Chicago Realty News Blog

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Exploring Illinois Multifamily Trends Through Q3 2023

Exploring Illinois Multifamily Trends Through Q3 2023

Navigating the multifamily real estate market in Illinois has always been a journey marked by opportunity, but it's no secret that today's landscape brings its own unique set of challenges. The presence of high-interest rates undoubtedly poses a formidable hurdle, but...

Little Village: Your Next Investment Hotspot

Little Village: Your Next Investment Hotspot

Are you in search of the next big opportunity in the world of commercial real estate? Look no further than the vibrant and culturally rich submarket of Little Village in Chicago. This hidden gem is a prime destination for investors seeking high returns and long-term...

Indiana Multifamily Market Update Through Q3 2023

Indiana Multifamily Market Update Through Q3 2023

In any cycle, a buzzword often takes the forefront in discussions and valuations, and it may be surprising, but today, it's "expectations." While many believe that interest rates and their unprecedented hikes should dominate the conversation, they are just one piece...

Treasury Investing Vs. Real Estate Investing

Treasury Investing Vs. Real Estate Investing

In the world of investing, the current allure of treasury investing offering 5% is attractive. However, it's crucial to recognize that not all investments are created equal, and real estate offers a unique set of advantages that go beyond the one-dimensional returns...

Exploring Milwaukee: The Hidden Gem of the Midwest

Exploring Milwaukee: The Hidden Gem of the Midwest

Nestled quietly in the heart of the Midwest, Milwaukee, WI often goes unnoticed amidst the bustling discussions about larger cities. It's no surprise; I was once in your shoes. My initial impression of Milwaukee was limited to thoughts of sprawling Wisconsin...

5 Ways to Maximize Returns in Multifamily Investing

5 Ways to Maximize Returns in Multifamily Investing

Multifamily investing has emerged as a lucrative opportunity for real estate investors, offering a steady stream of cash flow and long-term appreciation. However, to truly maximize returns in this competitive market, investors need to employ strategic and innovative...

A Look Back at Q1

A Look Back at Q1

With a total transaction volume of nearly $200 million across both seller and buyer representation in Q1 2023, Kiser Group is carrying an incredible momentum into 2023. Our brokers were finalists for the Private Capital Markets Investment Broker of the Year of 2022...

Understanding a Condominium Deconversion

Understanding a Condominium Deconversion

Q&A with Kiser Group Director Jake Parker, a Specialist in Condo Deconversions.  Condominium deconversions have gained popularity over the years, with many associations and investors considering it as a new chapter or investment opportunity. However, just like any...

Navigating the Daily Difficulties of Brokerage

Navigating the Daily Difficulties of Brokerage

Two years ago Kiser Group Advisor Jack Petrando branched off working in the West Side of the city in an effort to expand the Birk | Sklar team’s market coverage. Petrando ventured off in April of 2020, specializing in Austin, Garfield Park, Lawndale, and Humboldt...

From Property Management to Brokerage

From Property Management to Brokerage

Will Cornish, an associate, works closely with Danny Mantis, focusing on the northwest communities of Chicago. He has a vast background in market research and a passion for real estate allowing him to cater to clients and best accommodate their needs. However, Cornish...

Bringing Momentum into Q2 2022

Bringing Momentum into Q2 2022

With a record-breaking total transaction volume of $696 million across both seller and buyer representation in 2021, Kiser Group is bringing incredible momentum into 2022. We received a Power Broker Award from CoStar last month, and with a record Q1 already in the...

The State of Chicago’s Suburbs

The State of Chicago’s Suburbs

  On March 30th I had the privilege of speaking on the Bisnow – Future of the Suburbs panel moderated by Hal Francke of MPS Law, alongside Jon Meshel of Centennial Real Estate, Richard Tucker of Tucker Development, and Kevin Kramer from the Village of Hoffman...

Becoming a Broker: An Associate’s Perspective

Becoming a Broker: An Associate’s Perspective

There isn’t only one right way to become a broker. Sometimes, people discover their passion for real estate after already establishing a career in a different field. Other times, becoming a broker begins as soon as someone receives an undergraduate degree. No matter...

Lake County, Northwest Indiana- 2021 in Review

Lake County, Northwest Indiana- 2021 in Review

This week is composed of a 2021 Year in Review on Lake County, Indiana where I plan to detail metrics, news, and more. From new developments, value-add opportunities, to appreciating assets – here’s what happened in Lake County, Indiana in 2021 alongside my thoughts...

TOP 10 MOST READ MULTIFAMILY BLOG POSTS IN 2021

TOP 10 MOST READ MULTIFAMILY BLOG POSTS IN 2021

Kiser Group’s Advisors are industry experts known for sharing market knowledge. On Kiser Group’s blog our Advisors dive into topics and conversation points they find interesting and worth further discussion. Here are our most-read blog posts from 2021: Albany Park:...

Top 10 Most Read Multifamily Blog Posts In 2020

Top 10 Most Read Multifamily Blog Posts In 2020

multifamily blog posts 2020 Kiser Group’s Advisors are industry experts known for sharing market knowledge. On Kiser Group’s blog our Advisors dive into topics and conversation points they find interesting and worth further discussion. With 2020 closed out, here are...

State of Chicago’s Suburban Multifamily Market

State of Chicago’s Suburban Multifamily Market

As we close out 2020, here’s my assessments of Chicago’s suburban multifamily market. Transaction volumes across the Chicagoland area have all been impacted by the pandemic differently. While multifamily transactions are happening throughout Chicagoland, there has...

Multifamily Market Update: Logan Square

Multifamily Market Update: Logan Square

Located on the northwest side, you will find one of the most talked about up-and-coming neighborhoods - Logan Square. The neighborhood's boundaries are Diversey Avenue to the north, Pulaski Road to the west, North Avenue to the south, and Western Avenue to the east....

How Will The Election Impact Your Real Estate Investments?

How Will The Election Impact Your Real Estate Investments?

The upcoming election is a hot topic across the country. Over the last few weeks, I've spoke with my multifamily investor clients about changes expected relative to whether Biden or Trump wins the election. The answers somewhat surprised me. None of the opinions...

Six Chicagoland Multifamily Markets To Watch

Six Chicagoland Multifamily Markets To Watch

Where should you make your next Chicagoland multifamily investment? We asked our brokers just that. In this post they share why Austin, Gary, Indiana, Logan Square, Rogers Park and Suburban Workforce Housing are markets to watch.    Austin “The Austin...

Top 10 Most Read Multifamily Blog Posts So Far In 2020

Top 10 Most Read Multifamily Blog Posts So Far In 2020

Kiser Group’s brokers are industry experts known for sharing market knowledge. On Kiser Group’s blog our brokers dive into topics and conversation points they find interesting and worth further discussion. As we reach the half-way point of 2020, here are our most-read...

You’ve Inherited An Apartment Building, Now What?

You’ve Inherited An Apartment Building, Now What?

Inheriting an apartment building is different from a single-family home. Apartment buildings are investment property requiring management and maintenance. We asked Matt Halper and Michael D'Agostino what you should do if you inherit a multifamily asset.   Before...

Cap Rates Explained: How Important Are They?

Cap Rates Explained: How Important Are They?

A capitalization rate, more commonly referred to as a cap rate, is a metric commercial real estate  investors use to analyze properties and calculate the rate of return. The cap rate is calculated by dividing the net operating income of the property by the...

A Day In The Life Of A Multifamily Analyst

A Day In The Life Of A Multifamily Analyst

I have been an analyst supporting Kiser Group's Partner Noah Birk and Senior Director Aaron Sklar for eight months. During that time, I’ve learned a lot about multifamily real estate and the south and west sides of Chicago. If you have ever been on the phone with me,...

Kiser Group’s COVID-19 Mid-Market Survey Results

Kiser Group’s COVID-19 Mid-Market Survey Results

Kiser Group recently surveyed clients to learn more about how mid-market multifamily owners throughout Chicagoland are being impacted by COVID-19. Responses were received from a diverse cross-section of multifamily ownership profiles and a geographic spectrum of the...

Top 10 Most Read Multifamily Blog Posts in Q1 2020

Top 10 Most Read Multifamily Blog Posts in Q1 2020

Kiser Group’s brokers are industry experts known for sharing market knowledge and mentoring new brokers. The Kiser Group blog is another place for our brokers to dive into topics and conversation points they find interesting and worth further discussion. Now that Q1...

Why A Rent Strike Does More Harm Than Good

Why A Rent Strike Does More Harm Than Good

Most renters think their rent payment goes directly into their landlord’s pocket, so a rent strike might seem like a good idea; afterall, why should a landlord make all that money when times get tough? That’s not the way it works, though.  In order to understand...

Industry Expert: Dean Huber On Getting Deals Done

Industry Expert: Dean Huber On Getting Deals Done

We are looking forward to our upcoming Mid-Market Summit event on Thursday, May 7 and wanted to take the time to speak with sponsor Dean Huber of Walker & Dunlop ahead of the event about financing deals.   Kiser: How did you get your start? Was it in lending...

Taxes & The State of Evanston’s Multifamily Market

Taxes & The State of Evanston’s Multifamily Market

I don’t think it’s ground-breaking to say that Evanston has been ground-zero for the new assessment methodology coming out of the Cook County Assessor’s office. Anyone reading the news on this topic has read about instances where the 2019 assessed value of real estate...

Kiser Group Celebrates 15 Years of Business

Kiser Group Celebrates 15 Years of Business

I’m writing this blog on our 15th anniversary of business. How did it all start? I’ve always considered myself an entrepreneur. I’ve never actually had a “real job” with a salary. After numerous big ideas, false starts, and failures, I found myself at 30 years old,...

Auburn Gresham: The Next South Shore?

Auburn Gresham: The Next South Shore?

Auburn Gresham is located on the far south side of Chicago, 13 miles from downtown and has quietly been gaining momentum with the multifamily investment community. With 75th Street to its north, the neighborhood spans from the train tracks east of Halsted Street to...

How To Know If An Investment Property Is Right For You

How To Know If An Investment Property Is Right For You

I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase, “don’t have all your eggs in one basket”. Having a diversified portfolio is not just owning stocks and bonds. Long-term real estate investing is the best third leg of the investing stool. Short of another crisis, real estate values...

Top Apartment Investing Advice from Lee Kiser

Top Apartment Investing Advice from Lee Kiser

Over the past couple of years, I’ve contributed advice articles to the Forbes Real Estate Council about apartment investing, building a career as a multifamily broker and starting a brokerage firm. Below are my top five favorites for multifamily investors, both new...

RE Journals: Best of the Best 2019

RE Journals: Best of the Best 2019

Kiser Group is honored and proud to be named one of the Midwest's Top Brokers in RE Journals Best of the Best 2019. This is possible because of our wonderful clients and Kiser Group's hard-working team.       Read Article...

Wrigleyville’s Development Impact on Vintage Apartments

Wrigleyville’s Development Impact on Vintage Apartments

Known for being the home of Wrigley Field and the Chicago Cubs, Wrigleyville has experienced a surge of real estate development from residential to hotel to retail in the last few years.    Recent Developments Since the purchase of the Chicago Cubs in 2009,...

Catch Up On Our Most Read Multifamily Blog Posts 

Catch Up On Our Most Read Multifamily Blog Posts 

Kiser Group’s brokers are industry experts known for sharing market knowledge and mentoring new brokers. The Kiser Group blog is another place for our brokers to dive into topics and conversation points they find interesting and worth further discussion. Now that Q2...

Condo Deconversion: Just a trend or here to stay?

Condo Deconversion: Just a trend or here to stay?

The shifting balance between apartment values and condo values will dictate the frequency of deconversions, but the appreciation potential for the majority of low-priced condominiums is very limited. In addition, there will always be condominium properties that fall so far behind on their maintenance that a deconversion becomes the only viable exit option for current owners.  

Event Recap: The Mid-Market Summit

Event Recap: The Mid-Market Summit

On Thursday, May 9, Kiser Group hosted our annual Mid-Market Summit event. The exclusive event open only to Principals and Investors in multifamily real estate, featured two industry panels addressing current topics facing Chicago’s industry. This year’s discussion...

How To Identify An Armchair Real Estate Investment

How To Identify An Armchair Real Estate Investment

Whether you are looking to diversify your portfolio for retirement or looking for a long-term investment outside of the stock market, acquiring an apartment building can be a great investment option. So - how do you find the right apartment building to invest in? If...

Stop Overlooking Englewood Apartment Investments

Stop Overlooking Englewood Apartment Investments

The Englewood neighborhood in Chicago continues to be overlooked by the commercial real estate industry, particularly apartment investors. While people have cited crime and a challenging renter base as reasons they don’t invest in the neighborhood, there are three key investment parameters that are being overlooked. From cash flow to Opportunity Zones to new neighborhood development, Englewood is heating up.

The Best Amenities For Mid-Market Apartments

The Best Amenities For Mid-Market Apartments

You’ve seen the headlines or read an article about elaborate amenities being added to Class A apartment buildings. Luxury apartment developers are increasingly competing  in the “amenity wars.” From coworking spaces to doggy daycare to bocce ball, many of these...

You Want to Sell Apartment Buildings? Read This First.

You Want to Sell Apartment Buildings? Read This First.

I often get asked, “Should I get into real estate brokerage?” I usually tell them “No”, mostly because I don’t want any extra competition…but I always tell them that it’s an incredibly risky business to get into with extremely high rates of failure. It’s important for...

The Condominium Conversion-Deconversion Pendulum

The Condominium Conversion-Deconversion Pendulum

As we continuously examine the deconversion trend at Kiser Group, we look for as much information as we can to try to understand how much longer it will last.  We recently looked at our historical data to see how many of each year’s sales were conversions or deconversions out of our total multifamily sales, and we produced the chart below.

Cash-On-Cash: The real measure of rate of return

Cash-On-Cash: The real measure of rate of return

By Andy Friedman Real estate investors are always drawn to cap rate as their go-to measure for potential investments. Cap rates are flawed. (More about that in a previous post.) Your return is not the cap rate, it is the cash-on-cash return, especially since the...

Cap Rates: A Highly Misunderstood and Imperfect Metric

Cap Rates: A Highly Misunderstood and Imperfect Metric

By Andy Friedman   If I had a nickel for every time I’ve been told by a real estate investor that they will only consider a property with X cap rate or above, well, I’d have a boatload of nickels.  There are several problems with using cap rates as your main...

Liquidity: An Often-Ignored Component of Real Estate

Liquidity: An Often-Ignored Component of Real Estate

By Andy Friedman When most people evaluate a real estate investment, there is a small set of initial questions that they look to get answered: What is the cap rate? What is the vacancy rate? How are rents or lease rates trending in that area? What is the condition of...

What HOA Members Should Know About Condo Deconversions

What HOA Members Should Know About Condo Deconversions

Condominium deconversions are a hot topic in commercial real estate today, and I don’t think it’s just the latest trend. As condominium stock built in the 70s and older continues to age and need updates, modernization and capital improvements, owners continue to spend...

Kiser Group’s Mid-Market Summit 2018 Recap

By Lee Kiser Kiser Group’s inaugural Mid-Market Summit was May 9 at City Winery in the West Loop. In way of recap, the Mid-Market Summit is an invitation-only event for Kiser Group clients: Chicagoland’s apartment owners and investors. The panel discussion topics...

Four Reasons to Invest in the Chicago Suburbs

Four Reasons to Invest in the Chicago Suburbs

By Matt Halper If you’re considering getting into real estate investment or looking to diversify your apartment portfolio, the Chicago Suburbs are a great market. Here are a few reasons why you should consider investing in the suburbs:   1. Steady Stream of...

What Makes a Good Mid-Market Broker?

What Makes a Good Mid-Market Broker?

By Michael D'Agostino Commercial real estate brokerage is a skillful balance of art and science. The middle market encompasses many personas and investment needs. Being able to appeal, present and understand the investor profile of each persona is the art of the deal,...

Three Reasons to Invest in Lake County Right Now

Three Reasons to Invest in Lake County Right Now

Lake County… I get it. The real estate taxes are high. That’s the singular thing that any investor brings up when I suggest the idea of looking at apartment buildings in Lake County.  While I get why that’s intimidating to investors, I don’t think that should disqualify investors from considering investments. 

A Day in the Life of a Multifamily Analyst

A Day in the Life of a Multifamily Analyst

By: Jake Parker   As a commercial real estate analyst, it can be hard to set a schedule when you first start. There are seemingly endless phone calls and emails to be made, clients to see, and plenty of market research to do.   Here is a snapshot of my...

Why a New Logo?

Why a New Logo?

  The short answer? We created a new logo to represent the new Kiser Group: a collaborative team that blends the traditional and the modern, merging classic practices with advanced real estate technology for in depth market knowledge – all to benefit our clients....