Your offer was just accepted. Now what? In Illinois, the next few days matter. You’ll hear about attorney review and inspections, and both come with deadlines that can shape your purchase. It can feel fast, especially in DuPage County where schedules fill quickly and homes often have mid‑century systems to evaluate. This guide explains how attorney review works in Illinois, how it pairs with inspections in Wheaton, and what you can do to stay on track. Let’s dive in.

What attorney review means in Illinois

In Illinois, attorney review is created by the contract, not by state law. Most local residential forms include an attorney‑approval clause or an addendum when requested. That clause spells out how long the attorneys have to review, how they can propose changes, and whether either side can cancel if they do not agree within the window.

Because your rights come from the specific contract you sign, you should confirm the exact terms with your agent and your attorney on day one. Pay attention to how many business days you have, how notice must be delivered, and whether an attorney’s disapproval can cancel the deal.

What your attorney does for you

During the review period, your attorney will:

• Verify price, included fixtures, contingency dates, and any addenda.
• Flag ambiguous or risky clauses and propose fixes or clarifications.
• Advise on title, surveys, easements, and known legal issues.
• Coordinate with your inspector if findings have legal implications, such as unpermitted work or boundary concerns.

Common outcomes are simple approval, approval with amendments, or disapproval if the parties cannot agree within the period your contract allows.

Typical timelines in Wheaton and DuPage

Every contract can differ, but here are common ranges seen across Wheaton and the western suburbs:

• Attorney review period: often 1–5 business days. Two business days is common when an attorney‑approval addendum is used, but your contract controls.
• Inspection period: often 3–10 business days from acceptance. Five business days is a common midpoint locally.
• Seller response to repair requests: often 24–72 hours after receiving your request, depending on your contract.
• Financing and appraisal deadlines: follow your lender’s schedule and any contract dates. They usually run independent of attorney review and inspections.

How review and inspections work together

Attorney review and inspections can run at the same time or back‑to‑back. Many buyers start both immediately to keep the process moving. That way, your attorney addresses legal terms while your inspector evaluates the home.

If your attorney proposes changes to contingency language or deadlines, it can affect inspection timing and termination rights. Align with your attorney before waiving or modifying any inspection rights. Deadlines rule everything, so use calendar alerts and confirm how notices must be delivered.

A practical week‑one timeline

Every deal is unique, but this sample flow is typical in DuPage County. Confirm your actual dates in writing.

• Day 0: Offer accepted; earnest money due per contract.
• Days 0–2: Attorney review window if your clause sets two business days.
• Days 0–5: General home inspection and any specialty tests (radon, sewer scope, termite/WDI, chimney, HVAC).
• Days 5–7: You submit repair or credit requests; seller replies within the agreed response period.
• Days 7–14: You negotiate repairs, credits, or a price change. If you cannot agree and your inspection contingency allows it, you may have a right to terminate by proper notice within the timeframe.

Inspection basics for DuPage buyers

In Wheaton and nearby towns, many homes were built in the mid‑20th century. Inspectors often focus on roofs, plumbing and electrical systems, and basements or masonry. Radon testing is commonly recommended in our region. Depending on the property, buyers also order termite/WDI inspections, sewer scopes, chimney inspections, well or septic tests, and HVAC diagnostics.

To keep your inspection productive:

• Schedule quickly. Inspectors book out during busy seasons, which can influence how long of an inspection window you negotiate.
• Be present if possible. You’ll learn more by walking through with the inspector.
• Ask for a clear, prioritized summary in the written report.

How repair negotiations usually work

Once you receive the report, you typically share a concise list of requests. Common routes include seller‑completed repairs, credits at closing, or a price adjustment that reflects expected repair costs. In some cases, parties agree to splits or to seller repairs by a licensed contractor with receipts.

For bigger issues, like unsafe electrical conditions, requests can be more intensive and may meet resistance. Your leverage depends on the contract language, market conditions, and both parties’ willingness to compromise.

If you cannot reach agreement within the inspection timeline and your contingency allows, you may be able to cancel and receive your deposit back. That right only applies if your contract grants it and you follow the notice procedures as written.

Local factors to check in Wheaton

A few items come up often in Wheaton and the surrounding DuPage communities:

• Permits and municipal inspections. Many renovations and additions require permits. Ask for proof of permits and final inspections for major work. Your attorney may request records as part of review, and you can check municipal permitting history through the City’s Building & Zoning Division.
• Basements and drainage. Grading, downspouts, sump pumps, and waterproofing are common inspection topics in our area.
• Electrical systems in older homes. Pre‑1950s properties can have older wiring or outdated panels. Your inspector will advise if upgrades are recommended.
• Title, easements, and restrictions. Some neighborhoods have recorded restrictions or HOA rules. Title review should surface these, and your attorney can explain how they affect your use of the property.
• Property taxes and assessments. DuPage County assessments and tax bills are public record. Review recent assessments, exemptions, and comparable sales to understand future tax liability.

Costs to plan for

Budgets vary, but these ballparks can help you prepare. Always request quotes from local providers.

• General home inspection: roughly $300–$600, depending on size and age.
• Radon test: roughly $100–$200.
• Sewer scope: roughly $150–$400.
• Termite/WDI inspection: $50–$200.
• Attorney review fee: varies by provider. Some use flat fees, others hourly. Confirm scope and billing up front.

Your pre‑offer checklist

Use this list to set yourself up for a smooth first week under contract:

• Get pre‑approved and understand your lender’s appraisal and financing timelines.
• Select an Illinois residential real‑estate attorney and confirm availability.
• Identify your general inspector and any specialty inspectors you may need.
• Ask the listing side for disclosures, recent permits, utility bills, and service records.

What to do right after acceptance

These early steps keep your rights intact:

• Deliver earnest money exactly as your contract instructs.
• Confirm your attorney review deadline and how notices must be sent.
• Schedule inspections immediately.
• Engage your title provider or confirm your attorney is coordinating the title search.

Coordinate your team during review

Keep your attorney looped in on inspection findings that could have legal or contractual impact. If an inspector raises questions about unpermitted work, boundary lines, or shared driveways, your attorney can address those risks in the review process. When you send a repair or credit request, include photos, key findings, and ballpark estimates. This helps both sides move faster.

Common pitfalls to avoid

• Letting a deadline lapse. Set calendar alerts and send notices in writing.
• Relying on a verbal promise. If it matters, it belongs in a written amendment signed by both parties.
• Waiving rights too soon. Do not drop the inspection contingency until your reports are complete and your attorney advises.
• Skipping permit verification. Unpermitted work can create liability and costly fixes later.

The bottom line for Wheaton buyers

Attorney review in Illinois is contract‑driven, and inspection periods are short. Start fast, coordinate with your attorney and inspector, and use the contract timelines to your advantage. With clear communication, a concise repair request, and quick scheduling, you can protect your rights and keep closing on track.

If you want a local advocate to guide you through review, inspections, and negotiation in Wheaton and the western suburbs, connect with Kathryn Pinto. You’ll get neighborhood‑rooted advice, a process‑driven experience, and confident representation from offer to close.

FAQs

What is attorney review in Illinois real estate?

• It is a contract clause that gives attorneys a short window to approve the deal, propose changes, or, if allowed by the clause and within the deadline, disapprove and cancel when the parties cannot agree.

How long is attorney review for Wheaton home purchases?

• Commonly 1–5 business days in local practice, with two business days often used, but your specific contract controls the exact timeline and notice rules.

Do inspections and attorney review happen at the same time?

• They often run concurrently to save time. Coordinate with your attorney, since changes to contingency language can affect inspection rights and deadlines.

What inspections are typical for DuPage County homes?

• A general home inspection plus common add‑ons like radon testing, termite/WDI, sewer scope for older homes, chimney checks, and HVAC diagnostics based on the property.

What if the seller refuses my repair requests after inspection?

• You can negotiate repairs, credits, or price adjustments. If no agreement is reached, your contract’s inspection contingency may let you cancel and keep your deposit if you follow the notice rules and deadlines.

Should I worry about permits for past renovations in Wheaton?

• Yes. Ask for proof of permits and final inspections for major work. Your attorney can request records, and you can check municipal permitting history through the City’s Building & Zoning resources.

What are typical inspection and legal costs for buyers?

• Expect roughly $300–$600 for a general inspection, $100–$200 for radon, $150–$400 for a sewer scope, $50–$200 for termite/WDI, and a variable attorney fee depending on provider and scope.