Short answer: in Illinois, sellers usually pay agent compensation, attorney and title costs, state and county transfer taxes (and a city transfer tax in some towns), plus a credit to the buyer for property taxes, because Illinois taxes are paid a year behind.
Transfer Taxes by Town
| Who charges it | Rate | Customarily paid by |
|---|---|---|
| State of Illinois | $1.00 per $1,000 | Seller |
| DuPage, Kane, Kendall counties | $0.50 per $1,000 | Seller |
| Aurora | $3.00 per $1,000 | Seller |
| Carol Stream | $3.00 per $1,000 | Seller |
| Wheaton | $2.50 per $1,000 | Buyer |
| Oswego | $3.00 per $1,000 | Buyer |
| West Chicago | No transfer tax; deed-certification inspection fee | Seller |
| Montgomery | No municipal transfer tax | — |
Example: on a $400,000 sale in Aurora, state + county transfer taxes are about $600 and Aurora’s tax is about $1,200.
Other Seller Costs
- Agent compensation: negotiable
- Real estate attorney: standard in the Chicago area
- Title insurance and closing fees: sellers in Illinois customarily pay for the buyer’s owner’s title policy
- Property tax credit: because taxes are paid in arrears, you credit the buyer for the time you owned the home
- Payoffs and utilities: your mortgage payoff and final water bill
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to sell a house in Illinois?
Most sellers should budget for agent compensation, a real estate attorney, title insurance for the buyer, state and county transfer taxes, any city transfer tax, and a property tax credit to the buyer because Illinois taxes are paid in arrears.
What is the Illinois transfer tax?
Illinois charges $1.00 per $1,000 of the sale price, and DuPage, Kane and Kendall counties charge $0.50 per $1,000. Both are customarily paid by the seller.
Does Aurora have a transfer tax?
Yes. Aurora charges $3.00 per $1,000, customarily paid by the seller, and the final water bill must be paid before closing.
Who pays the transfer tax in Wheaton?
Wheaton’s city transfer tax is $2.50 per $1,000 and is customarily paid by the buyer.
Are realtor commissions negotiable in Illinois?
Yes. Commissions are always negotiable, and since 2024 how buyer agents are paid is set out in written agreements.
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