Chicago Property Management Blog

Ryan Smith is not an optimist, but a realist. With a stark numbers-based opinion, Ryan provides his thoughts on Chicago’s housing market, the strength and the validity of the recent appreciation in the area, and how long it may take to cycle through upcoming foreclosure inventory. Key points:Is outside capital coming into Chicago?Are Chicagoans underwater?Foreclosure inventory statusBuying opportunitiesNow vs. 2008 recessionA...

One of the most important team members that real estate investors rely on is their attorney. Not all closings are created equal and Gina Diaz explains some of the closing nuances both through the eyes of an attorney and as an investor. Gina provides great insight into how to successfully close on a short sale, what to be aware of in a double closing, and how to work with a title company and attorney to successfully wholesale a deal.Key ...

Possibly the biggest consideration when taking on a rehab project is how to finance the deal. We’ve all considered hard money, FHA has their 203K loan program, and we’ve probably seen a late night commercial or two about financing. Perry Farella of Prime Lending talks us through a loan program which is a cross between a conventional loan and hard money, something that you don’t even need to refinance out of once the pr...

We all know about the numerous laws either being proposed or already enacted affecting housing providers and investors. Groups like the Illinois Association of Realtors, the NBOA, CAR, and others are working every day to keep laws fair and protect the people. Gideon Blustein, is the director of member outreach for the Illinois REALTORS and talks through some of the current issues at the forefront of everyone's mind as well as how we...

Lee Kiser is the co-founder of Kiser Group, a member of the Forbes Real Estate Council, and a wealth of knowledge in the Chicago market (and a local musician!). In today’s episode, Lee provides his thoughts on how today’s hot market differs from 2005, how institutional and private money has altered apartment investing in Chicago, and what neighborhoods are on the rise.Key points:Today vs. 2005Which neighborhoods are on the r...

One of the most important allies to an investor is the broker they work with. Gloria Weikert runs the X-Plus team and has a specialty in helping clients buy investment properties. In today’s episode, Gloria gives some insight on what it takes to win deals in a competitive market that go past just offering more money; breakdowns of different neighborhoods; tenant and rental profiles in varying neighborhoods as well as plenty more.K...

With nearly 30 years of experience as a broker, Frank Montro, the King of Chicagoland, shares his thoughts on how the industry has changed from the early ‘80s through today. While touching on strategies his team uses to generate business, and cementing what it takes to succeed, Frank gives a compelling presentation that is certain to teach you something about winning in Chicago. Do NOT play with your money, work with an expert and...

Be honest and ask yourself..what have been my excuses thus far for living the life I want? Farrah Ali was a single mom who found herself in debt and working full time. However, that did not deter her from financial freedom. Listen to her incredible story and how it has impacted a variety of areas in her life. She details even more of this in her book, “Diaries of A Female Real Estate Investor.”Key points:How to decide which ...

We know lots of our readers are interested in all aspects of Section 8. Since 2020 the Section 8 Housing requirements have not changed, but make sure you stay informed. We have built a Section 8 Housing resources page on our website to help answer any questions our readers might have. https://www.gcrealtyinc.com/section-8-housingSection 8 Bedroom Requirements Each bedroom must have a window that opens to the exterior of the bu...

Let me start by saying: I do truly believe in the use of property management from the investor standpoint. But I know plenty of poorly run property management companies exist that make the really good ones look bad. You could also provide many examples where you don’t need a property manager to be successful. I would agree with many of them. In fact, in this article I list five reasons why you don’t need a property manager.&...