Arthur R. van der Vant

Experience

Managing real properties since 1988

Obtained equivalency of PhD in commercial and investment real estate in 2000

Obtained equivalency of PhD in asset liquidation in 2010

Serving as the Illinois Receiver since 2010

My real estate journey

Arthur is recognized as one of the top 1% of real estate professionals in the United States, blending an innovative mindset with an exceptional ability to navigate the fast-paced and ever-evolving real estate landscape. With a track record of successfully managing complex, high-stakes projects, Arthur excels at balancing multiple priorities while consistently exceeding both short and long-term goals. Drawing from a diverse and extensive background spanning property management, leasing, commercial real estate, law, finance, title insurance, and construction, Arthur brings a wealth of knowledge and sophistication to every aspect of the industry. His self-discipline and relentless work ethic make him a trusted leader and an invaluable asset to any real estate endeavor.

1985 - Began Property Management Journey

Arthur entered the world of property management during high school, assisting his father—a seasoned landlord, investor, and property manager. His initial responsibilities included mowing lawns, painting, and janitorial work.

1986 - Salesman at a Chicago Real Estate Development Company

Arthur took on a sales role at a Chicago real estate development firm, managing properties owned by his father and selling company-owned properties (1986-1988). At this stage, a real estate license wasn't required.

1987 - Marketing Manager

Arthur was promoted to Marketing Manager at the development company, leading a team of 12 salespeople.

1988 - First Property Purchase

In April, with his father's guidance, Arthur became a landlord and property manager by purchasing a 4-unit apartment building at Fullerton and Central in Chicago.

1988 - Obtained Illinois Real Estate Salesperson's License

In August, Arthur earned his Illinois real estate salesperson's license (number 476.303421) and committed himself to a career in real estate.

1989 - Launched Real Estate Investment Company

In November, Arthur founded a real estate investment company focused on acquiring foreclosed properties, establishing his first office south of I-90 at 5444 N Cumberland Ave, Chicago.

1989 - Founded Construction Company

Arthur launched a construction company in Chicago, expanding his entrepreneurial ventures.

1990 - Acquired Union Construction Company Stake

Arthur purchased 49% of a River Grove union construction company and served as vice president, significantly increasing sales by approximately 300%. He sold his interest in 1991.

1992 - Became Licensed Real Estate Broker

Arthur obtained his Illinois Real Estate Broker's License (number 475.095815).

1992 - Opened Real Estate Brokerage

He established his own brokerage, starting with an office at Milwaukee and Elston in Chicago, and grew the team from 6 to over 40 sales associates.

1998 - Started Title Insurance Company

Arthur founded a title insurance agency backed by Commonwealth Land Title and United General Title, overseeing operations and providing remote closing services (1998-2004).

2000 - Achieved CCIM Designation

Arthur earned the prestigious Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation, a mark of excellence that highlights his expertise in commercial and investment real estate. Widely regarded as the equivalent of a PhD in commercial and investment real estate field.

2000 - New Office Location

He relocated his real estate company to a newly purchased office building at Milwaukee and Oakton in Niles.

2000 - Board Member of Illinois CCIM Chapter

Arthur served on the Board of Directors for the Illinois CCIM Chapter (2000-2008).

2002 - Consultant for Polish Mortgage Market

Arthur consulted on establishing a secondary mortgage market in Poland, liaising between the Polish Development of Housing and Fannie Mae (2002-2004).

2002 - Chicago Association of Realtors Director

He served on the Board of Directors for the Chicago Association of Realtors (2002-2004).

2003 - Training at The World Bank

Arthur completed training at The World Bank Headquarters in Washington, DC, focusing on housing finance in emerging markets.

2003 - Graduated from Leadership Academy

He graduated from the Jay W. Levine Leadership Development Academy.

2003 - Treasurer of Illinois CCIM Chapter

Arthur became the Treasurer of the Illinois CCIM Chapter.

2004 - Licensed Continuing Education Instructor

He became a Licensed Real Estate Continuing Education Instructor (2004-2010).

2004 - Vice President of Illinois CCIM Chapter

Arthur ascended to Vice President of the Illinois CCIM Chapter.

2005 - Licensed Mortgage Loan Originator

Expanding his practice, he became a Licensed Mortgage Loan Originator (2005-2009).

2005 - Purchased Mortgage Company Stake

Arthur acquired 49% of a mortgage banking company in Lincolnwood, managing loan origination and underwriting before selling his shares profitably in 2007.

2005 - Opened Real Estate School

He established a real estate licensing and continuing education school in Niles (2005-2010).

2005 - President of Illinois CCIM Chapter

Arthur became the President of the Illinois CCIM Chapter.

2006 - Licensed Pre-License Instructor

He became a Licensed Real Estate Pre-License Instructor (2006-2011).

2007 - Condominium Development in Lincoln Park

Arthur led a successful condominium development project in Lincoln Park, Chicago, as developer and general contractor.

2008 - Multiple Real Estate Certifications

Arthur achieved a variety of real estate designations, including PRI, CNE, CIPS, CRB, CRS, GRI, ABR, RECS, SRES, and ePRO, alongside his CCIM.

2008 - Expanded Brokerage to 612 Sales Associates

He grew his brokerage from 6 to 612 sales associates, reaching $1 billion in annual sales and innovating with an online CRM & transaction management system.

2008 - Became Licensed Auctioneer

Arthur became a Licensed Auctioneer (license number 441.001464, 2008-2012).

2010 - Accredited Auctioneer of Real Estate

Arthur was recognized as an Accredited Auctioneer of Real Estate (AARE) by the National Auctioneers Association.

2010 - Closed Real Estate Brokerage

Due to the Great Recession, which saw a 95% drop in sales and the unavailability of mortgage financing, Arthur closed his brokerage and transitioned to working as a Court Appointed Receiver.

2010 - Certified Auctioneers Institute Member

He earned the Certified Auctioneers Institute (CAI) designation from the National Auctioneers Association. CAI is recognized as an equivalency of PhD in asset liquidation.

2010 - Illinois Receiver

He became the Illinois Receiver, managing non-residential properties in foreclosure under court jurisdiction. See: https://illinoisreceiver.com/

2010 - Managed Commercial Properties for Courts

Arthur oversaw approximately 1.5 million square feet of various assets, optimizing leasing strategies and managing operations, maintenance, and budgeting.

2012 - Associate Member of the Chicago Bar Association

Arthur became an Associate Member of the Chicago Bar Association.

2012 - Joined Bankruptcy and Turnaround Associations

He became a member of the American Bankruptcy Institute (ABI), the National Association of Bankruptcy Trustees (NABT), the Turnaround Management Association (TMA), and the International Association of Restructuring, Insolvency & Bankruptcy Professionals (INSOL).

2012 - FDIC Receiver Appointment

Arthur was appointed by the FDIC as a receiver for a failed townhome development in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

2014 - Launched Licensed Private Alarm Contractor Agency

He expanded his construction and maintenance services to include security systems, enhancing asset protection.

2019 - Started Licensed Private Detective Agency

Arthur began offering nationwide background checks for rental applications, broadening tenant screening services.

2022 - Expanded to HOA Association Management

He extended property management services to include HOA Association Management, obtaining the Illinois Community Association Manager License (number 261.003103).

2024 - Ongoing Property Management Excellence

Arthur continues to provide top-tier property management services to private clients across Cook County, IL, and serves as the Illinois Receiver.

"Anything worth doing is worth doing right."

Arthur believes that focused thoughts combined with a definitive purpose can lead to remarkable results.

Let's Talk

"The owner of Three Pentacles is an outstanding property manager across the board. He has the technical understanding and experience with repairs to hire out for routine and major work in a methodical and cost-effective way, and he will go above and beyond to address emergency situations like the flooding of a basement apartment. By doing so, he not only serves the best interests of property owners but their tenants as well. Most impressive of all, he is extremely knowledgeable about everything related to leasing apartments, from obtaining a through background check of prospective tenants, to making sure leases comply with any local regulations, and taking the proper steps to evict a tenant when necessary. I would highly recommend Three Pentacles."

Jeff F.

"Art with Three Pentacles is easily one of the most knowledgeable property managers in Chicagoland. When I was looking for a new management company, I called a good 10 places. during the time I had a tenant I was in the middle of evicting. Without pitching me, Art asked thoughtful questions to learn more about the situation. He clearly has immense knowledge of the eviction process and housing court system. After our call, I engaged his services and he's been prompt and supportive ever since. He has been navigating my difficult tenant situation with grace, using strategies that never crossed my mind. I feel secure knowing Art has my best interests forward, and is clearly able to manage my property within state and county compliance. He's worth every penny, and if you're looking for a property manager, he's your guy."

Aaron

"I have NEVER been given, or seen, this level of support and attentiveness before from any broker. Arthur is super knowledgeable, attentive, and GENEROUS with his vast Real Estate experience and knowledge. He’s also a nice guy, and very easy to work with."

Kevin S.

“Arthur first brings an extremely high level of integrity. Clearly, he is intelligent and creative, but none of that matters without integrity. Secondly, as a broker, Arthur learns each subject area he chooses for study thoroughly and deeply. Whether he is discussing RESPA, computers, or sales, it is clear that Arthur knows his areas of expertise well.”

Mike E.

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