Question 1

How do I secure a real-estate contract in Madison?

Accepted Answer

Record a memorandum of contract in the Madison real-property records. It puts the public on notice of your equitable interest so the seller can’t cleanly sell to someone else. Notarized online, recorded with the county, and returned to you.

Question 2

Does Madison allow electronic recording of a memorandum?

Accepted Answer

Madison supports electronic recording (via Simplifile, CSC), so a compliant memorandum can be on record quickly.

Question 3

What does it cost to record a memorandum in Madison?

Accepted Answer

One flat price that includes the county fee ($70.00 standard document flat fee (automation $10 + GIS $21 + recording $19 + RHSP $20) first / No per-page charge; non-standard document fee varies by type add'l (+$2.00 surcharge per missing legal description on mortgage documents)), your online notary session, and tracking to a recording number.

Memorandum filing isn't available in Illinois yet