Author: Tamika Marks

Built in 2006, Income Producing & Room to Grow! This tenant-occupied 2-unit offers an opportunity to acquire a multifamily property with existing rental income and potential for future income growth. Each unit features 3 bedrooms, 1 full bath, separate living and dining rooms, kitchen, and wood flooring. Tenants pay their own utilities, helping reduce owner-paid operating expenses. Current rents may offer an opportunity for future increases based on prevailing market rents and subject to existing lease terms and applicable regulations. The gated rear yard includes a parking pad for convenient off-street parking. The property offers access to public transportation, neighborhood shopping and services, parks and recreation, major thoroughfares, the Illinois Medical District, and Downtown Chicago. With two 3-bedroom units, tenant-paid utilities, existing rental income, off-street parking, and 2006 construction, this property offers several features for consideration by a future owner. Tenant occupied; property is being sold subject to existing leases and tenant rights.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrates, recognizes, and honors the beautiful traditions and cultures of the Indigenous People
We take a stand for and support the indigenous people on this day.
We should also offer our support to those who invest and uplift the indigenous communities.

Housing affordability is on everyone’s mind lately, and I’m watching the landscape shift in real time. We’re seeing more sellers offer concessions, which can give buyers a bit of breathing room—even as borrowing costs remain the major hurdle. With Treasury yields holding near 5% and average 30-year mortgage rates now topping the low 7% range, those financing costs are stretching budgets thin. In the four weeks ending September 13, the median monthly mortgage payment rose to about $2,600—up around 3% from last year—making it clear just how much rates impact affordability. The resale market is especially tight, as many homeowners with low-rate loans are choosing to stay put, keeping listings limited. At the same time, sellers are often still aiming for those pandemic-era prices. What I’m hearing from industry peers matches my own experience: this is a correction toward greater stability, not a crash. Strong equity positions, solid lending practices, and creative opportunities remain for both buyers and sellers—whether you’re navigating REO properties, traditional homes, or something in between.

As someone who's spent over two decades navigating Chicago's ever-changing real estate landscape—especially in REO and traditional sales—I’m seeing a real shift in how buyers and sellers interact. Inventory is picking up in several areas, which means buyers are no longer rushing into quick offers; they now have the luxury to compare more listings and negotiate terms, particularly on homes that have lingered on the market or started out overpriced. For sellers, the competition is heating up—not just on price, but on terms as well. Concessions, repairs, and price adjustments are playing a bigger role in drawing serious buyers. My advice? Buyers: take your time, assess all your options, and negotiate confidently. Sellers: it’s time for realistic pricing and strong, appealing terms to stand out as the market dynamics evolve.

Opportunity Knocks-Will You Answer? If you've been searching for a property with character, potential, and room to make your mark, this could be the one. Situated on a generous lot in Chicago's Austin neighborhood, this classic home is ready for its next chapter. Originally designed as a 2-bedroom residence, the home features hardwood floors on the main level, a separate dining room, and an enclosed rear porch offering additional flexible space. The full basement includes a summer kitchen setup and a half bath, providing even more possibilities for future use and redesign. This property is ready for updates, making it an excellent opportunity to restore its original charm or reimagine the space to fit your vision. The expansive rear yard provides ample outdoor space with room to add a garage (subject to municipal approval), create an outdoor retreat, or enhance the property's functionality. Conveniently located near Columbus Park, the Garfield Park Conservatory, and the Illinois Medical District, you'll enjoy easy access to neighborhood parks, shopping, restaurants, and everyday conveniences along Madison Street and Cicero Avenue. Commuting is simple with nearby CTA bus routes, the CTA Green Line, and quick access to I-290, connecting you to downtown Chicago and surrounding communities. Whether you're looking for your next renovation project or an opportunity to build value through thoughtful improvements, this property offers the chance to bring your ideas to life. Sold as-is no survey.

As someone who’s spent over two decades immersed in Chicago real estate, I keep a close watch on the forces shaping our market—especially when it comes to interest rates. Right now, persistent inflation and those elevated long-term Treasury yields are making a quick return to lower rates feel pretty unlikely. The Federal Reserve is walking a tightrope: trying to manage inflation, but also seeing signs that the broader economy may be losing some steam. For buyers, sellers, and investors alike, this means borrowing costs might remain higher for some time—affecting everything from home loans to commercial deals. In this environment, a balanced, informed strategy becomes even more important as we all navigate interest-rate uncertainty, fiscal pressures, and the ongoing impact of inflation. My experience in both REO and traditional transactions has taught me how essential it is to adapt as conditions shift—so staying sharp and flexible is key.