Sell your house fast in South Chicago
Frame houses with sunken yards on Houston and Baltimore, two-flats in the Bush and Millgate, post-war brick homes north of 83rd Street: we buy South Chicago homes as-is, for cash, and close when you’re ready.
- Cash offer within 24 hours
- No repairs, fees or commissions
- We pay normal closing costs
Your South Chicago cash offer
No obligation. We never sell your info. Prefer to talk? Call or text (773) 825-9855.
Selling a house in South Chicago
South Chicago is community area 46, on Chicago’s Far South Side at the mouth of the Calumet River. It runs from 79th Street on the north to a short stretch of 95th Street on the south, with South Chicago Avenue and the Chicago Skyway along the southwest side and the Calumet River on the southeast. South Shore is to the north, Avalon Park and Calumet Heights to the west, South Deering to the south and the East Side across the river. About 27,300 people lived here at the 2020 census. Its older sections include the Bush, Millgate and Cheltenham.
This was steel country. The North Chicago Rolling Mill opened at the mouth of the river in 1881, and as U.S. Steel South Works it ran along the shore until 1992. The city later approved a long-term plan for the former site, larger than the Loop, and 87th Street now extends to the lake. The Metra Electric South Chicago branch stops at 79th/Cheltenham, 83rd, 87th and its terminus at 93rd Street near Baltimore Avenue. Commercial Avenue is the main shopping street. Bessemer Park, designed by the Olmsted Brothers in 1904–1905, is one of the larger parks on the South Side.
South Chicago’s housing is older than most of the Far South Side. CMAP data puts 57 percent of homes before 1940, with a median year built of 1934. About 30 percent are detached houses, 23 percent two-flats and 20 percent three- and four-flats. In the Bush, Millgate and eastern Cheltenham, most houses are wood-frame Victorians, many with sunken yards and bridge-like front walks on streets such as Houston, Baltimore and Brandon. North of 83rd Street and west of Manistee, most houses are brick and were built after the Second World War.
A well-kept brick house or updated two-flat can sell fine through an agent, and we’ll be honest about that. Our offer is worth a look for a frame house that needs siding, porches or foundation work, a three-flat with tenants, a house with a wet basement, or a property that’s been owned for decades and now needs to be sold.
What to expect
We talk first, then walk the property with you, every unit if there are several. Within 24 hours, a cash offer arrives with the reasoning written out. You decide when to close and we sign at a nearby title company. Normal closing costs come out of our pocket, not yours.
Chicago sale requirements for South Chicago property
- Transfer tax. The city’s share is $3.75 per $500, normally paid by the buyer, and the CTA’s $1.50 per $500 is normally the seller’s. Illinois takes $0.50 and Cook County $0.25 per $500. If we’re buying, all of those are on us.
- Full Payment Certificate. The city must confirm water and sewer charges are paid before the deed is stamped. A final meter reading is sometimes needed.
- Zoning certification. Residential buildings with five or fewer units, which covers nearly every two-flat and three-flat here, need the city to confirm the legal unit count.
- Tenants. Leases stay in effect after a sale. Security deposits and any interest owed are credited to the buyer at closing.
- Probate. Cook County estate cases are heard at the Daley Center. Once the court authorizes the sale, the executor can close.
Before closing, the title company goes over each requirement for your parcel.
Two ways to sell a South Chicago house or flat
| Sell to us | List with an agent | |
|---|---|---|
| Repairs | As-is, frame or brick | Buyers and lenders want them done |
| Showings | One visit | Several visits, tenants notified |
| Commission | None paid | A percentage to the brokers |
| Closing costs | We pay them | Seller pays |
| Tenants | Stay put, leases transfer | Some buyers want units vacant |
| Timing | Close in 2–3 weeks or later | Listing time plus 30–45 days |
| Certainty | Cash, no lender | Rides on the buyer’s mortgage |
| Price | Below retail, priced for condition | Top price for updated homes |
South Chicago’s frame Victorians and two-flats are often over 100 years old, and many sit below street level. Inspectors look hard at foundations, drainage and wood siding on these houses. If yours is in good shape, list it. If it needs that kind of work, our offer already includes it.
Frame houses and sunken yards in the Bush and Millgate
In the oldest parts of South Chicago, many wood-frame houses sit below the level of the street, with a short bridge or stairs from the sidewalk to the front door. These sunken yards are a feature of streets like Houston, Baltimore and Brandon. They give the blocks their look, but they also mean water collects near foundations and the lowest level can be damp.
Frame houses of that age often need siding, porch and foundation repairs on top of the usual roof and mechanical work. On a listed sale, those items come up in the inspection. We buy frame houses in the Bush, Millgate and Cheltenham as-is. We look at the foundation and drainage during the walk-through and price the work, so you don’t have to take it on.
Three steps. You pick the closing date.
- Tell us about the house
Fill out the form or call (773) 825-9855. A few quick questions, no pressure.
- Get a fair cash offer in 24 hours
We look at the house with you and show you how we got the number. No obligation.
- Close on your date
As soon as 2–3 weeks, or take more time. We close at a local title company and pay your closing costs.
Common reasons South Chicago owners sell
Nearby areas we buy
South Chicago FAQ
Do you buy frame houses with sunken yards?
Yes. We buy frame houses in the Bush, Millgate and Cheltenham, including ones below street level with damp basements.
Do you buy brick houses north of 83rd Street?
Yes. We buy post-war brick houses and two-flats across South Chicago in any condition.
My three-flat has tenants on month-to-month leases. Is that okay?
Yes. Month-to-month tenants can remain, and the buyer takes over their deposits on the closing statement.
Does the old South Works site affect selling my house?
Not directly. We price your house on its condition and recent sales nearby.
What transfer taxes do I pay if you buy my house?
Nothing. City, CTA, county and state transfer taxes are all paid by us.
How quickly could we close on a building near Commercial Avenue?
Generally in 2–3 weeks, once the city water certificate and title work are done.