Attorney review can sound intimidating, so here's what to know. It's a five-business-day period, standard in most Illinois contracts, where either party's attorney can propose changes or, in some cases, end the contract without penalty.
A few things worth understanding about how it actually works:
It starts the day after the contract is fully signed, not the day the offer is accepted, and the clock is typically five business days unless the contract says otherwise. Either attorney can raise something, not just the buyer's. Your attorney might flag financing terms, the closing date, or what's included in the sale. Real changes happen during this window. It's not just a formality; price, included items, and added contingencies can all shift here. And if neither attorney sends notice by the deadline, the contract usually becomes final as written.
The smartest thing you can do as a seller is pick a real estate attorney early, ideally before an offer even comes in, so you're not scrambling once the clock starts. A responsive attorney who knows Illinois contracts well can move through this stage in days instead of stretching it toward the deadline.
Curious what this means for your home? Book a free conversation at tinyurl.com/talk2mari or text your suburb to 630-267-1808.
Full guide: How Attorney Review Works for Sellers in Illinois
Discussion