Illinois Has New Multi-Board Residential Real Estate Contract

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About the Author(s)

Timothy P. Collins
As a trusted advisor to businesses of all sizes, Timothy P. Collins helps clients navigate all aspects of operating a business, including formation, structuring, and governance.
Jamie M. Rein
For more than 20 years, Jamie M. Rein has provided legal services throughout the Illinois counties of McHenry, Lake, DuPage, and Cook. She often collaborates with in-house counsel, national counsel, insurers and insured, and other company representatives to develop a practical legal strategy to meet her clients’ needs.

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The Takeaway

In February 2025, the Illinois Real Estate Lawyers Association introduced the new Multi-Board Residential Real Estate Contract 8.0, which replaces version 7.0.

Considering the everchanging and competitive residential real estate market in Illinois, sellers, buyers, real estate brokers, and attorneys should understand these updates to ensure smooth and efficient transactions for their clients.

Key Changes in Multi-Board 8.0

Version 8.0 rearranges several sections from version 7.0. The goal was to improve transparency and streamline transactions for sellers and buyers:

SectionChange(s)
Purchase Price and PaymentMoved up to Section 3
Personal PropertyMoved down to Section 7Includes expanded options (e.g., video doorbell, smart thermostats, home theater) for what Seller intends to convey to Buyer as part of the transaction
Home WarrantyElection moved to Section 3
Homeowner Insurance and Flood InsuranceMoved up to Sections 9 and 10, respectively
InspectionsInspection-related sections now included sequentially (Sections 15 and 16)Buyer now has three inspection options to choose from (as opposed to two in Version 7.0)Buyer can now elect to inspect the property without making any inspection requests
As-Is ConditionSection 14 specifically defines what “as-is” sale means

In addition to reformatting, version 8.0 includes some additions and revisions.

SectionChange(s)
Real EstateSection 2 includes boxes to select type of property being sold:single family attachedsingle family detachedmulti-unit
Seller ContributionSection 4 allows parties to select Seller’s obligation to contribute to compensating Buyer’s broker as part of contract rather than separate addendum
Seller RepresentationsSection 24 revised to clarify representations Seller is making to BuyerRemoved need for parties to initial certain representations for those representations to be applicable
FinancingSection 8 –uses the term “financing” rather than “loan”allows for secondary financing (e.g., government grants)updated to simplify notice requirements for extending or terminating transaction based on inability of Buyer to obtain financing
Alternative EnergyVersion 8.0 includes optional Section 34 regarding alternative energy systems to account for a home’s solar panel or similar system that’s being conveyed as part of the transaction
AddendumsVersion 8.0 includes these new or updated addendums:Repair AgreementIntent to Escalate AppraisalReverse ContingencyMulti-UnitShort Sale

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