Episode 427: 2026 Chicago Real Estate Forecast: Trends, Risks, and Opportunities with Jake Fugman and Mike Scanlon

Jake Fugman and Mike Scanlon of The Axon Group return to forecast Chicago's Real Estate Market in 2026!

Jake and Mike kick things off by reflecting on their 2025 predictions including office space leasing trends, downtown sales stats, and impacts of the Northwest Side Preservation Ordinance. The duo then make their 2026 predictions with topics ranging from ADU Zone expansion to creative mortgage solutions to help with affordability. Jake and Mike close out with an outlook on interest rates and the future of real estate based on recent brand mergers!

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Guest: Jake Fugman & Mike Scanlon, The Axon Group

Link: The Axon Group Instagram

Link: SUCI Ep 354 - 2025 Predictions with Jake and Mike

Link: SUCI Ep 398 - Paul de Luca

Link: With Roam Website

Link: The Almanack of Naval Ravikant (Book Recommendation)

Guest Questions:

01:13 Housing Provider Tip - Don't get stuck in analysis paralysis and take action in 2026!

02:46 Intro to our guests, Jake Fugman and Mike Scanlon!

04:10 Reflecting on 2025 bonus depreciation predictions.

07:51 Office vacancy trends in 2025.

11:43 Impacts of the Northwest Side Preservation Ordinance.

19:53 Chicago Loop and downtown sales stats!

24:20 Real estate predictions in 2026!

33:48 Expansion of the Chicago ADU Zones.

42:12 Where are mortgage rates going?

50:16 Real estate brand consolidations.

61:40 What is your competitive advantage?

63:45 One piece of advice for new investors.

65:32 What do you do for fun?

66:01 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend?

67:33 Local Network Recommendation?

69:42 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you?

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Production House: Flint Stone Media

Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2026.