Palatine Real Estate Questions, Answered

The main costs are the commission you agree on, the Illinois and Cook County transfer tax, the owner's title policy, your attorney and the property tax proration. On a $377,000 Palatine sale, the transfer tax is $565.50. See the full list on our sell my house in Palatine page.

Palatine listings sold in a median of 43 days in the 3 months ending September 2026, per Redfin. Add about 30 to 45 days to close with a mortgage buyer.

Not automatically. Since August 2024, offers to pay the buyer's agent are no longer posted on the MLS. You decide whether to offer anything, and it is negotiable with each buyer.

It is standard practice in Palatine and across the Chicago area. Each side has a real estate attorney for the attorney review period and the closing.

Since August 2024, buyers sign a written agreement with their agent before touring homes. It states the fee and how it is paid, and a seller may agree to cover part or all of it. A buyers agent in Palatine walks you through it before the first showing.

With a mortgage, closing usually comes about 30 to 45 days after your offer is accepted. Attorney review, the inspection and the appraisal all happen in that window.

Yes. IHDA programs and the Cook County Down Payment Assistance Program can help with the down payment and closing costs, with income and price limits. Our first time home buyer guide covers each one.

A short period after both sides sign, usually five business days, when each attorney can propose changes to the contract. Your Palatine inspection usually happens in the same window.

Zillow put the typical Palatine home value at $389,955 in September 2026, but your home can sit well above or below it. Ask for a free home value built from recent sales near your address.

The market leans toward sellers. Redfin rated Palatine "very competitive" in the 3 months ending September 2026, with 4 offers per home on average. The Palatine housing market report has the latest numbers every month.

Most of Palatine is in Cook County, where taxes are paid a year behind, in two installments. At closing, the seller credits the buyer for the taxes owed through the closing date.

Nothing. The first consultation is free and has no obligation. Call (224) 464-4587 or send the form.