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Date: 03/10/2026

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House & Apartment

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Owning a home
Buying, selling, and owning property in Illinois.
Real estate fraud
(6 resources)
Real estate fraud basics
Learn about fraud risks in Illinois property deals.
Guide
Real estate fraud common questions
Find out the warning signs and consequences for fake deed (fake seller), wire, and earnest money fraud.
FAQ
Dealing with real estate fraud
What Illinois property sellers, buyers, and owners can do when encountering suspected deed fraud (fake seller fraud), wire fraud, or earnest money check fraud.
How-To
How property owners can protect against fraud
Easy steps Illinois property owners can take right away to reduce the risk of being targeted by real estate scammers.
How-To
View all
Homeowner issues
(5 resources)
Homeowner issues
Answers to common questions about owning a home, including property tax exemptions, insurance, and home repairs.
FAQ
Recording documents
Learn about recording deeds and other papers with the county recorder's office, common issues with property files, and how to remove unlawful restrictive covenants.
FAQ
Unpaid property taxes
Explore the risks of not paying property taxes on time and determine when and how property tax debt can be addressed.
FAQ
Who owns the tree on both my and my neighbor's property?
Understand your rights when it comes to property lines and trees between you and your neighbor.
Text article
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Types of ownership
(3 resources)
Sharing property ownership
Learn about shared ownership, including types of co-ownership, responsibilities, and dispute resolution.
FAQ
Residential community associations
Learn about how community association rules, fees, and governing documents shape your rights and responsibilities as a property owner.
FAQ
Housing cooperatives
Get answers to common questions about housing co-ops, including types, ownership, governance, financing, monthly fees, and resale rules.
FAQ
View all
Buying and selling property
(3 resources)
Buying a home common questions
Find answers to common questions about buying property, including mortgage financing, inspections, and closing.
FAQ
Contract for deed common questions
Get answers to common questions about contracts for deed (rent-to-own agreements), including how they work, rights, risks, and what to watch out.
FAQ
Selling a home
Understand the major steps and legal issues that arise when you sell residential real estate.
Text article
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© 2026 Illinois Legal Aid Online. 
All rights reserved.

ILAO is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. ILAO's tax identification number is 20-2917133.