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How to Transfer a Real Estate Title in La Grange, IL

Transferring a real estate title in La Grange, Illinois, is a crucial legal process that finalizes a change in property ownership. Whether selling your home, gifting it to a family member, handling an inheritance, or moving the title into a trust, the proper steps must be followed to ensure a valid and enforceable transfer.

Since La Grange is located in Cook County, real estate title transfers must comply with Illinois real estate laws and the requirements of Cook County Recorder. This comprehensive guide explains how to transfer a title in La Grange, including deed selection, transfer tax requirements, and helpful government links.

What Is a Real Estate Title Transfer?

A real estate title transfer is the formal, legal process of changing ownership of a property from one person (the grantor) to another (the grantee) using a legal document called a deed. Once signed, notarized, and recorded, the deed becomes part of the public record and confirms the new owner's legal rights to the property.

A title transfer is required any time property ownership changes, including:

• Property sales

• Gifts of real estate

• Transfers due to marriage or divorce

• Inheritance through estate planning or probate

• Transfer into or out of a trust or business entity

Why Transferring a Title Is Important

Recording a title transfer ensures the new owner is legally recognized and protects both parties. A properly completed title transfer:

• Establishes legal ownership

• Updates the Cook County tax rolls

• Prevents ownership disputes

• Allows the new owner to refinance, sell, or insure the property

• Maintains a transparent chain of title

Failure to transfer the title correctly can create complications with taxes, liens, insurance, or resale.

Step-by-Step Guide to Transferring a Real Estate Title in La Grange, IL

Step 1: Determine the Reason for the Transfer

Understanding why you are transferring the title will help you determine which deed to use and whether the transaction qualifies for a tax exemption.

Common reasons include:

• Selling property to a third party

• Gifting property to a family member

• Transferring to a spouse due to marriage or divorce

• Passing property to heirs through estate planning

• Transferring to or from a trust or LLC

Step 2: Select the Right Type of Deed

Several types of deeds are used in Illinois, each appropriate for a different situation.

1. Warranty Deed

Provides the most protection to the grantee. Commonly used in sales transactions, it guarantees the grantor holds clear title.

2. Quitclaim Deed

Transfers ownership without any warranties. Common in transfers between family members or in divorce settlements.

3. Special Warranty Deed

Guarantees that the title was clear only during the grantor’s period of ownership. Often used in commercial real estate.

4. Transfer on Death Instrument (TODI)

Allows a property to automatically pass to a named beneficiary upon the owner's death, bypassing probate.

If you're uncertain which deed is appropriate, consult a real estate attorney or title company before proceeding.

Step 3: Draft the Deed

Once the correct deed type is selected, it must be carefully drafted and formatted to comply with Illinois requirements. A legally valid deed must include:

• The grantor’s and grantee’s full names and addresses

• The property’s legal description (not just the street address)

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

• The consideration amount (sale price or gift value)

• The date of the transaction

• A “prepared by” section with contact info

• A “return to” section for the recorder to send the completed document

• The grantor’s signature, notarized

To look up the PIN or legal description, visit:
https://www.cookcountypropertyinfo.com

You may also obtain this information from a prior deed, title commitment, or property tax bill.

Step 4: Complete the Illinois PTAX-203 Transfer Declaration

In Illinois, most title transfers require the PTAX-203 Real Estate Transfer Declaration, even if the property is gifted or exempt from taxes.

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

This form reports details about the transfer, including:

• Type of transfer (sale, gift, inheritance, divorce)

• Property use (residential, commercial, etc.)

• Property address and PIN

• Consideration amount

• Names and addresses of grantor and grantee

• Exemption codes (if applicable)

If you are claiming a transfer tax exemption, you must include the appropriate exemption code, available from the Illinois Department of Revenue:
https://www2.illinois.gov/rev/localgovernments/property/Pages/realest.aspx

Step 5: Pay Real Estate Transfer Taxes

Illinois and Cook County impose real estate transfer taxes on property sales and certain other transactions.

Transfer Tax Rates:

• Illinois State Tax: $0.50 per $500 of consideration

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

For example, a $300,000 sale would result in a $450 Illinois tax and a $150 Cook County tax.

As of 2024, La Grange does not impose a local municipal transfer tax, but it's always a good idea to confirm with the La Grange Village Clerk:

Village of La Grange
https://www.villageoflagrange.com

Taxes are paid when you record the deed. The amount is paid via revenue stamps, which are affixed to the recorded deed.

Step 6: Ensure Property Taxes and Utility Bills Are Paid

Before the deed can be recorded, you must confirm that:

• All property taxes are current

• There are no outstanding utility bills or municipal liens

You can check your property’s tax status with the Cook County Treasurer:
https://www.cookcountytreasurer.com

To verify water and sewer accounts, contact the Village of La Grange Public Works or the Water Department.

Step 7: Record the Deed with the Cook County Clerk

The deed must be recorded with the Cook County Clerk’s Office – Recordings Division to finalize the title transfer.

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

Ways to Record Your Deed:

• In-person

• By mail

• Online through an e-recording vendor (available through title companies)

Required documents:

• Original, signed, and notarized deed

• Completed PTAX-203 form

• Payment for transfer taxes (if applicable)

• Recording fees (typically $98–$110)

If recording by mail, include a self-addressed stamped envelope to receive the recorded deed.

Step 8: Notify All Relevant Parties

After the title transfer is recorded, notify the following parties:

• Mortgage lender (if the property has a mortgage)

• Homeowner’s insurance provider

• Title insurance company

• Cook County Assessor’s Office (to update tax billing records)

• Village of La Grange (to update municipal accounts)

This ensures the new owner receives tax bills, insurance coverage, and other important notices.

Special Title Transfer Situations

Inheritance and Estate Transfers

If a property is transferred as part of an estate, the title transfer process depends on how the property was owned:

1. Transfer on Death Instrument (TODI)

If a TODI was recorded before the owner’s death, the named beneficiary automatically inherits the property. The new owner must file a death certificate and affidavit.

2. Living Trust

If the property is held in trust, the successor trustee will record the deed transferring the property to the beneficiary.

3. Probate

If there is no TODI or trust, the property must go through probate, and a court-appointed executor will record the deed.

More on Illinois probate:
https://www.illinoiscourts.gov/courts/circuit-court/probate

Divorce-Related Transfers

If a divorce judgment awards property to one spouse, a Quitclaim Deed must still be executed and recorded to transfer the title officially.

Steps:

• Draft a Quitclaim Deed

• Complete the PTAX-203 form with the appropriate exemption

• Record the deed with the Cook County Clerk

How Long Does the Process Take?

• Simple transfers (e.g., sales, gifts): 5 to 10 business days

• Complex transfers (e.g., probate, trust, divorce): 2 to 6 weeks or longer

Delays can occur with unpaid taxes, incorrect documents, or legal disputes. Consider working with a real estate attorney or title professional to avoid issues.

Estimated Costs to Transfer a Title in La Grange, IL

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

• Transfer taxes: $0.75 per $500 of property value (state and county)

• Recording fees: $98–$110

• PTAX-203 form: Free, but required

• Legal/Probate fees: Varies by complexity

Helpful Resources for La Grange Property Owners

• Village of La Grange:
  https://www.villageoflagrange.com

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

• Cook County Treasurer-Tax Lookup:
  https://www.cookcountytreasurer.com

• Cook County Property Information (PIN Lookup):
  https://www.cookcountypropertyinfo.com

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

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

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

Final Thoughts

Transferring a real estate title in La Grange, IL, is a legal process that must be done correctly to ensure the new owner’s rights are protected. Whether buying, selling, gifting, inheriting, or transferring ownership due to a legal event, it's essential to use the correct deed, complete the required PTAX-203 form, pay any transfer taxes, and record the transaction with the Cook County Clerk.

Working with a real estate attorney or title company is highly recommended for more complex cases involving probate, trusts, or divorce.