Property Management Blog

By Mark Ainley

The Ins and Outs of House Hacking

If you're looking to invest in real estate, but don't have the capital for a traditional down payment, house hacking may be the answer. House hacking involves buying a property and living in one part while renting out the rest, allowing you to generate income while buildi...

By Mark Ainley

The Basics of Commercial Real Estate

Commercial real estate is a property used for commercial purposes, that is, business or income-generating activities. Unlike residential property, commercial properties generate rental income for the owner.Types of Commercial Real EstateCommercial real estate can be categorized i...

By Mark Ainley

Buy and Hold Rentals: A Guide for Real Estate Investors

Are you considering investing in real estate? Buy and hold rentals may be the way to go. This strategy involves purchasing a property, renting it out, and holding onto it for an extended period of time. Here's what you need to know to get started.Benefits of Buy and Hold Rent...

By Mark Ainley

What is a Routine Inspection in Chicago

As a Chicago resident, you may have heard the phrase "routine inspection" thrown around before. But do you know what it really means and why it's so important for the safety and well-being of our community? In essence, a routine inspection is a periodic evaluation o...

By Mark Ainley

How Often Should I Visit Occupied Properties?

As a property owner or manager, visiting your occupied properties is an essential part of ensuring their longevity and safeguarding the well-being of your occupants. However, one question that often arises is: How often should I visit occupied properties in Chicago? In this blog ...

By Mark Ainley

Rental Property Walk Thru Checklist

As a landlord or property manager in Chicago, it’s important to make sure your rental properties meet safety standards and are in good condition for your tenants. One way to do this is by conducting a rental property walk thru. Here’s a complete checklist for rental p...

By Mark Ainley

5 Tips For Effective Property Management in Chicago

Property management in Chicago is the process of overseeing and managing real estate properties on behalf of their owners. It includes a wide range of activities, from marketing and advertising properties for rent or sale, to negotiating lease or sale contracts, to maintaining an...

By Mark Ainley

The Future of Rent Control in Illinois: Updates and Implications

As a landlord in Illinois, it's important to stay up-to-date with the ever-changing laws and regulations that affect your rental properties. One major issue that has been making headlines lately is the potential implementation of rent control measures in Illinois. While rent ...

By Mark Ainley

Why Is Straight Up Chicago Investor Podcast important to Chicago Landlords

The Straight Up Chicago Investor podcast can be important to Chicago landlords for several reasons:Expert insights: The podcast features interviews with experts in the Chicago real estate market, including successful investors, property managers, attorneys, and other industry pro...

By Mark Ainley

What Chicago Landlords Must Know About GC Realty & Development

GC Realty & Development is a real estate brokerage and property management company based in Chicago. If you are a landlord in Chicago who is considering working with GC Realty & Development, there are several things that you should know:GC Realty & Development offers ...