Property Management Blog

Top Tips When Buying Investment Property in Chicago, IL

By Jason Marcordes Wednesday, June 25, 2025

Key TakeawaysResearch Chicago’s Diverse Neighborhoods Before You Buy: Understand rental demand, property taxes, and future development plans in areas like Logan Square, Pilsen, or Lincoln Park to choose the right investment location.Clarify Your Goals and Run the Numbers: D...

$7B United Center Redevelopment: What It Means for Chicago's Near West Side Landlords

By Jason Marcordes Wednesday, June 25, 2025

The United Center owners’ $7 billion dollar redevelopment plan has been approved. Quick TakeChicago’s largest private West Side investment is underway: a $7B transformation of 55 acres around the United Center.The project will bring 9,400+ residential units, a 6,...

Will Trump’s Real Estate Tax Plan Revive the Market? What Chicago Landlords Should Know

By Jason Marcordes Tuesday, June 17, 2025

Could now actually be a smart time to buy a rental property?It’s a bold question—especially when your feed is filled with housing crash predictions and market panic. But nuance matters, even if the algorithm doesn’t like it. As seasoned investors know, every mar...

7 Costly Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Property Manager in Naperville

By Jason Marcordes Monday, June 9, 2025

Quick Take: What You’ll LearnCommon missteps that reduce rental income and increase headachesWhat to look for in a reliable Naperville property management companyHow to protect your property, tenants, and long-term investment Is Full-Service Property Management in Napervill...

Chicago’s 2025 Rent Control Debate: What Real Estate Investors Need to Know

By Jason Marcordes Thursday, May 29, 2025

Quick Take: Key Points for LandlordsIllinois still bans rent control in 2025, but tenant groups are pushing to change that.Proposed laws include rent increase caps, notice requirements, and fee restrictions.Chicago’s RLTO and Fair Notice Ordinance already impose strong prot...

Illinois Squatter Bill 2025: What Senate Bill 1563 Means for Chicago Property Owners

By Jason Marcordes Thursday, May 22, 2025

Quick Take: Key PointsSenate Bill 1563 permits law enforcement to remove squatters as trespassers, not tenants.Landlords can bypass the lengthy legal eviction process.Presenting fake documents or false identities becomes a criminal offense.Full-service property managers can assis...

What Zillow and Redfin Can’t Tell You About the Chicago Rental Market Forecast (2025 Edition)

By Jason Marcordes Tuesday, May 20, 2025

Quick Overview:Online rental pricing tools often miss local nuances critical in Chicago.Block-by-block variability makes automated estimates unreliable.Zillow and Redfin use lagging data and lack insight into current tenant demand.Chicago's rental pricing is being reshaped b...

Lakeview’s Transformation: What Rental Property Owners in Chicago Need to Know

By Jason Marcordes Thursday, May 1, 2025

The neighborhood of Lakeview has long been one of Chicago’s most vibrant and sought-after neighborhoods, offering a rare mix of lakefront living, historic architecture, iconic entertainment, and an unbeatable neighborhood feel. From the bustling streets of Wrigleyville...

Hidden Costs in Property Management Contracts: What to Watch For

By Jason Marcordes Monday, April 28, 2025

When it comes to property management fees, there’s no universal standard for what’s charged—or what could be charged. While I’m a strong believer that you get what you pay for, I also think it’s important to know exactly what you're paying for up...

The Impact of Chicago's Transportation Developments on Rental Property Values

By Jason Marcordes Tuesday, April 22, 2025

In Chicago’s rental market, walking distance to a CTA station or express bus line often separates average units from high-demand rental properties. Proximity to transit doesn’t just save time—it enhances the resident experience. Tenants are willing to pay for th...