Investment property, decided on real numbers.
Whether you are buying your first two-flat, selling a building you have owned for years or trading up through a 1031 exchange, I help investors make clear decisions based on income, expenses and what is actually selling.
Investors have sold buildings with me along North Clark Street in Chicago, including 4410 N Clark and 4504 N Clark, a four-unit building, along with multi-unit buildings at 1652 N Mozart and 2644 N Hamlin in Chicago and a self-storage facility in Romeoville. Every investment sale is different, but the questions are the same: what does the property earn, what could it earn, and who is the right buyer for it?
Selling an investment property
Current leases, rents, expenses and any recent improvements give us the real picture of the building.
Investors look at the numbers first, so the price has to make sense on paper as well as in person.
Advance notice, organized access and respect for the people who live there keep showings smooth.
Buyers who have their financing in place and understand the property type.
Leases, security deposits and keys transferred properly, with your attorney handling the legal details.
Buying an investment property
Monthly income, long-term growth, living in one unit and renting the others, or a mix.
Rents, taxes, insurance, maintenance and vacancy, so you know what the building really earns.
Inspections focused on the roof, mechanicals, separate utilities and anything shared between units.
Many 2–4 unit buildings can be financed with residential loans; your lender will confirm what fits your situation.
1031 exchanges
If you sell real estate held for investment or business use, a 1031 exchange may let you defer capital gains taxes by reinvesting the proceeds in another qualifying property. The deadlines are specific, generally 45 days to identify a replacement property and 180 days to complete the exchange, and a qualified intermediary is usually brought in before your sale closes. I handle the real estate side and work alongside your CPA or tax attorney and the intermediary, who handle the tax and exchange details.
Listings
Questions I hear often
Do you work with investors on both buying and selling?
Yes. I help investors sell buildings they own, find their next property and plan the timing between the two, including 1031 exchanges with their tax advisors.
Can I sell my building with tenants living there?
Yes. Leases generally stay in place and transfer to the buyer. Your attorney reviews the leases and security deposits for closing, and I plan showings around your tenants.
What do I need to get started selling a 2–4 unit?
A copy of your current leases or rent amounts, recent expenses and any improvements you have made. My multi-unit questionnaire walks you through it in a few minutes.
What is a 1031 exchange?
A 1031 exchange may let you defer capital gains taxes when you sell investment or business real estate and buy another qualifying property. The tax does not disappear; it is deferred. Your CPA or tax attorney and a qualified intermediary should be involved before your sale closes.
Other ways I can help
Jen Fay, Licensed Realtor, RE/MAX Premier · 440 W. Boughton Rd, Ste. 102, Bolingbrook, IL 60440 · Equal Housing Opportunity. Information is general and is not legal, tax or financial advice; please confirm details with your attorney, CPA or lender. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.