Des Plaines · Cook County
Sell Your Des Plaines Home for Top Dollar
Attainable pricing, a walkable downtown, and a prime location near O'Hare and Metra keep Des Plaines in steady demand — well-priced homes sell fast. Get a free, no-obligation valuation and a plan to sell for the most the market will pay.
- Free professional photos & floor plan with every listing
- Local pricing expertise + a sharp eye for value
- Response within minutes — not days
The Market Right Now
The Des Plaines market favors sellers
Attainable pricing, a location minutes from O'Hare, and easy Metra access keep Des Plaines in demand across a wide buyer pool — which means real pricing power for sellers.
Median home sale price.
Median time on the market — homes move fast.
Detached home prices up year over year.
Median for detached single-family homes.
Source: Redfin, Zillow & local MLS (InfoSparks) market data, 2026. Figures refreshed quarterly.
Quick Estimate
What would you net selling in Des Plaines?
Want the full cost picture? Read what it really costs to sell a house in Chicago & Cook County — every line item, plus your town's transfer tax.
No Surprises at Closing
What Des Plaines requires to sell
Every municipality has its own point-of-sale rules, and missing one can delay or derail a closing. Here's what Des Plaines sellers need to know — handled for you, up front.
Real estate transfer tax
Des Plaines' transfer tax is $2.00 per $1,000 of the sale price, paid by the seller. With the Illinois state and Cook County tax, sellers pay a combined $3.50 per $1,000 — already built into your net estimate above.
Clear all city balances
Before a transfer stamp is issued, all city charges must be paid in full — water, refuse, storm and sanitary sewer, plus any fees or fines. We check for these up front so nothing surprises you.
Final water reading
A final water reading is required and the balance settled before closing. We coordinate it early with the City so it never holds up your close.
Transfer declaration & contract
Your closing includes the Illinois PTAX-203 transfer declaration and signed sales contract, recorded with the deed in Cook County.
Details reflect City of Des Plaines requirements as of 2026 and can change — always confirm current rules with the City of Des Plaines, (847) 391-5300. General information, not legal advice.
New to this? Read the pre-sale requirements guide — transfer stamps, water readings, and inspections explained, plus when to start each.
About Des Plaines
Why buyers compete for Des Plaines
About 17 miles northwest of downtown Chicago and bordering O'Hare, Des Plaines pairs attainable housing with an unbeatable location. A revitalizing downtown along the Des Plaines River, the Metra UP-Northwest station, and Rivers Casino anchor a community that keeps buyer demand broad and steady.
Residents enjoy the Des Plaines River Trail, an active park district, and quick access to major expressways. Schools span several districts, including District 207's Maine West and Maine East high schools.
Des Plaines' housing is largely single-family — bungalows, ranches, and Georgians on established lots — with condos and townhomes near downtown. Its value and location make it a strong entry point for buyers priced out of neighboring towns. Each area has its own buyer profile and pricing dynamics.
- Minutes to O'Hare — prized by many buyers.
- Metra UP-Northwest — direct to downtown Chicago.
- Attainable pricing draws a wide buyer pool.
- Revitalizing downtown along the river.
Des Plaines Seller FAQ
Questions Des Plaines sellers ask
How fast do homes sell in Des Plaines?
In 2026, Des Plaines homes have been selling in a median of about 18 days, with attainable pricing and the O'Hare/Metra location keeping demand strong.
Who pays the transfer tax in Des Plaines?
The seller. Des Plaines' city transfer tax is $2.00 per $1,000; with the state and county tax, sellers pay a combined $3.50 per $1,000 of the sale price.
What do I need to sell my home in Des Plaines?
All city balances (water, refuse, sewer, fees) paid in full and a final water reading before the stamp issues, plus standard closing documents. I confirm the current requirements for your property.
What is my Des Plaines home worth?
It depends on your location, size, condition, and current demand. I'll give you a free, no-obligation valuation based on real comparable sales — start here.
Also Nearby
Communities near Des Plaines
Ready When You Are
Curious what your Des Plaines home could sell for?
It takes 30 seconds and there's no obligation. Let's find out together.
Get My Free Home ValuationPrefer to talk? Call or text (773) 322-7614 or email chris@chrisgetsyousold.com