Chicago Commercial Real Estate Brokers: Leasing, Sales and Investment

Leading Edge Realty Advisors is a commercial real estate brokerage and property management firm based in Glenview, Illinois. We help property owners, tenants and investors with leasing, sales and investment in the northwest suburbs and on Chicago's North Side and Northwest Side. Chris Demas, MBA, CCIM, leads the firm as Designated Managing Broker, and we own commercial property ourselves, so we advise from an owner's point of view.

This page explains how we work in Chicago and where to start whether you want to lease space, buy a building or hire a broker.

Commercial real estate brokers in Chicago

A commercial real estate broker represents you in a lease or sale. We price the property, market it, find the counterparty, negotiate terms and coordinate the work through closing or lease signing. We act for landlords, tenants, sellers and buyers on different transactions, and our fees are agreed in writing before work begins.

Our team has a CCIM designation on staff. CCIM is a credential in commercial real estate investment analysis; we use it to test the numbers on every investment recommendation.

Commercial real estate companies in Chicago: what to look for

If you are comparing commercial real estate companies in Chicago, ask each one:

  • Who will actually handle my transaction, and how often will I hear from them?

  • Do they work in my property type (retail, office or industrial) and in my part of the city?

  • Do they own property themselves?

  • How are fees structured, and is it in writing?

  • Do they also manage property, so they understand how a building operates after the deal?

We are a team of four, so you work directly with the people handling your property.

Commercial real estate for lease in Chicago

For tenants. If you want to lease commercial real estate in Chicago, we help you define your space requirements, search the market, tour spaces, compare proposals and negotiate the lease. Space types include storefront and strip-center retail, small and mid-size office, and industrial and flex.

For landlords. If you own property and want a tenant, we set the asking rent, market the space on MLS and Crexi, qualify prospects, negotiate and coordinate the lease. We handle the paperwork, showings and negotiation so you can focus on your property.

Read more on our commercial leasing page.

Buying commercial real estate in Chicago

Buying commercial real estate in Chicago starts with a clear buy box: property type, neighborhoods, size, price range and the income you need. We search listings and off-market opportunities for buyers, review the leases and financials, and help you underwrite and negotiate. Our buyer's guide walks through each step.

Chicago commercial real estate investment

We advise investors who own one to five properties. For a Chicago commercial real estate investment we look at net operating income, lease terms, tenant quality, capital needs and how the purchase fits your other holdings. We can also manage the property after you buy it. Whether you are interested in Chicago commercial real estate investing for the first time or adding to a small portfolio, we start with your goals, not with a property to sell.

Commercial real estate sales in Chicago

If you own a building and are thinking of selling, we provide a broker opinion of value, prepare marketing, handle inquiries and negotiate the sale. See our commercial real estate sales page.

Available commercial properties in Chicago

Looking for commercial real estate in Chicago listings or Chicago commercial real estate for sale? We also work with off-market owners, so call us with your criteria even if you do not see a match.

Where we work in Chicago

We take Chicago assignments on the North Side and the Northwest Side, not citywide. Our local market page covers nine Northwest Side neighborhoods: Forest Glen, Norwood Park, Edison Park, Jefferson Park, Gladstone Park, West Ridge, North Park, Albany Park and Edgebrook. See our page on northwest Chicago neighborhoods for local market information. If your property is in another part of Chicago, call us and we will tell you plainly whether it is in our area. We also serve the surrounding suburbs: Glenview, Mount Prospect, Arlington Heights, Elk Grove Village and Schaumburg.

Talk to a Chicago commercial real estate broker

Call (847) 868-5745 or contact us. Mon-Fri 8am-5pm, Sat 9am-12pm.

Chris Demas, MBA, CCIM, Designated Managing Broker

Leading Edge Realty Advisors, 2516 Waukegan Rd #308, Glenview, IL 60025

Illinois license 471.019127

FAQ

Who are the best commercial real estate brokers in Chicago?

We cannot rank ourselves against other firms, but we can tell you what to look for: experience in your property type and area, a named person on your deal, ownership experience, clear fees and credentials such as CCIM. Ask us for our approach, then compare.

What do commercial real estate companies in Chicago do?

They represent landlords, tenants, buyers and sellers, advise investors on acquisitions and dispositions, and some also manage property. We do leasing, sales, investment advice and property management.

How do I lease commercial real estate in Chicago?

Define your space needs and budget, search available space, tour it, compare proposals, negotiate the lease and have your attorney review it. We represent tenants through all of these steps for space on Chicago's North Side and Northwest Side.

What types of commercial space are available to lease in Chicago?

Retail storefronts and strip-center space, small and mid-size office, medical office, and industrial and flex space. Availability changes, so call us with your needs. We work on Chicago's North Side and Northwest Side.

Is commercial real estate in Chicago a good investment?

It depends on the property, the lease terms, the financing and your goals. We do not make general promises about returns. We analyze each property's income, expenses and risks so you can decide.

Do you handle commercial real estate sales in Chicago?

Yes, on Chicago's North Side and Northwest Side and in the northwest suburbs. We represent sellers and buyers.

Which parts of Chicago do you work in?

We take Chicago assignments on the North Side and the Northwest Side, not citywide. We also serve the northwest suburbs.