Joliet, IL real estate: buy or sell with a local AXEN agent
In Joliet the seller buys the city transfer stamp, and the city wants a water and lien letter at least 4 business days before closing. Most of Joliet is in Will County, but part reaches into Kendall, and that changes your assessor and your homestead break. Rentals here have to be registered with the city.
What are the popular neighborhoods in Joliet?
Popular Joliet neighborhoods include Downtown Joliet, Cathedral Area, Upper Bluff, West side, Route 59 corridor and Kendall County side. Each one prices differently, so ask your agent for recent sales in the ones you like.
Also near Joliet:
What should you know before buying a home in Joliet?
In Joliet the seller pays the city stamp, not the buyer. Check if the home is in Will or Kendall County, since the homestead break is smaller in Kendall. Rentals must be registered, and city landmarks need an OK for outside work.
The rules that apply everywhere in Illinois are on the Illinois page. These are the Joliet details that trip people up.
Get pre-approved →- The seller pays the city stamp. Joliet charges $3.00 for each $1,000 of price. The seller buys it. It only applies inside city limits. Check the address on the city's map or with the Will County assessor.
- Check the county first. Joliet is the Will County seat, but part of the city is in Kendall County. Each county has its own assessor, tax bill and appeal dates.
- The homestead break changes at the Kendall line. Illinois caps the general homestead exemption at $8,000 in Will, because it touches Cook County. Kendall does not touch Cook, so its cap is $6,000.
- Rentals get registered and inspected. Joliet runs a Rental Inspection Program. Owners file a registration form, an inspection consent form and a crime free lease addendum. Plan for this before you buy to rent.
- Landmarks need an OK before a permit. On a city landmark, exterior work needs a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Commission before you can apply for a building permit. Inside work does not.
What should you do before selling a home in Joliet?
Before you sell in Joliet, get the Water/Lien Letter to the city at least 4 business days before closing. Bring the declaration form, deed and PTAX form. The seller pays $3.00 for each $1,000 of price.
Send the Water/Lien Letter 4 business days out.
The city must get it at least 4 business days before closing. Later forms may not be done in time.
Bring the full packet.
The stamp needs the city declaration form, the deed, the PTAX form and the Water/Lien Letter. A never-lived-in new build also needs the Residential Disclosure Form.
Exempt deeds need the original.
Exempt stamps are free, but the deed has to be signed and notarized. The city does not take a copy for an exempt deed.
Joliet real estate questions
Who pays the Joliet transfer tax?
The seller. Joliet charges $3.00 for each $1,000 of price on homes inside city limits. The state and county stamps are separate.
How early do I need the water and lien letter?
The city has to receive it at least 4 business days before closing. Send it as soon as the closing date is set.
Is Joliet in Will County or Kendall County?
Both. Most of the city is in Will County, and part reaches into Kendall. Your county sets who assesses the home, who sends the bill and when you can appeal.
Do I have to register a Joliet rental?
Yes. Joliet's Rental Inspection Program asks owners for a registration form, an inspection consent form and a crime free lease addendum. Fees are set in the city code.
Can I change the outside of a historic Joliet home?
On a designated landmark, exterior work needs a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Commission first. You cannot apply for the building permit until it is approved. Inside work does not need it.
Buying or selling in Joliet? Talk to a local agent.
An AXEN agent who works in Joliet answers your questions for free. No cost to talk. No pressure to sign anything.