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How to Transfer a Real Estate Title in Evergreen Park, IL

Transferring a real estate title in Evergreen Park, Illinois, is a legal process involving several critical steps governed by local and county-level regulations. Whether buying or selling a home, transferring property to a family member, settling an estate, or gifting real estate, it’s essential to follow the required procedures to ensure a legally valid and enforceable transfer.

Evergreen Park is a vibrant village bordering Chicago on the southwest side and is part of Cook County, which adds another layer of jurisdiction to consider during the title transfer process. This guide offers a comprehensive, step-by-step overview to help you confidently and clearly navigate title transfers in Evergreen Park.

What is a Real Estate Title Transfer?

A real estate title transfer is the legal process by which ownership of a property is formally moved from one party (the grantor) to another (the grantee). In Illinois, this is done by executing and recording a legal document called a deed, which contains specific information about the property, the current and new owners, and the terms of transfer. To become part of the public record, the deed must be notarized and recorded with the Cook County Clerk's Office.

In Evergreen Park, local requirements add additional steps to the transfer process, including final utility bill clearance, mandatory inspections, and municipal transfer taxes. Let’s break it down step-by-step.

Step 1: Pre-Transfer Preparations

Before transferring ownership of a property in Evergreen Park, the buyer and seller (or their legal representatives) must complete certain preliminary tasks. These help ensure the property is eligible for transfer and compliant with local ordinances.

1.1 Obtain a Final Water Reading

The Village of Evergreen Park requires a final water meter reading before a property can change hands. This ensures that any outstanding water, sewer, and refuse charges are paid in full before closing.

To request a final water reading:

• Contact the Evergreen Park Water Department at least 7 days before closing.

• Provide the property address and the anticipated closing date.

• Pay all outstanding balances.

• Once the account is settled, the Village will issue proof of payment, which is required for the title transfer.

This step is critical—the village will not issue transfer tax stamps without proof that water and sanitation bills have been paid.

1.2 Schedule a Mandatory Housing Inspection

The Village mandates a housing inspection before a property is sold or transferred. This inspection helps identify code violations or required repairs that must be resolved before the transaction can be completed.

Here’s how to proceed:

• Submit a housing inspection request form to the Evergreen Park Building Department.

• The inspection fee is $50; the seller or their attorney must sign the form.

• Schedule the inspection in advance to avoid delays. Any violations noted must be repaired before closing.

A Certificate of Compliance is issued after the inspection is completed and any issues are corrected. This is required when applying for transfer stamps.

1.3 Complete the Evergreen Park Real Estate Transfer Tax Declaration Form

Evergreen Park requires all sellers to complete a Real Estate Transfer Tax Declaration Form. This form includes:

• The legal address and PIN (Property Index Number) of the property.

• The actual sale price (or consideration).

• Names of the grantor(s) and grantee(s).

• Type of transaction (e.g., sale, gift, estate transfer).

• Signatures of at least one of the sellers.

The form must be submitted to the Village Clerk’s Office when applying for transfer stamps.

Step 2: Paying Transfer Taxes and Obtaining Transfer Stamps

Once the final bills are paid, the inspection is completed, and the transfer declaration form is ready, the next step is to pay the applicable taxes and acquire transfer stamps from the Village of Evergreen Park.

2.1 Evergreen Park Transfer Tax

The Village charges a municipal transfer tax of:

• $5.00 per $1,000 of the sale price

• With a minimum tax of $100

The seller typically pays this tax, though the purchase agreement can shift responsibility to the buyer.

Note: Evergreen Park does not accept personal checks for transfer tax payments. Use a certified check, money order, or cash.

2.2 State and County Transfer Taxes

In addition to the municipal tax, transfers are also subject to:

• Illinois State Transfer Tax: $0.50 per $1,000 of consideration.

• Cook County Transfer Tax: $0.25 per $500 of consideration.

These state and county taxes are paid when recording the deed with the Cook County Clerk's Office, not at the village level.

2.3 Purchasing Transfer Stamps

To obtain your Evergreen Park transfer stamps, bring the following documents to the Village Clerk's Office:

• Completed Transfer Tax Declaration Form

• Certificate of Housing Inspection

• Final Water Bill Receipt (zero balance required)

• Payment for the transfer tax

The Village Clerk’s Office will review your documents and affix the official transfer stamps to your deed.

Village Clerk's Office Contact Info:

Address: 9418 S. Kedzie Avenue, Evergreen Park, IL 60805
Phone: (708) 422-1551
Office Hours:

• Monday: 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM

• Tuesday–Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

• Wednesday (limited): 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM

Step 3: Drafting and Executing the Deed

The deed is the official document that transfers ownership from the current owner to the new one. It must meet specific legal requirements and be executed correctly.

3.1 Information Required in the Deed:

• Full legal names of all grantors and grantees

• Legal description of the property

• Permanent Real Estate Index Number (PIN)

• Common address of the property

• Date of transfer

• Amount of consideration (if applicable)

3.2 Common Types of Deeds:

• Warranty Deed: Offers legal guarantees that the title is clear and free of liens.

• Quitclaim Deed: Transfers ownership without warranty. Often used in family transfers or divorce settlements.

3.3 Signing and Notarization

The deed must be signed by the grantor(s) in the presence of a notary public. Under Illinois law, residential real estate transfers in Cook County may require additional notarial recording information. Always confirm compliance with your attorney or title company.

Step 4: Recording the Deed with the County

Once the deed is signed and transfer stamps are affixed, it must be recorded with the Cook County Clerk’s Office. This officially updates the ownership in public records.

Where to Record the Deed:

Cook County Clerk’s Office – Recording Division
118 N. Clark Street, Room 120
Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: (312) 603-5050
Website: cookcountyclerkil.gov/recordings

Documents Needed to Record:

• Original signed and notarized deed

• PTAX-203 Illinois Real Estate Transfer Declaration

• Proof of municipal transfer tax stamps

• Payment for recording fees (typically $60–$75)

The Clerk’s Office will process the deed and return a recorded copy to the buyer or their representative.

Step 5: Post-Closing and Ownership Confirmation

Once the deed is recorded, several follow-up steps are necessary to complete the title transfer process.

Buyer’s Responsibilities:

• Confirm that the recorded deed is received.

• Ensure your name is updated on the Cook County Assessor’s Office records.

• Apply for any property tax exemptions, such as:

  • Homeowner Exemption

  • Senior Citizens Exemption

  • Disabled Person Exemption

Seller’s Responsibilities:

• Keep copies of all documents for tax and legal purposes.

• Cancel property insurance and utility services.

• Report the sale for IRS tax purposes using forms such as 1099-S.

Special Cases in Evergreen Park Title Transfers

Family Transfers and Gifts

If you're transferring property to a family member (e.g., from parent to child), you’ll likely use a quitclaim deed. While Evergreen Park may waive the municipal transfer tax for certain gift transfers, documentation proving the relationship and non-sale nature of the transaction must be provided.

Estate and Inheritance Transfers

If the owner is deceased:

• You may need Letters of Office from the probate court.

• A Survivorship Affidavit may be sufficient if the property was jointly owned.

• Always record the transfer with the county, even without consideration.

Divorce-Related Transfers

A quitclaim deed is commonly used if a divorce decree awards property to one party. The decree should be included when transferring title to support the exemption from transfer tax, if applicable.

Helpful Resources

• Evergreen Park Village Website

• Cook County Clerk’s Office – Recordings

• Illinois Department of Revenue – PTAX Forms

• Real Estate Transfer Tax Form (PDF)

• Housing Inspection Packet (PDF)

Conclusion

Transferring a real estate title in Evergreen Park requires careful coordination with the Village, Cook County, and potentially state agencies. From paying off final utility bills and completing a housing inspection to calculating transfer taxes and recording the deed, each step ensures the new owner has legal, documented rights to the property.

Whether you’re completing a straightforward sale or managing a more complex estate transfer, following the steps outlined in this guide will help you navigate the process confidently and legally. When in doubt, always consult with a real estate attorney or title company familiar with Evergreen Park’s local regulations to avoid delays or costly mistakes.