Frequently Asked Questions

In accordance with Ordinance 2020-11 a transfer certificate is required on any change of ownership or possession of residential or commercial buildings.

1. Notify the Building Department at 708-755-1880 ext. 112 at least 2 weeks prior to closing.
2. Complete the Transfer Certificate Application(PDF). This application must be completed if you are selling the property or Transferring ownership to someone else.
3. Review the Inspection Checklist (PDF). The checklist is comprised of the compliance codes that will be reviewed during the inspection. After inspection, owner will be provided with a non-compliance report listing violations.
4. Provide ownership documents and payment to the Building Department to schedule a Compliance Inspection. inspection includes 1st & final and expires in 90 days from initial inspection date. 

It is your responsibility to read through both the Ordinance and Checklist. Should you have any questions please see the Building Department Clerk.

OPTION 1: Fix all violations and close within 90 days of inspection

• You must comply with all violations and close within 90 days of inspection, otherwise you must the process must start all over. 
• Once repairs have been completed you will need to call the Building Department to schedule a final inspection. Once the final inspection “Pass” all violations, the village will issue a Transfer Certificate that you will need to complete the closing of your property (buyer’s name is needed to print on certificate). 
• A final water bill must be paid before certificate is issued.

OPTION 2: Sell the property "as-is"

• In the event you choose to sell the property “As-Is” the potential new owner, buyer or transferee will need to sign a Buyer's Closing Affidavit (PDF) prior to closing. The affidavit holds the buyer responsible to correct all code violations before occupying the property.
• The buyer is responsible to bring property into compliance within 45 days after closing. The property cannot be occupied until all violations are corrected. A Conditional Transfer Certificate is issued for a closing to transfer of ownership. 
• A final water bill must be paid before the certificate is issued and water service will be discontinued on the closing date.

If Selling Property

The CURRENT owner must request a final water bill once all violations are in compliance and there is a closing date scheduled and must be paid prior to closing. Please note: Water services will be disconnected on the same day as scheduled closing. 

After the closing, the new owner must come in to the water department to establish new water service by completing a Water Service Application (PDF) and must provide ownership (copy of deed) along with copy of state issued ID card. Starting water service requires a deposit.

If Selling As-Is

If the property is sold “As-Is,” the CURRENT owner must request a final water bill once a closing date has been scheduled and must be paid prior to closing. Please note: Water services will be disconnected the same day as the scheduled closing.

At this point, the new owner must have a signed Buyer's Closing Affidavit. The new owner must contact the Water Department at (708) 755-1880 to discuss temporary water service options as each situation varies depending on the extent of open violations. A Conditional Transfer Certificate may be granted “temporary water service” as work is being performed but, ONLY after all proper permits are issued. The property cannot be occupied until all violations are corrected.

In accordance with Ordinance 2024-5 a temporary transfer certificate is required on any change of ownership or possession are not an immediate and imminent threat to the health or safety of the owners.  

• Notify the Building Department at 708-755-1880 ext. 112 at least 1 weeks prior to recording deed.
• Complete the Temporary Transfer Certificate Application(PDF). This application must be completed if you are adding or deleting a name from original deed.
• Provide ownership documents and payment to the Building Department to schedule. inspection includes 1st & final and expires in 90 days from initial inspection date.

It is your responsibility to read through both the Ordinance and Checklist. Should you have any questions please see the Building Department Clerk.

You must provide proof of ownership or right to sell property. 

• Government Issued ID
• Property Warranty Deed
• Copy of Trust
• Last Will and Testament and death certificates
• Power of Attorney
• Heir's Affidavit
• Proposed Newly Recorded Warranty Deed