Chicago Real Estate Investing Blog

By Mark Ainley

Three Signs Of Progress In Your Community

When choosing a community for an investment, Ciere Boatright, Vice President of Real Estate and Inclusion at the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNI), recommends looking for these signs.In this short clip from the episode, Ciere shares great tips and secrets ...

By Mark Ainley

THE CLOSING STATEMENT: A TREASURE TROVE OF VALUABLE INFORMATION

When you close on a property, at the closing you'll receive the Closing Disclosure. This will show you, amongst other things, your principal and interest, mortgage insurance, escrow amounts, and cash to close. However, there's so much more information that becomes va...

By Mark Ainley

3 Common Myths Beginner Real Estate Investors Believe

Each year, thousands of people get into real estate investing. Some see it as a speedy way to profit. This happens because the “get rich quick” attitude can lead to bad results for beginner investors.Newbies tend to go into the “win or bust” mode. They put...

By Mark Ainley

SELLER FINANCING 101

Have you ever wondered about seller financing? As an investor, I'm sure you're aware of how advantageous seller financing can be for a buyer. However few buyers realize that sellers can benefit as well. This article will help clear up any confusion and explain the ins and...

By Mark Ainley

Develop The Skills And Strategies You Need To Build Wealth Through Property

Months ago, I had a chance to talk with Jonathan Farber, the host of the Millennial Millionaire Real Estate Podcast, and we discussed ways to find great deals and make money in real estate. We had a great conversation with lots of takeaways for the newbie or seasoned investor. &n...

By Mark Ainley

The Chicago Department of Planning & Development recently announced that it will offer land for new ...

Land that the City of Chicago owns and is looking for a development team to redevelop is both left and right of the station. (The above view is looking southeast.)The Kedzie station, above Lake Street, is in the East Garfield Park community area, next to The Hatchery, a shared co...

By Mark Ainley

Rising mortgage rates: This is going to be a bumpy road

As interest rates rise, more homeowners will struggle to afford their mortgage payments. If you’re considering purchasing a home, now might be a good time to lock in an interest rate while they’re still at historic lows. Otherwise, wait until things settle down before...

By Mark Ainley

Are Real Estate Investments The Best Kind Of Alternative Investments?

Are you an executive who just retired after being in corporate practice for several years?Or an entrepreneur who just sold a business? Perhaps you are a new graduate who received an inheritance unexpectedly? Or, you may be the lucky one who won the biggest jackpot in ...

By Mark Ainley

Are You Ready To Invest In Real Estate?

Real estate investing requires a lot of hard work and proper planning. It can be a phenomenal wealth-building strategy, but without the proper set of expectations and goals, it may not be the best fit for you. I often hear people talk about real estate as this sure-thing money ma...

By Mark Ainley

How Tom Turned His 200K into Millions

The Tom I mention here is my great podcast co-host, Tom Shallcross—a lifelong northwest sider. Tom was born and raised in Dunning, and today, he still resides there with his wife and 4 children. He's a few minutes away from where he grew up, but thanks to his real estat...