Property Management Blog

By Tim Harstead - Friday, June 7, 2024

Difference Between Pets, Service, and Support Animals: A Landlord's Guide

Imagine you're a landlord about to rent out a cozy apartment. You've just met a potential tenant who mentions they have a pet.As you start considering the logistics, questions arise: Is it a pet, a service animal, or a support animal? What's the difference? How will e...

By Tim Harstead - Wednesday, June 5, 2024

New HUD Report for Tenant Screening and Credit Checks - Part 1

On April 29th, HUD released new guidelines for screening tenants and being compliant with the latest fair housing laws. I am writing this post in two parts. This is part 1 and will go into a summary of their 24-page guidance and what it means. Please note I am not an attorney, an...

By Tim Harstead - Tuesday, May 28, 2024

Attract New Residents Moving to Chicago for the First Time

Despite Illinois' quiet streets, downtown Chicago buzzes with more people than ever since the pandemic. For landlords, this change is a chance not to be missed.With more people moving to Chicago, there are more potential renters. This means you can fill empty properties faste...

By Tim Harstead - Tuesday, May 21, 2024

Safe Property Management for You and Your Tenants

As a property manager, your tenants' safety isn't just a checkbox on a legal form - it's a core responsibility that directly impacts your success. But how do you go beyond the basics and truly ensure a safe living environment?In this blog, we explore safe property man...

By Tim Harstead - Tuesday, May 14, 2024

Understanding the Chicago Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance

Chicago is one of the rare cities where tenant-occupied homes outweigh owner-occupied ones, with 55% of the city being renters.To ensure that both landlords and tenants enjoy a positive relationship, we've got the Chicago residential landlord-tenant ordinance. This set of law...

By Tim Harstead - Wednesday, May 8, 2024

How Do Appraisals Work For Investment Properties?

Whether you want to purchase a new property or pull equity out of your investment property, understanding the appraisal process is super important to your investment journey. Below, we will explain the common reason for ordering a home appraisal for your investment process ...

By Tim Harstead - Tuesday, May 7, 2024

Best Way to Collect Rent as a Landlord and Maintain Good Terms with Tenants

You're a landlord with a golden touch, effortlessly collecting rent from your tenants while maintaining a harmonious client relationship that's the envy of the real estate world. Sounds like a dream, right?Luckily, we're about to turn that dream into your reality!Read...

By Tim Harstead - Monday, April 29, 2024

Springtime Maintenance for Your Rental Property

The Spring is finally starting in Chicago, with warmer weather and nasty thunderstorms. Are your rental properties prepared to get through the season or set up to fail at the worst time? Preventative maintenance saves money by preventing more significant problems from occurring a...

By Tim Harstead - Sunday, April 28, 2024

Which Up And Coming Neighborhoods In Chicago Should You Be Investing In Now?

Chicago offers a fertile ground for those seeking to capitalize on the next big thing in real estate. From historic districts undergoing revitalization to hidden gems on the brink of transformation, the Windy City boasts lots of promising neighborhoods primed for investment.But h...

By Tim Harstead - Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Building your Real Estate Investment Team

As we approach the 2024 NFL draft, when teams are formed and dreams are built, it's a perfect analogy for the team needed to make a successful real estate portfolio. Just as the Bears players are crucial to their Super Bowl dreams, each role in your real estate investment tea...