Bow Tie Blog
Legal Insights & Expert Analysis
Stay informed with the latest legal developments, practical advice, and expert insights from The Bow Tie Attorney. Navigate complex legal matters with confidence.
- December 10, 2025
I Just Missed My First Mortgage Payment in Illinois: What Should I Do This Week?
When you miss your very first mortgage payment in Illinois, it feels like foreclosure is already around the corner. In reality, the first thirty to sixty days follow a predictable pattern—but the quiet first week is your best chance to take control. This guide explains what your servicer is doing behind the scenes, when late fees and credit reporting really start, and gives you a simple, seven-day action plan to protect your home and your options.
- November 28, 2025
Illinois Foreclosure Mediation vs. Loan Modification in Cook County
When you’re served with a foreclosure summons in Cook County, everyone tells you something different: “Sign up for mediation,” “Apply for a loan modification,” “Don’t worry, the bank has to help you.” In real files, those half-truths can cost you your home. This guide walks Cook County homeowners through how the Mortgage Foreclosure Mediation Program and loan modification actually work together, how they fit into Illinois deadlines, and what a complete hardship package looks like before you step into court.
- November 10, 2025
HOA/Condo Association Liens in Chicago: Priority, Payoffs, and Pitfalls
Condo and HOA liens have their own rules in Chicago. This guide explains priority, payoff letters, §22.1 disclosures, and the traps that delay closings or complicate foreclosures.
- November 3, 2025
Surplus Funds After a Judicial Sale in Cook County: How to Claim What’s Yours
If your Cook County property sold at a judicial sale for more than what was owed, the leftover money is called “surplus funds.” This guide shows who can claim them, how priority works, and the exact steps to collect safely.
- October 27, 2025
Zombie Second Mortgages in Illinois (2025): Cook County Playbook
A clear, Chicago-focused guide to “zombie” second mortgages—old junior liens that suddenly reappear. Learn how to verify the debt, read Cook County timelines, spot defenses (including time-barred claims), and map next steps before deadlines shrink your options.
- October 8, 2025
Private Money Lending
Legal precision + broker network. We structure, document, and close private/hard money loans in Illinois—fast, compliant, and with clean title. Term sheets, full docs, draw schedules, and lien priority handled end-to-end.