No. Cash home buyers purchase homes in almost any condition. You don’t have to make repairs, clean out belongings, or do anything to get the house ready.
Sell your house fast in Chicago
Get a fair cash offer and close on your schedule.
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Median home price
$405,000
That’s the citywide median for Chicago homes in mid-2026. Prices vary widely by neighborhood. A cash offer skips the appraisal and doesn’t depend on what a traditional lender thinks the house is worth.
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Days on market
30 days
Many Chicago homes move quickly, but a deal can still fall apart when a buyer’s financing doesn’t come through. A cash sale removes that risk entirely.
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Much of the housing is 80 to 100 years old
Chicago has a lot of older homes: bungalows, two-flats, and greystones built 80 to 100 years ago.
How it works
Selling your Chicago house doesn’t have to take months or require you to fix anything first. Here’s how it works.
STEP 01
Request your cash offer
Fill out a short form with a few details about your property.
STEP 02
Schedule a property visit
A local cash home buyer will do a quick walkthrough.
STEP 03
Review your offer
Ask questions and take your time. There’s no pressure.
STEP 04
Close on your schedule
Pick a closing date and get your funds.
Why sell your Chicago house with SellMyHouse.co
Chicago’s market has its advantages for sellers, but it also comes with more costs and steps than most people expect.
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No repairs, staging, or open houses. A cash buyer will look at the house as is, whether it’s a bungalow that needs updating, a two-flat that needs work, or a property in a slower-moving neighborhood.
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No deal falling through over financing. Cash buyers don’t depend on a traditional mortgage lender’s appraisal, approval, or condition requirements.
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No commission. You don’t pay commissions or fees.
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Close on your schedule. We’ll match you with a buyer who fits your timeline, not the other way around.
What Chicago sellers need to know
For a full look at the rules that apply to every Illinois seller, it’s worth reviewing the Illinois home sale requirements before your sale gets too far along.
Illinois requires a seller disclosure form
Under Illinois law, sellers have to fill out a disclosure form covering what they know about the property’s condition. That includes the roof, plumbing, electrical, foundation, and any known environmental issues. Cash buyers read the disclosure and work with the property as is. You don’t need to fix anything before closing.
An attorney handles the closing
Illinois requires a licensed attorney to handle the residential closing process. Both sides typically have their own. Most Illinois real estate contracts include a 5-business-day window immediately after signing, during which either side’s attorney can request changes or walk away. Your cash home buyer will work with a closing attorney and coordinate everything on your behalf.
Chicago’s transfer tax
Chicago has one of the most layered real estate transfer taxes in the country. Illinois charges $0.50 per $500 of the sale price ($1 per $1,000), and Cook County adds another $0.25 per $500. The city of Chicago’s own tax is $5.25 per $500, over ten times the state rate, split between the buyer and seller. On a $340,000 home, that adds up to roughly $2,890 in combined transfer taxes. Your cash home buyer can walk you through the exact amount that applies to your address.
Property tax credit at closing
Cook County property taxes are some of the highest in Illinois, and the bill for the current year doesn’t arrive until the following year. At closing, you’ll owe the buyer a credit for the months you owned the home in the current tax year. In Cook County, that credit can run several thousand dollars depending on your tax bill. Cash buyers understand how it works and build it into the process from the start.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to fix my house before selling to a cash buyer in Chicago?
I have a two-flat. Can I sell it to a cash buyer?
Yes. Cash home buyers can purchase two-flats and other multi-unit properties. Traditional buyers who need a mortgage sometimes have trouble financing these homes. A cash buyer doesn’t have those limitations.
How quickly can I close on my Chicago house?
Cash sales typically move faster than traditional sales because there is no lender approval process or appraisal involved. We’ll work on matching you with a buyer who can fit your timeline.
What is the Chicago transfer tax, and who pays it?
Chicago has a multi-layered transfer tax. Illinois, Cook County, and the city of Chicago each charge their own amount. Sellers typically pay most of it at closing. Your cash home buyer can walk you through the exact total for your address so there are no surprises.
Do I need an attorney to sell my house in Chicago?
Yes. Illinois law requires a licensed attorney to handle residential closings. Your cash home buyer will work with a closing attorney and coordinate the process on your behalf.
My condo building is going through a deconversion. Can I sell to a cash buyer instead?
Yes. Whether you want to sell before a deconversion vote happens or you’re dealing with the aftermath of one, a cash home buyer can make you an offer on your own timeline, without waiting for the building-wide process.
