Cook County foreclosure sales: sheriff and judicial sales explained

Illinois forecloses through the courts, and in Cook County the Circuit Court handles a very large number of foreclosure cases. The auction at the end of a case is called a judicial sale.

Who runs the sale

When the court orders a property sold, it names a selling officer. In Cook County that is often a private judicial sales company approved by the court, and sometimes the Cook County Sheriff. Either way the sale is public, and the court must confirm it before the buyer receives a deed.

The steps

1. The case is filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County, and a notice is recorded against the property.
2. Judgment. The court enters a judgment of foreclosure and sets the sale.
3. Notice of sale. The sale is advertised in advance, as Illinois law requires.
4. The auction. The lender often bids what it is owed. Sales are often postponed or cancelled.
5. Confirmation and surplus. The court confirms the sale; any money above the debt can be claimed by the former owner.

Where the official notices are

The court docket shows each case and its sale order. The selling officer named in the order lists the sale, and the Sheriff publishes the sales it runs. Check the listing on the day of the sale: postponements are common.

Cook County foreclosure data from MinakiLabs

• Sheriff sales:
• Foreclosure filings:

See the Cook County distressed properties page.

This guide explains the process in general terms. It isn't legal advice.