Have you ever heard someone say, “It’s under attorney review,” and wondered what that actually means for your sale or purchase? In Illinois, this short window can make or break a deal, especially in a fast-paced North Shore market. You want clarity on timing, who does what, and how inspections fit in. In this guide, you’ll learn how the attorney review period works, how it differs from inspections, and what to watch for in Winnetka. Let’s dive in.
What the attorney review period is
In Illinois, the attorney review period is a short, contract-defined window after both parties sign a contract. During this time, either party’s attorney may approve, request changes, or disapprove the agreement according to the clause in the contract. If a timely disapproval is delivered in the required manner, the contract can terminate unless both sides agree to new terms.
Attorney review focuses on contract language and legal risk. It is separate from inspections, which address the physical condition of the property. Both protections are common in North Shore contracts, and both have their own deadlines.
How it differs from inspections
- Attorney review addresses contract terms, title, disclosures, and legal clarity.
- Inspections address the property’s condition and can lead to repair requests, credits, or termination if allowed by the contingency.
- The two periods often run in parallel, but they are separate. You must meet both sets of deadlines exactly as written in your contract.
Typical timeline in Winnetka
Every contract is negotiable, and the language controls. Still, many North Shore deals follow a similar flow:
- Offer accepted and contract signed by both parties.
- Attorney review period begins as defined in the contract.
- Buyer orders inspections right away; inspections occur during the inspection contingency window.
- Buyer submits inspection objections or requests by the inspection deadline.
- Seller responds within the agreed response window.
- Parties negotiate repairs or credits, or the buyer cancels if allowed by the contingency.
- Financing, appraisal, title, and survey items proceed toward closing.
Common timing windows
- Attorney review: commonly 48 hours from receipt of the fully executed contract. Some contracts use 48 to 72 hours.
- Inspection contingency: commonly 5 to 10 business days, often 7.
- Seller response to inspection requests: commonly 2 to 5 business days.
- Closing target: 30 to 45 days for financed transactions. Cash can be shorter when all parties are ready.
Because attorney review is brief, line up your attorney and inspector before you make an offer. Sellers should expect inspection requests to arrive quickly after acceptance.
How attorney review works in Illinois contracts
The attorney review clause is contractual. It sets the timeframe and the method of delivering approval or disapproval. Your attorney may request revisions that clarify financing, confirm deed type, adjust representations and warranties, clear title exceptions, or require confirmation that past work was permitted and closed.
Delivery matters. Notices must be sent exactly as required in the contract, including email or other specified methods. If an attorney disapproves within the deadline and as required, the contract typically terminates unless both sides agree in writing to amend it.
What if an attorney disapproves?
If disapproval is properly delivered on time, the usual outcome under common forms is termination, with earnest money handled per the contract. The parties can also choose to renegotiate and sign an amendment. Your attorney will guide whether to conditionally request changes or to end the agreement outright.
Inspection strategy for Winnetka homes
Winnetka’s property mix includes lakefront estates, large lots, vintage homes, and new construction. Tailor your inspection plan to the property type and location.
Lakefront and bluff properties
- Prioritize flood risk, bluff stability, shoreline erosion, and seawall condition.
- Review drainage systems, basement or backwater flooding history, and any historic shoreline permits.
- Consider structural or geotechnical specialists when near bluffs or seawalls. Ask for past repair records and engineering reports.
Lot size, setbacks, and use limits
- Even large lots can have limits on impervious surface, setbacks, tree preservation, and accessory structures.
- Request recent permits for additions, decks, or pools. If you plan future projects, confirm whether they would require a variance or design review.
Vintage homes
- Common findings include foundation settling, tuckpointing needs, older electrical, possible lead paint or asbestos in older materials, galvanized plumbing, and older HVAC.
- Consider specialty evaluations where needed, such as structural, electrical, or environmental testing.
- Focus negotiations on safety, structural items, and major systems first; sellers often prefer credits for non-safety cosmetic items.
New construction and recent remodels
- Confirm permit history and final inspections were closed. Obtain builder warranties in writing.
- Verify lien waivers, completion of punch-list items, and energy code compliance.
- Ensure as-built conditions match what was approved.
Title, easements, and local items
- Watch for utility or access easements, shared retaining walls, and municipal liens that can affect title.
- Order title work early and review the legal description and survey if lot line issues are suspected.
Smart negotiation moves
For buyers
- Prioritize health, safety, major systems, and title or survey issues. Keep cosmetic items separate.
- Use cost estimates to support your repair or credit requests.
- Consider credits when timing is tight, especially if repairs could delay closing.
- Meet every deadline and deliver notices as the contract requires.
For sellers
- Respond quickly with clear answers. Timely responses reduce uncertainty.
- Provide documentation for past work, permits, warranties, and maintenance. Good records build trust.
- Offer reasonable compromises. Credits or targeted repairs often keep the deal moving.
Sample fast timeline
- Day 0: Offer accepted and fully executed.
- Day 0 to 2: Attorney review period begins, commonly 48 hours. Buyer orders general and any specialty inspections.
- Day 3 to 9: Inspection window, commonly 7 business days. Buyer submits written objections by the deadline.
- Day 8 to 11: Seller response window, often 2 to 3 business days. Parties negotiate and sign an amendment or, if needed, cancel per the contingency.
- Day 12 and beyond: Financing, appraisal, title, and survey proceed. Typical financed closing 30 to 45 days from contract.
Winnetka buyer and seller checklist
- Confirm attorney review timeframe and the exact delivery method for notices in your contract.
- Schedule inspections immediately upon acceptance. Add specialists as needed for lakefront, bluffs, chimneys, mold, lead, radon, or trees.
- Buyers: order title work and review property records, tax history, permit history, and potential municipal liens.
- Sellers: organize permits, receipts, warranties, disclosures, and any prior inspection reports.
- Lakefront: request past seawall or bluff stabilization reports and review flood information.
- Verify zoning, setbacks, and lot coverage if you plan future projects like pools or additions.
- Keep your attorney, lender, agent, and title company aligned during attorney review and inspections to avoid delays.
Common pitfalls to avoid
- Missing the attorney review or inspection deadlines. Late notices can waive rights.
- Delivering notices the wrong way. Use the method the contract requires and confirm receipt.
- Assuming inspections must end during attorney review. They are separate. Track both timelines.
- Overloading repair requests with cosmetic items. Focus on safety and major systems to keep negotiations productive.
Ready to navigate review with confidence?
You do not need to guess your way through attorney review or inspections. With clear timelines, the right specialists, and a focused negotiation plan, you can protect your interests and keep your Winnetka deal on track. For hands-on guidance from a local team that manages every detail, connect with Jody Dickstein for a private consultation.
FAQs
What does the Illinois attorney review period mean in a home purchase?
- It is a short, contract-defined window, commonly 48 hours, when attorneys can approve, request changes, or disapprove the signed contract according to the clause.
How does the inspection contingency differ from attorney review in Illinois?
- Inspections evaluate property condition with their own deadlines, while attorney review addresses legal terms; they often overlap but are separate protections.
What happens if my attorney disapproves during review in a Winnetka deal?
- If delivered on time and as required, disapproval typically terminates the contract unless both sides agree to amend it in writing.
Do inspections have to be completed within the attorney review period in Illinois?
- No. They are separate timelines; inspections commonly run 5 to 10 business days and can extend beyond attorney review.
What is a typical inspection timeline for North Shore homes?
- Many contracts allow about 7 business days for inspections, with seller responses due in roughly 2 to 5 business days after buyer objections.
How should I prioritize repair requests for a vintage Winnetka home?
- Lead with safety, structure, and major systems, and separate cosmetic requests; include contractor estimates to support your asks.
What special inspections should I consider for a Winnetka lakefront property?
- Evaluate flood risk, bluff stability, shoreline erosion, and seawall condition, and consider structural or geotechnical specialists.
How long does closing take after attorney review and inspections in Illinois?
- Financed deals commonly close in 30 to 45 days from contract; cash purchases can be shorter when all parties are ready.
