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How to Transfer a Real Estate Title in Hazel Crest, IL

Transferring a real estate title in Hazel Crest, Illinois, is a legally required step anytime ownership of a property changes. Whether selling a home, gifting it to a family member, transferring ownership after a divorce, or managing an estate inheritance, properly completing a title transfer ensures the new owner is recognized in public records and legally protected.

Hazel Crest is located in Cook County, so real estate transfers must comply with Illinois real estate laws and Cook County Clerk’s recording procedures. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step breakdown of transferring a real estate title in Hazel Crest, including required documents, fees, forms, exemptions, and resources.

What Is a Real Estate Title Transfer?

A real estate title transfer is the legal process of changing ownership of real property from one individual or entity (the grantor) to another (the grantee). This is done by creating a deed, which is signed, notarized, and recorded with the Cook County Clerk’s Office.

The title transfer becomes official once the deed is properly filed with the appropriate authorities and any applicable taxes are paid.

Common Reasons for Transferring a Title in Hazel Crest

Title transfers are required in many types of transactions, including:

• Selling a home

• Gifting property to a spouse or relative

• Inheriting property through a will or trust

• Transferring ownership after divorce

• Moving property into or out of a trust or LLC

• Correcting title errors

Why Transferring the Title Is Important

Proper title transfer can lead to legal, financial, and logistical complications. A correctly recorded title transfer ensures that:

• The new owner is legally recognized

• Property taxes are assigned to the correct party

• The new owner can refinance, sell, or insure the property

• Public records reflect the accurate chain of title

• The transaction is valid and enforceable under Illinois law

Step-by-Step: How to Transfer a Real Estate Title in Hazel Crest, IL

Step 1: Identify the Purpose of the Transfer

Different types of transactions have different requirements. Understanding the nature of the transfer helps determine the correct type of deed and whether taxes apply.

Examples:

• Sale of property (arms-length transaction)

• Gift of property to a family member

• Divorce-related title transfer

• Inheritance from a deceased owner

• Transfer to a trust or LLC

Step 2: Choose the Appropriate Type of Deed

In Illinois, several types of deeds are legally valid. The right deed depends on the level of protection the grantee should receive and the purpose of the transfer.

1. Warranty Deed

• Most commonly used in sales.

• Offers complete protection to the buyer.

• Guarantees the grantor holds a clear title.

2. Quitclaim Deed

• Used in gifts, divorce settlements, or family transfers.

• Transfers the grantor’s interest with no guarantees.

• Offers no warranties regarding liens or claims.

3. Special Warranty Deed

• Offers limited protection.

• The guarantee title is clear only during the grantor's period of ownership.

4. Transfer on Death Instrument (TODI)

• Used for estate planning.

• Names a beneficiary who receives the property upon the owner's death, avoiding probate.

To help choose the correct deed, consult a real estate attorney or title company.

Step 3: Draft the Deed

Once you’ve selected the deed type, it must be properly drafted to meet Illinois legal requirements. The deed must include:

• Full legal names and addresses of the grantor and grantee

• The legal description of the property (not just the address)

• The Permanent Index Number (PIN) from the Cook County Assessor

• The consideration amount (sale price or declared value)

• A “prepared by” section with name and address

• A “return to” section for the recorded deed

• The notarized signature of the grantor

You can find the legal description and PIN at:
https://www.cookcountypropertyinfo.com

Make sure the deed is accurate and error-free. Even small mistakes can delay recording or create legal problems later.

Step 4: Complete the PTAX-203 Illinois Transfer Declaration Form

All real estate transfers in Illinois require a PTAX-203 Real Estate Transfer Declaration, even when no money is exchanged. This form is used by the Illinois Department of Revenue and Cook County to assess taxes and exemptions.

Download the PTAX-203 here:
https://www2.illinois.gov/rev/forms/realestate/Documents/PTAX-203.pdf

Information required:

• Property address and PIN

• Grantor and grantee contact info

• Nature of transfer (sale, gift, inheritance, divorce, etc.)

• Use of property (residential, commercial, rental)

• The sale price or fair market value

• Transfer tax exemption (if applicable)

List of exemption codes and details:
https://www2.illinois.gov/rev/localgovernments/property/Pages/realest.aspx

Step 5: Pay Transfer Taxes (If Applicable)

All Illinois property transfers are subject to real estate transfer taxes unless exempt.

Real Estate Transfer Tax Rates:

• State Tax: $0.50 per $500 of property value

• Cook County Tax: $0.25 per $500

As of 2024, the Village of Hazel Crest does not impose a municipal transfer tax, but it’s always wise to confirm this with the Village Clerk's Office:

Village of Hazel Crest
https://www.villageofhazelcrest.com

Step 6: Confirm That Property Taxes and Utilities Are Paid

Before recording the title transfer, make sure:

• Property taxes are paid, and current

• No outstanding municipal liens exist

• Utility bills (such as water and sewer) are paid in full

Check your Cook County tax status at:
https://www.cookcountytreasurer.com

Step 7: Record the Deed with the Cook County Clerk

Once the deed is executed correctly and the PTAX-203 is completed, you must record the deed with the Cook County Clerk’s Office – Recordings Division.

Cook County Clerk – Recordings Division
118 N. Clark Street, Room 120
Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: (312) 603-5050
https://www.cookcountyclerkil.gov/agency/recordings-division

Options for recording:

• In-person

• By mail with a check and self-addressed stamped envelope

• Electronically through approved vendors (e.g., Simplifile or CSC)

Required items:

• Original signed and notarized deed

• Completed PTAX-203 form

• Payment for transfer taxes (if applicable)

• Recording fee (typically $98–$110)

Once recorded, the deed will be returned to the “return to” address on the form.

Step 8: Notify All Necessary Parties

After the transfer is recorded, update the records with:

• Mortgage lender (if applicable)

• Title insurance company

• Homeowners insurance provider

• Cook County Assessor’s Office (for tax billing)

• Village of Hazel Crest (for water and utility accounts)

This ensures proper billing, coverage, and legal recognition of the new ownership.

Special Situations in Title Transfers

Inheritance and Estate Transfers

If the property owner has died, the title may be transferred in several ways:

1. Transfer on Death Instrument (TODI)

If one was previously recorded, the named beneficiary automatically inherits the property after filing an affidavit and death certificate.

2. Living Trust

If the property is held in a trust, the successor trustee can transfer title based on the trust documents.

3. Probate Court

If no TODI or trust exists, the property must go through probate. The court-appointed representative will execute the deed.

Learn more about Illinois probate here:
https://www.illinoiscourts.gov/courts/circuit-court/probate

Transfers After Divorce

Even if a divorce judgment assigns the property to one spouse, a Quitclaim Deed must be recorded to reflect the ownership change.

Steps:

• Prepare a Quitclaim Deed

• Complete the PTAX-203 with the proper exemption code

• Record with the Cook County Clerk

Estimated Timeline

If documents are accurate and taxes are paid, a title transfer in Hazel Crest typically takes:

• 5 to 10 business days for a simple sale or gift

• 2 to 6 weeks if probate, divorce, or estate issues are involved

Estimated Costs of Title Transfer in Hazel Crest, IL

• Deed preparation (attorney/title company): $200–$500

• Transfer tax: $0.75 per $500 of value (state + county)

• Recording fee: $98–$110

• PTAX-203: No fee to file

• Title insurance (optional): Varies

• Probate or legal fees (if applicable): Varies

Helpful Resources for Hazel Crest Property Owners

• Village of Hazel Crest:
  https://www.villageofhazelcrest.com

• Cook County Clerk – Recordings Division:
  https://www.cookcountyclerkil.gov/agency/recordings-division

• Cook County Treasurer (Property Tax Payments):
  https://www.cookcountytreasurer.com

• Cook County Property Information:
  https://www.cookcountypropertyinfo.com

• Illinois PTAX-203 Transfer Form:
  https://www2.illinois.gov/rev/forms/realestate/Documents/PTAX-203.pdf

• Illinois Transfer Tax Information:
  https://www2.illinois.gov/rev/localgovernments/property/Pages/realest.aspx

• Illinois Probate Guide:
  https://www.illinoiscourts.gov/courts/circuit-court/probate

Final Thoughts

Transferring a real estate title in Hazel Crest, IL, requires careful attention to detail, compliance with Illinois real estate law, and proper filing with Cook County. Whether you're managing a sale, inheritance, divorce settlement, or estate planning transaction, the steps remain largely the same: choose the correct deed, complete the PTAX-203 form, pay any applicable taxes, and record the transfer with the Cook County Clerk.

For complex transfers involving trusts, probate, or legal disputes, it is strongly recommended that you hire a qualified real estate attorney or title company.