Thornton Properties

I’ve worked with Kevin over the years and he will find you the best locations in the South and West Loop without question. His experience is accentuated by his years of his ability to negotiate on your behalf. Moreover, when you’ve got important questions about homeownership or if you are first-​time buyer… this is the company for you.

I was a short notice move, and was connected with Kevin and Thornton Properties through a realtor for a South Loop rental with about a 10-​day notice before move in.
He was extremely accommodating, and the process was done quickly and easily.
He has followed up to make sure that any small issues were worked out, and made sure I understood everything I needed to do before moving in.
I love my new place, and am very grateful to Kevin for making it all work out!

I applied for an apartment managed by Thornton Properties, and the experience was nothing but shenanigans from beginning to end. When we started working with Kevin, the owner, my boyfriend and I made him aware that we were under strict time constraints, and he seemed to understand. We began the application process with the understanding that we would be accountable for completing the necessary paperwork and paying a $ 500 move-​in fee ($ 250 each, which should have been a red flag). At most places, the application process takes a day or two, but at Thornton Properties, the process was prolonged over the course of five days.
After our application was finally approved, we received a lease agreement (on August 6, one day before our discussed move-​in date) via e-​mail along with a letter detailing all of the non-​refundable condo association fees attached to the apartment. All in all, we were expected to pay $ 1200 in non-​refundable fees (including Thornton Properties’ application fee) just to get our foot in the door. Kevin insisted that this was standard, but my boyfriend and I had viewed comparable properties that required $ 400 – 600 in application and move-​in fees, even when no security deposit was required.
On top of the the exorbitant move-​in fees, Kevin proffered a contract that didn’t reflect the terms we agreed to. Our move-​in was scheduled for the 7^th, yet the lease reflected an August 1 start date. We were also asked to pay a full month’s rent for August with the promise that we would pay a prorated amount directly to the property owner in September. Apparently – to Kevin – this doesn’t seem sketchy at all. When he refused to correct the contract for us, we backed out of the deal.
He responded via e-​mail by saying:
«Glad we rushed around to get the painters in there for your tomorrow move in.
The fees are standard protocol for all hi-​rise move ins.
It is clear that there is a lack of understanding on how the process works.
Thanks.
Best Regards,
Kevin S. Thornton
Managing Broker/​Owner
Thornton Properties
p: 312.880.0000
f: 312.880.0001
c: 312.758.3132
Thorn​ton​Prop​er​ties​.net»
Fortunately, we were able to secure a nicer unit in Streeterville for a comparable price. We each paid a $ 50 application fee, and the administrative and move-​in fees totaled $ 400 with no security deposit. The leasing agent was very friendly and very competent. Our application was approved the same day it was submitted.

Lacks organization skills and professionalism. Did not show up to his appointment, likely due to adverse weather, and did not bother to reach out and cancel. I would not recommend giving your business to this person.

I was looking to move from the suburbs to the South Loop. Thornton Properties was recommended by a friend who had also worked with them. I had a great experience working with Kevin and his team. They were extremely knowledgeable about the current market and quickly emailed me current listings that met my criteria. After one meeting to view several rental properties, I was able to find exactly what I was looking for in the South Loop. The application & lease process was easy, and completed in 2 days. The overall experience was professional, timely and in the end, a success! I would strongly recommend working with Thornton Properties!

Recently moved to Chicago, and I was looking for a realtor who knew the South Loop area of Chicago (where I was looking to purchase a condo). I asked around and Kevin was recommended to me. This was my first time purchasing a home so I was very new to the process. Kevin was great and very patient with me as I kept calling/​texting/​sending emails. He was always very responsive and helpful. It took a couple of months, but we finally found a great place after making several offers on others. Kevin was invaluable with all his advice on the home buying process and his knowledge of the area. He was a great help, and I will definitely go back to him if I ever have any other realtor needs.

do not rent here! they will say they have units available so you will fill out an application and pay the fee. when it comes time to find out if you are approved, they will say there is already a lease signed on the place and keep your money. this company is shady and kevin thornton is a scumbag! save your money and go somewhere else!

Positive: The real estate agent was friendly when showing my roommate and I the apartment. The building manager was very nice and understanding about the apartment malfunctions we had (e.g. chronic clogged piping, buzzer system that wasn’t working properly for 2 years).
Negative: However, upper management provided poor service when following through with their reassurance that our unit’s problems would be fixed. Maintenance workers rarely came on time and even failed to show up on several occasions on days that they were scheduled to arrive. We had to repeatedly complain for problems to be fixed. For example, upon moving into our apartment, we were told that the buzzer system would be fixed soon; however, it wasn’t until 2 years later (upon us moving out of the apartment) that the problem was addressed. Had it not been for the location, my roommate and I would have moved out after our first lease. Overall, this company promises a lot and achieves very little. If you want anything done, you have to be persistent in your requests.