Preparing a vacant Illinois home for a sale and a final walkthrough

Mandatory Legal Disclosures for Vacant Properties

In Illinois, the Residential Real Property Disclosure Act mandates that sellers of 1-to-4 unit residential properties provide a written disclosure report to buyers before signing a contract. A vacant status does not exempt you from this duty.

You are required to disclose material defects within your actual knowledge. If you have moved out, assess the property for any conditions that significantly impair safety or property value. You are not obligated to perform new investigations, but existing knowledge must be truthfully reported.

Addressing Federal Lead-Based Paint Requirements

For homes built before 1978, federal law requires you to disclose known lead-based paint hazards. Provide all available reports or records to the buyer.

Buyers retain a 10-day window to conduct lead inspections unless mutually waived. Even if the home is currently vacant, you must ensure all disclosures are delivered and acknowledged prior to the contract becoming binding.

Radon Awareness and Property Maintenance

Illinois law requires providing the IEMA-OHS radon pamphlet and disclosure form. If you possess information regarding previous radon testing or mitigation, this must be disclosed.

Professional testing should be conducted by IEMA-OHS licensed individuals. As a vacant seller, document any prior mitigation work performed during your ownership to support your disclosure accuracy.

Professional Listing and Showing Strategies

Using a service like SQFT IO, you can select listing plans that provide 24/7 showing services even when you are not on-site. This ensures that unrepresented buyers or those with agents can tour the property efficiently.

Maintain the property's condition for the final walkthrough by keeping utilities active and the home secure. A clean, well-maintained vacant home minimizes the likelihood of contract issues arising from unexpected property defects found near closing.

Decision Worksheet: Vacant Home Checklist

Review your property status using this worksheet: 1) Does your disclosure report reflect currently known material defects? 2) Have you provided the IEMA-OHS radon pamphlet? 3) Is your lead-based paint disclosure signed by the buyer? 4) Are utilities active for inspections? 5) Have you confirmed with your broker if you or the agent will oversee final walkthrough access?