Burdick Legal specializes exclusively in real estate law, focusing entirely on legal matters related to buying, selling, and managing property in Illinois, which allows the firm to provide highly expert, targeted guidance to clients.
Andrew Burdick, the founder, began his career as a real estate broker in 2006, gaining hands-on experience in the property market, including evaluating historic homes and understanding the emotional and financial impact of buying or selling real estate before practicing law.
He trained under a mentor with 40 years of experience in transactional law, learning that effective legal service involves proactive problem-solving, anticipating potential issues before they arise, and ensuring smooth transactions for clients.
Burdick Legal was established in 2013 with a singular focus on real estate law, providing dedicated and specialized services that differ from general law firms by concentrating solely on property transactions and legal complexities surrounding them.
The firm emphasizes ultra-responsive communication, ensuring clients receive timely updates and guidance, and translating complex legal jargon into plain English so that buyers and sellers can make informed decisions with confidence.
Burdick Legal specializes exclusively in real estate law, focusing entirely on legal matters related to buying, selling, and managing property in Illinois, which allows the firm to provide highly expert, targeted guidance to clients.
Andrew Burdick, the founder, began his career as a real estate broker in 2006, gaining hands-on experience in the property market, including evaluating historic homes and understanding the emotional and financial impact of buying or selling real estate before practicing law.
He trained under a mentor with 40 years of experience in transactional law, learning that effective legal service involves proactive problem-solving, anticipating potential issues before they arise, and ensuring smooth transactions for clients.
Burdick Legal was established in 2013 with a singular focus on real estate law, providing dedicated and specialized services that differ from general law firms by concentrating solely on property transactions and legal complexities surrounding them.
The firm emphasizes ultra-responsive communication, ensuring clients receive timely updates and guidance, and translating complex legal jargon into plain English so that buyers and sellers can make informed decisions with confidence.
At the closing stage, the firm prepares all legal documents and personally represents clients at the table, guiding them through each step to ensure a smooth, error-free finalization of the transaction and preventing last-minute complications.
Burdick Legal operates with a transparent, flat-rate pricing structure, providing clients with clear, upfront costs for services, avoiding unexpected legal fees, and ensuring clients can budget confidently for their real estate transaction.
For buyers, single-family home representation costs between $495 and $695, while condos or townhomes subject to HOAs range from $595 to $795, covering contract review, negotiation, and closing support, making legal services accessible and predictable.
For sellers, single-family home representation ranges from $295 to $595, while properties with HOA considerations range from $395 to $695, including title ordering, document preparation, and personal attendance at the closing table to ensure everything is handled correctly.
In complex scenarios, such as short sales, estates, trusts, unreleased mortgages, or properties with out-of-state logistics, fees may be higher, but Burdick Legal always agrees on a flat fee before representation begins to maintain transparency and trust.
Clients buying and selling simultaneously can receive a dual-transaction discount, making it more cost-effective and convenient to handle both transactions through the same trusted legal team.
Burdick Legal provides valuable client resources, including checklists for setting up utilities, guides for understanding Illinois property taxes, and a detailed list of closing documents required for sellers, helping clients prepare thoroughly for each step of the transaction.
Clients can easily reach the firm via phone, fax, email, or an online form, with in-person appointments available at their Oakbrook, IL office by scheduling ahead, offering flexibility and convenience for busy buyers and sellers.
The firm provides guidance on utility transfers and property tax handling, including advising that buyers should set up utilities in their name on possession day, sellers should cancel utilities after closing, and tax escrow refunds must be requested from lenders to ensure no issues arise post-closing.
The website clearly states that all information is for general purposes and does not constitute legal advice, highlighting Burdick Legal’s commitment to ethical practice, client education, and compliance while providing professional legal services.
Burdick Legal also understands that real estate transactions are not just financial decisions but deeply personal ones, often tied to clients' life goals and emotional investments. The firm's approach balances the technical demands of legal representation with empathy and understanding, recognizing that every client's situation is unique. By offering responsive, clear, and comprehensive legal guidance, Burdick Legal allows clients to focus on the excitement of acquiring or selling a property, rather than worrying about legal complexities or procedural errors. The firm's dedication to flat-rate, transparent pricing, combined with extensive resources and individualized attention, ensures that clients are supported at every stage of their real estate journey, making Burdick Legal a trusted partner in Illinois property transactions.
Burdick Legal – Trusted Illinois Real Estate Counsel Burdick Legal provides focused, reliable legal representation for real estate transactions throughout Illinois. From contract to closing, we offer the clarity, confidence, and responsiveness clients need to navigate the property market smoothly and successfully. Founded in 2013 by attorney Andrew Burdick, the firm is built on real-world experience and a deep understanding of real estate law. Andrew’s journey began as a licensed real estate broker in 2006, where he gained firsthand insight into historic properties, market dynamics, and the emotional complexities of buying and selling homes. This practical foundation, combined with formal legal training under a mentor with over 40 years of transactional experience, shaped his proactive approach to solving problems before they arise. Burdick Legal Burdick Legal focuses exclusively on real estate law, ensuring every client benefits from specialized knowledge and personalized attention. The firm prides itself on ultra-responsive communication and the ability to translate complex legal concepts into plain English—so clients always know where they stand..
The operational rhythm of Burdick Legal is intentionally designed to mitigate the inherent unpredictability of real estate deals. Andrew Burdick institutes clear communication protocols, often establishing preferred methods and expected response times with clients from the outset. This systematic approach manages client expectations and ensures that urgent matters, such as a counter-offer with a tight deadline or a troubling inspection report, receive immediate attention. His practice leverages technology for efficiency in document sharing and electronic signatures, yet never allows it to replace the essential personal counsel required for nuanced decisions. This balance between modern convenience and traditional, attentive service is key. It allows the firm to handle the procedural aspects of a transaction with speed and accuracy, thereby freeing up bandwidth to focus on the complex, human-centered issues that truly define the outcome, such as mediating a dispute over repair costs or advising a family on the implications of taking title in a trust for estate planning purposes.
Following his broker experience, Burdick pursued legal education and subsequently trained under a mentor with four decades of expertise in transactional law. This mentorship ingrained a preventative philosophy, focusing on solving potential problems before they escalate, rather than merely processing documentation. Since founding his own firm, Burdick has concentrated one hundred percent on real estate law, promising each client his full attention whether they are navigating their first home purchase or managing the sale of an investment property. The firm's service model is built on the pillars of a specialized, focused practice and a commitment to transparent, flat-rate fee structures, which are designed to eliminate financial surprises and foster trust.
Beyond the closing table, Burdick Legal positions itself as an ongoing resource, recognizing that the responsibilities of homeownership or the aftermath of a sale involve important administrative steps. The utility checklist and specific contact numbers for major providers serve as a practical guide to ensure essential services are seamlessly transferred, preventing disruptive lapses in gas, electric, or water. The detailed explanation of Illinois's property tax system, paid in arrears, and the associated proration process between buyer and seller at closing, demystifies a common point of confusion. The guidance for sellers on compiling necessary documents-from the deed and affidavit of title to various tax forms-helps streamline the final steps toward transfer. Importantly, the advice regarding tax escrow refunds from a former lender is a crucial post-closing action item that many sellers might overlook, potentially leaving funds inaccessible. By maintaining a practice focused solely on real estate law in Oakbrook and serving the broader Chicago area, Andrew Burdick ensures a depth of knowledge and a network of professional relationships with title companies, surveyors, and real estate agents that facilitate smoother transactions.
For sellers, Burdick Legal provides comprehensive support to ensure that the property transfer is legally sound and financially advantageous. This includes reviewing all necessary documents, preparing title materials, coordinating with title companies, and attending the closing to verify that the transaction proceeds smoothly. The firm also assists in identifying potential legal or inspection-related issues before listing a property, advising on necessary repairs, disclosures, or HOA compliance concerns. By addressing these matters proactively, sellers can reduce the likelihood of last-minute disputes that could delay or jeopardize a sale. In cases where a property is subject to a homeowners' association, Burdick Legal thoroughly examines the HOA's financial health, governing documents, and operational policies. This ensures that the seller can provide accurate disclosures and avoid post-sale legal complications, while also protecting the buyer from unexpected financial burdens or rule violations.
The comprehensive legal services offered by Burdick Legal encompass the full spectrum of a real estate transaction. This begins with meticulous contract review, drafting, and modification of standard Illinois agreements, such as CAR and Multi-Board 7.X contracts, to robustly protect client interests. The firm actively handles all negotiation correspondence and conflict resolution with opposing attorneys, brokers, lenders, and appraisers. A critical component of their work involves the in-depth analysis of title commitments and surveys to identify any encumbrances, easements, or boundary issues. For transactions involving condominiums or townhomes, the firm provides thorough HOA analyses, reviewing declarations, bylaws, budgets, and financial statements to assess the association's fiscal health and governance. Burdick Legal also assists clients in addressing inspection issues by reviewing reports and drafting legal correspondence to negotiate necessary repairs or financial credits. Finally, the firm ensures a smooth conclusion to the transaction by preparing all closing documents and providing personal representation at the closing table.
Are you looking for HOA and condo document review by an Illinois real estate lawyer?
Accessibility and responsiveness are hallmarks of Burdick Legal's service. While the Oakbrook office operates by appointment to provide focused, individualized attention, clients can communicate easily via phone, fax, or email. Timely responses and clear, professional guidance ensure that clients are never left uncertain about their transaction status. This is particularly important in real estate, where timing is critical and delays can have financial implications. Burdick Legal's consistent communication, combined with its expertise and strategic approach, ensures that clients are supported, informed, and confident from initial consultation to closing and beyond.
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This article possibly contains original research. (July 2014)
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Real estate agents and real estate brokers are people who represent sellers or buyers of real estate or real property. While a broker may work independently, an agent usually works under a licensed broker to represent clients.[1] Brokers and agents are licensed by the state to negotiate sales agreements and manage the documentation required for closing real estate transactions.
A real estate broker typically receives a real estate commission for successfully completing a sale. Across the U.S, this commission can generally range between 5-6% of the property's sale price for a full-service broker but this percentage varies by state and even region.[2]
In most jurisdictions in the United States, a person must have a license to perform licensed activities, and these activities are defined within the statutes of each state. The main feature of the requirement for having a license to perform those activities is the work done "for compensation". Hence, hypothetically, if a person wants to help a friend out in either selling or buying a property, and no compensation of any kind is expected in return, then a license is not needed to perform all the work. However, since most people would expect to be compensated for their efforts and skills, a license would be required by law before a person may receive remuneration for services rendered as a real estate broker or agent. Unlicensed activity is illegal and the state real estate commission has the authority to fine people who are acting as real estate licensees, but buyers and sellers acting as principals in the sale or purchase of real estate are usually not required to be licensed. It is important to note that in some states, lawyers handle real estate sales for compensation without being licensed as brokers or agents. However, even lawyers can only perform real estate activities that are incidental to their original work as a lawyer. It cannot be the case that a lawyer can become a seller's selling agent if that is all the service that is being requested by the client. Lawyers would still need to be licensed as a broker if they wish to perform licensed activities. Nevertheless, lawyers do get a break in the minimum education requirements (for example, 90 hours in Illinois).[3]
In all states, the real estate licensee must disclose to prospective buyers and sellers the nature of their relationship [4]
Some U.S. state real estate commissions – notably Florida's[5] after 1992 (and extended in 2003) and Colorado's[6] after 1994 (with changes in 2003) created the option of having no agency or fiduciary relationship between brokers and sellers or buyers.
As noted by the South Broward Board of Realtors, Inc. in a letter to State of Florida legislative committees:
"The Transaction Broker crafts a transaction by bringing a willing buyer and a willing seller together and provides the legal documentation of the details of the legal agreement between the same. The Transaction Broker is not a fiduciary of any party, but must abide by the law as well as professional and ethical standards." (such as NAR Code of Ethics).
The result was that, in 2003, Florida created a system where the default brokerage relationship had "all licensees ... operating as transaction brokers, unless a single agent or no brokerage relationship is established, in writing, with the customer"[7][8] and the statute required written disclosure of the transaction brokerage relationship to the buyer or seller customer only through July 1, 2008.
In the case of both Florida[8] and Colorado,[6] dual agency and sub-agency (where both listing and selling agents represent the seller) no longer exist.
Other brokers and agents may focus on representing buyers or tenants in a real estate transaction. However, licensing as a broker or salesperson authorizes the licensee to legally represent parties on either side of a transaction and providing the necessary documentation for the legal transfer of real property. This business decision is for the licensee to decide. They are fines for people acting as real estate agents when not licensed by the state.
In the United Kingdom, an estate agent is a person or business entity whose business is to market real estate on behalf of clients. There are significant differences between the actions, powers, obligations, and liabilities of brokers and estate agents in each country, as different countries take markedly different approaches to the marketing and selling of real property.
Before the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) was introduced in 1967, when brokers (and their licensees) only represented sellers by providing a service to provide legal documentation on the transfer real property, the term "real estate salesperson" may have been more appropriate than it is today, given the various ways that brokers and licensees now help buyers through the legal process of transferring real property. Legally, however, the term "salesperson" is still used in many states to describe a real estate licensee.[citation needed]
After gaining some years of experience in real estate sales, a salesperson may decide to become licensed as a real estate broker (or Principal/qualifying broker) in order to own, manage, or operate their own brokerage. In addition, some states allow college graduates to apply for a broker's license without years of experience. College graduates fall into this category once they have completed the state-required courses as well. California allows licensed attorneys to become brokers upon passing the broker exam without having to take the requisite courses required of an agent. Commonly more coursework and a broker's state exam on real estate law must be passed. Upon obtaining a broker's license, a real estate agent may continue to work for another broker in a similar capacity as before (often referred to as a broker associate or associate broker) or take charge of their own brokerage and hire other salespersons (or broker licensees). Becoming a branch office manager may or may not require a broker's license. Some states allow licensed attorneys to become real estate brokers without taking any exam. In some states, there are no "salespeople" as all licensees are brokers.[9]
Real Estate Services are also called trading services in British Columbia.[10]
Real Estate Investment Advisor and Guide[11]
Real Estate Property Advisor
Some home buyers or sellers choose to forgo representation and proceed without a real estate agent. In these cases, the unrepresented party assumes full responsibility for navigating the transaction, including showings, negotiations, and paperwork.
For example, some home sellers use “flat-fee brokers” or “limited-service agents” who offer minimal services and avoid establishing a full agency relationship. These agents charge a fixed fee—often around $500[12]—to list the property in the multiple listing service (MLS), while the seller represents themselves during showings and negotiations. This approach reduces total commission costs but limits professional guidance and fiduciary protections associated with full-service agency.
In consideration of the brokerage successfully finding a buyer for the property, a broker anticipates receiving a commission for the services the brokerage has provided. Usually, the payment of a commission to the brokerage is contingent upon finding a buyer for the real estate, the successful negotiation of a purchase contract between the buyer and seller, or the settlement of the transaction and the exchange of money between buyer and seller. Under common law, a real estate broker is eligible to receive their commission, regardless of whether the sale actually takes place, once they secure a buyer who is ready, willing, and able to purchase the dwelling.[13]
Economist Steven D. Levitt famously argued in his 2005 book Freakonomics that real estate brokers have an inherent conflict of interest with the sellers they represent because their commission gives them more motivation to sell quickly than to sell at a higher price. Levitt supported his argument with a study finding brokers tend to put their own houses on the market for longer and receive higher prices for them compared to when working for their clients. He concluded that broker commissions will reduce in future.[14] A 2008 study by other economists found that when comparing brokerage without listing services, brokerage significantly reduced the average sale price.[15]
Real estate brokers who work with lenders can not receive any compensation from the lender for referring a residential client to a specific lender. To do so would be a violation of a United States federal law known as the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA). RESPA ensures that buyers and sellers are given adequate notice of the Real Estate settlement process.[16]
In the United States, the term realtor is trademarked by the National Association of Realtors, which uses it to refer to its active members, who may be real estate agents or brokers.[17][18][19] In Canada, the trademark is used by members of the Canadian Real Estate Association.[20] Both organizations advise against the use of realtor as a generic synonym for real estate agent.[20]
States issue licenses for an annual or multi-year period and require real estate agents and brokers to complete continuing education prior to renewing their licenses. For example, California licensees must complete 45 hours of continuing education every four years in topics such as agency, trust fund handling, consumer protection, fair housing, ethics, and risk management.[21]
Several notable groups exist to promote the real estate industry and to assist professionals.
Media related to Real estate agents at Wikimedia Commons
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