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Building Stability and Opportunity on Chicago’s South Side 

For Jose Chavez, real estate is more than just an investment. It is a pathway to freedom, family, and community impact. Born and raised on Chicago’s South Side, Jose is a first-generation American whose parents immigrated from Mexico. He spent his childhood moving from apartment to apartment across the city. “I’m not exaggerating when I say I lived in about 18 different apartments by the time I was 16,” he shared. That experience planted the seeds for what would later grow into a deep desire to provide stable, quality housing for others. 

Jose’s real estate journey began in 2019, inspired by the birth of his first daughter and the dream of creating a future that allowed him to spend more time with his family. With the support of a lifelong friend turned mentor, he purchased his first building, marking the beginning of what has since grown into Luxity LLC, his real estate business focused on revitalizing multifamily properties on Chicago’s South Side and surrounding suburbs. 

Balancing a demanding full-time job, a growing real estate portfolio, and family life isn’t easy. Jose credits his success to his supportive wife, smart use of technology, and most importantly, the trusted partners he has built along the way. One of those key partners is CIC. 

Jose first heard of CIC through his mortgage broker, who had mentioned the organization multiple times over the years. When the opportunity arose to acquire and refinance properties, including his building in Fuller Park, CIC became an essential part of his strategy. Through CIC, Jose connected with Senior Loan Officer Chaston Montgomery and immediately felt the difference. “It was very personal,” Jose said. “He understood my goals, where I want to be, and he was confident he could help me get there. He’s been great.” 

That personal connection—with Chaston and with CIC’s team—has been the foundation of a lasting relationship. “I know Chaston’s routine. He knows mine. We talk about deals and neighborhoods while dropping our kids off to school. That’s the kind of relationship you want with a lender—someone who is honest and will tell you when something might not be the right fit.” 

For Jose, CIC stands apart in an industry where many lenders have pulled back, especially from investing in neighborhoods that need it most. “A lot of lenders are requiring 30 or 40 percent down. Some won’t touch certain neighborhoods at all. But CIC is different. They’re still lending. They’re still saying, ‘If the property is good and the investor is solid, let’s figure it out.’ That’s rare.” 

With CIC’s support, Jose recently refinanced a key property and used the proceeds to renovate and reopen a laundromat in Little Village, bringing life back to a long-neglected community asset. It’s this combination of entrepreneurship and neighborhood revitalization that drives his long-term vision. 

“The most rewarding part so far has been seeing the impact on people’s lives,” Jose reflected. He shared the story of a long-time tenant, a single mother and CTA bus driver, who just purchased her first home after renting from him for five years. “That really hit home for me. Knowing I was part of her journey, even in a small way, makes it all worthwhile.” 

As he continues to grow his portfolio, with the goal of one day focusing solely on real estate, Jose remains clear about what has brought him this far. “There’s no way I could have done this alone. It’s the relationships you build—your mentor, your agent, your lender. CIC has been a huge part of that for me. They’ve been more than just a lender; they’ve been a true partner. And I know there’s more to come.” 

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