Chicago Property Management Blog

Des Plaines continues to be one of the most in-demand rental markets in the Chicago suburbs, and it’s easy to see why. With quick access to O’Hare, strong local employers, and a mix of single-family homes and multifamily buildings, it attracts renters looking for value without giving up convenience. But here’s the thing most landlords miss: success in Des Plaines isn’t about listing fast, it’s about plannin...

If you’re managing or investing in rental property in Elk Grove Village, you already know it’s one of the most balanced markets in the Chicago suburbs, steady demand, strong schools, and a tenant base that tends to stick around when you manage things right. But success here doesn’t come from luck or a quick Zillow post. It comes from knowing your numbers: how long it really takes to fill a vacancy, what rent ranges mak...

Being a landlord in Illinois isn’t just collecting checks and sipping coffee while your property appreciates. It’s paperwork, surprises, and learning the hard way that “I didn’t know that was a law” doesn’t hold up in court.Even the most seasoned investors get tripped up here. The Chicago market moves fast, ordinances pile up, and the rules seem to multiply every year like raccoons in your alley trash...

I am not an attorney, nor is this legal advice but I share this information with Chicago real estate investors from the view point of an investor myself and someone who sees other investors around Chicago get in trouble because they don't consider all the risks.  If you’re new to investing in Chicago, let me save you from one of the most expensive rookie mistakes I see over and over again, collecting a security deposit.Ev...

One important factor in owning Chicago rental homes is the maintenance and turnover costs associated with preparing the property for new tenants. Of course, many factors play into these averages, like the age of the home, the quality of materials used, and recent weather.Believe it or not, even the Chicago zip code can affect average turnover projects and costs. For example, which do you think costs more: Northwest Side or South Side tu...

Schaumburg remains one of the Chicago area’s most popular suburbs for renters thanks to its diverse housing stock, proximity to major highways and employers, and good schools. However, being a landlord here is not as simple as posting a listing and waiting for applications. Understanding how long it takes to find a tenant, the rent ranges of different properties and how seasonality affects demand helps owners budget realistically ...

For new real estate investors entering the Chicago rental market, whether you’re considering a two-flat in Logan Square, a condo in Hyde Park, or a courtyard building in Rogers Park, one of the earliest financial decisions you’ll face is whether to collect a security deposit or a non-refundable move-in fee from your tenants. While these two options may appear interchangeable at first glance, they are treated very differently...

Managing mixed-use properties that combine both residential and commercial spaces comes with unique challenges and opportunities. From handling tenants with different needs to ensuring compliance with zoning laws and lease agreements, successful mixed-use property management requires expertise and strategy.Chicago, in particular, has a large stock of these types of buildings. Whether it’s a property in suburban downtown areas like...

Most investors think they already know the reasons to hire a property manager: someone to collect rent, handle repairs, and answer tenant calls. But let’s be honest, if those were the only reasons, plenty of Chicago investors would keep self-managing and never call us.The real reasons, the ones investors don’t consider, are actually far more powerful. They aren’t about convenience. They’re about protecting your i...

Chicago landlords don’t need me to tell them this: every time the City Council passes another housing ordinance, it creates new layers of risk and confusion for housing providers. The latest? The Jackson Park Housing Pilot Program Ordinance, which includes a Tenant Opportunity to Purchase / Right of First Refusal program in the Jackson Park and South Shore neighborhoods.If this sounds familiar, that’s because ...