Expert: Dick Dennis - 6/19/2006

Question
We are selling our house by owner, and a couple in England has contacted us.  Their friends came through the house and took pictures for them, and they would like to make an offer, contingent upon the wife viewing the house on July 1, 2006, whch we have no problem with.  We have sold/bought by owner before, but never with anyone from another country.  Are there any risks to this, or do we need to include any additional provisions in the contract to protect ourselves?  We are in Illinois.  Thanks!

Answer
The property is in Illinois, Stacia. Anybody who buys property in Illinois must abide by the purchase laws of Illinois. The couple in England will have to sign their papers, purchase and closing and have their signatures notarized and their monies must be paid to you in Illinois. Since you do not have a Realtor to guide you, I strongly suggest you hire a REAL ESTATE attorney to make sure this goes through properly. There are too many new laws and rules for the seller to take care of the sale by himself.

I do wish you well.

Dick Dennis            dixiedee13@aol.com