What does attorney review include?

Attorney review gives you an opportunity to have the purchase or sale contract reviewed by a real estate attorney after it has been signed. The review may include explaining important terms, identifying provisions that need attention, and discussing possible changes based on the transaction. The scope of the review depends on the contract and the circumstances of the deal.

What happens if problems are found during inspection?

An inspection may uncover repairs or other issues that were not apparent when the property was first viewed. If that happens, your attorney can review the inspection findings along with the contract and explain the options available to you. Depending on the circumstances, the parties may negotiate repairs, a credit, changes to the agreement, or another resolution.

What happens on closing day?

Closing is when the final documents are reviewed and signed and the transaction is completed. Your attorney can review the closing documents, go over the figures and prorations, and address any outstanding legal or title matters. For buyers, the attorney can review and explain the lender’s loan disclosures, verify the closing figures, and oversee the execution of the mortgage documents. For sellers, the attorney can confirm that applicable title clearance conditions have been addressed, review the deed and closing documents, and help facilitate the proper disbursement of final sales proceeds. Once the required documents are in order, the parties can complete the closing and move forward with the transaction.

What is a Transfer on Death Instrument?

A Transfer on Death Instrument (TODI) is a cost-effective estate planning tool in Illinois that allows a property owner to designate a beneficiary to receive their residential real estate upon the owner’s death, subject to applicable legal requirements. One of the primary benefits of a TODI is that the property may pass directly to the designated beneficiary outside of the probate process, potentially reducing the time, expense, and administrative burden associated with probate.

CHICAGO REAL ESTATE ATTORNEY

MCHENRY COUNTY REAL ESTATE ATTORNEY

Q: How much do you charge?

Legal fees depend on the type of transaction and the services involved. Our office will explain the applicable fees and what is included before representation begins. If you have questions about the cost of your transaction, contact our office and we can discuss the details with you.

Experienced legal guidance for buyers, sellers, and property owners throughout McHenry County.
41+ YEARS OF ILLINOIS REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE

McHenry County Real Estate Transactions

Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial moves you will ever make. Even the simplest real estate deals involve a heavy web of contracts, inspection reports, title searches, loan approvals, and hard deadlines. Having an experienced real estate attorney involved can help you understand your legal obligations and address questions or issues that may arise during the transaction. At Shawn M. Bolger Limited., we bring more than 41 years of hands-on experience to Illinois real estate law. We guide buyers, sellers, and property owners across McHenry County through every step of the transaction from initial contract drafting straight to the closing table.

Legal Support for Home Buyers

Buying a property takes much more than just signing a purchase agreement. We review your contract line by line so you know precisely what you are committing to. Our team also works through issues tied to property inspections, loan approvals, title policies, and legal closing paperwork so you have a clear understanding of the legal aspects of the purchase.

Legal Guidance for Home Sellers

Selling real estate comes with its own detailed legal responsibilities. We review the sales agreement, review title and mortgage payoff details, and prepare or review all required closing documents. When questions or issues arise, we can advise you about the legal options and next steps.

Navigating the Illinois Attorney Review Period

The attorney review phase gives both buyers and sellers a crucial opportunity to have a lawyer examine the contract before it becomes legally binding. We analyze the agreement, break down complex terms, and we review the agreement, explain important terms, and discuss potential changes based on the circumstances of your transaction.

Title Review and Title Issues

A clean title is absolute for any property transaction. Problems like unreleased prior mortgages, hidden liens, missing deeds, or ownership disputes can freeze a sale. We review title commitments, identify issues that may require attention, and advise you about the legal steps that may be necessary before closing.

Estate and Property Transfers

Not every real estate matter follows the standard buying or selling process. We frequently assist families with property transfers involving living trusts, inherited real estate, and estate distributions. These matters may involve additional legal requirements, particularly when probate documents, trusts, or multiple heirs are involved.

Planning Future Property Transfers

If you are planning how your real estate will be passed along down the road, we can discuss the legal options available based on your circumstances. Whether using an estate plan, a living trust, or a transfer on death instrument, we outline your options clearly we explain how different options may affect the future transfer of your property and estate.

Guidance Through the Closing Process

A successful closing requires juggling many moving parts lender instructions, title clearings, payoffs, and executed legal documents. We stay actively involved throughout the entire transaction, maintaining clear communication and we stay involved throughout the transaction, communicate with the parties involved, and assist with legal questions or issues that arise during the closing process.

Serving Real Estate Clients Throughout McHenry County

Shawn M. Bolger Limited. assists buyers, sellers, and property owners with residential real estate matters throughout McHenry County, including:

Crystal Lake
Woodstock
McHenry
Huntley
Algonquin
Cary
Lake in the Hills
Harvard
Marengo

Speak With a McHenry County Real Estate Attorney

If you are buying, selling, or transferring real estate in McHenry County,

If you are buying, selling, or transferring real estate in McHenry County, an experienced real estate attorney can review the legal documents, explain the transaction, and advise you about questions that may arise. Call Shawn M. Bolger Limited. at 855-316-8045 to discuss your real estate matter.

Buying or Selling?

Talk With Our Real Estate Team

+1 855-316-8045

Frequently Asked Question

Do I need a real estate attorney in Illinois, specifically in McHenry County?

Yes. Illinois custom relies on attorneys to handle crucial contract modifications, clear complex public record title clouds, and legally protect your earnest money from the initial offer to the final closing.

How long does a real estate closing take in McHenry County?

The timing of a closing depends on the transaction, including the contract, financing, title work, inspections, and other requirements. Your attorney can explain the legal steps involved and help you understand what to expect.

How much do you charge for a standard McHenry County residential closing?

We handle standard residential purchases and sales on a transparent, predictable flat-rate fee basis so you know your legal closing costs upfront with zero hidden hourly billing surprises.

Can you help with inherited property in McHenry County?

Yes. We assist with real estate matters involving inherited property, estates, and trusts. Depending on the circumstances, additional legal steps or documentation may be required before the property can be transferred or sold.

Reviews

What Our Clients Say

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 139 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
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   Eric Perez 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Highly recommend if you're looking for a reliable real-estate attorney. Kelsey was very thorough in her processes, extremely responsive, and walked my fiancee and I through all the paperwork ensuring every question, thought and concern was addressed for a smooth closing.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Daniel Lee 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. As first time homebuyers, we were given a lot of advice from which law firm to use or how to address Illinois’s requirement for a lawyer in the real estate process. Regardless, we landed on quite possibly the best lawyer in Chicago to work with. Kelsey was phenomenal from start to finish. There was not a moment in the process where we felt unsure about where we stood or what was next. She was beyond fantastic, and out of all of the services we needed during the process, this was the best choice we could’ve made. There is no doubt we will be using her and The Bolger Office again in the future.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Guadalupe Ruiz 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Muy profesionales en todo super recomendada.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   ຕຸ້ຍໆ,Cham ຍູ່ໄກໆ 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. One of the best team I had worked with. Very responsive throughout the process of getting my dream home. Truly recommended. Thank you
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jasmine Cortez 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kelsey and the rest of the Shawn Bolger team was a pleasure to work with throughout the process of buying my first condo. She was extremely responsive, answered all of my questions promptly, and helped guide me every step of the way. As a first-time homebuyer, I really appreciated her patience, professionalism, and support. She made the entire experience much less stressful, and I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a knowledgeable and reliable real estate attorney.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Mel 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can’t say enough great things about Kelsey Stangebye and the Team at Shawn Bolger’s office. I’ve worked with Kelsey on 3 real estate transactions, and every single one has gone smoothly thanks to her knowledge, professionalism, and attention to detail. Kelsey and her team are very responsive and proactive. I always knew I could count on Kelsey to look out for my best interests and guide me in the right direction. I’m so grateful for all of her help over the years. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for an attorney who is very skilled and genuinely cares about her clients.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Geneva Matthews 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I was in the process of purchasing a home with no realtor. Shawn and her team were my saving grace. They were my realtors, attorneys, advisers and much more. They were prompt and thorough. Yesenia kept me in the loop every step of the way. We even had a last minute surprise at closing that could have cost me the deal but Kelsey was quick with her thinking, we closed and I got the keys! I could keep writing, but words could never express my gratitude. They’re awesome!!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jennifer Brown 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. If you are looking for a real estate attorney who is sharp, communicative, responsive, and truly committed to protecting her clients, I highly recommend Shawn Bolger. Throughout my entire selling process, she handled everything with professionalism, intelligence, and care.

Shawn protected my legal interests beautifully and made sure I understood every step along the way. Near closing, a situation arose that required patience, poise, and strong legal articulation — especially when a last-minute “hail mary” was thrown into the mix. Shawn handled it flawlessly. She was calm, strategic, firm when necessary, and absolutely advocated for me as the seller.

She was always accessible, incredibly thorough, and surrounded by a fantastic team. Special shoutout to Nicole Jordan, Legal Assistant, who was an absolute rockstar throughout the process.

Having Shawn in my corner gave me tremendous peace of mind. I highly recommend her to anyone needing an exceptional real estate attorney.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Hugo Thurmond 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had an excellent experience working with Kelsey, Shawn, and their team during both the sale and purchase of our home. They did a fantastic job explaining every step of the process and made sure we understood exactly what needed to be done to keep everything moving forward.
They were always available when we had questions and consistently responded in a timely manner, which gave us a lot of peace of mind. While our sale and purchase came with some challenges due to factors outside of our control, Kelsey, Shawn, and their team handled everything with true professionalism and kept things on track from start to finish.
What stood out most was how they treated us—like we were family or close friends. Their level of care, dedication, and commitment really made a difference.
We highly recommend Kelsey, Shawn, and their entire team to anyone looking for knowledgeable, reliable, and genuinely supportive real estate professionals.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Carmen Alvarez 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We have had an excellent experience working with Kelsey and her team. From start to finish, professional, responsive and knowledgeable. Very efficient and helpful explaining every step. This is our third time closing with Kelsey and will continue using her in the future.
  
 
  
  
 
 
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