Emily Kordick Real Estate

This is a very common question, and it usually comes up early when sellers are trying to understand what they will actually walk away with after closing. In Illinois, the answer is not a simple yes or no. Sellers do pay certain closing costs, but which costs apply and how much they total depends on the property, the contract terms, and local custom.

In a typical Illinois transaction, sellers are responsible for several standard expenses. One of the most significant is the real estate commission, which is agreed upon in advance and paid at closing from the sale proceeds. Sellers are also generally responsible for paying their portion of property taxes through the day of closing. In many Chicago-area suburbs, property taxes are paid in arrears, meaning the seller credits the buyer for taxes that will be billed later. This can be a meaningful number and often surprises sellers who have not sold before.

Another common seller cost is attorney fees. In Illinois, real estate attorneys play an active role in the transaction, and both buyers and sellers usually retain their own attorney. Sellers may also pay for municipal requirements, such as transfer stamps, inspection reports, or village-mandated compliance items. These costs vary by town and are especially relevant in the northwest suburbs, where requirements can differ from one municipality to another.

Whether a seller pays any of the buyer’s closing costs is negotiable. In some situations, particularly when the market is more balanced or when a home has been on the market longer, a seller may agree to a buyer credit to help with closing costs. In stronger seller-leaning markets, this is less common, but it can still be part of a strategic negotiation depending on price, timing, and buyer strength.

It is also important to note that sellers typically do not pay lender-related costs for the buyer, such as loan origination fees or appraisal fees, unless specifically negotiated. Each contract spells out who is responsible for what, which is why understanding the terms matters just as much as the sale price.

For sellers in the Chicago suburbs, closing costs are not something to fear, but they should be planned for. The combination of commissions, tax credits, and municipal fees means the net proceeds can look different than expected if these items are not reviewed early. When sellers understand how closing costs work in Illinois, they are better positioned to price their home accurately, negotiate confidently, and avoid surprises as they move toward closing.