What Is the Process of Buying a Home in Cook County?

 Posted on January 07, 2026 in Real Estate

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you will ever make. If you are a first-time buyer or someone who has not purchased property in many years, the process can feel overwhelming. There are contracts to review, inspections to schedule, and legal documents to sign. Understanding each step can help you feel more confident as you move toward owning your new home.

Having a local Cook County real estate attorney on your side is not just a good idea. It is standard practice. Unlike some states where title companies handle everything, Illinois buyers typically work with an attorney to protect their interests throughout the transaction.

Chicago Agent Magazine claims that over 130,000 homes were sold in Illinois last year. If you are hoping to buy a home in 2026, Dickler, Kahn, Slowikowski & Zavell, Ltd. is here to help. 

What Happens After Your Offer on a Home Is Accepted?

Once a seller accepts your offer, the real work begins. The first major document you will encounter is the purchase contract, also called the real estate sales agreement. This contract spells out everything about the deal, including the purchase price, closing date, and any conditions that must be met before the sale can go through.

Illinois law does not require a specific form for residential purchase contracts, but most transactions use standard forms from local real estate associations. Your attorney will review this contract carefully to make sure your interests are protected. They will look for anything that could cause problems down the road and suggest changes if needed.

Why You Need an Attorney to Review Your Purchase Contract

The purchase contract is legally binding, so you should never sign it without having an attorney review it first. Small details in the contract language can have big consequences if something goes wrong later.

What Are Contingencies During the Home Buying Process? 

Contingencies are conditions written into your purchase contract that must be satisfied before the sale becomes final. Think of them as safety nets that protect you during the buying process.

The most common contingencies include the following.

Attorney Review

The attorney review contingency gives both the buyer and seller a set number of days to have their attorneys review the contract and request changes. In Cook County, this period is typically five business days. Either party can cancel the contract during this time for any reason.

Inspection

The inspection contingency allows you to hire a professional home inspector to examine the property. If the inspector finds serious problems like foundation issues, roof damage, or faulty electrical systems, you can ask the seller to make repairs. You may also ask to reduce the price, or you can walk away from the deal.

Mortgage Loan

The mortgage contingency protects you if your loan falls through. If your lender denies your mortgage application, this contingency allows you to cancel the contract and get your earnest money back.

Appraisal

The appraisal contingency ensures the home is worth what you agreed to pay. If the appraiser determines the home is worth less than the purchase price, you can renegotiate or cancel the deal.

What Is a Title Search and Why Is It Important?

Before you can close on your new home, a title search must be completed. This is a detailed examination of public records to confirm the seller actually owns the property and has the right to sell it.

The title search looks for any liens, judgments, or claims against the property. Under the Illinois Conveyances Act, 765 ILCS 5/1, a seller must transfer a clear title to the buyer. If there are unpaid taxes, contractor liens, or other encumbrances, these must be resolved before closing.

Your attorney will review the title search results and help resolve any issues that come up. You will also purchase title insurance, which protects you if any ownership problems are discovered after you buy the home.

What Should You Expect at Your Home’s Closing?

Closing day is when ownership of the property officially transfers from the seller to you. In Cook County, closings typically take place at a title company office, though they can also happen at your attorney's office or even remotely in some cases.

At closing, you will sign a large stack of documents. These include your mortgage paperwork, the deed transferring ownership, and various disclosure forms required by federal and state law. Your attorney will be there to explain each document and answer any questions you have.

You will also pay your closing costs, which typically include lender fees, title insurance, attorney fees, recording fees, and prepaid items like property taxes and homeowner's insurance. In Illinois, buyers should expect closing costs to run between two and five percent of the purchase price.

Call an Arlington Heights, IL Residential Real Estate Attorney Today

Buying a home involves many moving parts, and having the right legal guidance makes all the difference. Whether you are purchasing your first home or getting back into the market after many years, an experienced lawyer can help protect your investment.

Our Cook County residential real estate lawyers at Dickler, Kahn, Slowikowski & Zavell, Ltd. have over 150 years of combined legal experience serving clients in Illinois. Call Dickler, Kahn, Slowikowski & Zavell, Ltd. at 847-593-5595 to schedule a consultation.