Your offer was just accepted in Geneva. Now what happens before you can call the movers? In Illinois, the next few days matter. Attorney review and inspections start fast, and small timeline mistakes can lead to big delays.

This guide explains what attorney review means in Illinois, how it differs from inspections, what timelines to expect in Geneva, and how to keep your purchase on track. You’ll also see common inspection items and what outcomes are likely after negotiations. Let’s dive in.

Attorney review explained

Attorney review is a short window built into many Illinois residential purchase contracts. During this period, your attorney reviews the signed agreement and can approve it, propose changes, or recommend terminating the contract without penalty within the stated window.

In practice, standard forms commonly used across Illinois include this clause. While language can vary, the purpose is the same: give both sides’ attorneys a chance to confirm the legal terms, clarify deadlines, and address risk before you commit to moving forward.

If attorney review ends without objection, the contract becomes binding, subject to other contingencies like inspection, financing, title, and appraisal. Attorney review is not the same as the inspection period. It focuses on legal terms, not the home’s physical condition.

What your attorney does

• Reviews the contract for accuracy, deadlines, and risk allocation.
• Confirms details like earnest money handling, contingencies, and closing timing.
• Issues approvals or proposes amendments in writing during the review period.
• Advises you if the contract should be voided within the allowed window.

What can happen during review

• No objections are raised and the contract proceeds.
• Your attorney proposes amendments or clarifications for both sides to sign.
• Either party’s attorney voids the contract within the review window. Earnest money is typically returned according to the contract.

Timeline in Geneva: days 0–45

Exact dates are set by your specific contract. Here is what buyers in Geneva and surrounding Kane County suburbs commonly see in practice.

• Attorney review period: often 5 business days from mutual acceptance. This can be shortened, extended, or waived by agreement.
• Inspection period: often 7 to 15 calendar days or 10 business days. This can run at the same time as attorney review or follow it, depending on your contract.
• Financing commitment: commonly 21 to 30 days to secure your loan approval.
• Appraisal contingency: often tied to financing or set at 10 to 21 days.
• Typical closing window: many transactions close in 30 to 45 days, depending on terms and lender timelines.

Sample sequence buyers experience

1. Day 0: Offer is accepted and both parties sign. You deliver earnest money as required.
2. Days 0–5: Your attorney reviews the contract and raises any written objections or amendments.
3. Days 1–10: You complete inspections within the inspection window.
4. By inspection deadline: You either accept the home as is, request repairs or credits, or terminate per the inspection contingency.
5. By financing deadlines: You finalize loan approval and appraisal while attorneys resolve any contract amendments.

Tip: Pay attention to business days versus calendar days. Many contracts use business days for attorney review and calendar days for inspections. Confirm what your contract says so you start the clocks correctly.

Attorney review vs. inspections

It is easy to confuse these two periods, but they serve different purposes.

• Attorney review focuses on the legal agreement. It addresses terms, dates, and risk, and it gives attorneys a limited right to void within the stated window.
• Inspections focus on the home’s condition. You evaluate the property and can make repair or credit requests within the inspection window.

Many buyers run attorney review and inspections at the same time to keep the deal moving. Just be sure your deadlines allow enough time to negotiate both contract terms and inspection items before financing and appraisal dates arrive.

Inspections Geneva buyers schedule

Most buyers in Geneva arrange a core set of inspections tailored to the home’s age, systems, and location.

• General home inspection for roof, structure, foundation, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical.
• Radon testing. Levels vary across Illinois, and testing is recommended.
• Pest inspection for wood-destroying organisms.
• Sewer scope, especially for older homes or if backups have been reported.
• Lead-based paint evaluation for pre-1978 homes.
• Well and septic inspections for properties not on municipal service.
• Chimney and fireplace inspection, if present.

Local checks in Geneva

• Floodplain awareness near the Fox River. Parts of Geneva fall within mapped flood zones. Confirm whether flood insurance is required or recommended for the address you are buying.
• Older and historic homes. Geneva has many older properties. Review permit history to confirm major past work was permitted and closed properly.
• Municipal utilities. Most homes connect to municipal water and sewer, but verify the status of private laterals and any special assessments.
• Property taxes and prorations. Kane County tax schedules and any special assessments influence your closing costs and future obligations.

After inspections: typical outcomes

You have options after you receive inspection results. The right choice depends on the severity of issues, your plans, and the seller’s willingness to cooperate.

• Move forward with no objections. You accept the home as is and proceed toward closing.
• Request repairs or credits. You ask for specific repairs, a closing credit, or a price adjustment. The seller can accept, reject, or counter.
• Seller performs selected repairs. Many sellers agree to safety or major system items. Credits are common if timing or permitting makes repairs impractical before closing.
• Seller declines requests. You can accept the home, continue negotiating, or terminate under the inspection contingency if within the deadline.
• Major defect. If a structural, environmental, or title problem cannot be reasonably resolved, buyers often terminate or negotiate a substantial concession.

What about earnest money?

• If you terminate within attorney review or a valid contingency like inspection or financing, earnest money is typically refundable as written in your contract.
• If you try to cancel outside those allowed rights or you miss a deadline, the seller may claim the earnest money. Disputes are handled based on the contract terms and may require the title company’s procedures or legal guidance.

How to avoid delays

A smooth Geneva purchase comes down to preparation, clear timelines, and quick follow-through.

Before you make an offer

• Retain a local real estate attorney familiar with Kane County closings.
• Line up a licensed home inspector who can test for radon and schedule a sewer scope if needed.
• Get a mortgage pre-approval or proof of funds ready.
• Ask for seller disclosures early and review them closely.

Right after acceptance

• Deliver earnest money promptly and keep proof of payment.
• Confirm each deadline in writing and note whether it uses business or calendar days.
• Schedule all inspections immediately so you have time to negotiate results.
• Send the signed contract to your attorney right away.

During review and inspections

• Run attorney review and inspections concurrently if your contract allows, so you do not stack delays.
• If issues arise, submit a clear written inspection request with repairs or credits and a response deadline.
• Keep communication open among your agent, attorney, lender, title company, and the seller’s side.

Preparing for closing

• Order title work and review exceptions early so you can clear any issues.
• If the home is in a flood zone or a special assessment district, confirm insurance and costs immediately.
• Respond quickly to lender conditions and provide documents on time.

Red flags to watch

• Miscounted deadlines. Double-check business versus calendar days to avoid missing rights to object.
• Appraisal or financing hurdles. Stay in close touch with your lender and be ready to address any value gaps.
• Unresolved title or municipal liens. Early title review prevents last-minute surprises.
• Scheduling gaps. Have backup inspectors or attorneys in case someone is unavailable.

Who to have on your team

• A real estate attorney who regularly closes transactions in Kane County and understands Geneva’s municipal processes.
• A licensed home inspector who knows the local housing stock and offers radon and sewer scope options.
• A lender familiar with Illinois underwriting and appraisal timing.
• A title company experienced with Kane County records and tax schedules.

Bringing it all together

In Illinois, attorney review gives you a short legal window to confirm your contract terms, while the inspection period lets you evaluate the home’s condition. In Geneva, expect about 5 business days for attorney review, 7 to 15 days for inspections, and 30 to 45 days to close, depending on your contract and lender. The best way to stay on track is to hire your attorney and inspector before you write, schedule fast, and keep deadlines front and center.

If you want a local guide who coordinates the moving parts and advocates for your interests from offer to close, connect with Kathryn Pinto. Kathryn blends neighborhood expertise with clear process and strong negotiation to help you buy with confidence in Geneva and the western suburbs.

FAQs

How long is attorney review in Illinois home purchases?

• Many contracts use 5 business days from acceptance, but the exact period is negotiable and set in your signed agreement.

Is attorney review the same as the inspection period in Geneva?

• No. Attorney review is a legal review of the contract terms, while the inspection period evaluates the property’s condition and leads to repair or credit requests.

Can I cancel during attorney review and keep my earnest money?

• If your attorney voids the contract within the review window according to the clause, the earnest money is typically refundable under the contract terms.

What inspections are common for Geneva homes near the Fox River?

• General, radon, pest, and sewer scope are common; floodplain status and insurance requirements should be checked for properties near the river.

Do Illinois contracts use business or calendar days for deadlines?

• Many use business days for attorney review and calendar days for inspections, but you must follow what your specific contract states.

What happens if the seller refuses my repair requests after inspection?

• You can accept the home, keep negotiating, or terminate under the inspection contingency if you are within your deadline and your contract allows it.