get to make the important decisions about it. You can choose when to sell, rent, or refinance the property, even though your name does not appear on public records.

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 Posted on September 17, 2025 in Residential Real Estate

A contingency clause outlines a condition in a contract that must be met before the agreement becomes legally binding. If the condition is not met, the buyer or seller may have the right to walk away without penalty.

As of 2025, the Illinois housing market remains highly competitive. While buyers are frequently urged to act quickly, contingencies offer legal protections against risks. If you are considering a purchase agreement, a Stoney Island, IL real estate sales and purchases lawyer can help you understand which contingencies apply to your case and how to use them to your advantage.

Common Contingencies in Illinois Real Estate Contracts

The six most common contingencies in residential real estate contracts include:

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 Posted on August 18, 2025 in Estate Planning

When planning your estate, trusts are one of the most effective ways to protect your assets. Revocable and irrevocable trusts can help protect your money, care for your loved ones, and make sure your wishes are honored. Choosing the right type of trust takes careful thought because each one has its own benefits and drawbacks. A Chatham, IL estate planning attorney can guide you through these choices and help you create a plan that provides lasting security.

What Is the Difference Between a Revocable and an Irrevocable Trust in Illinois?

A revocable trust, also called a living trust, allows you to maintain control over your assets during your lifetime. Under this arrangement, you can add or remove property, change beneficiaries, or dissolve the trust entirely. The Illinois Trust Code, under 760 ILCS 3, explains how trusts are set up, managed, and followed. Because you can amend a revocable trust at any time, the assets inside remain part of your estate.

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 Posted on July 18, 2025 in Residential Real Estate

Many homeowners facing missed mortgage payments wonder how to protect their credit and financial future. For most people, a short sale is nearly always a better option than foreclosure. The first step is to find out whether or not you qualify. An Illinois real estate lawyer can explain the short sale process and walk you through the requirements.

What Is the Difference Between a Short Sale and Foreclosure?

Both a short sale and foreclosure mean giving up your home, but they work very differently. A short sale allows you to sell your home for less than you owe and potentially walk away with less damage to your credit. Foreclosure happens when the lender takes legal action to reclaim the property because you have stopped paying your mortgage.

The foreclosure process ends in a court-ordered sale of your home, often at a public auction. However, with a short sale, you find a buyer for your house and ask your lender to accept less than what you owe on the mortgage. If the lender agrees, the home is sold, and you might be able to avoid owing the leftover debt. Foreclosure, on the other hand, takes away your control and causes greater damage to your credit. It can happen quickly once legal proceedings start.

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 Posted on June 20, 2025 in Estate Planning

When a will does not comply with Illinois law, it will likely be declared invalid. Working with an experienced Illinois estate planning attorney is the first line of defense in avoiding mistakes that can unravel your will and your wishes. Additionally, understanding the requirements for a valid will can help you protect your estate from costly litigation and ensure that your assets go exactly where you intend.

What Are the Legal Requirements for a Valid Will in Illinois?

The Probate Act of 1975 outlines the requirements for an Illinois will. According to 755 ILCS 5/4-3 of the act, a will must be in writing and signed by the testator, who is the person making the will. It can also be signed by someone acting on the testator’s behalf and by their direction. It must be signed in the presence of two or more credible witnesses. The testator must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind and memory. Failure to meet any of these conditions could result in the will being deemed invalid. 

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 Posted on May 19, 2025 in Estate Planning

An estate plan is a carefully curated portfolio of documents designed to comprehensively address your wishes. You can include plans for nearly every posthumous consideration, and an experienced Illinois estate planning attorney will guide you through the process, offering advice for documents for your plan, including those that bypass the probate process. Consider the advantages of skipping probate, including options like a living trust or transfer-on-death instruments, and why this may benefit your family after you are gone.

Why Try To Avoid Probate in Illinois?

Illinois probate is a legal process undertaken to administer a deceased person’s estate. It involves court-supervised asset collection, debt settlement, and property distribution according to the will. It seems fair enough – so, why would someone want to avoid it? 

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 Posted on April 17, 2025 in Residential Real Estate

The processes of selling and purchasing real estate can be highly complex, with much room for error. The legal jargon in closing documents alone can leave you wondering what you signed. Having an experienced Illinois real estate attorney can make the process feel more secure. If you are selling your home, consider the role of a real estate lawyer and how our attorney can help you sell your property.

Preparing the Listing

Your attorney will work closely with the real estate broker to review the listing’s terms and associated commissions. They may complete the disclosure forms, ensuring everything meets the legal requirements for potential buyers. These documents are full of facts that require careful checking, such as the tax information, square footage, and property identification number. The goal is accuracy, leaving nothing questionable for the buyers.

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