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Author: Mark Ainely | Partner GC Realty & Development & Co-Host Straight Up Chicago Investor Podcast
Scaling a property management business in Chicago isn’t just about buying more units, it’s about mastering communication, understanding tenant behavior, and balancing investor expectations. Few know this better than Max Motew, Director of Leasing at Motew Properties, a family-owned firm managing nearly 1,000 units across Chicago’s North Side.
From navigating landmark rehabs and property taxes to setting renewal strategies and combating fake pay stubs, Max shares a candid look at what it takes to operate successfully in Chicago’s evolving rental landscape.
In this episode of the Straight Up Chicago Investor Podcast, Max breaks down his journey in leasing, property management, and investor relations. He explains how Motew Properties keeps vacancy close to zero, why bundled service fees are becoming standard, and what landlords should expect when underwriting deals in today’s market. Whether you’re managing a few units or an entire portfolio, Max’s advice is packed with actionable takeaways.
Questions We Answer in This Episode
Q: How has leasing changed in Chicago compared to 5–10 years ago?
A: Construction costs, property taxes, and investor expectations have shifted. Max explains that deals don’t always allow for “pulling all your money out” on a refinance anymore. Instead, success comes from scenario planning, accurate underwriting, and constant communication between owners, GCs, and investors.
Q: What role does communication play in property management?
A: According to Max, it’s everything. Whether it’s a contractor, an investor, or a tenant, lack of communication is what kills deals and relationships. At Motew Properties, “if all else fails, just communicate” is the number-one rule.
Q: How do you approach renewals to keep tenants while covering rising costs?
A: Renewals are handled personally, often by Max himself. Tenants receive detailed explanations about tax increases, bundled service fees, and maintenance costs. Negotiation isn’t just about rent, sometimes it’s offering a professional cleaning or touch-ups to keep a tenant happy.
Q: What is a “bundled service fee” and how do tenants react?
A: Bundled service fees cover water, trash, and sometimes internet. Instead of jacking up base rent, Motew Properties offsets costs with these small monthly fees. Tenants have largely accepted them, especially when they’re paired with amenities like high-speed internet.
Q: What are the biggest mistakes landlords and brokers make in leasing?
A: Poor photos, inaccurate listings, slow response times, and weak follow-up. Max stresses the need for virtual staging, 3D Matterport tours, and quick lead follow-up (even using AI tools) to capture serious tenants.
Q: How do you prevent rental scams and fake pay stubs?
A: Motew Properties uses AppFolio integrated with Plaid for identity and income verification. They also call employers and landlords, sometimes intentionally feeding incorrect information to catch fake references. Max warns that fraud is growing, and the cost of missing red flags far outweighs the small fee for better screening systems.
Q: Where are the best opportunities in Chicago right now?
A: West of Western Avenue, particularly Humboldt Park and areas along Grand Avenue. While north side neighborhoods are fully priced, Max believes the next five years belong to the west side.
Q: What advice would you give a first-time investor in Chicago?
A: Learn how buildings operate before buying. Talk to contractors, property managers, and other owners. Networking and hands-on experience will prevent costly mistakes.
Show Notes
00:00 Family business and history of Motew Properties
04:00 Growing from 300 to 1,000+ units on Chicago’s North Side
07:00 Challenges with landmark rehabs and costly window replacements
12:00 Project management lessons learned from gut rehabs
15:00 Underwriting deals in today’s market: art vs. science
19:00 Managing investor expectations and taxes in Chicago
23:00 Raising money honestly: track record and transparency matter
27:00 Leasing strategy: setting rents and renewals
30:00 Bundled service fees explained
35:00 Renewal strategies and hitting a 69% renewal rate
40:00 Why renewals start on day one of move-in
44:00 Leasing mistakes: poor photos, slow responses, weak marketing
49:00 Using AI and software for better tenant lead management
52:00 Screening tenants: Plaid, AppFolio, and catching fraud
57:00 Co-signers, income requirements, and preventing scams
58:00 Market outlook: rent growth and neighborhood opportunities
62:00 Why Humboldt Park and Grand Avenue are the next hot spots
65:00 Max’s competitive advantage and advice for new investors
67:00 Favorite resources and networking for Chicago landlords
Takeaways for Chicago Property Managers and Landlords
Communication is king, with tenants, investors, and contractors.
Bundled service fees help offset rising costs without scaring tenants with large rent hikes.
Tenant renewals start on day one, service and responsiveness drive retention.
Fraud is on the rise, use tech like Plaid, AppFolio, and verification calls to avoid scams.
Marketing matters, professional photos, virtual staging, and fast follow-up close deals faster.
West side growth, Humboldt Park and Grand Avenue are where Motew sees future opportunity.
Honesty with investors builds longevity, never promise returns you can’t deliver.
Guest Info
Guest Name: Max Motew
Company: Mo2 Properties
Email: max@mo2properties.com
LinkedIn: Max's LinkedIn
Because finding good tenants and property management shouldn’t feel like online dating.
📅 Schedule a Call Today To Discuss Management or Tenant Placement, take your time back, and lower your risk.
Dear Investor,
If you are an investor in either the city or suburbs of Chicago, I would love to speak with you about how we can help you on your real estate journey. At GC Realty & Development LLC, we help hundreds of Chicagoland real estate owners and brokers each year manage their assets with both full service property management and tenant placement services.
We understand that every investor’s goals are unique, and we love learning about each client’s individual needs. If there is an opportunity to help you buy back your time by managing your rental property or finding quality tenants, please check us out.
Best Investing,
Mark Ainley
Founder, Partner, Podcast Co-Host, and Investor
