Selling Land in Chicago: What Documents Should You Gather First?

“I own a lot in Chicago. A buyer is interested. What papers should I have ready?”

Selling land in Chicago starts with clear facts. Buyers want to know what is included in the sale. They also need to check whether the lot fits their plans.

First, gather the papers you already have. Then make a list of what is missing. You can decide what needs updating before paying for new reports.

Start With Your Deed, Tax Bills, and Survey

First, find your deed, recent tax bills, and any survey you have.

Next, list each Property Index Number, or PIN, included in the sale. You can find this number on your property tax bill.

If you are selling more than one parcel, gather the papers for each one. Your attorney or title company should check who owns the land and the legal description.

Also, check the date of your survey. An old survey may help you get started. However, ask a licensed surveyor whether it needs updating.

Gather Zoning Records, Plans, and Permits

Next, find any zoning records, plans, permits, or written approvals you have.

The City of Chicago’s zoning map is a place to start. It shows the zoning listed for the site.

However, zoning alone does not confirm that a buyer’s project can move forward. An architect, zoning attorney, or city staff should review that question.

Also, keep old plans and permits together. Before using them to market the lot, ask the issuing department and the professionals involved to confirm their current status.

Check What Else Is in Your Files

Then look for any soil, environmental, drainage, or utility reports you already have.

Also, gather records about past uses of the land. Include papers about access or shared driveways, if these apply.

These records can help buyers decide what else to check. However, the reports they need will depend on the site and their plans.

Before ordering new reports, discuss which ones would help prepare the lot for sale.

Make a Plan for Selling Land in Chicago

Finally, turn these facts into a selling plan.

I help organize the records, identify open questions, compare land sales, and present the property to buyers.

My previous work as a Legal Associate included support for zoning and development matters. This helps me recognize questions that need review by the right professionals.

Your attorney, surveyor, architect, or engineer handles matters within their field.

Thinking about selling land in Chicago? Contact me with the address and papers you have. Let’s work through the next steps and make a practical selling plan.

Natalie Novikova
Illinois Licensed Real Estate Broker
CENTURY 21 Circle

Read next: Should You Sell Your Chicago Property to a Homebuyer or a Developer?

Official resources: Cook County Assessor: Where to Find Your PIN · City of Chicago: Permit Application Status