Spaces Real Estate has launched a new multifamily sales division, Spaces Invest. Working together since mid-2018, brokers Julia Stoner and Roman Serra will spearhead the division, part of a broader push to expand the services Spaces offers to multifamily owners in Chicago.

Spaces Invest will focus primarily on premium rental markets, brokering the sale of assets ranging from two- and three-flats to larger courtyard buildings with as many as 100 units. The new division will also specialize in redevelopment opportunities.

“We understand that it’s about more than just selling a building,” said Serra, a broker at Spaces Invest. “Our job is to find a buyer, and in some cases, we’re able to do that faster by taking the time to develop comprehensive leasing plans that help buyers see the potential return on their investment. These plans, which consider everything from unit count and type to finishes and monthly rents, are informed by our extensive leasing experience as a trusted adviser to both owners and renters.”

Like the leasing division, Spaces Invest is built on providing a high level of service to clients. “After an investor acquires a property, they usually need to find someone else to lease it, so we’re able to deliver a comprehensive suite of services that save owners time, money and headaches,” said Stoner, also a broker at Spaces Invest. “We pride ourselves on our ability to develop personal relationships with our clients so we can better understand their needs and investment objectives. And, because Spaces is often involved in leasing the buildings we sell, we have deep familiarity with each asset that allows us to maximize value at sale.”

After establishing themselves as successful residential leasing agents collectively generating more than $4 million in revenue throughout their careers, Serra and Stoner came together to lead Spaces Invest as a natural next step in their careers. Their extensive knowledge of the market and relationships fostered with landlords over the years helped lay the foundation for the new division. To date, Spaces Invest has sold 15 properties collectively valued at more than $20 million.

“Roman and Julia are veterans of the Spaces team who quickly emerged as leaders for our new investment sales division,” said Bentley Phillips, founder of Spaces Real Estate. “Their commitment and dedication to growing Spaces Invest is impressive and inspiring. They’ve accomplished a great deal in a very short period of time and we are fortunate to have them leading this initiative.”