You just got an offer accepted on a Glenview home and your agent mentions “attorney review.” What actually happens now, and how do you protect your earnest money and timelines? Buying in Illinois comes with a short but important legal checkpoint that can shape the rest of your deal.
In this guide, you’ll learn what attorney review is, how the timing works, what your attorney will look for, and the practical steps to keep your contract on track in Glenview. You will also see common outcomes and FAQs so you know what to expect. Let’s dive in.
Attorney review basics
Attorney review is a contractual period where your attorney can approve the contract, propose changes, or disapprove it. This is not a statutory right. It exists because your purchase agreement includes an attorney-approval clause.
During this window, your attorney can negotiate clarifications, request protections, or send a written disapproval that cancels the contract if the clause allows it. If no written disapproval is delivered in time and in the manner required, the contract typically stays in force.
How the process works
- The clause lives in your purchase contract or an addendum. It sets the deadline, acceptable delivery methods for notices, and what happens if a party disapproves.
- The period is short. Many Illinois contracts use windows from 48 hours up to 5 business days, but your contract controls. Confirm whether the clock runs on business or calendar days.
- Notices must follow the contract. Some forms accept email, others require specific methods. Your attorney will deliver objections or disapproval in writing and keep proof of delivery.
- Other contingencies continue. Inspection, financing, and title timelines usually remain unaffected unless amended in writing. Your attorney will coordinate to avoid deadline conflicts.
- Earnest money depends on compliance. If your attorney properly disapproves within the window, your contract will typically call for the earnest money to be returned. If a notice is late or sent the wrong way, disputes can arise.
The most important step is to read and follow your specific attorney-approval clause precisely.
What your attorney reviews
Core documents
- The purchase contract and all addenda. Your attorney checks for clarity on price, credits, closing date, and contingencies.
- Seller disclosures. Illinois requires a Residential Real Property Disclosure for most homes. Review the Illinois Residential Real Property Disclosure Act and compare with inspection findings.
- Inspection reports. These can include the general home inspection, radon testing, pest or termite reports, and occasionally a sewer scope.
- Title commitment. Your attorney reviews title exceptions and may request cures or endorsements before closing.
- Survey or plat of survey. This helps confirm boundaries, easements, and encroachments.
- HOA or condo documents if applicable. Budgets, bylaws, and any pending or special assessments are key.
- Lead-based paint disclosure for pre-1978 homes. See the EPA’s summary of lead-based paint disclosure requirements.
Glenview-specific checks
- Permits and code history. The Village of Glenview maintains building and code records. Your team can help you request relevant files from the Village of Glenview so your attorney can evaluate past permits and any open violations.
- Floodplain and stormwater. Parts of Glenview are subject to stormwater management rules. Your attorney may ask for documentation if a survey, title item, or inspection points to water management issues.
- Utilities and laterals. Most homes are on municipal services, but older or edge-area properties can have unique sewer or water setups. Confirm connection details early.
- Transfer and recording costs. Your closing will involve Cook County recording and any applicable transfer taxes or fees. For recorded document requirements, see the Cook County Clerk’s recordings resources. For assessed valuation and tax details, the Cook County Assessor is the go-to source.
- Title items. Your attorney will scan for unreleased liens, judgments, mechanics’ liens, easements, or restrictions that limit use.
Timing with other contingencies
Attorney review is short. Inspection, financing, and title work usually have longer timelines. The key is coordination:
- Inspection. Your attorney may reserve rights during attorney review while you complete inspections. Findings can lead to written amendments for repairs or credits.
- Financing. Attorney changes should not put your mortgage approval at risk. Keep your lender in the loop if any material term changes.
- Title. Title issues discovered early give the seller time to cure. Your attorney may require certain endorsements or documentation before closing.
If a proper written disapproval is delivered within the window, the contract typically ends and earnest money is returned per the contract. If notices are late or not delivered correctly, the contract may continue and earnest money can become contested.
Common outcomes
- Approval with no changes. You proceed under the existing terms.
- Amendments. Clarifications on appraisal, repairs, credits, tax prorations, or title cures are common.
- Conditional approval. Your attorney approves only if the seller agrees to specific items, like a repair list or an escrow holdback.
- Termination. If the contract allows disapproval and your attorney delivers it properly, the contract ends and earnest money is usually released to you per contract instructions.
- Disputes. If a party attempts termination without following the notice rules, escrow and contract dispute provisions may apply.
Risks to watch
- Missing the deadline. If your attorney does not send a timely written disapproval, you may lose the option to terminate under the attorney-approval clause.
- Delivery mistakes. If your contract requires a specific method and you send it another way, a termination can fail.
- Incomplete information. A very short window can end before you receive every document. Your attorney may reserve rights while you gather HOA docs, title updates, or survey details.
Typical costs
Attorney fees vary. Many Illinois real estate attorneys use flat fees for standard review and closing coordination, while complex title issues or litigation increase cost. Costs for surveys or specialty inspections are usually paid by you unless the seller agrees otherwise.
A step-by-step plan for Glenview buyers
Hire counsel immediately. As soon as your contract is accepted, retain an Illinois real estate attorney so you can use the full review window.
Calendar the deadline. Confirm the number of days, whether they are business or calendar days, when the clock starts, and exact notice methods permitted.
Gather documents. Ask the seller’s side for the disclosure form, HOA or condo packet, any survey, and an initial title commitment if available.
Book inspections right away. Schedule general, radon, and any specialty inspections quickly so findings can inform attorney requests.
Coordinate with your lender. Let your lender know about any potential changes to credits, closing costs, or dates that could affect underwriting.
Review title and survey. Have your attorney flag title exceptions or survey concerns and specify cures or endorsements needed.
Deliver notices properly. If your attorney proposes changes or disapproves, written notice must be sent by the methods your contract allows. Keep proof of delivery.
Get amendments in writing. Do not rely on verbal promises. Use addenda to cement changes to repairs, credits, or timelines.
Track all dates. Keep a simple timeline for attorney review, inspections, title updates, financing conditions, and appraisal.
How this protects you
A precise attorney review helps you avoid surprises, clarifies responsibilities, and preserves your rights if something is not acceptable. It also sets a productive tone with the seller by addressing questions early, which can prevent last-minute delays.
When you pair strong legal review with clear communication among your attorney, agent, lender, and title company, you are far more likely to close on time and on terms you understand.
Final take for Glenview
Attorney review is brief but important. It is the moment to confirm disclosures, align on repairs or credits, address title questions, and lock in the mechanics of your closing. Start early, follow the notice rules exactly, and keep everyone aligned on deadlines.
If you would like a simple plan tailored to your Glenview purchase, we are here to help you coordinate the players and the timing so your attorney has what they need, when they need it. Request a Free Consultation with the team at The JG Group to move forward with confidence.
FAQs
Is attorney review required for Glenview home purchases in Illinois?
- No. Attorney review is not required by statute. It exists only if your contract includes an attorney-approval clause.
How long is the attorney review window in Illinois?
- Timeframes vary by contract. Common practice ranges from 48 hours to 5 business days, but your exact deadline is whatever your contract states.
What happens to my earnest money if my attorney disapproves?
- If your attorney delivers a proper written disapproval within the window and by the method required, the contract typically ends and your earnest money is returned per the contract.
Can the seller refuse attorney review in Glenview?
- Yes. Contract terms are negotiable. If a seller will not include an attorney-approval clause, you must decide whether to proceed without it.
Does attorney review delay closing on a Glenview home?
- Usually not if handled on time. However, late objections or new title issues discovered during review can extend timelines if additional work is required before closing.
