Episode 405: $1 Billion in Real Estate Sales with Chicago Podcaster Joe Smazal

Joe Smazal, Senior Managing Partner of Interra Realty, has over a decade of experience selling mid-market apartment buildings and recently surpassed $1 Billion in transaction volume!

Joe kicks things off by sharing the genesis and overview of his "Real Estate Chicago Style Podcast"! He reflects on his career's progression and highlights that have led him to crossing the $1 billion mark in total transaction volume. Joe dives deep on the market trends for Chicago's North Side including prime neighborhoods like Lincoln Park and Lakeview. Joe closes with takeaways from some recent personal transactions and provides an optimistic outlook on the Chicago Real Estate market!

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Email the Show: [email protected]

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Guest: Joe Smazal, Interra Realty

Link: Joe Smazal - Interra Realty LLC | LinkedIn

Link: Real Estate Chicago Style Podcast

Link: SUCI Ep 156 - Joe Smazal

Link: SUCI Ep 368 - Joe Smazal (NSBC Live Event)

Link: Mark Wilczak (Inspector Referral)

Link: Scott Weinstein (Field and Goldberg)

Guest Questions

02:38 Housing Provider Tip - Understand rules and regulations around security deposits!

05:00 Intro to our guest, Joe Smazal!

07:10 Joe's Real Estate Chicago Style Podcast!

15:25 Joe's path to $1 Billion of Commercial RE sales.

23:11 Chicago market trends in 2025.

31:27 Navigating the Predominance of the Block (606) Ordinance.

49:50 Joe's 5-year plan.

54:57 The outlook on Chicago!

58:29 What is your competitive advantage?

58:53 One piece of advice for new investors.

59:19 What do you do for fun?

59:51 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend? 

60:55 Local Network Recommendation? 

62:09 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you?

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