Sell a tax-delinquent house in Chicago, IL

Behind on Chicago property taxes?

Falling behind on property taxes in Chicago — in Avondale and Cicero or any other part of Cook County — is easier than people think, especially here. Illinois's effective property tax rate is about 2.27%. State transfer tax of $0.50 per $500. Cook County adds $0.50 per $500, and Chicago adds another $7.50 per $500. Once taxes go unpaid, the county places a lien on the home, and if it isn't resolved the property can eventually head to a tax sale. The relief most owners don't realize they have is simple: you can sell the house, and the back taxes are settled at closing.

Settling the lien at closing

A tax delinquency is a lien on the property, not something you must pay off up front. When we close, the title company calculates the exact amount owed to Cook County and pays it straight out of the proceeds, so the lien clears and title transfers clean. You don't need to scrape together the back taxes first — the sale itself takes care of them.

Why a cash buyer moves quicker

If a tax-sale date is approaching, speed matters. We buy Chicago houses — and homes throughout the Chicagoland area — as-is, with no repairs and no showings, pay about 70–85% of after-repair value, charge zero fees or commissions, and close in as few as 7 days. That's usually enough runway to close before an auction and walk away with the equity instead of losing the property entirely. From Berwyn, Dolton and Aurora out to the edge of the Chicagoland area, we make offers on Chicago houses in any of them.

What you pay

Requesting a real cash offer within 24 hours is free, and there's no obligation to accept. Because there are zero fees or commissions and the taxes come out of proceeds, you'll see exactly what you net before you sign. We're cash buyers, not tax advisors — run the numbers past your accountant, then close on your schedule if it works for you.