Commercial Real Estate Sales and Investment Sales in the Northwest Suburbs

Leading Edge Realty Advisors represents buyers and sellers of commercial property in Glenview, Mount Prospect, Arlington Heights, Elk Grove Village, Schaumburg and nearby northwest suburbs. That includes investment sales of retail, office and industrial buildings. We are a small team of three led by Chris Demas, MBA, CCIM, the Designated Managing Broker, and we own commercial property ourselves, so we evaluate every deal the way an owner and investor would.

Seller representation

We help owners sell a building at a price the market supports, with a process that holds up through due diligence.

  • Broker opinion of value. We estimate value using the property's income, expenses, lease terms and comparable properties.

  • Preparation. We organize the rent roll, leases, expense history and property information buyers will ask for.

  • Marketing and buyer outreach. We present the property to qualified investors and owner-operators through the MLS, LoopNet, Crexi, signage, our broker network and direct outreach.

  • Offer negotiation. We review offers with you, compare price and terms, and negotiate toward a signed contract.

  • Due diligence and closing. We coordinate with your attorney, the buyer's team and the title company through closing.

Buyer representation

We help buyers find, evaluate and acquire commercial property.

  • Criteria. We define property type, size, location, price range and return requirements with you.

  • Search. We look for properties that meet your criteria. We also source off-market opportunities for buyers by prospecting directly to landlords and sellers.

  • Underwriting. We review income, expenses, occupancy, lease terms and lease expirations so you understand what you are buying.

  • Offer and negotiation. We prepare offers and negotiate price and terms.

  • Due diligence and closing. We coordinate inspections, document review, financing with your lender and closing with your attorney.

Investment sales

Investors with one to five commercial properties are our core client. We advise on acquisitions, on whether to hold, refinance or sell, and on selling with tenants in place. Because we also manage commercial property, we look at a building's operations as well as its numbers.

Property types

  • Retail: strip centers, neighborhood retail, storefronts and mixed-use buildings.

  • Office: small and mid-size office buildings and medical office.

  • Industrial: flex, warehouse and light industrial.

How a sale works with us

  1. Consultation. We discuss your goals, timing and the property or search criteria.

  2. Valuation or criteria. For sellers, a broker opinion of value. For buyers, a defined buy box and underwriting approach.

  3. Marketing or search. We bring the property to buyers, or bring properties to you.

  4. Offers and negotiation. We evaluate offers or prepare yours and negotiate to a contract.

  5. Due diligence. We help manage documents, inspections and questions on both sides.

  6. Closing. We coordinate with attorneys, lenders and title through closing.

Why Leading Edge

  • Small team, direct access. You work directly with Chris Demas, the principal and Designated Managing Broker, and a team of three, not a call center.

  • We own property too. We make decisions as owners, with attention to ROI and long-term value.

  • Sales and management together. The same team can manage the building before a sale or after a purchase, and a well-run building has its rent roll and expense records ready for buyers.

  • Local knowledge. Our city pages use current market data for each suburb.

  • BBB Accredited, A+ rated.

  • Clear fees. Fees depend on the assignment and are set out in a written agreement.

Current listings

See our current listings on LoopNet.

Where we work

Talk to us

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 Road #308, Glenview, Illinois 60025
Illinois license 471.019127

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you represent both buyers and sellers?

Yes. We represent sellers who want to sell commercial property and buyers who want to acquire it, on different transactions.

What types of commercial property do you sell?

Retail, office and industrial property, including strip centers, storefront buildings, mixed-use buildings, medical office, flex and warehouse.

How is commercial property valued?

Most investment property is valued mainly on its income. We look at net operating income, the capitalization rate (cap rate) buyers are paying for similar property, lease terms, occupancy and comparable sales. A broker opinion of value shows how those factors apply to your building.

What is a cap rate?

A cap rate is a property's annual net operating income divided by its price or value. It is one way to compare the income return of different properties. It does not account for financing, taxes or future changes in rent.

Should I sell with tenants in place?

It depends on the leases and the buyer. Tenants with leases in place can support the income a buyer is paying for, while short remaining terms or vacancies can change how a buyer values the property. We review your lease file and discuss the options before you decide.

Can you help with a 1031 exchange?

We can help you identify and evaluate replacement property. The exchange itself must be handled through a qualified intermediary and your tax and legal advisors, and we do not give tax advice.

Which areas do you cover?

Glenview, Mount Prospect, Arlington Heights, Elk Grove Village, Schaumburg and nearby northwest Chicago suburbs.

How do I start?

Call (847) 868-5745 or contact us with the property address or your buying criteria. We will discuss your goals and next steps.