Chicago Scout is our free property research tool for Chicago and Cook County. Type in an address or PIN and see the public record behind the building before you schedule a showing or make an offer.
Open Chicago Scout
Free · no sign-up · works on phone and desktop
Launch the app →
What it shows
- Building facts. Units, square footage, year built, bedrooms and baths, heat, basement, and the assessor's condition rating.
- Sales history. Every recorded sale with the date, price, and deed type.
- Assessed values. Eight years of Cook County assessments and the assessor's market value estimate.
- City records. Building violations (open and complied) and building permits for addresses inside Chicago.
- Deal math. Enter an offer, rehab budget, financing, and rent to see monthly cash flow, cap rate, cash-on-cash return, and break-even rent.
- Saved properties and alerts. Save a property with your notes and numbers, and get alerts when a new violation, sale, or permit is recorded.
Coverage
All of Cook County; violations and permits for the City of Chicago
Data sources
Cook County Open Data and the City of Chicago Data Portal
Cost
Free
Account
None needed
Good to know
Chicago Scout uses public records, which can lag behind what is happening at a property or contain errors. The deal calculator gives estimates for screening only and is not financial or legal advice. Confirm taxes, insurance, rents, and repairs before you buy. Chicago Scout is not affiliated with Cook County or the City of Chicago.
Support
Questions, feedback, or a record that looks wrong? Reach us directly:
- Email: twopartners@morningbuzzllc.com
- Phone: (773) 657-5834
The app's own privacy policy is on its About tab. Chicago Scout is published by Morning Buzz LLC.