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Illinois Real Estate Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Family Law for Illinois on
Q: Can my brother-in-law’s aunts and uncles take away his home and property?

My brother-in-law bought a house from his grandma 4 years ago to avoid inheritance fees. Since then he has put $40k into the house and paid the property taxes. We have also bought the house/property to avoid losing it in his divorce (so it is in our name). He is not currently living there as there... View More

Cheryl Powell
Cheryl Powell
answered on Feb 26, 2024

Your grandma is still alive or there would be no inheritance fees. A lawyer should have been consulted. There is a 5 year look back period. If she goes into a nursing home within 5 years of selling or giving away property for less than fair market value she is penalized and yes, they can have a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Tax Law for Illinois on
Q: Do home real estate capital gains have a window in which reinvestment would be considered a wash sale?

This would be related IRS topic 701 capital gain exclusion from a home sale.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 31, 2024

In the context of IRS Topic 701 and the capital gain exclusion from a home sale, the concept of a "wash sale" generally doesn't apply. The wash sale rule is primarily associated with securities, like stocks and bonds, and aims to prevent taxpayers from claiming a tax loss on a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Real Estate Law for Illinois on
Q: A contractor and I did a real estate investment for 15k and 30 k was given after the sale . No response back run off.

I run off with my money, n I have texts messages of the deal .

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 11, 2024

In your situation, where a contractor has taken your money without fulfilling their part of a real estate investment deal, you have several legal options to consider. The text messages you have can serve as evidence of the agreement and the contractor's obligations.

First, you may...
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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Illinois on
Q: In IL, if property has 2 people on the deed but only 1 person on the mortgage & the property is sold, who gets proceeds?

The person that is both on the title and the mortgage does not want to claim any of the proceeds on the sale of the home but is concerned about having to pay taxes on sale.

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Oct 20, 2023

In Illinois, if a property has two individuals on the deed and only one on the mortgage, the distribution of sale proceeds should be based on a clear agreement between the parties. The person on both the title and mortgage may opt not to claim any proceeds but should document this decision in... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Illinois on
Q: Can a Common Interest Community Board amend the Association Bylaws without resident members voting in Illinois?
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Aug 28, 2023

In Illinois, the authority to amend the Association Bylaws of a Common Interest Community (such as a homeowners association or condominium association) typically lies with the governing board, subject to the requirements outlined in the existing bylaws and state law. The process for amending bylaws... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for Illinois on
Q: Can we ask the Court for a Default judgement against 2 of 3 served defendants at this time?

I have invested countless hours researching facts, law, and evidence, and ultimately we filed an 88 page, 11 count complaint in the McLean County IL Circuit Court pro-se, asking for at least $144,000 in damages against three defendants. This was filed on July 3, with the corporation's... View More

James G. Ahlberg
James G. Ahlberg
answered on Aug 16, 2023

Probably. Depending on the wording of your complaint (your attachment won't go through this system) it's possible you'll be limited to a default judgment as to liability and still need a hearing at which you prove your damages and each defendant has an opportunity to try to disprove... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Illinois on
Q: Sold property 3yrs ago quit deed sale buyer never recorded now town fining me for violations can I resell to pay fines?
James G. Ahlberg
James G. Ahlberg
answered on Jul 17, 2023

No. Once you've received payment and delivered a deed to the buyer you no longer own it. You can't sell what you don't own. Contact the town, provide them a copy of the deed, let them know when that transaction took place and give them the buyer's name, address, telephone number... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for Illinois on
Q: Can a renter in Illinois claim property from the land lord after living there for twenty years?

If a renter occupies the property for twenty years can they claim the property through squatter rights. Would attending the condo association meetings, and paying fees be enough. Are there any other actions the renter would need to take to get the property?

James G. Ahlberg
James G. Ahlberg
answered on Jun 29, 2023

If you are a renter you are a permissive user. In other words, the owner of the property has given you permission to occupy it. Permissive use NEVER ripens into a situation allowing you to claim adverse possession (what you refer to as squatter rights). The only action you can take to get the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Illinois on
Q: Buyer did not show for closing. Seller had vacated property day before closing. 14 days later buyer has still not closed

Seller is staying with friends, she is 72 yrs old, retired and cant even put an offer on another home. Any recourse possible?

James G. Ahlberg
James G. Ahlberg
answered on Jun 8, 2023

Seller should find an attorney practicing in the field of real estate an make an appointment immediately. She should bring all the paperwork related to this transaction to the appointment. There is a remedy called "specific performance" which may be available to her if the real estate... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Illinois on
Q: Who owns when a prop tax bill reads: my friends name on 1st line, estate of my friends dead exstep mother in law on 2nd?

My friend has a property that was inherited to her husband when his father passed away. His will read that his current wife reside in the house until her death, then the property was to go to my friend and her husband. The current wife died about 3 years ago. My friends husband has also passed. Who... View More

James G. Ahlberg
James G. Ahlberg
answered on Jun 1, 2023

The order in which names are listed on the tax bill cannot be relied upon and doesn't prove who owns anything. If your friend is concerned about this, her best bet it so take all of the relevant documents (her father-in law's will and death certificates for everyone involved who has died... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Contracts and Real Estate Law for Illinois on
Q: My son is not renewing a lease. The roommate is renewing but refuses to pay my son his rightful half of the deposit.

My son is renting an apartment with one roommate. The lease they both signed includes a $995 deposit which they each paid half $477.50. The lease ends May 31, 2023. My son is going to move out May 31. His roommate has decided to stay in the apartment and resign the lease with my sons name deleted... View More

Cynthia Pietrucha
Cynthia Pietrucha
answered on May 31, 2023

Sorry to hear about your son's situation. Consulting an attorney on this may not be worth the money unless your son wants to prove a point or he can find a low flat rate for the legal work.

Your son should consider the following:

(1) Review the lease and document: Carefully...
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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Real Estate Law for Illinois on
Q: Grandparents put their house into a living trust & want me to have it. How to go about this?

What is the best way to put the house in my name? Are there any options where it can be gifted to me so I don't have to take out a loan? Would buying it be best (and would a first-time homeowner's credit apply?) Are there any other options? I plan actually to live in the home and not... View More

Michael Goldberg
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Michael Goldberg
answered on May 26, 2023

Your grandparents can deed the property to you, but this is problematic because there is a mortgage on the property. The mortgage likely contains an acceleration clause that states upon transfer of the property to a third party, the mortgage will be immediately due and payable on full. Further, if... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law, Real Estate Law and Elder Law for Illinois on
Q: Can my sister keep all my mom's money from her

My sister claims to be my mother's poa. She takes all of her money out of a joint account between her n my mom and deposit it in her account. Her gas bill is overdue by 1,000 dollars. She takers her to no appointments me and my wife do. My mom thwrclains she doesn't even want her in the... View More

Bryan R. Bagdady
Bryan R. Bagdady
answered on May 17, 2023

Anyone acting under a power of attorney has a fiduciary duty to act in the principal's best interest. If your sister simply took your mother's money, then she is arguably in violation of that duty. Since your sister will not likely respond to a written demand (based on her text message)... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for Illinois on
Q: I'm buying my home contact for deed. I've paid on it for almost 4 years. I'm behind on payments and the owner said he

Wants me out but I found out he has a mortgage on it and several other properties and he's going into foreclosure. Idk if he ever recorded it. Can I request to rescind and get my money back? Or is it pointless since he obviously has no money?

Peter J. Weinman
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answered on Mar 14, 2023

It may not be pointless just because he has no money - you need to find out whether there will be any remaining equity in the house after the mortgage lender (and any other lienholders ahead of you) are paid. But it could be pointless if being behind in your payments means you're in material... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Illinois on
Q: Does a real estate lawyer have to review the offer to send to the seller?
Erik K Jacobs
Erik K Jacobs
answered on Mar 4, 2023

Not necessarily. I often have clients, particularly those without Realtors, that have me review an offer prior to submission to the seller. However, most standard contracts have attorney approval clauses which allow for attorney review once the contract is complete. Depending on where you live,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Business Law and Constitutional Law for Illinois on
Q: I'm a condominium owner in Chicago, IL. I want to publish an association newsletter; am I entitled to association list?

I have published newsletters previously, The previous management company's provided the mailing list. The current management company will not. Am I entitled as a owner, to the home-owner mailing list for that particular purpose?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 2, 2023

The answer to this question will depend on the specific rules and regulations of your condominium association. Typically, condominium associations are governed by bylaws and regulations that outline how the association operates, including how information is shared and distributed to unit owners.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Probate for Illinois on
Q: Was joint tenancy owner of home (in Illinois) with my mother who died 4 years ago. How do I clear deed for future?

What do I need to file (mothers death certificate?) in order to clear the house for future sale or for adding another family member to the deed? I have kept the taxes paid and up to date and currently residing in the house.

Stephen Sotelo
Stephen Sotelo
answered on Feb 20, 2023

In cases where the most recent deed in the chain of title reflects title held by co-owners "as joint tenants" and one of the co-owners passes away, the next step would be to

(1) complete a Surviving Tenant Affidavit a/k/a Deceased Joint Tenant Affidavit (example form:...
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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Estate Planning for Illinois on
Q: I need to change my farm land recording to my trust. My attorney has not followed through. Can I record it myself?
James G. Ahlberg
James G. Ahlberg
answered on Jan 27, 2023

First, call your lawyer and ask why he hasn't followed through. There may be some obstacle that's needs to be removed first, and he's working on it for you. Second, if your lawyer doesn't have a good reason for not following through, find another attorney. You can record... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law and Probate for Illinois on
Q: How would you include the %'s in an Illinois Executors Deed when you have 1 executor but multiple heirs/grantees (6)?

Trying to fill out an Executors Deed. I have one executor but about 6 heirs/grantees. Do I just list each heir and their percentage and say individually? For example: John Doe (20%) individually, John Doe Jr. (20%) individually, etc. Should percentages not be included?

Stephen Sotelo
Stephen Sotelo
answered on Jan 23, 2023

An Executor's Deed or Administrator's Deed is generally utilized when the Representative is "selling" real estate to a third party.

On the other hand, when a representative is merely releasing the estate's interest in the property and confirming title in the heirs...
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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Small Claims for Illinois on
Q: Can a stepmother evict you from a property that was given to me after my father's death.

My stepmother gave me a property after my dad's death and now she is taking me to eviction court and the papers say possession only.

Erik K Jacobs
Erik K Jacobs
answered on Dec 20, 2022

I'm unsure of what you mean when you say she "gave" you the property. Did you receive a Deed to the property? I'm guessing not. If you were given a deed, then she would not be able to simply evict you.

Was the home held by your stepmother and father as joint tenants...
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