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Real estate issues can be deceptively complex. From contract disputes and title defects to zoning conflicts and boundary disagreements, these challenges can stall transactions, disrupt developments, or expose property owners to unexpected liability. Whether you’re buying, selling, leasing, or developing property, it’s essential to have clarity before problems escalate—and that means understanding your rights and obligations under the law.

Working with an experienced real estate attorney helps ensure that every detail of your transaction or dispute is handled correctly. Legal counsel can identify red flags in contracts, negotiate favorable terms, and resolve conflicts before they become costly. In high-stakes scenarios—like commercial purchases, development projects, or property litigation—having a lawyer with business, tax, and real estate experience gives you a strategic advantage.

At Anthony J. Madonia & Associates, Ltd., we offer comprehensive real estate legal services backed by decades of experience in property law, corproate transactions, and tax strategy. Whether you’re addressing a title issue, negotiating a lease, or structuring a complex commercial deal, we bring clarity, precision, and advocacy to protect your interests. Contact us today to see how our team can support your real estate goals.

Resolving Common Real Estate Disputes

Real estate conflicts can arise quickly when expectations between parties diverge. Whether you’re dealing with a disputed boundary, an unrecorded easement, or a broken purchase agreement, the consequences may delay a transaction or reduce a property’s marketability. This is where legal clarity becomes essential.

Our Chicago real estate lawyers can step in early to identify exposure, interpret contracts, and file or defend litigation when necessary. These legal interventions help protect your rights while avoiding drawn-out proceedings.

For example, parties often disagree over timelines, financing obligations, or condition disclosures in breach of contract cases. If litigation is necessary, an attorney helps gather the evidence to prove the breach and claim monetary damages or specific performance.

Addressing Title Issues and Ownership Claims

Title disputes remain a top reason for failed closings and post-sale litigation. These may involve forged signatures, recording errors, boundary encroachments, or competing claims of ownership.

A real estate attorney is crucial in resolving title issues. This might include pursuing quiet title actions, clearing lien discrepancies, or negotiating title insurance claims. The goal is to establish a clear, marketable title so you can buy or sell with confidence. We also coordinate with surveyors and title professionals to verify boundary accuracy, which can be especially important for developers and property investors in the Chicago market.

We’ve also seen cases where a clouded title delayed development for months—something that could have been avoided with early legal review. Working with our Chicago real estate lawyers at the contract stage helps prevent these surprises.

Legal Oversight in Commercial Transactions

Commercial real estate involves more variables than residential deals—more extended contracts, lease obligations, financing layers, and complex contingencies. A missed clause or poorly drafted agreement can result in expensive litigation or lost value.

Our firm assists clients throughout the commercial transaction process. We draft and review purchase agreements, negotiate lease terms, coordinate with lenders, and verify zoning compliance. We also structure transactions involving investment groups or multi-tenant properties, ensuring your legal and business interests align. These services are especially essential for buyers entering the Chicago market for the first time, where local ordinances and building regulations vary by neighborhood.

Additional concerns arise in mixed-use or redevelopment projects around easements, utility access, and environmental restrictions. An attorney ensures these are addressed up front, reducing costly delays later.

Zoning and Land Use Representation

Zoning ordinances determine what you can build and how a property may be used. When your intended use doesn’t conform to local zoning rules, you must seek approval through a variance, special use permit, or zoning change.

We represent clients before municipal zoning boards, planning commissions, and city councils. Our attorneys prepare presentation materials, gather supporting data, and advocate for land use entitlements. We’ve helped businesses secure rezoning for expansion, homeowners add accessory structures, and developers overcome density restrictions. For clients who already own property but face retroactive enforcement issues, we can help appeal decisions or present compliance plans to avoid penalties.

With increasing regulation across the greater Chicago area, having a Chicago real estate lawyer during the early planning stage is key to moving your project forward. Early legal insight can help anticipate zoning objections and streamline your approval timeline.

Creative Transaction Structures and Tax Planning

Not every real estate deal fits a standard mold. We routinely help clients explore alternative transaction structures, including:

  • Seller-financed transactions – Drafting promissory notes, setting repayment terms, and protecting seller security.

  • Installment sales – Minimizing tax liability by spreading income over several years.

  • 1031 exchanges – Deferring capital gains tax by reinvesting in like-kind property within the IRS deadlines.

Each of these options has advantages, but also pitfalls if not executed properly. With our background in tax law, we help clients choose structures that meet their financial goals and comply with the law.

A Chicago real estate lawyer with a firm grasp of tax implications can spot issues others miss and help align your transaction with legal and financial objectives.

Legal Due Diligence Before Closing

No matter how experienced the buyer, rushing through due diligence can lead to costly surprises. We help clients conduct structured legal reviews before closing, evaluating recorded easements, unresolved liens, restrictive covenants, and access rights. These elements are often buried in title documents but have long-term consequences if overlooked.

The scope broadens in commercial transactions. We analyze service contracts, tenant agreements, and municipal records for outstanding violations or compliance issues. Verifying zoning and permitted uses before a purchase avoids enforcement problems later. For buyers planning renovations or repurposing, we ensure proposed changes fit within local land use rules and building codes. These reviews allow clients to negotiate price adjustments or walk away before taking on a hidden liability.

Verifying Disclosures and Property Performance

Seller disclosures often omit critical details—intentionally or not. We examine these documents, inspection reports, and public filings to flag anything inconsistent. If something doesn’t line up, we request documentation or revisions before closing. We aim to help buyers address red flags while there’s still room to amend terms.

For income-generating properties, we go deeper. We verify rent rolls, operating expenses, and lease terms to confirm that performance aligns with what’s promised. This includes checking lease assignment clauses, escalation provisions, and tenant history. Working with a Chicago real estate lawyer during this stage minimizes risk and helps ensure that financial projections are reliable, not just theoretical. It’s an added layer of protection before making a substantial investment.

Breach of Real Estate Contract

In instances where the other party does not perform their end of the bargain, we can make sure that your rights are protected and that you get any damages that you’re entitled to.

Zoning Issues

Issues relating to the division of land pieces being used for different kinds of commercial or residential use are called zoning issues. We have helped many clients with zoning changes and variances, to get the greatest use of that parcel.

Encroachment

If anyone improperly intrudes onto your real estate or tries to go beyond their boundaries, you can file an encroachment lawsuit against them to protect your property rights.

Title Disputes

There are often disputes about who has title to a piece of property, or whose lien has the highest priority. We can assist with these matters and be your advocate.

Real Estate Law Services

Our Full Range of Real Estate Legal Services Includes:

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sue if a seller fails to disclose defects before closing?
You may have grounds for legal action based on misrepresentation or fraud. A real estate lawyer can help evaluate the facts and pursue appropriate remedies.

What’s the difference between a warranty deed and a quitclaim deed?
A warranty deed guarantees a clear title, while a quitclaim deed transfers any interest the grantor may have without guarantees. A lawyer can help you choose the right deed type for your needs.

How does a quiet title action work?
It’s a lawsuit that resolves disputes over who legally owns a property. It can remove liens, errors, or competing claims from the title.

Do I need legal help for a commercial lease?
Yes. Commercial leases often contain complex terms favoring landlords. A Chicago real estate lawyer ensures the lease reflects your interests and rights.

Why Legal Experience Matters in Real Estate

Real estate issues—from contract disputes to zoning delays—often require more than business instincts or agent advice. A single legal misstep could delay closing, derail financing, or open the door to litigation. When property rights are on the line, experience matters.

At Anthony J. Madonia & Associates, Ltd., we combine legal skill with tax and business insight to help clients in Schaumberg, Illinois, and across the Chicago area handle real estate challenges. Whether you’re entering a deal or defending a claim, we focus on protecting your long-term interests, not just closing the file.

Contact our team today if you’re ready to work with a real estate lawyer who understands the stakes and delivers reliable guidance.

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Contact Information


It would be our pleasure to discuss your business, tax and/or estate planning needs.
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Office:

1900 East Golf Road, Suite 650,
Schaumburg, IL 60173
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Phone: (312) 578-9300

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info@madonia.com