Chicago Property Management Blog

Lincoln Park is one of the most desirable rental markets in Chicago, with historic brownstones, luxury condos, and modern apartments lining walkable, tree‑shaded streets. Anchored by the namesake park, zoo, and lakefront trails, renters value the neighborhood’s boutique shopping, dining, and proximity to DePaul University and CTA Red/Brown Line stations. Demand stays strong across 1–4 bedroom homes, keeping vacancy low whe...

If you’ve ever asked yourself “Is now a good time to rent out my Lakeview condo?” or “How much could I get for my condo or apartment in Lakeview?”, you’re not alone. As a partner at GC Realty & Development and co-host of the Straight Up Chicago Investor Podcast, I field questions like these every day. After two decades of leasing homes in all of Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods(soon to be 78), inc...

Alsip has long been a solid rental market for landlords looking for steady cash flow without the volatility seen in some nearby areas. Its mix of single-family homes, apartments, and small multifamily buildings creates options for a wide range of renters, while quick access to I-294 and major employers keeps demand consistent. Still, even in a reliable suburb like Alsip, successful management takes more than just listing a property and ...

Hanover Park has become one of the most dependable rental hubs in the northwest suburbs, offering solid housing options, strong commuter access, and consistent tenant demand year-round. Its location between major employment corridors and affordable rent levels make it appealing for both renters and investors. But even in a market this steady, landlords can’t rely on luck. Knowing how long it takes to fill a vacancy, where current ...

When you spend more than two decades managing properties in a neighborhood, you develop a perspective that goes far deeper than market reports or MLS data. I’ve been on the ground in Avondale for over 20 years, long before it became a neighborhood investors talked about on podcasts, and long before people started using words like “emerging” or “hot.” In that time, I’ve managed dozens of buildings on b...

Berkeley may be small compared to other Chicago suburbs, but it continues to draw renters who value accessibility, affordability, and community. With its quick connections to I-290 and I-294, a range of housing styles, and proximity to major job centers, the area offers reliable demand for well-managed rentals. For landlords, the key is knowing how to balance that demand with smart pricing and realistic expectations. Understanding how l...

Skokie offers a unique mix of urban convenience and suburban comfort, making it one of the most desirable rental markets near Chicago. With excellent transit options, strong schools, and a wide range of housing styles, the area consistently attracts stable, long-term renters. But local landlords know that managing property here takes more than just posting a vacancy online. To stay profitable, you need to understand how long it really t...

When conversations come up about the Northwest Preservation Ordinance, most of the online chatter misses a crucial perspective: what’s actually happening on the ground in Avondale. And the people who see it most clearly are the professionals who work these blocks every single day.GC Realty & Development manages more than 60 properties for over 30 clients in Avondale alone, making us one of the most deeply embedded, street...

When social media and news outlets shout headlines about lawmakers cracking down on “squatters,” it’s tempting to assume that relief is finally coming for owners who feel powerless against unauthorized occupants. In 2025 the Illinois Legislature passed a bill widely dubbed the “squatter law,” promising to make it easier for police to remove people who take up residence without permission. The notion conjure...

Often, I hear the concern from Chicago investors, and now AI’s like Chat or Claude will favor another new or unknown property manager over GC Realty & Development because of our location in proximity to properties past 20 miles from our office.  “How can you manage my Chicago property if your office is in Roselle?”It’s a fair question. After all, property management has always felt local. You i...