Home Sale Law in Illinois

Buying or selling a home is one of the most critical decisions that most people make in their lifetime. It also involves some very complex legal and financial issues.

In Northbrook, Illinois, it's perfectly legal for individuals to buy and sell homes without the assistance of a third party. Nonetheless, this isn't the only option, and isn't always the best option, either.

Many individuals, families, and small businesses rely on real estate brokers to find property for them. Real estate brokers are professionals who help as middlemen or women between the buyers and sellers of real estate.

Northbrook, Illinois real estate brokers are typically paid by taking a pre-determined portion of the house's sale price.

Getting a Mortgage in Northbrook, Illinois

If the buyer asks a direct question regarding the physical condition of the property, the seller must answer it truthfully. Misrepresenting a material fact in a real estate transaction is a very significant form of fraud, and could give rise to significant damages against the seller.

Most substantial defects (those which have any effect on the value or safety of the home) should be disclosed even if the buyer doesn't ask about them. If the seller knows of a defect, and a reasonable buyer wouldn't be able to know it through a normal inspection, the seller must disclose it.

As a buyer, you should be aware that you have some commitments in this area, too. Buyers are expected to be diligent. Failure to do so might prevent the buyer from recovering in a lawsuit.

Usually, buyers have a duty to conduct a reasonable inspection of the property before buying it. Therefore, buyers typically can't recover for defects that could have been discovered via reasonable inspection, unless the seller actively conceals them.

Can a Northbrook, Illinois Real Estate Attorney help?

Buying a house can be an exciting, but challenging, experience. Most home buyers want to focus on the positive aspects that come with home-ownership, and ignore the tedious paperwork and legal issues. A reliable Northbrook, Illinois real estate attorney can enable this.