Chicago Property Management Blog

In the fast-paced world of real estate, building strong client relationships and maintaining a healthy lead pipeline is crucial. At GC Realty & Development, Business Development Manager (BDM) Shea Murray has excelled in doing just that—combining his background as a professional athlete with sales savvy to thrive in his role. In this blog, we dive into Shea's journey from the baseball diamond to the Chicago real estate mark...

Starting January 1, 2025, Illinois will introduce the Landlord Retaliation Act, a new law designed to protect tenants from landlord retaliatory actions. This law will significantly impact Chicago landlords and property managers, who must stay updated on the latest changes in Illinois landlord laws. In this blog, we’ll summarize what you should know about the 2025 Illinois Landlord Retaliation Act and offer practical advice on how ...

Are there still affordable neighborhoods in Chicago?  As a Property Manager we are seeing opportunities to not pay too much!When searching for houses for rent in Chicago, affordability often tops the list of priorities for renters. With Chicago's diverse neighborhoods, you can find a rental. It can fit your budget and have good amenities and convenience. As a leader in Chicago Property Management, we know the best, afforda...

Since 2021, the Illinois state-funded Court-Based Rental Assistance Program (CBRAP) has served as a vital resource for both tenants and landlords, especially during economic downturns and individual hardships.The 2025 program update introduces changes that impact Chicago landlords, affecting tenant support, eviction processes, and financial relief. As we approach the new year, it's crucial for landlords to understand how t...

Beginning in 2025, Illinois landlords and property managers will have a new set of rules to follow when screening tenant applications. The 2025 state law makes landlords use credit reports from tenants instead of pulling credit reports through their usual processes. That means tenants can provide their own credit reports when the Tenant Credit Report Law goes into effect in January 2025. As part of this new law, landlords and property ...

The opportunity for rental assistance has returned in Illinois, offering much-needed relief for tenants facing eviction. If you're a housing provider or a renter dealing with delinquency, it's essential to stay updated on this assistance and the processes involved. Below is a detailed breakdown of what you need to know, along with some helpful strategies for managing rent while awaiting rental aid.Rental Assistance Program Overv...

Over the past few months, we’ve covered some crucial topics for landlords and investors in the Chicago area. From navigating eviction laws and avoiding rental scams to understanding new regulations, these blogs are packed with insights that can help you stay ahead of the challenges and opportunities in the market. Explore each one below to strengthen your knowledge and protect your investments.Everything You Don’t Know about...

Transitioning from one career to another can be daunting, especially when you’ve spent years in a highly specialized field like professional baseball. But for Shea Murray, former baseball player turned real estate professional, the move from the dugout to property deals was a calculated and purposeful journey. In this podcast, Shea reflects on his path, discussing how his athletic career laid the foundation for success in real est...

Real estate investors may be a little skittish about property taxes in Chicago and Cook County, and I can understand why. The media covers the administration's dysfunction. News stories talk about pension funds being upside down and getting worse. Many say taxpayers will pay the price for the city's financial mistakes over the last six decades. They say that as commercial property vacancies stack up and the prices for comme...

listen to what he shares….What Is Value-Add Real Estate Investing?At its core, value-add investing involves purchasing a property that isn’t currently at its full potential—whether it needs renovations, improvements, or simply a strategic overhaul—and increasing its value through upgrades or better management. You might do this during a BRRRR strategy (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat), a flip, or by sim...