The Two-Flat
Existing leases, security deposits and the RLTO move with the building. Rent rolls and deposit credits are settled at closing.
Buying with tenants →Chicago Real Estate Attorney Shara Kamal
People.Property.Possibilities.
Counsel for buyers, sellers, owners and investors in Chicago and across Chicagoland, from the first draft of the contract to the recorded deed.
It pays to have good counsel.
Real estate is the center of this practice. Attorney Shara Kamal represents people buying and selling homes, condominiums and investment property across Chicago's neighborhoods and suburbs, and she stays with each matter from attorney review through closing.
She has practiced law since 2003 and has worked in real estate brokerage since 2002, so she reads a transaction from the legal side and the market side at once. Clients get direct access to her, clear explanations and a steady timeline.
2003Practicing law since
2002In real estate brokerage since
77Community areas in the city
6Counties served
Real Estate Law
Real estate matters, from contract to keys
Residential and commercial representation for Chicago property. Start with the real estate law overview or choose a matter below.
- Residential Real EstateHomes, condos, townhomes and two- to four-unit buildings.
- Buyer RepresentationAttorney review, inspection, title and closing for purchasers.
- Seller RepresentationContracts, water certificates, payoffs, deeds and transfer stamps.
- ClosingsSettlement review, title clearance and mail-away closings.
- Commercial Real EstateMixed-use, retail, office and five-plus unit property; commercial leases.
- Condominium & HOAUnit owners and associations; declarations, assessments, disclosures.
- Short Sales & Distressed PropertyLender approvals, properties in foreclosure, as-is and estate sales.
Chicago, Building by Building
Every property type has its own paperwork
A greystone two-flat, a brick bungalow, a lakefront high-rise and a corner storefront close differently. Here is what each one tends to involve.
The Bungalow
Survey, title and inspection. The Chicago water certificate and a property tax proration based on last year's bill.
Buying a home →The High-Rise
Section 22.1 disclosures, reserves, special assessments, leasing rules and move-in requirements.
Condominiums →The Storefront
Zoning, estoppels, commercial leases and ownership structure for mixed-use investors.
Commercial property →The Guide Library
Chicago real estate, explained
Plain-language guides and tools for buyers, sellers and owners. Useful whether or not you're ready to hire an attorney. See all guides.
6 min read
The Attorney Review Period in Illinois
Five business days that shape the rest of a Chicago home purchase.
ToolChicago Transfer Tax Calculator
Estimate city, county and state transfer taxes, and see which side pays each one.
7 min readThe Chicago Closing Timeline
From accepted offer to recorded deed, in the order it actually happens.
5 min readCondo Resale Disclosures in Illinois
What Section 22.1 requires, and what to read closely before you buy.
About the Attorney
Shara Kamal
People. Property. Possibilities.
Attorney Kamal leads Chicagoland Attorneys, LLC, a Chicago practice with a primary emphasis on real estate law. Her work also spans estate planning, probate, business law and the landlord-tenant, violation and association matters that come with owning property in the city.
Related Practice Areas
Property touches everything else
Estates, businesses and rental buildings often lead back to real estate. See all practice areas.
- Estate Planning & Asset ProtectionWills, trusts, transfer on death instruments, land trusts.
- Business LawLLCs, operating agreements, contracts and business purchases.
- Landlord & TenantLeases, the Chicago RLTO, security deposits and evictions.
- Building ViolationsDepartment of Buildings citations, hearings and compliance.
- Probate & Estate AdministrationCook County estates and selling real estate from an estate.
Where We Work
Chicago and Chicagoland
Clients across the city's 77 community areas and in Cook, DuPage, Lake, Will, Kane and McHenry counties. See local requirements by area →
Chicago neighborhoods, including
- Lincoln Park
- Lakeview
- Gold Coast
- Streeterville
- River North
- West Loop
- South Loop
- Hyde Park
- Kenwood
- Bronzeville
- Logan Square
- Bucktown
- Wicker Park
- Andersonville
- Edgewater
- Rogers Park
- Beverly
- Bridgeport
- Pilsen
- Jefferson Park
Suburbs, including
- Evanston
- Oak Park
- Skokie
- Wilmette
- Park Ridge
- Oak Brook
- Naperville
- Schaumburg
- Orland Park
- Downers Grove
- Arlington Heights
- Highland Park
Client Reviews
In our clients' words
Buyers, sellers and investors have shared their experiences working with Attorney Kamal. Read the reviews where they were written.
Frequently Asked
Working with a Chicago real estate lawyer
What does a Chicago real estate attorney do?
A real estate attorney reviews and negotiates the purchase contract during attorney review, handles inspection requests, reviews title and survey, coordinates with the lender and title company, and represents you at closing. For commercial property, the attorney also leads due diligence and negotiates leases and financing terms.
How soon should I contact an attorney after my offer is accepted?
Right away. The attorney review period in the Chicago-area standard contract is five business days from the date of acceptance.
Do you represent clients outside the City of Chicago?
Yes. Clients throughout Cook, DuPage, Lake, Will, Kane and McHenry counties are welcome.
How do I schedule a consultation?
Call (312) 809-9766 during office hours, call the 24-hour scheduling line at (872) 326-9600 any time, or use the consultation request form. Consultations can be arranged by phone, video or in person.
Subscribe
Weekly Chicagoland market insights
A short email every Monday morning from Attorney Shara Kamal: what moved in the Chicagoland real estate market that week, from mortgage rates and property taxes to new rules and practical tips for buyers, sellers and owners.
It pays to have good counsel.
Talk through your purchase, sale or property question with Attorney Shara Kamal. Consultations by phone, video or in person.
Scheduling after hours? Call our 24-hour line: (872) 326-9600
SHARAKAMAL.COM