The State of Wire Fraud in the Real Estate Industry

This program will discuss the intricacies of the Chicago Zoning Ordinance and its implications on the real estate transactions in the City of Chicago. The webinar will provide (1) an overview of why and when a zoning inquiry and analysis is necessary and beneficial for your real estate clients; (2) how to efficiently and effectively perform zoning due diligence and obtain necessary zoning information about a property; (3) what types of zoning relief are available and authorized by the Ordinance, and how to apply for such relief from the requirements of the Zoning Code; (4) the program will also touch on the following select recent changes to the Chicago Zoning Ordinance that may affect clients who own or develop real estate in the City of Chicago: the Additional Dwelling Unit Ordinance, Pilsen Preservation District Ordinance, Predominance of the Block (606) District Ordinance and the Air Quality Ordinance. The program will provide helpful practice tips and strategies to incorporate the zoning due diligence into your real estate practice. Participants will learn to use the zoning map tool and navigate the zoning ordinance, which will enhance the level of legal services provided to their clients.

Real estate attorneys work with deeds every day. Attorneys for sellers of land prepare deeds for their closings. Attorneys may think that “deeds” are a fairly mundane topic, but Dick Bales hopes to prove otherwise. Dick has put together a comprehensive handout discussing virtually every facet about deeds, including such matters as the Doctrine of After Acquired Title, Dresser Drawer Deeds, Signature by Mark, and Underwriting Wild Deeds. Public Act 102-927 recently amended 765 ILCS 5/8, the statute on special warranty deeds. This new legislation has resulted in some controversy. Dick has attempted to study the issues from all angles, and he hopes to provide some thoughtful commentary on this very topical subject.

Nora Devine, a high-volume property tax appeal attorney, and Bradford Miller, a high-volume real estate closing attorney, share their property tax proration processes and best practices. You will learn the broad mechanics of property tax payments in Illinois and best practices for the common pitfalls at the closing table. The presenters have included worksheets and forms in the materials that you can utilize in your real estate closing practice.