Chicago Property Management Blog

How to Strategically Budget for Property Management Services: For Your Chicago Rental

By Jason Marcordes Tuesday, October 15, 2024

At the end of the day, your goal as a real estate investor is to make money! Right?!? Over the years I’ve talked to many investors that end up not making what they intend, nothing at all, or even losing money on their properties. Before you jump into a relationship with a p...

Hidden Costs in Property Management Contracts What to Watch For

By Jason Marcordes Monday, September 30, 2024

There really is no standard for what’s charged for or what could be charged for when it comes to property management fees. And while I’m a true believer in you get what you pay for, I also want to know what I’m paying for on the front end. We’ve reviewed m...

Managing Your Rental Property: Being a Landlord is Easy, Right?

By Jason Marcordes Monday, September 9, 2024

Being a landlord is just about collecting rent checks and living the easy life right? After spending 13+ years in the business I can tell you there are a lot of factors that many people don’t consider when they start managing their own rental. After an eviction we had a ten...

Navigating Legal Disputes in Property Management: What Chicago Landlords Need to Know

By Jason Marcordes Monday, August 26, 2024

After working for various management companies and opening my own, I have seen a lot in the world of tenant placement and legal disputes. Despite any of our best efforts and various tenant screening techniques methods, not every tenant placement will be perfect, and even your bes...

Standard Property Management Fees: What Are You Paying For in Chicago?

By Jason Marcordes Monday, August 19, 2024

There is more to the price of hiring a property manager than just the fixed monthly fee. I previously answered a question that we hear all of the time “How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Property Manager in Chicago?,” but I want to get more specific about the fees t...

Local vs. National Property Managers: Pros and Cons for Investors in Chicago and Beyond

By Jason Marcordes Wednesday, July 24, 2024

This blog was designed to share my knowledge of when it might be best to use a local or national property manager. Everyone has different goals with their property and portfolio so you want to make sure you are finding the best fit for your interests. When it comes to...

Choosing a Property Manager: Red Flags and Due Diligence

By Jason Marcordes Friday, July 19, 2024

Over the last 13 years, I’ve worked for other property management companies in the Chicago area, managed my own properties, and started my own property management company. I know and understand that choosing the right property manager can make all the difference in the succ...

My Top Five Property Management Tools

By Jason Marcordes Friday, June 21, 2024

If you're in the property management business, you know how hectic the day-to-day can get. It seems like there's always a fire to put out. Owners and tenants are calling around the clock, and things always seem to be breaking. Staying organized and on top of things can be...

Understanding Rent Increase Limits: What Landlords and Tenants Need to Know from a Property Manageme...

By Jason Marcordes Tuesday, June 18, 2024

Navigating the rules and regulations surrounding rent increases can be challenging for both landlords and tenants in Cook County.Before you purchase your next Chicago investment property, know the facts! Property A large part of what a property management company does revolves ar...

Section 8 in Chicago: Essential Guide for Chicago Rental Owners

By Jason Marcordes Tuesday, May 28, 2024

As a Chicago rental property owner, you must be well-versed in affordable rental housing opportunities!Navigating the complexities of the Section 8 program can be challenging for Chicago rental owners. The Section 8 program plays a crucial role in providing affordable housing sol...