Step 5 – Use the 20/20 Search Site tool to search by Property index number (found on the property’s tax bill). Step 4 – Once you are at the recorder’s site, click the button that says “Search Recordings”.

Step 3 – You will be brought to the Cook County Clerk’s website listing the Cook County Clerk Divisions. Once you click on Cook County, you will be brought to the county page, listing the name and address of the recorder as well as a website address. Step 2 – We will be using “Cook” county for the purposes of this demonstration. Step 1 – Go to this county directory and click on the county in which the property is located. Cook County provides instructions on how to check the deed. Make sure to determine how far back you can go and if they have all the records before you rely solely on online searching. You can go there in person to conduct a search or you can check the county recorder’s website to see if they offer online searching. In Illinois, the property records are located at the county recorder. Many title companies recommend that you search the transfers on the property back 50 years. This gives you a chance to make sure there weren’t interests transferred to others in the past that may be an issue in the future. Transfer on Death – This type of deed allows someone to transfer property without undergoing probate.Ī property search is necessary whenever you are buying a parcel of land. The buyer guarantees that they have not transferred any interest in the parcel during their ownership. Special Warranty – This type of deed is used to convey property with a limited warranty. Quit Claim – A quit claim is the opposite of the warranty deed in that it provides no guarantee that the seller may sell the property or that seller owns the property.

General Warranty – This type of deed conveys title to a property to another and includes a guarantee from the seller that they are selling the property free and clear of any claims from others. Signing ( 765 ILCS 5/20) – All deeds must be signed and acknowledged with a notary present. Transfer Tax (Form PTAX-203) – The form can be filed physically with the PDF Form or can be Filled-in Online ( Applicable Counties have the option to process the form online). Find your Recorder’s Office by selecting the County you are located. Recording ( 765 ILCS 5/28) – All deeds must be filed within the County Recorder’s Office where the property is located.

Template for contract for deed illinois