Real Estate Legal Services
Why Legal Counsel Matters
Real estate transactions move quickly and involve important legal decisions. Clear answers and careful review help you avoid delays, reduce risk, and move toward closing with confidence.
Below are the areas where Amy provides focused support for buyers, sellers, and business owners.
Residential Real Estate Transactions
Buying or selling a home can feel overwhelming. You want everything done correctly, on time, and without surprises.
What You Get
- Representation from contract to close
- Clear title and deed review
- Accurate financial and closing documents
- Steady support through every step
Outcome: A smooth, stress free closing with fewer issues.
Commercial Real Estate Transactions
Commercial deals move quickly and often involve more complex terms. Small and medium businesses need support that protects their long-term interests.
What You Get
- Representation from contract to close
- Full review of terms and risks
- Issue spotting before problems arise
- Clear explanations without legal jargon
Outcome: A well-managed deal with timely communication and fewer surprises
Commercial Lease Review & Drafting
Lease terms can affect your business for years. It is important to know what is in your lease and how it may impact you.
What You Get
- Review of existing lease agreements
- Drafting of new leases when needed
- Support during negotiation
- Focus on protecting your long-term business interests
Outcome: Clear, fair lease terms that support your long-term goals.
Condominium Matters
Condominium associations and owners work within a unique set of rules and documents. These need careful attention to avoid confusion and conflict.
What You Get
- Amendments to declarations and bylaws
- Guidance on pre-litigation association issues
- Support for condominium development and de-conversions
Outcome: Clearer documents, fewer disputes, and stronger operations.
Deed Conveyance
Deed changes must be drafted and recorded correctly so that your ownership is clear and your title remains clean.
What You Get
- Preparation of quitclaim deeds
- Additions and changes to existing deeds
- Coordination with the county for proper recording
Outcome: A legally sound, properly recorded deed.
Notary Services
Deeds that transfer property, financial and estate related documents must usually be signed in front of a notary.
Amy is a licensed notary and can assist with signing and notarizing legal and financial related documents.
Trusted Industry Relationships
Over the years, Amy has built strong working relationships with real estate agents, lenders, inspectors, estate planning attorneys, tax appeal attorneys, and financial professionals.
If you need a trusted referral, she is happy to connect you with someone who can help.
Real Estate Resource Library
Helpful guides for buyers, sellers, and condo owners.
Financing and Mortgage Commitment
A pre-approval letter is not the same as final loan approval. After your offer is accepted, your lender’s underwriter must review your financial information and issue a written mortgage commitment or “clear to close.”
Be ready to:
- Provide bank statements, tax returns, and other documents
- Update documents if your lender requests more information
- Give your lender enough time before the mortgage commitment deadline
Before you agree to closing cost credits or inspection credits, check with your lender. Some lenders limit how much credit can appear on the closing statement.
Understanding the Closing Statement
The closing statement, often called the ALTA Settlement Statement, shows all costs and credits for the buyer and seller.
- The top of the form lists the parties, property address, and key numbers
- One side shows the seller’s costs and credits
- The other side shows the buyer’s costs and credits
Buyer credits can include loan amount, lender credits, inspection credits, and real estate tax credits. Costs may include lender fees, title fees, recording fees, transfer taxes, and attorney fees.
The difference between all credits and costs is the amount the buyer must bring to closing and the amount the seller receives.
Seller's Closing Costs
Typical seller costs may include:
- Real estate taxes credited to the buyer, prorated through the closing date
- Title charges and recording release fees
- State and county transfer taxes
- Local transfer taxes, if required by the city or village
- Inspection credits, if negotiated
- Real estate commission
- Mortgage payoff
- Survey costs for single family homes or fee simple townhomes
In Illinois, real estate taxes are paid in arrears, so tax credits at closing are an important part of the seller’s costs.
Buyer's Closing Costs
Typical buyer costs may include:
- Purchase price
- Condominium or HOA assessments, if prorated
- Title insurance and related title fees
- Lender fees, such as origination, processing, appraisal, and escrow deposits
- Recording fees and possible transfer taxes, depending on the municipality
Buyer credits can include earnest money, inspection or closing cost credits, and real estate tax credits from the seller.
Your bottom line to close depends on both the lender’s final numbers and the seller’s closing figures, which often come together shortly before closing.
Seller's To-Do List
After going under contract, sellers should:
- Expect a home inspection and possible repair or credit requests
- Work with their attorney and agent to respond to inspection items
- Gather the survey, prior title policy, and mortgage statements
- Provide contact information and forwarding address for closing documents
Many sellers choose not to attend the closing in person. In that case, documents can often be signed in advance, and a power of attorney can allow Amy to sign at closing on the seller’s behalf.
Buyer's To-Do List
After going under contract, buyers should:
- Hire a trusted home inspector and attend the inspection
- Talk with their agent and attorney about which items are reasonable to ask the seller to address
- Work closely with their lender during the mortgage contingency period
- Plan to attend the closing, especially when there is a mortgage
If a buyer cannot attend closing, they should ask their lender early if a power of attorney is allowed. Timing matters because closings are during business hours and funds must arrive on time.
Tips for a Smooth Closing
A smooth closing depends on good communication and a strong team. For buyers, that team often includes the attorney, real estate agent, lender, and inspector. For sellers, the team is the attorney and real estate agent.
Working together on:
- Clear contract terms
- Inspection and repair requests
- Municipal requirements
- Closing dates and logistics
helps everyone reach the closing table with fewer surprises.
Local Resources
These resources may be helpful for checking tax bills, assessments, and recorded documents
- Cook County Treasurer
- Cook County Assessor
- Cook County Recorder of Deeds
- DuPage County Treasurer
- Dupage Assessor and Recorder Offices
- Oak Park Township Assessor’s Office
- River Forest Assessor’s Office
If you’re not sure where to start, Amy can help point you in the right direction.
Ready to Move Forward?
If you have a residential, commercial, condominium, lease, or deed matter, Amy is ready to help you understand your options and take the next step.