Buying or selling a home in Clarendon Hills and hearing about “attorney review”? You are not alone. This short period can feel confusing, yet it sets the tone for the rest of your deal. In a few minutes, you will understand how attorney review works in Illinois contracts, when the clock starts, how it overlaps with inspections and financing, and what to do to keep your closing on track. Let’s dive in.
Attorney review, in plain terms
Attorney review is a clause in the purchase contract that lets your attorney review the signed agreement and either approve it, propose changes, or disapprove it within a set window. It is part of the contract you sign, not a separate law. The contract language controls what happens if an attorney objects and how long the window lasts.
- Who uses it: Buyers use it most often, but either party may have the right depending on the contract.
- Common timeframe: Contracts often use a short window measured in business days, commonly 3–7 business days, with 5 business days seen frequently in Illinois metro areas.
- Outcome: If no timely objection is sent, the contract generally stays binding as written. If an attorney objects on time, the contract may be voided or the parties may negotiate changes, as stated in the contract.
When the clock starts
The review window usually starts when the fully executed contract is delivered to the parties, sometimes described as acceptance or delivery to the buyer’s attorney. Confirm the exact start date in writing. Clear delivery records help everyone stay on schedule.
Inspections, financing, and other timelines
Attorney review often runs at the same time as inspections, but they are separate. Inspection periods are commonly negotiated for 5–15 business days. Start inspections right away so you can address findings while attorneys are still working through contract language.
Financing contingencies usually last longer than attorney review. If your attorney proposes changes that affect dates, like closing or mortgage deadlines, coordinate with your lender. Title work typically begins after the contract is delivered, and preliminary commitments often arrive within a week or two, depending on the provider and county.
Clarendon Hills timing snapshot
Here is an illustrative timeline you can expect in many DuPage County transactions:
- Day 0: Offer accepted, fully executed contract delivered.
- Days 0–5: Attorney review window (exact period per contract). Schedule inspections immediately.
- Days 0–10: Inspection period and seller responses to repair or credit requests.
- Days 7–14: Title company issues preliminary title commitment; lender continues underwriting.
- Days 30–45: Target closing window once contingencies are resolved.
Buyer steps during review
- Engage a buyer’s attorney before you write or immediately after acceptance to avoid delays.
- Confirm the start date of the review window in writing and track the deadline.
- Schedule inspections at once so attorney and inspection requests can be handled together or back to back.
- Ask your attorney to review clauses that affect earnest money, default remedies, title exceptions, closing date flexibility, and closing costs.
- Make sure any attorney notice is delivered in the contract’s required format, to the named recipients, by the deadline.
Seller steps during review
- Expect buyers to include attorney review. Decide upfront what review window you will accept. Shorter windows reduce uncertainty but may narrow interest.
- If the buyer’s attorney objects on time, respond quickly with counter language or acceptance to keep your closing date on track.
- Track delivery and receipt dates for all notices. Keep timestamped records.
- Be careful with large or last-minute repair credits. Big changes can affect lender approvals even if attorney review ends on time.
Earnest money, title, and closing
Earnest money outcomes depend on your contract. If the contract says a timely attorney disapproval voids the deal, the buyer’s earnest money is usually refundable under the escrow provisions. If the contract calls for negotiation instead of automatic termination, the escrow outcome follows the updated agreement or dispute clause.
Title work starts once the contract and buyer information are submitted. Title companies in DuPage often deliver preliminary commitments within a week or two. Title exceptions or issues can still surface later and may require additional negotiation.
Clarendon Hills specifics to keep in mind
- Many local attorneys and title companies are familiar with DuPage County processes. That local experience helps with document handling and recording.
- Clarendon Hills has a mix of older homes. Inspections commonly flag routine maintenance items, so early scheduling is smart.
- Providers can advise on DuPage recording timelines and any municipality-related needs such as transfer taxes or utility certifications. Ask early and build these items into your plan.
Keep your deal on track
- Start attorney review and inspections the same day the contract is fully executed.
- Keep attorney review focused on legal terms. If needed, negotiate a slightly longer inspection window instead of a long review period.
- If you need more time, put extensions in writing before the deadline expires.
- Spell out earnest money deposit timing and escrow instructions clearly in the contract.
- Maintain steady communication among buyer, seller, attorneys, title, lender, and agents.
Ready to move with confidence?
Whether you are buying or selling, you benefit when legal, inspection, and financing timelines move in sync. If you want a calm, coordinated process paired with smart listing prep or value-add guidance, connect with a local team that understands Clarendon Hills and the broader DuPage market. Reach out to Johnny Kloster to align your attorney review, inspections, title work, and closing milestones with a practical plan.
FAQs
What is attorney review in Illinois real estate?
- It is a contract clause that gives each party’s attorney a short window to approve, propose changes, or disapprove a signed purchase contract as the contract allows.
How long does attorney review last in Clarendon Hills?
- The contract controls, but many Illinois metro-area deals use 3–7 business days, with 5 business days seen frequently.
When does attorney review start after acceptance?
- It usually starts upon delivery of the fully executed contract, often described as acceptance or delivery to the buyer’s attorney. Confirm the start date in writing.
Do inspections happen during attorney review?
- Often yes. Inspection periods are separate but commonly overlap, which helps resolve both legal and repair requests without delaying the deal.
What if no attorney objection is sent by the deadline?
- The contract typically remains binding as written, and late objections are generally ineffective unless both parties agree in writing.
Can we extend or waive attorney review in Illinois?
- Yes, if both parties sign a written amendment before the deadline. Oral extensions are risky.
Can I recover earnest money if my attorney disapproves?
- If the contract states that timely disapproval voids the deal, earnest money is usually refundable under the escrow terms. The exact outcome follows the contract language.
