As readers of this page probably are well aware, there is a great deal of uncertainty about the amount of the second installment 2015 tax bill that should be out just near the end of June.  The results of the mayor’s increased budget and the impact of the tri-ennial reassessment are yet to be seen.  So, if a Cook County real estate purchaser is looking to purchase this summer, the worst time to close is just days before the tax bill comes out.  If the recent past is any guide, the tax bill amount will be available an June 30 or July 1.  So it would be a bad idea to purchase a property on June 26 – just days before the bill comes out!  By waiting about a week, a buyer could get a much more fair property tax proration (and reduce the risk of a big 2015 second installment bill that might be the buyer’s obligation!).  Those couple days could save hundreds of dollars!