When you’re preparing to sell a home in the Chicagoland area, it’s natural to focus on the sale price. But as we often remind our clients, the number that truly matters is your net proceeds—what you walk away with after all expenses are paid. One of the biggest pieces of that puzzle is your closing costs.
At Bradford Miller Law, we know how overwhelming it can feel to estimate these costs on your own, especially with local, county, and state transfer taxes in the mix. That’s exactly why we created our Closing Cost Calculator for Chicagoland Sellers—a tool designed to help you understand your potential costs before you even list your home.
What Closing Costs Really Include for Sellers
When we talk to sellers, we explain that closing costs are simply the expenses you pay to transfer ownership of your property to the buyer. These aren’t just title fees—they include any charges necessary to finalize the transaction.
Most sellers in the Chicagoland area can expect their closing costs to include:
- Real estate agent commissions – Typically around 4–6% of the sale price
- Property tax credit to the buyer – Because county property taxes are paid a year in arrears, you’re usually crediting the buyer for at least last year’s unpaid taxes
- Title-related fees – Title insurance, closing fees, administrative charges
- Transfer taxes – State, county, and local transfer taxes
- Municipal requirements – Water certificate fees, zoning certificates (Chicago), surveys for single-family homes, and other location-specific items
In most cases, sellers in our area end up paying roughly 8–9% of their sale price in total closing costs when a standard agent commission is included. For example, if you sell for $400,000, that typically translates to around $32,000–$36,000 in total selling expenses but it all depends on the specific property.
Why Closing Costs Are Higher in Chicago
Chicagoland is unique when it comes to closing costs, and we walk our clients through this every day. Several local factors add to the total:
Multiple Levels of Transfer Taxes
You may owe transfer taxes to the State of Illinois, Cook County, and—if you’re selling within city limits—the City of Chicago.
City of Chicago Requirements
Selling in Chicago often includes additional items such as:
- Water and zoning certificates and
- Survey costs
County Property Tax System
Because taxes are paid a year behind, the tax credit you give the buyer is often one of the largest closing cost items. Many sellers don’t expect this part, so we make sure to help you plan for it properly.
How Our Closing Cost Calculator Helps You Plan Ahead
We built our Closing Cost Calculator for Sellers specifically for people selling in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. Unlike generic online calculators, ours reflects the actual tax structure, municipal requirements, and closing fees that apply to your property.
With our calculator, you can enter:
- Estimated sale price
- Remaining mortgage balance
- Any additional liens
- Your property type
- Realtor commission percentage
- Your annual property tax amount
- Chicago-specific fees and transfer taxes
Once you enter your information, the calculator provides:
- Your estimated total closing costs
- Your estimated net proceeds, after expenses and mortgage payoff
You can also choose to have your estimate emailed to you so you can save it, compare different sale scenarios, or discuss it with an agent or attorney.
If you’re adding this blog to your website, you can link our tool here:
Bradford Miller Law’s Closing Cost Calculator for Sellers
https://www.bradfordmillerlaw.com/closing-cost-calculator/
Smart Ways to Use the Calculator Before You List
Our clients use the calculator in several helpful ways:
1. Setting a Realistic Minimum Sale Price
Knowing your estimated net proceeds helps you understand the lowest offer you can comfortably accept.
2. Comparing Commission Options
Changing even 1% of the realtor commission can significantly impact your bottom line. Our calculator helps you see how.
3. Understanding Your Tax Impact
Because property taxes and transfer taxes play a big role in Chicago closings, the calculator gives you a clearer picture of their impact.
4. Planning Your Next Move
Whether you’re purchasing a new home, downsizing, or relocating, knowing your estimated net proceeds helps you budget confidently.
Why Partner With Us on Your Closing
Numbers are powerful—but real guidance is priceless. At Bradford Miller Law, we help sellers throughout Chicago and the suburbs:
- Review and negotiate contract terms
- Ensure title and transfer tax charges are calculated correctly
- Coordinate with your realtor, buyer’s attorney, and title company
- Prevent surprises by addressing issues early
Our goal is simple: to protect your best interests and help you close smoothly, confidently, and with no last-minute surprises.
Ready to Estimate Your Chicagoland Closing Costs?
Before you list your home, take a few minutes to use our Closing Cost Calculator for Sellers. It’s one of the best ways to understand what you can expect to walk away with at closing.
After you run your numbers, connect with us for a consultation. We’re here to answer your questions, review your estimate, and guide you through every step of the selling process.
At Bradford Miller Law, we’re committed to giving Chicagoland home sellers the clarity—and confidence—they deserve. Let’s make your next move a smooth one.