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Root Realty Our mission to offer unparalleled service and dedication to each of our customers and property owners, no matter how big or small. We value our customers and take pride on being a trusted advisor. Root Realty property managers and sales agents demonstrate ethical practice and honest opinions across everything they do. Our objective is to listen and understand our clients objectives, and communicate the results of our activities on a regular basis. We constantly seek the best possible methods of enchancing property value by challenging the status quo, fostering innovation and embracing change.

Experienced sales staff and personnel offer primary service in property management and real estate sales throughout Chicago. Property management division provides landlords and condominium associations of small or large properties ease of ownership with complete service.

Since 1983 the real estate brokerage industry has evolved and the market has grown enormously in value and complexity, we have used our creativity to find innovative ways to service our customers and use technology to their advantage. Root Realty was founded on the old standard of service and we have adapted without compromise. Root Realty continues to attract clients looking for the expertise, knowledge and service that only an established, yet boutique firm can offer. Let us make you a part of that long time success.
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  • Chicago Metropolitan Area
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Joe has a proven history of success in the investment real estate industry. Since 2006, he has managed, sold, and been appointed receiver on hundreds of investment properties. Joe manages each service line in the business while working directly with clients. With a focus on client service and a desire to listen to and understand the goals of each stakeholder, Joe's goal is for Root Realty to execute on the performance plans we develop for clients by leveraging our industry expertise, innovative technology, and strong relationships with vendors.
Our suite of services enables clients to enjoy a passive real estate investment experience. Our in house maintenance pros control cost, ensure quality, and manage risk 24 hours a day. In-house leasing, maintenance, and renovation staff - ensuring seamless communication and full accountability. Interested in knowing what our fees are?
Our advisors partner closely with you, designing your investment strategy by listening carefully to your goals and understanding your risk tolerance. We're in Chicago, watching in real time for shifting demographics;; and improvements that drive demand. Our opportunities include combinations of multifamily, commercial, mixed-use, or ground up development investments. We are constantly sourcing deals through a variety of channels to provide our clients access to quality, vetted investment opportunities.
We are committed to making improvements to properties for our clients to meet their needs in a timely cost effective manner to maximize returns. Properties constantly require maintenance and upkeep. Our in house team of handymen enables us to provide an extraordinary level of service and quality at an incredible value.
Our expert marketing team studies the real buyer pool when determining the best approach for selling your property. Our customized, cutting-edge marketing packages tell a story that attract buyers and drive demand. As one of the top real estate companies, we subscribe to the MLS and Costar. Combined with the rolodex of buyers we have created since 1983, our listings get maximum exposure. If you decide that it might be the right time to sell, we will prepare a detailed analysis to determine the market value and asking price.
Reviews (39)
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Joe Harvey
Jun 14, 2022
I had a great experience with Root Realty! They were quick in addressing all my concerns and were flexible with timing. They did a good job taking care of the property after they took over managing it as well. Highly recommend!
Suzie Bohacik
Jun 14, 2022
It's unfortunate that nobody bothered to get back to me after several, several attempts at trying to get in to tour several properties. Not one single response back until I got some automated response that the properties I wanted to view were off the market. Glad y'all showed who you were before I got stuck with Root Realty
Mark Bennett
Jun 13, 2022
I was a Tenant with Root Realty in Chicago for four years (2018-2022) and had only positive experiences during that time. There was a user friendly online system to handle all rental payments, maintenance requests, leases, and renters insurance. In addition, my property manager was exceedingly responsive via email, if I ever had a question or concern.

The few maintenance requests I had were handled immediately, and Root Realty went above and beyond to repair (and completely replace) maintenance issues. In fact, my bathroom was complete renovated in the middle of one of my leases. Frankly, I cannot imagine where negative reviews are coming from - these are probably miserable tenants that love to complain. If you are considering renting and using Root Realty, you will be in good hands and treated with respect. -Mark
Franchesca M.
May 31, 2022
Horrible service. Treated us like rats when we had rats and they didn't do anything about it. Half patched a hole. Had no A/C for 3 out of the 9 months. Had no hot water. No fridge. Never rent or let them manage your property.
S. E.
May 21, 2022
I've set up 2 showings w these ppl-both times they cancelled them in the middle of the night, mere hours before the showings, so I woke up, didn't look @ my txts, & found out both times, when I was on my way there, that they weren't available anymore. Be careful when scheduling stuff w these ppl!
William Miller
May 15, 2022
Root Realty is very unprofessional. I originally signed my lease in January and Root Realty bought the property a few months later. My AC was not working in April and i submitted a request, they came out 3 times to my property and somehow fixed everyone elses ac but not mine. I called every number possible between the property manager to maintenance and nothing could be done in a timely manner.

The week of May 9th temperatures in chicago were in the 90s and I have heat induced asthma which poses and health risk and made my apt uninhabitable. I pleaded and asked if there was anyway i could call my own repair services since they will not have anyone out until may 17th and they told me they would not allow it whatsoever. Please avoid leasing properties under management by root realty, I will definitely not be renewing mine after this experience.
Thomas Molloy
May 13, 2022
Thanks to the Root management team. My manager was really helpful leading up to move in day and I've met a couple of the maintenance staff around the building. They keep the building clean and are very friendly. Have really been enjoying living here. Would recommend them as a property company to friends for sure.
Sam P.
May 09, 2022
Worst management company I have dealt with. Locked out of apartment, was told someone would be sent out but after 1.5 hours of waiting I received a text stating they do not do after-hour lock-outs and to call a locksmith. Thanks Root!
Yana
Apr 13, 2022
The first thing I want to say is DO NOT choose this company and apartment until you have discussed all the details (including your bills and other responsibilities) We moved in January 2022. FIRST- a very long story contract that gives you no right to anything. THE SECOND is high moving fee. THIRD and MOST importantly- NO ONE is going to solve your problems in this company.

They may call the masters, but they will not solve your problem either. Since we moved into the apartment, we are unhappy with our heating. In January (one of the coldest months for a minute) WE HAD NO HEATING in two rooms and we simply could not use the rooms and the kitchen was so cold that. We didn't even want to go there for water. our problem was solved for a month.( february) A month later, it was repaired, but the opposite two rooms stopped working in the apartment.

Do you want to know how much we paid for the fact that we had no heating and we were forced to freeze while it was (0 Fahrenheit outside the window!) $450 for gas. It's impossible, but we called peoples gas and they said it was our account. The root reality naturally does not believe us and says that the error is in the gas. Peoples gas confirmed that the whole bill was ours, because before turning on the gas they came and checked the meters.

The second month we bought electric heaters and at that moment we started having problems not only with gas, but also with electricity. We cannot heat two rooms at the same time- blew a fuse And for every month we consistently pay MORE THAN $200 for gas (for 2bd 1 bth apartment) (which we don't have because we turned it off after the first month) and $60 for electricity.!Our manager came to our apartment and said that it is comfortable to live with such a temperature, just put on more clothes (it was very rude as he said it) (in the apartment at the time he arrived it was 62 degrees)! to this day - April 2022 we are still not so happy in our apartment
Rebecca R.
Mar 11, 2022
After a month of back and forth - the issue is temporarily fixed. To whoever rents this unit. Be aware that this issue will come back each year and that they do not actually fix the issue and they still charge you full rent price knowing that it comes back and then they take a month to fix. Whatever they do here is shady af. If they own the building, run. If they don't, and it's probably okay.
Breanna Wilson
Nov 20, 2021
They are difficult to deal with, especially when arranging viewing. Asking for alot of information, especially private information before even viewing the location. They will not allow you to see any location without knowing your details. Which seem to be a big issues asking for a pay stub, not believing that you ( renter) make the money that you stated.

It does not fee like equal opportunity. Have good pictures and floor plans is a nice touch, and the online system let you see what you have open. Rather its not my cup of tea at the end of the day.
Obed Landeros
Nov 06, 2021
I have been moving from state to state due to my military career and I have experienced really good property management at all my apartments. Unfortunately, I cannot say the same this from root realty, I have brought to their attention 2 new construction items missing at the apartment (one being a fire hazard) reported them Sep 23rd and they are not done yet.

We were told they needed to order the parts, however with todays premium delivery system, it does not take over a month. I hope this help you improve customer service to your residents. If you are looking for apartments, I would suggest to look elsewhere.
Cee M.
Oct 11, 2021
Brett H. is the best property manager I have ever had; being a renter in two different states for nearly 15 years, that is saying a lot! He ALWAYS goes above and beyond for his tenants because he genuinely cares. Root Realty overall has been great to work with, but especially now with Brett on the team.
Christine C.
Oct 06, 2021
Five stars! Thanks Root team for helping me get situated in my new apartment. Was a huge move for us and we are very thankful that you helped make the transition as smooth as possible. Everyone I've interacted with is very friendly and helpful. I love it here.
Dan D.
Jul 19, 2021
I've been a tenant at a Root Realty building for 4 years. I just relocated out of state so I am moving out of this great apartment. Wanted to send a quick thank you to the Root team for taking care of the building and for answering my questions whenever I had them. Take care and I'll reach out for an apartment if I ever move back to Chicago!
Nj J.
Jun 01, 2021
Extremely poorly run business. Property managers and maintenance have horrible communication with tenants. Take 2-4 weeks to get any maintenance request taken care of with having to follow up 4+ times before anything is fixed. Just ridiculous. Would not live in a root realty owned property again.
Calgary Haines-Trautman
May 30, 2021
I lived in a Hyde Park apartment managed by Root Realty for over four years, and generally always had great experiences with the company. The apartment was very nice, reasonably priced, and they were quick to respond to maintenance requests and issues with the unit. They have a nice online portal for rent payments/maintenance requests that I would expect out of a large real estate company, but they still felt small in a good way-there were specific people I could get in touch with, and their responses were quick and personalized. I would have stayed in the apartment longer, except I am moving out of state.
David B.
Apr 14, 2021
They couldn't care less about tenants. They play as hands off as possible to avoid any responsibility. The building i live in has consistent security and plumbing issues that they never seemed to care about. Front doors consistently stay unlocked, and all of the mailboxes are able to be pulled open and anyone's mail can be stolen because the master key is stuck in the slot.

I have never experienced a more absurd radiator situation in the city of Chicago. Loudest and most alarming rattling you'll hear. During winter i literally always had paint chips from the ceiling in my bed, all over my carpet, and I'd even wake up with it in my hair. Two of the radiators had consistent leaks that i had to keep a bucket next to my bed for several weeks. they barely came on in the coldest below freezing days of the winters, but you bet it was blasting all day on 60 degree weather in the spring and fall, making my apartment over 80 degrees.

Any correspondence with a person at this company takes at least 5 business days I've determined, and it's always a surface level, slap the bandaid on the issue sort of empty response from them. I'd say "that's just how renting in chicago is" because yes, all of the property management company's are slummy, but if you HAVE to choose one, Root should be one of the last picks
Phil Graboswski
Jan 18, 2021
Well for starters James C. When I arrived for the showing he was pretty much silent. In general I was taken back by his whole demeanor. He did not give us a pitch at all in regards to the apartment. It was almost as if he didn't feel comfortable showing us the listing. Maybe because he was surprised to see that we were Muslim. My wife really loved the place, despite the encounter.

There's a local mosque like 5 minutes away from the area, so I did not mind the location. So after the very disappointed showing. I told him we're interested in the place and how do I apply. He told me he will send a link. So later that day I applied for both me and my wife. He told us how to apply, but he was very vague and short with his response and instructions.

I sent him a text the same day he told me the late move in date was fine, cats are okay and no pest problem. The next day I followed up informing him that we applied what are the next steps and to also keep me posted. I have a good line of credit. I work downtown in the information technology field. I sent 4 of my most recent check stubs to show that I am very well paid .The rent is cheaper then my current apartment.

I don't have a criminal background nor does my wife. He then proceeds to ignore my text all day yesterday. I spaced out the two messages I sent, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. It looks like I accidentally signed up for a viewing again. He kept requesting that I come see the apartment assuming that this is a new prospective tenant. I then received an email this morning saying the listing has been removed from hotpads.com.

He didn't reply to my messages or anything completely ignored me yesterday? On the bottom of the card he gave me, it said equal housing opportunity. Is this what equal housing opportunity stands for? Absolutely not.
Yun Tai
Jan 07, 2021
I had to leave an old apartment and move into a Root Realty apartment with very short notice. I explained my situation and Root Realty was understanding and responsive. They were very professional about processing my application, and I was able to secure my apartment in less than a week. After having rented from several large, corporate property management companies, coming to Root Realty was a breath of fresh air.

They are a family-run company and take their residents' needs into consideration with every decision that they make. I currently live at a Root Realty location, and I will be recommending them to friends and colleagues.
Sandy B.
Nov 19, 2020
Root Realty manages the building I live in. The apartments are all very nice and the rent is reasonable. They keep the buildings and outside areas very neat and clean. There's a computer system to ask for maintenance in your unit. There's also a 24-hour maintenance number for emergencies. Everyone I've met has been very friendly. They are also very flexible.
Brittani Smith
Jan 09, 2020
I've had an incredibly positive experience with Mike Root and Root Realty. They are prompt to reply, reasonable, and have great personalities. I rent a commercial space for them for my small business, and could not be happier to have found them. Shout out to Raul on the Root Realty maintenance staff - he rocks and I adore him.
Alexa T.
Sep 10, 2019
I use to work at a property management company and Root exceeded my high expectations! The leasing process was smooth and clear with my realtor James. The online portal and ease of doing business (payment and service requests) are convenient and awesome. Danny the property manager does an excellent job! He is extremely helpful, always quick to respond and provides excellent service. I would highly recommend renting with them and trusting them with your property management needs! Thanks Root Reality and team!
Nick Manoogian
Sep 10, 2019
The team at Root Realty has been great since I moved into one of their units in October of 2017. They are always quick to respond when an issue arises. Mike Root is the manager of my particular building and he's always kind and very receptive to feedback.
Jim C.
Sep 07, 2019
Michael and the office are extremely responsive to maintenance requests and seem to always be doing things to keep the building itself in tip-top shape. Great management company!
Adam S.
Aug 25, 2019
Marc with Root Realty was fantastic. I had to change the time of a tour at the last minute and he was very accommodating. Marc was also very responsive through email and text during the entire process. I highly recommend Root Realty and Marc.
Brynna S.
May 08, 2019
I've been looking for an apartment in Chicago for two months. I've seen a bunch, called a bunch, emailed a bunch, and have become so frustrated I almost gave up and tried to go back on my intent to vacate in my current one bedroom. I was due to move in three weeks and hadn't found a decent place that wasn't either a bait and switch or downright lie.

Enter James Colletti, with Root Realty, Inc. I have never, not once, not EVER, met someone so willing to discuss apartments and answer all my questions quickly and with such a genuine demeanor. I have been treated poorly by a lot of realtors and landlords and James is absolutely not one of them. My viewing was quick, easy, painless, and a whole lot of fun as my partner and I joked around with James and inspected the apartment. Questions were answered immediately and if he didn't know the answer, he was honest about it.

I was late due to road construction and James was communicative and flexible. This entire experience had my partner and I bickering about the apartment within minutes of leaving. We signed the next morning. 100% would come back to Root if I needed a place in Chicago. Wonderful experience!
Yolanda L.
Dec 31, 2018
Be careful renting from here. I had to contact my lawyer just for them to send me my full security deposit. Also, the amount of times the hot water was off without notice was ridiculous.
Kristen J.
May 30, 2017
Loved renting with root! Never any problems, maintenance was very prompt. Spencer was amazing and always available to answer any questions! Would rent again in a heartbeat! Also the online direct deposit was super easy for paying rent.
Brad P.
May 17, 2017
I am rather upset with my experience with Root Realty. We had a verbal commitment from one of the lease managers that the rental would be ours. All we had to do was apply online. I applied online and voila. The apartment was 'just booked' by someone else. So not only did I lose out on an opportunity to live in this great apartment, but I donated my application fee directly to their pockets.

There is no chance they ran the background check as my application was entered when the apartment was not available to be rented. I requested a refund however, i have not received a response from them. I was subsequently #ghosted. Please message me to provide a refund or a charitable donation form for my taxes.
Elizabeth M.
Dec 07, 2015
Root Realty took over ownership of our building mid lease. We were extremely please with the service and professionalism they provided us. We had a few bumps in the road and our concerns were all validated and quickly attended to. Thank you. I would happily rent with your company again.
David A.
Nov 29, 2015
I am on the board of our 42 unit condo building. We utilized Root for a year's worth of management services. I think we were attracted by the smaller family-run nature of their business and believed that might provide us with more reliable attention. They were really not a good fit for us and in the last few months of service things deteriorated considerably.

Both Ron and our property Manager Chon are personable people. Our property manager was good at issuing stern warnings to residents, etc. but not much else. We encouraged the use of an online database (google drive) for all parties to stay up to date on tasks, issues and even basic contact info or lease information. I imagine their record system looks like the back of a hoarder's car, if they maintain any at all.

Our property manager was very good at telling you something had been done when in reality it most often hadn't. There are some very basic tasks we gave them at the beginning of our relationship that just never got past a vague excuse for why nothing had been accomplished. About every month the board would check up on issues that had little to nothing meaningful done.

It appeared to be a combination of too much on their plate, no organization, and an inability to use basic modern technology. They failed to notice that they weren't paying our electric bill for the greater part of a year. We received late fees and were on borrowed time from disconnection. We never received an explanation or any comment at all from Ron.
Jasmine G.
Sep 28, 2015
Root Realty has been the best property management company I've worked with. They are responsive, attentive, and get all work requests taken care of. Michael took care of me when looking for + applying for the apartment I rented and Anna went above and beyond during the time I rented and had to sublet. You cannot go wrong with Root.
Melissa A.
Mar 04, 2015
The whole experience has been a pleasure. The transaction was fast and easy, our place is perfect. If there is ever a problem my emails are answered quickly. The staff are all super responsive and helpful. They are wonderful and have great properties, I would use them again if I ever plan to move out my apartment!
Matthew G.
Dec 04, 2014
When you get instant responses from your landlord and/or the people who work for him in a coordinated effort, that's 5 stars. When you find a great place, in a great location, for a great price, that's 5 stars. When you refer a friend and get a referral bonus, that's 5 stars. When you get normal, sociable, understandable, and just plain down-to-earth people, that's 5 stars. Call these guys if you're looking - they will make it happen and you will love your new place. Promise!
Cos L.
Dec 02, 2014
Root Realty was great! I've dealt with some pretty awful management companies in my time. Root Realty was everything you hope for in a management company and more. Mike Root was great! He was helpful from start to finish. They were always responsive and helped with whatever we possible needed. It definitely took a lot of stress of renting. Thanks for everything guys!
Christine Morgan
Oct 25, 2013
I agree with David. I have had the pleasure of dealing with a wide variety of management companies in the City of Chicago and Root Realty has the warmest personality, by far. I move in and out of the city often for work and I always come back to Root Realty because they never treat me like I'm just another tenant (Thank You Ana). They remember me, they are great at finding just the right space, and they respond promptly to any questions or issues I may have. I just can't think of a better management company--especially on the North Side of Chicago!
Beth S.
May 31, 2013
Love, love, LOVE this company! I recommend them to everyone I know. I found them randomly on craigslist and I ended signing the day I saw the apartment. I currently get a great deal in a great location. I like them so much that I recommended my sister to check them out, and now she's my neighbor! As for service, they always get back to me in a timely matter and go above and beyond to fulfill my request(s).

I like that they are family owned and you don't get lost in the shuffle of a big management company that doesn't care about you. I could not be more please with them. I plan to live in my apartment as long as my current living situation allows me to.and this is coming from a girl who's moved about 12 times in the past 10 years!
Aurelio P.
Apr 05, 2013
Great landlord company that always kept my building clean, and safe. Easy to work with and delivers on promises. Ana and Kevin are great and help you with all of your questions and requests. If you are looking for a building with an excellent landlord, then look no farther.