Chicago Property Management Blog

Conducting proper tenant screening is one of the most important responsibilities for Chicago landlords. Choosing reliable, trustworthy tenants can help minimize headaches and ensure you receive rent payments on time. On the other hand, lax screening procedures can lead to non-paying tenants, excessive property damage, and legal issues. Here are some tips for effective tenant screening in Chicago:Check tenant references. Require prospect...

As a landlord, keeping your rental properties well-maintained should be a top priority. Proper house maintenance helps attract and retain good tenants, prevents costly repairs down the road, and ensures safe and habitable living conditions as required by Chicago housing law. Here are some key areas of house maintenance for Chicago landlords to focus on:Heating and cooling systems: Have HVAC systems inspected and serviced annually to kee...

In the world of real estate deals, there are an incredible number of potential pitfalls. So, why use a realtor? To A realtor can leverage their expert knowledge to ensure your real estate deal is successful. This article lists five compelling reasons why you should consider working with a realtor rather than trying to do it alone.1. Market KnowledgeOne of the primary benefits of hiring a realtor is that they have in-depth expertise in t...

Chicago is a large and diverse rental market, offering many opportunities for landlords and property owners. However, to have a successful rental experience, it is important to go in prepared. Here are some tips for renting out your house in Chicago:Know the market. Do your research on rental rates for comparable properties in your neighborhood. Check sites like Zillow, Trulia, and Craigslist to determine a competitive price range for y...

As a Chicago landlord, there may come a time when you decide to sell one of your investment properties. Whether you want to free up capital for new acquisitions, diversify your holdings, or exit the rental business altogether, selling strategically is key to maximizing your returns. With the right approach, you can take advantage of strong demand in the Chicago housing market and the equity you’ve built up in the property.Price it...

Currently, homes in Chicago are worth around $300,000, so you can earn a decent amount of money by selling your property if you have one in the city. This gives you the perfect opportunity to embark on a new adventure and move elsewhere, whether that's in the same state, across the US, or even overseas.Selling a house isn't always easy though, and there are many moving parts to deal with. To ensure you have the best experience p...

The Chicago housing market presents many opportunities for real estate investors. As landlords and property managers, buying rental property in Chicago allows us to expand our portfolios, tap into strong demand, and generate solid returns over the long run. However, navigating the buying process requires knowledge of the local market and a strategic approach.Study the Chicago neighborhood housing markets. Chicago's diverse neighborh...

As landlords and property managers in Chicago, we have a legal and ethical obligation to provide fair housing. This means offering equal opportunities and treatment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or familial status. Fair housing is not just a box to check—it should be a guiding principle for how we operate.Compliance starts with educating yourself and your staff on fair housing laws. The Chi...

As a housing provider, conducting regular inspections of your rental properties is essential for a number of reasons:Safety - Inspections allow you to identify and address potential safety hazards that could put tenants at risk. You can check for issues like faulty wiring, leaky gas lines, mold growth, and structural damage. Fixing safety issues promptly can prevent accidents and protect tenants.  Maintenance - Inspections provide ...

Are you thinking about buying a home in the Chicago, IL area for the first time? You're in luck.According to a recent report, Chicago-area home prices just dropped for the first time in more than a decade. It should make it possible for you to buy a house without having to break the bank.We have more good news for you, too. There are a bunch of first-time home buyer programs you might be able to take advantage of when shopping for h...