Key Points
Applications can be submitted in person at Village Hall, by US mail, or online to [email protected]. Searches can be requested by phone or email.
- The Village typically processes applications for transfer stamps within two business days. Expedited transactions are typically processed within three hours for a fee of $100.
- The cost for the stamps is $3.00 per $1,000 (or any fraction thereof) of the selling price. For example, if the sales price for the property is $200,900 the cost for the transfer stamp is $603.00 The cost for an exempt stamp is still $25.00.
- Before the stamp can be issued, the Village will conduct searches to determine if there are any outstanding fines, fees and other charges owed by the owner or residents of the property or associated with the property. Sellers are encouraged to initiate the search two weeks before the stamp is to be issued, to allow sufficient time to resolve any concerns regarding the search.
- The final water reading is taken the day the stamp is issued. After the final water reading is taken, the buyer or new owner is responsible for all future water billing.
- When the search is completed and all obligations owed to the Village are paid, the stamp can be mailed or picked-up at Village Hall.
Transfer Stamp Purchase Procedure
When to Apply:
Before a deed for the sale or transfer of real estate within the Village of Morton Grove can be recorded, the seller or owner of the real estate must purchase a Village transfer stamp. Applications for transfer stamps can be submitted no sooner than two weeks and no later than 2 business days before the stamp is to be issued. The Village typically processes applications for transfer stamps within two business days. Early submissions are preferred to allow sufficient time to resolve any concerns regarding the search. A search can be requested before the application is submitted.
Ways to Submit Applications and/or Initiate Searches:
- Via Phone: Call 847-663-3038 to initiate a search. Once the search is completed, a Village representative will call the applicant to confirm any outstanding obligations due. The final water reading is taken the day the stamp is issued, but an estimate can be provided in advance. After the final water reading is taken, the buyer or new owner is responsible for all future water billing. The Village of Morton Grove Real Estate Transfer Declaration form must be submitted with all required payments before or when the stamp is issued. Payment for the stamp and all outstanding obligations can be made in person or via mail to: Finance Department, Village of Morton Grove, 6101 Capulina Avenue, Morton Grove, IL. 60053. All payments must be paid before the stamp is issued.
- Via email to [email protected] to initiate a search and/or submit the application. Once the search is completed, a Village representative will email the applicant to confirm any outstanding obligation due. The final water reading is taken the day the stamp is issued, but an estimate can be provided in advance. After the final water reading is taken, the buyer or new owner is responsible for all future water billing. The Village of Morton Grove Real Estate Transfer Declaration form must be submitted with all required payments before the stamp is issued. Payment for the stamp and all outstanding obligations can be made in person or via mail to: Finance Department, Village of Morton Grove, 6101 Capulina Avenue, Morton Grove, IL. 60053. All payments must be paid before the stamp is issued.
- Via US mail. Stamps can also be purchased through the mail. If all required documents are included and properly completed, and all outstanding obligations have been paid, and the applicant includes a self-addressed stamped return envelope, the stamp will be mailed to the applicant. Applications and payments should be mailed to:
Village of Morton Grove
Attention Finance Department
6101 Capulina Ave.
Morton Grove, IL 60053
- In person. Searches can be initiated and applications can be submitted in person at the Finance Department service window at Village Hall, 6101 Capulina Avenue, Morton Grove, IL during regular business hours; Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- If the search was ordered and completed in advance, the application and all required documents are properly filled out and submitted, and the cost of the stamp and all required obligations are paid, the stamp will be issued.
- If the search was not ordered and completed in advance, the searches will be completed within two-business days. Once the search is completed, the application and all required documents are properly filled out and submitted, and the cost of the stamp and all required obligations are paid, the stamp will be issued.
- Expedited Service. For an additional fee of $100.00, the search can be completed in approximately three hours. Once the search is completed, the application and all required documents are properly filled out and submitted, and the cost of the stamp and all required obligations are paid, the stamp will be issued. If the obligations owed to the Village cannot be determined within three hours, the Village may require the applicant to establish an escrow in order to obtain the stamps. The amount of the escrow shall be determined by the Village Administrator or his designee.
Documents to be included with Application:
- Village of Morton Grove Real Estate Transfer Declaration Form. The application is attached to these instructions and is also available at Village Hall or online at http://www.mortongroveil.org/government/departments-and-services/finance/
- If the property is being sold, the completed state of Illinois transfer declaration, (PTAX, MYDEC, or the EZDEC). The MYDEC form is filed online, but can be printed as well.
- A copy of the sales agreement;
- A copy of the deed/document that is being recorded;
- For exempt stamps (see section on exempt stamps below), the original fully executed Deed must be submitted, and the deed must include the statutory exempt provision signed by the grantor.
Payment Methods:
Payment for the stamp and any outstanding obligations can be made by cash, cashier's check, MC, Visa, Discover, or Attorney's Check. Personal checks including real estate company checks are NOT accepted. Recognized, established Title Company checks are approved on a case-by-case basis. The cost of the stamps, and all outstanding obligations can be paid with the same check. Checks should be made payable to Village of Morton Grove.
Village Search Procedures
Once an application is received or a search is requested the Village will initiate a search to determine whether there are any outstanding fines, fees or other charges owed by a person residing at or having an ownership interest in the property or fines or fees related to the property. The following is a list of most of the obligations which must be paid before transfer stamps will be issued:
- Outstanding garbage fees;
- Outstanding water fees;
- Outstanding vehicle sticker fees owed by the owner or resident of the property;
- Outstanding inspection, permit or license fees associated with the property (building permit, business licenses, etc.) or owed by the owner of the property, or any business located at the property or in which the owner of the property has an interest;
- Outstanding fines including unpaid parking tickets or fees owed by the owner or any resident of the property, any business located at the property, any owner or manager of any business located at the property, or any business in which the owner of the property has an interest;
- Other fines, fees and obligations--This is not an exhaustive list.
If a building on the property is vacant, the Village will not issue transfer stamps unless the property has been registered as vacant, and all requirements of the Village’s vacant building ordinance have been met. These requirements include a Village inspection, proof of insurance, and the maintenance of the property to minimum standards set by the Village. If there are unsatisfactory conditions, the owner and/or prospective purchaser must enter into a compliance agreement and deposit an escrow payment with the Village to assure compliance with Village standards in a timely manner. The Village vacant building ordinance is found in Title 10 Chapter 5 of the Village Code and the vacant building process can be found here.
The Village will also search to determine if there are any pending citations against the owner of the property being sold or associated with the property. These citations must be resolved or an escrow agreement must be signed by the owner or prospective purchaser and an escrow deposit must be made before the stamps will be issued.
Exempt Stamps
Pursuant to Village Code Section 1-10B-5, certain transactions (typically when the property is being retained by the same owners, but title is being changed for estate planning or financing reasons) only require an exempt stamp. The cost of an exempt stamp is $25.00. The process for obtaining an exempt stamp is the same as the process for obtaining a transfer stamp. Exempt stamps cannot be issued until all outstanding fines and fees are paid. The application must include a sworn declaration setting forth basis for the exemption. For a complete list of properties that qualify for exempt stamps, consult the Village Code.