Straight answers to the questions I hear most from buyers and sellers in Aurora, West Chicago, and the rest of Chicago’s western suburbs. Every situation is different, so use this as a starting point and reach out with your specific questions.
Buying a Home
Do I need a real estate attorney to buy a house in Illinois?
It isn’t legally required, but it is standard practice in the Chicago area. Most buyers and sellers each hire a real estate attorney to review the contract, handle title issues, and attend closing.
What is attorney review in Illinois?
Under the standard Chicago-area purchase contract, buyers and sellers get an attorney review period, typically five business days after the contract is accepted, during which either side’s attorney can propose changes or cancel the deal.
How much earnest money is typical in Aurora or West Chicago?
Earnest money is negotiable, but buyers commonly offer a few thousand dollars or about 1% to 3% of the price. A larger deposit can make your offer stronger in competitive areas like West Chicago.
How much are closing costs for buyers in Illinois?
Buyers typically pay about 2% to 5% of the purchase price in closing costs, including lender fees, title charges, attorney fees, and prepaid taxes and insurance. Your lender’s Loan Estimate will show your exact figures.
Why are property taxes paid in arrears in Illinois?
Illinois property taxes are paid a year behind, so the bill you pay in 2026 is for 2025. At closing the seller gives the buyer a credit for the taxes owed for the time they owned the home, so make sure that credit is set aside for when the bill arrives.
Buying with an ITIN? Read my guide to buying a home with an ITIN in Aurora & West Chicago.
Selling a Home
How much does it cost to sell a house in Illinois?
Sellers commonly budget for agent compensation, attorney fees, title insurance for the buyer, state and county transfer taxes, any municipal transfer tax or inspections required by the town, and the property tax credit given to the buyer at closing.
How long does it take to sell a home in Aurora or West Chicago?
In August 2026, homes sold in about 50 days in Aurora and about 43 days in West Chicago on average, according to Redfin. Pricing it right and preparing the home well usually shortens that time.
What’s the best time of year to sell in the western suburbs?
Spring brings the most buyers, but also the most competition from other sellers. Fall and winter listings often face less competition, and serious buyers are still out looking.
Do I need to fix everything before I sell?
No. Focus on repairs that affect safety, inspections, and first impressions, like leaks, electrical issues, paint, and curb appeal. A local agent can tell you which updates are likely to pay off in your neighborhood.
See the latest numbers in my Aurora & West Chicago housing market update.
Working with Rogelio
Who is a bilingual real estate agent in Aurora and West Chicago, IL?
Rogelio Garcia is an English- and Spanish-speaking Illinois real estate broker with Realty of America serving buyers, sellers, and investors in Aurora, West Chicago, Wheaton, Warrenville, Winfield, Carol Stream, Geneva, and nearby suburbs.
Can I buy a home in Illinois without a Social Security number?
Yes. Buyers can use an ITIN mortgage from a specialized lender. Down payments, rates, and documents differ from conventional loans, so start with a pre-approval from an ITIN lender.
This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. Talk with a real estate attorney or tax professional about your specific situation.
Talk to a Local, Bilingual Agent
Have a question that isn’t here? Book a call and ask me directly, in English or Spanish.