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Illinois Property Records

Property Records in Illinois

Illinois, also known as the Prairie State, is home to Chicago, the Windy City.

Illinois became the 21st state on December 3, 1818, and President Ulysses S. Grant lived there. The first-ever aquarium was opened in Chicago in 1893. More than 12,549,000 people live and work in Illinois, which has created millions of property records.

Property records in Illinois impact homeowners and the local government. The purchase and sale of real estate often dictate a healthy or weak local economy, and real estate transactions themselves involve and create even more property records.

Title companies, lawyers, real estate agents, investors, and others use property records liberally to investigate and evaluate property for potential sales or other purposes. Property records are a crucial tool for these and other industries.

Keep reading to learn more about what property records are, where they are filed, what they include, the types, how to search for them, and how to use them for your specific purpose.

What Are Property Records in Illinois?

Illinois property records are legal documents that pertain to a specific piece of real property within the state of Illinois. These documents contain a lot of information about the property or the property owner. Illinois property records are public records and open to anyone to review or obtain copies.

What are the Components of Property Records in Illinois?

The various types of property records each contain different information. The courts, local government, and private facilities create these records. They are filed and maintained by the local county recorder's office.

Some of the information you will find on Illinois property records include:

  • Deeds
  • Current Owner's Name and Address
  • Liens
  • Tax Records
  • Ownership History
  • Mortgage Records
  • Bankruptcies
  • Foreclosures
  • Plat Maps
  • Surveys
  • Detailed Property Description
  • Easements / Conveyances
  • Property Details
  • Parcel Information
  • Zoning
  • Boundary Lines
  • Property Address

The short list above is only some of the information you may find in property records.

Sources of Property Records in Illinois

One primary source of property records (especially for deeds, maps, surveys, and liens) is the county recorder's office where the property resides. You can also find Illinois property records on county websites; some of them have search portals. You may also find them on historical archive websites, third-party repositories, and professional websites like PropertyChecker, where you can search millions of property records nationwide in minutes.

What is the Role of the County Recorder?

A good portion of property records are deeds, which are filed with the county recorder's office where the property is located. Each county has a recorder's office. All counties within the state have websites where you can find a lot of helpful information. Some examples are:

How Are Property Records Maintained in Illinois?

What is the Role of the County Recorder?

Various parties create property records. For example, during a real estate deal, the attorney or title company handling the sale will prepare the deed and mortgage papers. Liens are created and filed by the party imposing it. Foreclosure records may be produced by a few different people and then filed with the courts. The key is to know where records are located if you have to make changes.

Amending Property Records for Legal Changes

Some questions that come up in regard to amending property records are:

  • How do I update property records when someone dies?
  • How do I change the name in property tax records online?

Depending on the situation, whether it's when someone marries, divorces, or dies, you can change property records the same way. Visit the county recorder's office or tax assessor's office (whichever pertains to your amendment), provide them with legal documentation as proof of the change, and ask them to change the records. They may have you fill out a form and pay a small fee to adjust the property records.

Accessing Records at the County Recorder's Office in Illinois

You have the right to access property records at the county recorder's office. Depending on how busy they are, you may have to wait while they locate the records you need. You may also have to pay a small fee for copies. The cost may vary, but some examples from Cole County are $1 per page for copies, $10 per document for certified copies, plats are $84, and UCC liens cost $51.

County Recorder's Office Locations in Illinois

To find the location of all the county recorder's offices in Illinois, visit the IACCR and click on the county you want.

What are the Different Types of Property Records?

Property records consist of many things. However, the most common types you'll see in Illinois are deeds, mortgages, liens, property tax records, easements, plats, and surveys.

Deeds and Conveyance Records

Deeds are some of the most common types of property records you'll find in any state. A deed transfers ownership of real property. They contain a lot of helpful information, such as:

  • Name and address of all parties (Grantor and Grantee).
  • Detailed description of the property.
  • Maps and plats.
  • Conveyance language validating the transfer of ownership from one person or entity to another.
  • Notarization and execution are at the bottom, where everyone signs to make it legal.

Illinois uses three main types of deeds: general warranty deeds, special warranty deeds, and quitclaim deeds. They also allow special purpose deeds like life estate deeds, trustee deeds, deeds in lieu of foreclosure, and transfer on death deeds. Not all states allow a transfer of death deed, but Illinois does.

Illinois Titles

A title is a concept of ownership. The document represents the rights and interests of a person in a property. They are recorded in the Recorder's or Clerk's office.

  • Rights and Interests - The document may show the rights and interests of the property, like easements and other agreements that affect the use and access of the land.
  • Chain of Title - The document may show the history of those who owned the land to the current owner.
  • Owner Information - The title must show the names and addresses of the current owner (s).
  • Property Description - The title must show a legal description of the property, including information such as boundaries, lot number, and other relevant information.

Liens, Encumbrances, and Property Records in Illinois

Another dominant factor pertaining to Illinois property records is liens and encumbrances. Encumbrances are third-party claims against a property and may make selling or transferring ownership difficult. The most common types of encumbrances are mortgages, liens, and easements.

Voluntary Liens

Mortgage Liens

Most people are familiar with mortgages. Anyone who cannot afford to pay cash for their home will take out a mortgage with a lender. During the closing of the deal, the property owner will sign the deed and a promissory note for the lender, agreeing to their terms of interest and on-time payments.

The lender will also put a lien on the property, ensuring that if the homeowner defaults on the mortgage, they can seize and sell the property to get their money back. According to Statistica, the mortgage default rate in Illinois is 1.4%.

The following information may appear in a mortgage document depending on the type:

Mortgage Liens
  • Names - The document will show the names of those involved, plus their roles as the lender and borrower. It may also show contact information.
  • Terms - The document must stipulate the loan terms, including how long it will be in effect, the date of the loan, and payment schedules.
  • Amount - The record will show the initial amount, interest rate, and the repayable amount.
  • Penalties - The document will outline the penalties for late and missed payments. In some cases, it also shows penalties for early repayment.

Involuntary Liens

Mechanic's Liens

A mechanic's lien is a lien on real property for an unpaid debt. If a contractor, subcontractor, landscaper, or material supplier does work on the home or supplies materials and the property owner refuses to pay them, they can legally place a lien on the property to get paid. They have to either wait until the owner sells the house or sue them to foreclose and sell the house to get their money.

Mechanic's Liens

Tax Liens

Tax liens are serious business, and you could lose your home if you fail to pay your annual property taxes. Tax liens begin when you fail to pay the county assessor what you owe. The Illinois Department of Revenue then imposes the tax lien. They have set up a State Tax Lien Registry to allow access to public tax lien records. If you do not settle the tax lien, they will foreclose and sell your home to get back taxes, interest, and penalties.

Tax Liens

Judgment Liens

Judgment liens are a legal tool that creditors can use to collect a debt. If you owe a credit card company lots of money, they may use a lien on your home to get paid. After a specific time period, they, too, may foreclose and sell your house to get their money back.

Judgment Liens

How Liens Affect Property Records

A home with just a mortgage lien will not be a problem. However, if you find a property with multiple liens, the owner could have trouble selling it. Liens appear in many property records and can decrease the value of the property.

How Does the Process of Property Liens in Illinois Work?

The process of filing a lien differs depending on the type of lien. However, the process of filing a judgment lien goes as follows:

  • The creditor must obtain a judgment against a debtor by filing a lawsuit. The court must grant the judgment in favor of the creditor for the next steps. The creditor must ensure they obtain a certified copy of the judgment as evidence of an owed debt.
  • Next, the creditor must prepare a 'judgment lien' with information such as the personal details and address of the individual who owes the debt, the judgment amount, the case number, and the court where the judgment was entered.
  • The next stage is filing the judgment with the recorder's office at the county office. Filing creates the lien, applying to all real property the debtor owns in the county. Creditors may have to file multiple copies at the office.
  • Theoretically, the creditor now has the right to foreclose on the property. But not before they notify the debtor that a lien is filed against their property. The service should come immediately after filing.
  • The creditor may extend the lien before expiration, seven years after filing.

Property Tax Records

Anyone who buys property in Illinois will pay annual property taxes. Property tax records include things like tax bills, appraisals, assessments, surveys, and maps. Typically, property owners receive two bills per year, splitting their annual taxes into two payments. If they have a mortgage, the taxes will be escrowed into the monthly payments, and the lender will pay the tax bill. If the homeowner owns the home outright, they will pay the taxes. Some counties allow online payments, or you can mail in the coupon or even drop off your property tax payment at the county assessor's office.

Although counties vary within the state, Illinois's average property tax rate is 2.08% of the property's value. The counties of the Chicagoland area, Cook, DuPage, Lake, and Will County, have some of the highest taxes in the state. Illinois ranks 2nd in the nation with the highest property taxes. The average homeowner pays $4,942 per year.

If a homeowner fails to pay their property taxes, the county can put a lien on their home and foreclose and sell it to pay the overdue amount.

Property tax records show the accumulated annual tax bill a property owner in Illinois must pay. Local assessors usually determine the taxes after an assessment based on local tax rates. Individuals can access property tax information through the assessor's offices at the county level. The following information usually appears in a tax record in Illinois:

  • Tax Calculations and Exemptions - The document will show the calculations and exemptions applying to the property.
  • Name of the Property Owner - The document must show the owner's name. They are legally responsible for the taxes.
  • The Legal Description of the Property - The record must show a legal description of the property.
  • Property Values - These will include the fair market value, land assessed value, and the total assessed value.
  • Tax Rate - The document may show the local area's tax rate.
  • Amounts Due and Installments - Records usually show how much is due and the history of payments made.

How Often is Property Tax in Illinois Assessed?

The Illinois Department of Revenue is in charge of property tax collection. However, assessment is done at the county level by assessors from the government office. For example, Chicago, Dolton, and Golf properties will undergo an assessment by local assessors under the Cook County Assessor's Office. Assessors have different ways of conducting property assessments. However, the following is the standard process:

  • Discovery - The stage involves finding and inventorying all real property through property index numbers and tax maps. Assessors find new construction via observation, reviewing building permits, and other approved methods. Assessors may use Google, sales, records, and software for the discovery stage.
  • List - The next part lists the land improvements and characteristics on the property record cards. Assessors include the measurement and description of the improvements.
  • Value - Assessors then estimate the value of all real property in the jurisdiction. They must ensure equity and uniformity in the methods used.
  • Assess - The assessors then apply an assessment level to the market values to find the assessed value. The values must be derived from current market values.

Easements and Covenants

Easements and covenants will also appear in property records. Easements are like a "right of way" to use a portion of land on a privately owned piece of property. Covenants usually apply to condo developments or maintained neighborhoods. These covenants are a list of rules that apply to the home and how you can use them. An example might be that you could not leave your trash barrel outside of your garage after trash day. Covenants are designed for communities where people live close by and benefit from the overall curb appeal of the area.

Plats and Surveys

Plats and surveys are other types of property records. Plats refer to maps with boundaries of neighboring properties, whereas surveys include only the boundaries of the target property.

The following are the types of surveys recognized in Illinois:

  • ALTA/NSPS Survey - It is often for commercial properties supplying the information needed to insure the land's title to the highest degree.
  • As-built Survey - It is necessary to obtain dimensional data during or immediately after the completion of construction.
  • Boundary Survey - It documents the perimeter of a parcel by establishing corners, monuments, and boundary lines.
  • Construction Layout Survey - It is done before and during construction to control dimensions, positions, configurations, and elevation.
  • Mortgage Survey - The mortgage survey is for residential real estate refinancing and closings. It shows the fences and other major structures.

Historical Property Records

Historical property records can show previous owners, tax rates, assessments, and appraisals. You can find these records with county historical societies or other online repositories. One example is the Cook County Historical Archives.

Where Do I Search for Property Records?

Where Do I Search for Property Records?

Although property records come from different places and are stored and maintained by various offices, you can find them consolidated in many sources.

Online Property Record Search

You have dozens of options when performing an online property records search. You could just enter the property name in Google and see what comes up. You can also perform a more targeted search by visiting county websites, realty sites, or other property records repositories.

In-Person Property Record Search

Visiting the county recorder's office in person is always an option. You will get a first-hand look at the original copies. However, it would be best if you were local enough to drive there and request paperwork.

Using Property Record Indexes

You can search property records indexes, but be careful; you never know when they were last updated and how current the data may be.

Utilizing Commercial Services

One of the best ways to access unlimited searches of nationwide property records is to use a commercial service like PropertyChecker. You can find millions of records and perform a search within seconds.

How to Search Property Records by Address

The fastest and most effective way to search property records is by using the complete property address. Visit an online source or county website and enter the address in the search field.

How to Search Property Records by Name

If you are armed with the current owner's name, you can sometimes search that way. Find an online property records search portal that allows name searches and enter the owner's full name.

Understanding Property Ownership in Illinois

With over 12 million residents, government offices must be bulging with property records. Property often changes hands rapidly, making current ownership a bit tricky to determine.

Identifying Property Owners

There are many situations where you need to find the current owner of a piece of property. You can do so pretty easily using one of the search methods detailed above. If you are interested in purchasing the property or have a property-related matter to discuss, the county can help you locate someone.

Chain of Title

Chain of title refers to the list of owners of a specific piece of property. Since the property was first owned, there should be no break in the chain of title. Someone must have owned it at all times. Title companies perform property title searches before the sale of the property to ensure the chain of title is maintained.

Ownership History and Transfers

Records like mortgages, liens, property taxes, and deeds illustrate how property ownership changes over time and the value increases or decreases. Deeds, for example, are used in real estate transactions and non-monetary property transfers.

Property Descriptions and Boundaries in Illinois

In an effort to correctly identify parcels of land, Illinois uses detailed property descriptions and boundaries. These items are listed in different types of property records. A legal property description shows up in deeds, mortgages, liens, and other types. They may include important landmarks or other defining factors to make it clear which property they are referring to.

Surveys and Land Measurements

Surveys and land measurements are often used to determine where a property's boundaries lie. Surveyors use specialized equipment to mark off the boundaries of a specific piece of land.

Boundary Disputes and Resolutions

Surveys are also used in boundary disputes. Sometimes, these arguments end up in court, where both sides provide information, and a judge determines which land is whose.

Property Records and Real Estate Transactions in Illinois

Property Records and Real Estate Transactions in Illinois

Not only can property records influence a buyer's decision, but they also come into play during and after a real estate transaction. Real estate sales in Illinois are climbing by 0.8% year over year. Even in slow markets, property changes hands.

Buying Property: Due Diligence

Before buying property, perform due diligence and find out as much as you can about the property and its owners. This could save you a lot of headaches down the road. Property records can fill in many blanks and help you make an informed decision.

Selling Property: Providing Disclosure

Before selling your property, you could also use property records to learn about the market and other home sales in your area, which will help you price your property just right. You can also find information to help you fill out the required disclosures before the sale.

Title Searches and Insurance

The attorney or closing company handling your real estate transaction will perform many functions, one of which is a title search, looking for any title defects before the sale goes through. Another is ensuring you have purchased title insurance and homeowners insurance so you, the title company, and the lender are all protected if something goes wrong after the sale.

Foreclosure and Property Records in Illinois

Foreclosure properties are often sold at an extreme discount. You can search property records to find distressed homes that may be in a great location and in perfect condition. However, be careful. Some foreclosure homes will not be a great deal. Find out all you can about it before buying.

Illinois is a judicial foreclosure state. All individuals must start the foreclosure process in court by filing a case. The court system has the final say over the matter and will allow the lender to foreclose on the property.

Property Records and Property Values

Property records provide extensive detailed information about land and homes, which can impact property value and public opinion.

Assessments and Appraisals

Regular assessments and appraisals can show a potential buyer or seller how the property's value has increased or decreased over time.

How are Property Records and Market Value Related?

Often, you can find a property's fair market value (FMV) online. However, be aware that the FMV may not always match a county's assessment or a real estate appraisal. Factors like location, property condition, liens, foreclosures, and other things can dramatically affect property values.

The average value of a property in Illinois is approximately $258,600 (2023). The value has seen an increase of more than 2% since 2022. East Moline, Gurnee, Homewood, and Round Lake have some of the fastest-growing sales prices in the state.

Factors that Determine Property Values in Illinois

The following facts can explain the high market values of some properties in the state:

  • Proximity to Amenities - The location plays a role in its value. Desirable neighborhoods with easy access to amenities, transportation, and employment centers command higher prices.
  • Property Taxes - Higher property taxes in some areas can lower property values, while lower tax rates may experience higher demand, thus higher values.
  • School Districts - Good school districts in Illinois may have higher-priced family homes.
  • Crime Rates - Homeowners are willing to pay higher prices for low crime rates, so areas with low crime rates may have higher values.

Privacy and Property Records

Privacy and Property Records

Illinois property records are public records, and anyone can access them, which may impact privacy. Property records contain a lot of detailed information, sometimes personal information about the current or historical owners.

Accessing Public Property Records

You have the legal right to access public property records. You may have to dig a little to find what you need or contact the right agency, but it shouldn't be difficult to find public records you are interested in.

How Do I Protect My Personal Information in Property Records?

You cannot remove all personal information from public property records. However, you can minimize your exposure by limiting it. Contact public records offices and online repositories and ask them to remove things like your phone number, email address, and other sensitive information you don't want to be made public.

Maintaining and Amending Property Records

It's your responsibility to maintain and amend your own property records. Dealing with government offices and getting them to change or correct records might take some patience.

Correcting Errors on Property Records

Correcting errors on property records should be easy enough. Just visit the correct office that holds the original and request a change. However, you will need to supply documentation that validates the error and the reason for correction.

Amending Property Records for Legal Changes

When someone gets divorced, they will most likely want to amend the deed to their house and take the spouse off. To do this, you need to provide documentation of the dissolution of marriage along with verification that you own the home outright (bought your partner out).

How Do I Change My Name on Property Records in Illinois?

You can change your name on property records by providing the marriage certificate or divorce decree from the courts and asking the proper office to revise the document with your new name.

What Should I Consider When Buying a Property Using Property Records?

Before buying a property in Illinois, you should consider a few things. For example, the tax base in the area you are interested in, the property values, and whether the property has liens on it. You can find this and much more by examining property records by visiting PropertyChecker.com.

Search Illinois Property Records

Search Illinois Property Records

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