Shane E Mowery - Attorney at Law, PC

Shane E Mowery - Attorney at Law, PC Shane E. Mowery - Attorney at Law, PC is a residential real estate attorney located on Chicago's nor

Mowery attended Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois, obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance in 1998. While studying at Illinois State, Shane was employed by Kaisner Realty, now known as Re/Max Twin City Realtors. At Kaisner Realty, Shane served as the company’s marketing coordinator, where he supervised the production of a television program for the promotion of in-house real

estate sales, supervised and maintained the company’s website and assisted realtors with general advertising avenues. In 1997, Shane obtained his real estate salesperson license to further his knowledge and understanding of real estate principles. In 1998, Shane moved to Chicago to begin his study at The John Marshall Law School in Chicago, focusing on real estate transactions. In 1999, Shane joined a general practice law firm in Chicago, Upon graduating from John Marshall in 2001 and obtaining his license, Shane was immediately given the responsibility of handling residential real estate transactions within the firm. The scope of his responsibility extended to new construction sales and purchases, multi-million dollar sales and purchases, condominium development and landlord and tenant issues. With an understanding of both brokerage and legal concerns surrounding real estate law, Shane’s mission as an attorney is to provide professional, dedicated and affordable legal services to those in need of real estate assistance.

09/08/2026

Two flats are a Chicago classic. Whether you’re planning to live in one unit and rent the other or use the property as an investment, there are a few things buyers should look into before closing.

🏙️ Check the zoning & legal use
Make sure the property is legally recognized as a two-unit building and that its current use matches the city’s records.

📋 Look into permits
Chicago has plenty of older two-flats with finished basements, converted spaces, additions, or other improvements. Make sure you understand whether the work was properly permitted.

🏠 What about the basement?
A finished basement doesn’t necessarily mean it can legally be used as a bedroom or separate living unit. Check the property’s legal use before assuming that extra space can be rented or occupied.

👤 Is there already a tenant?
If one unit is occupied, review the lease and understand the seller’s obligations regarding the tenancy, security deposit, and possession of the property.

💡 Check those utilities
Are utilities separately metered? Who pays for water, gas, and electricity? These details can make a big difference when you’re planning to live in one unit and rent the other.

🔍 Don’t skip the inspection
Many Chicago two-flats are older buildings, so it’s important to understand the condition of the roof, masonry, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, sewer line, and other major systems.

A two-flat can be a great opportunity, but there’s more to evaluate than the number of units. Zoning, permits, tenants, utilities, and the condition of the building can all matter before you move forward.

09/03/2026

Do sellers have to make repairs before closing? Not always! And this is a common question that comes up after a home inspection.

A seller isn’t automatically required to make every repair a buyer requests. What happens next depends on the purchase contract, inspection provisions, and applicable law.

After an inspection, a buyer may:
- Ask the seller to make certain repairs
- Request a credit or other concession
- Accept the property as-is
- Exercise any rights provided by the contract

It’s also important to remember that an inspection report is not necessarily a “to-do list” for the seller. The contract determines what the parties are actually required to do.

And while an “as-is” provision may affect the buyer’s ability to request repairs, it doesn’t necessarily eliminate all of the seller’s other obligations.

Finding an issue during an inspection doesn’t automatically mean the seller has to fix it. Before agreeing to repairs, credits, or changes to the contract, make sure you understand your options.

08/31/2026

You may see “as-is” in a listing contract and wonder what it means as a buyer.

What “as-is” generally means:
The buyer agrees to accept the property in its present physical condition, subject to the terms of the contract.

Buying a property “as-is” does not necessarily mean:
❌ You have no right to inspect the property
❌ The seller can conceal known defects
❌ The seller can ignore required disclosures
❌ You automatically give up all contractual rights

An “as-is” provision primarily addresses the physical condition of the property. Your rights and obligations will still depend on the specific contract and applicable Illinois law.

Before signing, buyers should understand:
🔹 What the inspection provisions allow
🔹 Whether repairs or credits can be negotiated
🔹 What the seller is required to disclose
🔹 What happens if a significant issue is discovered

“As-is” doesn’t necessarily mean you’re accepting every possible problem without recourse. It’s important to understand exactly what you’re agreeing to before signing a contract.

08/26/2026

Agent or Broker: What’s the Difference?
If you’re buying or selling a home, you may hear the terms “agent” and “broker” used interchangeably. In Illinois, however, there are some important distinctions.

Here’s the simple version:
🏡 Real Estate Broker
In Illinois, individuals who provide real estate brokerage services generally hold a broker license. Brokers can represent buyers and sellers, negotiate transactions, and provide other licensed real estate services under a sponsoring broker.

📋 Managing Broker
A managing broker has additional education and licensing requirements and may take on supervisory responsibilities. A designated managing broker can supervise licensees and oversee the operations and compliance of an office.

🏢 Sponsoring Broker
The sponsoring broker is responsible for sponsoring licensed brokers and can be an individual or a licensed business entity. Sponsored brokers generally work under that sponsoring broker rather than independently.

So, who should you hire?
Rather than focusing solely on the title, look at the experience, communication style, local market knowledge, and transaction expertise of the person you’re hiring.

Ask questions like:
• How many transactions like mine have you handled?
• How familiar are you with my neighborhood and property type?
• Who will be my primary point of contact?
• How involved will you be throughout the transaction?
• What happens if a complicated issue comes up?

And remember, your real estate professional and your real estate attorney have different roles. Your broker can help you navigate the market, negotiations, and transaction process, while your attorney protects your legal interests and helps address the legal and contractual issues that arise along the way.

The best transaction team is one that communicates well and understands your specific needs.

08/24/2026

As a Chicago real estate attorney, I support buyers and sellers from contract to closing.

If a move is in your future, I’m here to help make the process smooth and stress free!

08/11/2026

You found the perfect unit: great light, walkable location, solid amenities, but before you fall in love, make sure you understand what you’re really buying into.

Condo purchases come with an added layer of legal documents that buyers often overlook:

✔️ Declaration
✔️ Bylaws
✔️ Rules & Regulations
✔️ Recent meeting minutes
✔️ Budget & reserves
✔️ Special assessments

These aren’t just paperwork, they tell you how the building is run, what you can’t do in your own unit, and whether there’s a major expense (like a roof or elevator) coming your way soon.

As a Chicago real estate attorney, I’ve seen buyers walk away from deals after reviewing the fine print, and others thank themselves for having an attorney who caught something they didn’t.

Always review these documents during the attorney review period.

Got questions about condo docs? I’d be happy to walk you through what to look for.

08/06/2026

From charming bungalows to vintage condos and classic two-flats, Chicago’s older homes have a lot of character. They can also come with unique legal and financial considerations that are worth understanding before you close.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:
• Review the seller’s disclosures carefully. They can provide valuable information about the property’s condition and any known issues.

• Take time to read the inspection report thoroughly. Older homes may have aging systems or deferred maintenance that could lead to future repairs.

• Ask whether renovations or additions were completed with the appropriate permits, if required.

• Be aware of any zoning or code issues, especially if you’re purchasing a multi-unit property or a home that has been modified over the years.

• If concerns come up during the inspection, your options will depend on your contract and the agreements reached during the inspection period.

Every older home has its own story. Taking the time to understand the property’s history, review the documents, and work with experienced professionals, including a real estate attorney, can help you move forward with confidence and avoid unexpected surprises after closing.

08/04/2026

You’ve negotiated repairs, the closing date is approaching, and you find out the work hasn’t been completed. What happens next?

The answer depends on the terms of your contract and the agreement between the buyer and seller.

In some cases, the parties may agree to delay closing until the repairs are finished. In others, they may negotiate a credit, place funds in escrow until the work is completed, or reach another solution that works for everyone involved.

This is one reason the final walk-through is so important. It gives buyers an opportunity to confirm that agreed-upon repairs have been completed and that the property is in the expected condition before closing.

If repairs have not been completed as agreed, it’s important to discuss your options with your real estate attorney before moving forward with closing. Closing before the issue is resolved could affect your ability to require the seller to complete the work later.

Every transaction is different, so the best path forward will depend on your contract and the specific circumstances.

07/31/2026

If you’re buying a home with a mortgage, you’ll receive a Closing Disclosure (CD) before closing.

The Closing Disclosure outlines the final terms of your loan and the costs associated with your purchase. It shows what you’ll pay at closing and helps you understand the financial details before you sign.

It includes information such as:
✔️ Your loan amount and interest rate
✔️ Your monthly principal and interest payment
✔️ Estimated taxes, insurance, and escrow payments
✔️ Closing costs and lender fees
✔️ The amount of cash you’ll need to bring to closing

It’s a good idea to compare your Closing Disclosure with your Loan Estimate. While some changes are expected as the transaction moves forward, reviewing both documents can help you understand any differences before closing day.

For most purchase transactions, federal law generally requires borrowers to receive the Closing Disclosure at least three business days before closing. This gives you time to review the numbers and ask questions if anything is unclear.

Reviewing your Closing Disclosure before closing is an important step, and having a real estate attorney can help you understand the terms, identify any unexpected changes, and answer questions before you sign. The goal is to make sure you know what to expect so you can head to the closing table with confidence.

07/29/2026

Many buyers assume that because they’re purchasing directly from a builder, the process is simpler. In reality, new construction contracts are often written by the builder and can be very different from the standard residential contracts used in Illinois.

An attorney can help you understand important provisions such as:

• Construction timelines and potential delays
• Deposit and earnest money terms
• Change order procedures
• Builder warranties and what’s actually covered
• Default provisions and cancellation rights
• Closing requirements and additional fees

It’s also important to remember that model homes and sales brochures aren’t the contract. If a feature or upgrade is important to you, make sure it’s reflected in the written agreement.

Buying a brand-new home is exciting, but it’s still a significant legal and financial commitment. Understanding the contract before signing can help you avoid surprises later in the process.

Have you ever purchased a new construction home? What surprised you most about the process?

Address

15833 S. LaGrange Road
Chicago, IL
60462

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+17732799900

Website

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