Altier Realty becomes part of Koenig & Strey GMA
By Eva Hofmann
Koenig & Strey GMAC Real Estate
has acquired Altier Realty, whose
founder, Bill Altier, has moved his
office from 925 S. Loomis St. to a
new state-of-the-art Koenig &
Strey facility at 1516 W. Taylor St.
“Bill Altier’s knowledge of the
area and the reputation of Altier
Realty will be a tremendous asset
as we expand on the West Side,”
said Michael Mazzei, Koenig &
Strey senior vice president and
branch executive for the Taylor
Street office. “Bill is a respected
presence in these communities,
having worked with developers
and individuals since 1990.”
“I felt that Koenig & Strey GMAC and Michael Mazzei offered a value proposition that was unmatched by any other brokerage,” said Altier. “Michael is extremely supportive of his agents.
And the backbone of the company— their technology, marketing, and support systems—will enable me to grow my business while providing a superior level of service for my clients.”
With 31 years in real estate, Altier has specialized in the Near West market since 1990. Founded in 1961, Koenig & Strey now has 27 offices in the Chicago area. “I have always had a great deal of respect for Koenig & Strey,” said Altier. “With more than 1,300 agents, they have become one of the most successful real estate brokerage companies.
Altier’s new office sits directly east of Ashland Ave. on Taylor St., in a high-traffic area that includes some of the neighborhood’s best known eateries. Inside, Altier and his colleagues enjoy 2,400 square feet on two levels, high ceilings, hardwood floors, colorful décor, and generous desk space. “It’s a very invigorating place to work,” he said.
Altier noted that he now can devote more time to what he does best: meeting with prospects and clients, explaining his services, generating more marketing exposure for customers’ properties, negotiating contracts, staging properties, and spending more quality time with buyers and sellers through the closing and beyond.
Koenig & Strey has merged with five companies since the beginning of this year. “The company has always expressed an interest to have a presence on the Near West Side, and we have been in contact for some time,” said Altier.
Altier likes the company’s commitment to growth and expansion. “Real estate can be a quick changing business, especially in the local marketplace,” he explained.
"Koenig & Strey is ready to respond because they have proven, effective support systems and staff, and they can reproduce what they have successfully achieved in each of their offices.”
Each agent uses the latest technology, including laptop computers for mobile office capabilities and a wireless work environment. “We have access to the 26 other Koenig & Strey brokerage locations, so it’s a great network,” said Altier. “I also have full-time in-house experts. Michael Mazzei, who manages this office, is extremely supportive and knowledgeable.”
Koenig & Strey’s commitment to maintaining a knowledgeable, well trained staff was another reason Altier joined the firm. Training is geared toward support staff as well as agents, with the goal of continuously improving sales associates’ abilities to serve as trusted advisors, skilled negotiators, and expert facilitators throughout a customer’s entire real estate experience.
Associates also learn how to identify and focus on buyers’ or sellers’ needs and receive training in post-contract negotiation and serving customers beyond the closing.
Koenig & Strey’s in-house ad agency, which a small company like Altier Realty could not afford, provides brochures and custom signage. “We also have two multiple listing services as well as excellent developer sales and marketing services,” said Altier. “Each listing receives a separate web page and excellent internet exposure.”
Koenig & Strey provides marketing services for one very well known developer, Donald Trump. “When the contract was up, Trump rehired them, so that’s a real feather in their cap,” said Altier. “Here you have one of the most respected developers in the world, in a changing marketplace, who rehired Koenig & Strey—and this is someone who is known for firing people on television.”
Koenig & Strey also provides extensive high-tech marketing exposure via Podcasts, individual iTunes, and even on YouTube. “I’m looking forward to learning how to implement this new technology so I can accomplish even more in less time,” Altier said. “I’m still learning, and it’s very exciting. To be enthusiastic is a wonderful thing.
This is a great place to work. So many companies are shrinking, and Koenig & Strey is growing. There is such a wealth of expertise for agents to tap into here.” Koenig & Strey’s one-stop operation includes its own mortgage, title, and insurance companies.
Altier is enthusiastic about the local real estate market, saying that, at the Taylor Street location, an agent easily could stay within a radius of less than two to three miles and make a good living dealing with the property turnover in the Near West Side and South Loop.
“Many people have been influenced by negative national media coverage, but real estate is local,” said Altier. “Chicago has always been a conservative city. Our property values did not appreciate 30% to 40% a year for several years in a row, and we have a much stronger economy and a much more diverse economy than in other areas of the country.
Chicago has great employment, interest rates are very attractive, and people will soon come to the realization that now is a great time to buy.
“What’s great about the Near West Side is that we have the University of Illinois at Chicago and the Illinois Medical District, both of which are expanding. That means employment opportunities are increasing, and that will create more demand on the housing side. In addition, we’re only five minutes from downtown so we have three huge growing employment sources that are helping to stimulate the local economy.
For more information, contact Michael Mazzei, senior vice president branch executive (312) 204- 5001, MMazzei@ksgmac.com , www.MichaelMazzei.com.
