Q: Cost to transfer paid-off house title to relative in Illinois using a lawyer.

A: When transferring a house title to a relative in Illinois, you'll face several costs that typically include both legal fees and government charges. For the lawyer's services, expect to pay around $500-1,000 for deed preparation, document review, and handling the paperwork submission DeedClaim. This cost varies based on the complexity of your situation and the specific attorney you choose, but it covers the legal expertise needed to ensure the transfer is done properly.

The government-related expenses include recording fees and transfer taxes. The recording fee for filing the deed with the county is typically around $50 DeedClaim, though this can vary slightly by county. As for transfer taxes, Illinois charges $0.50 per $500 of the property's value at the state level, and counties may charge an additional $0.25 per $500 DeedClaim. However, you may qualify for an exemption from these transfer taxes if the property is being gifted to a family member for less than $100 consideration, which is common in family transfers.

Good news is that since you're giving the property rather than selling it, you'll likely qualify for a transfer tax exemption. You'll still need to file an Illinois Real Estate Transfer Declaration (Form PTAX-203) documenting the exemption LegalZoom. Additionally, some municipalities in Illinois charge inspection fees before property transfers can be completed Diamondrealestatelaw, so it's worth checking with your local government to identify any city-specific requirements. Your attorney will guide you through these local requirements and help you complete the proper exemption forms to minimize your total costs.