The REKAP Room

The Chicago real estate market has become one of the most competitive in the country. The question now is why and what can you do to navigate it successfully? Tune in as Michael breaks down what’s driving the market, the trends he’s seeing firsthand as a broker in the field, and the strategies buyers and renters can use to stay ahead in today’s competitive landscape. Follow us on Social Media for...

Gordy Baba comes out of retirement to break down the Chicago rental market and what’s really driving today’s competition. From bidding wars on leases to the pros and cons of managed buildings, we dive into where renters should be focusing right now. Plus, when does it actually make sense to stop renting and make the jump to buying? We cover all that and more on today’s episode. Follow us on Social...

The Chicago real estate market can often feel like a competitive frenzy, and navigating your way through it takes skill, strategy, and the right people in your corner. Whenever you hear the words “multiple offer situation,” it can send a shiver down your spine. But today we break down how you can position yourself ahead of the competition and the mindset you need when stepping into any multiple of...

Chicago has long been recognized as one of the greatest cities in the world a global hub for culture, architecture, business, and opportunity. But over the past few years, the city hasn’t been immune to economic headwinds, and the real estate market has felt it especially in the downtown condo sector. No segment has taken a bigger hit than the downtown condo market. Shifts in remote work, populati...

Michael sits down with one of Chicago’s top real estate agents, Vik Wadhwa, to break down how he’s leveraged social media to build a powerful personal brand and generate consistent leads. With years of experience in the industry, Vik shares how creating content, growing a massive online following, and staying authentic has helped elevate his business to the next level. This episode dives into real...

Michael sits down with the next generation of commercial real estate brokers to break down today’s market, discuss what they’re seeing on the ground, and share insights on where the commercial sector is headed in the months and years ahead. Follow us on Social Media for Clips, Content, and more: Instagram @rekapgroup @m.j.kaplan, @mikepierson_, @gordybaba YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@rekapgrou...

Michael sits down with the next generation shaping the future of Chicago real estate. Christian, Julian, and Michael share how they each got their start, what they’re building today, and the unique perspectives they bring to the industry. From early lessons to where they see the Chicago market heading, this conversation offers fresh insight, ambition, and a look at the rising talent redefining wha...

Tim Brigham, a top-producing mortgage lender and respected coach, joins the REKAP Room to share his decades of experience in the lending world. In this episode, Tim breaks down what today’s buyers and agents need to understand about financing, market shifts, and building long-term success in real estate. From practical coaching insights to industry-tested strategies, Tim delivers real knowledge yo...

Chicago fall is here, and we’re breaking down where things stand as we taper off the busy summer season and move into the fall market. For buyers, this time of year can bring new opportunities with a slower pace, there’s often more flexibility and room to negotiate. For sellers, the fall market can be a moment to strategize: either hold tight until spring for a more competitive environment or, if...

This week, we sit down with Kevin Rocio, one of Chicago’s most respected and accomplished commercial real estate agents and investors. Kevin shares his incredible journey through the ups and downs of the market, the lessons that shaped his success, and his expert take on where commercial real estate is headed next. From deal-making strategies to market insights you won’t hear anywhere else, this e...

Gordy kicks things off with a recap of the Bears’ first win of the season and what it could mean moving forward. Then Michael shares his personal tips as a landlord, offering practical advice for anyone thinking about buying their first rental property. From navigating the early challenges to answering common questions, this episode is packed with insights to help you get started. Follow us on Soc...

Michael discusses the difference between what a serious buyer looks like and a "shopper" on today's episode. He breaks down what each type of buyer looks like and why we see serious and shopper buyers in this market.  Follow us on Social Media for Clips, Content, and more: Instagram @rekapgroup @m.j.kaplan, @mikepierson_, @gordybaba YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@rekapgroup TikTok...

Michael dives into the hottest neighborhood in Chicago Lincoln Park. Discussing how it has become so competitive and why it has become so popular. Are there other neighborhoods that can compete with Lincoln Park?  Follow us on Social Media for Clips, Content, and more: Instagram @rekapgroup @m.j.kaplan, @mikepierson_, @gordybaba YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@rekapgroup TikTok @m.j.kaplan

As the summer is starting to wind down we officially depart with our first ever intern Mike Williams. Going through his first experience working in real estate Mike talks about the experience, challenges, what he's learned and much more.  Follow us on Social Media for Clips, Content, and more: Instagram @rekapgroup @m.j.kaplan, @mikepierson_, @gordybaba YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@rekapg...

Gordy and Michael have been working together for almost 3 years as they discuss their friendship and partnership within REKAP. They go more into depth where it all started, how they've managed their relationship, and what are the plans for the future.  Follow us on Social Media for Clips, Content, and more: Instagram @rekapgroup @m.j.kaplan, @mikepierson_, @gordybaba YouTube https://www.youtu...

Michael breaks down the key signs that you’re truly ready to make one of life’s biggest decisions in buying a home. From financial preparedness to personal goals, he’ll help you figure out if now is the right time to take the leap into homeownership.  Follow us on Social Media for Clips, Content, and more: Instagram @rekapgroup @m.j.kaplan, @mikepierson_, @gordybaba YouTube https://www.youtube.com...

On today's REKAP Room Michael gives us an inside look of the market and the trends we are seeing today. Where is the current market at? What does the future look like? When should I be looking? These are all questions broken down and more insight to give you helpful tips in the housing market.  Follow us on Social Media for Clips, Content, and more: Instagram @rekapgroup @m.j.kaplan, @mikepie...

We are back! A lot of new changes have come to the REKAP Group as we introduce our new teammate Mike Pierson. Get to know Mike and his new role with the REKAP Group! Follow us on Social Media for Clips, Content, and more: Instagram @rekapgroup @m.j.kaplan, @mikepierson_, @gordybaba YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@rekapgroup TikTok @m.j.kaplan

On today's episode of The REKAP Room we have special guest Alex Hochman. One of the top salesman for Vivint smart homes who has created a name for himself as a top door to door salesman. He speaks about how he has started one of the top producing teams fr Vivint and how he fell in love with door to door sales.  Follow us on Social Media for Clips, Content, and more: Instagram @rekapgroup @m.j...

We are back with another episode of the REKAP Room. Today's guest is one of the more interesting stories you'll hear Jake Johnson a 25 year old golf course owner. Tune in to hear about how he ended up buying a golf course at such a young age and the adversity and resilience he went through to get to this point.  Follow us on Social Media for Clips, Content, and more: Instagram @rekapgrou...

We are joined by a very special guest our very own friend and camera man Patryk Rydzewski. Pat has been with us since the start and we sit down with him to discuss his upbringing, how he got into photography/videography, and his future plans.  Follow us on Social Media for Clips, Content, and more: Instagram @rekapgroup @m.j.kaplan, @mikepierson_, @gordybaba YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@rekapg...

In this episode, we sit down with Aram Ghazaryan to explore his incredible journey from immigrating to America to building a thriving career in real estate. Aram shares how he discovered his passion for the industry, the challenges he faced along the way, and what it took to transition into becoming a full-time real estate investor. Follow us on Social Media for Clips, Content, and more: Instagram...

We are joined by our very first guest on the show Penny Silich as she discusses her long and successful career in real estate. Join us as we discuss life, real estate, and how to navigate yourself in your career. You won't want to miss this.  Follow us on Social Media for Clips, Content, and more: Instagram @rekapgroup @m.j.kaplan, @mikepierson_, @gordybaba YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@re...

On today's Rekap Room we dive into the future of the real estate market and what each of us thinks is the 2025 outlook. Could we see a more stable market? We discuss how everything will shape out as we get into the holiday season and closer to the spring market.  Follow us on Social Media for Clips, Content, and more: Instagram @rekapgroup @m.j.kaplan, @mikepierson_, @gordybaba YouTube https:...

In today's episode we talk about the real estate epidemic of the rising housing costs and what has led to this. We discuss potential solutions of how this problem can eventually be fixed or minimized.  Follow us on Social Media for Clips, Content, and more: Instagram @rekapgroup @m.j.kaplan, @mikepierson_, @gordybaba YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@rekapgroup TikTok @m.j.kaplan