Not all property management companies are created equal.
For commercial property owners, the wrong partner can lead to financial errors, compliance risks, or frustrated tenants. That’s why choosing the right firm matters.
Working with an accredited management organization (AMO) means working with a company that has been thoroughly vetted for professionalism, ethics, and financial responsibility.
The AMO designation is the gold standard for trust and performance in property management, and it’s one Brian Properties has proudly upheld for more than 50 years.
The accredited management organization (AMO) designation is awarded by the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM), a global authority that promotes excellence and ethics in property management.
To earn AMO accreditation, a firm must meet rigorous standards set by IREM. This includes having at least one Certified Property Manager (CPM) on staff, demonstrating strong financial controls, maintaining ethical business practices, and delivering reliable client service.
Only about 560 firms nationwide hold this distinction, making it one of the most respected credentials in the real estate management industry.
These standards ensure that AMO-designated firms, like Brian Properties, operate with accountability and transparency that go beyond typical management practices.
Working with an AMO-accredited firm directly benefits property owners. Each requirement of the AMO program connects to real-world protections for your investment.
Every AMO firm and Certified Property Manager must follow IREM’s Code of Professional Ethics, which emphasizes integrity, transparency, and fiduciary duty.
At Brian Properties, our team completes regular ethics trainings and continuing education courses to ensure we’re always aligned with the highest professional standards. This means our clients in the Chicago area can trust that every decision we make is guided by fairness and responsibility, not convenience.
Choosing an AMO firm gives owners confidence that their properties are being managed according to nationally recognized best practices.
Another key requirement of AMO firms is maintaining a minimum $500,000 fidelity bond. This safeguard protects owners from potential losses caused by employee misconduct or fraud.
In other words, if a rogue employee were to misappropriate funds, the bond ensures the client is made whole. Many non-accredited firms do not offer this level of protection.
At Brian Properties, we pair this security measure with transparent financial systems. Our monthly reporting packages include reconciliations, rent roll summaries, and detailed CAM tracking so owners always have clear insight into their property’s performance.
Earning the AMO designation requires a firm to employ at least one Certified Property Manager (CPM), a credential that reflects deep industry knowledge and leadership.
Brian Properties has been an AMO-accredited firm since the 1970s, demonstrating decades of consistent compliance and credibility. Our president holds the CPM designation and leads a team with over 50 years of combined experience across office, industrial, and retail properties in the Chicago metropolitan area.
This longevity means our clients work with a management partner that understands both the market and the long-term goals of commercial property ownership.
AMO firms are required to undergo regular audits and recertifications through IREM. This ensures they continue meeting standards of operational, financial, and ethical excellence.
Owners can even verify AMO accreditation directly through IREM’s public directory, proof that your management firm is independently held to the highest benchmarks in the industry.
This transparency reinforces what property owners want most: trust, reliability, and peace of mind.
Chicago’s commercial real estate market is dynamic and complex. From intricate lease structures to local compliance requirements, successful management demands both technical skill and local insight.
While local experience is valuable, AMO accreditation ensures your management partner follows nationally recognized standards for accountability and performance. For owners with assets in Cook, DuPage, McHenry, or Lake County, for example, this combination of local knowledge and accredited professionalism provides unmatched confidence.
Brian Properties applies AMO-level standards across every property type we manage — office, retail, industrial, and mixed-use — to deliver consistent, measurable results.
We also go beyond management by offering leasing, sales, and acquisition services, providing clients with a full-service approach that supports long-term portfolio growth.
Earning the AMO designation isn’t a one-time milestone — it’s a commitment we uphold every day. Brian Properties integrates the principles of accredited management into every aspect of our operations.
We reconcile all property bank accounts weekly to ensure accurate, transparent financial management and prevent discrepancies. Common area maintenance (CAM) and real estate tax reconciliations are completed annually — no later than March 31 — to protect owners’ income and maintain strong accounting practices. This disciplined approach gives clients timely, reliable insight into their property’s financial performance.
We use clear lease enforcement protocols, proactive communication, and renewal management to maintain compliance and minimize turnover. Every action is documented, ensuring transparency and consistency.
Our in-house maintenance coordination allows for quick response times and competitive vendor bidding. This ensures maintenance work is completed efficiently and cost-effectively while maintaining property value.
We value flexibility and transparency in every owner relationship. Our management agreements are designed to be customized around each client’s goals, property needs, and budget. From service scope to contract terms, we tailor our approach to ensure every partnership feels collaborative, fair, and built on trust.
The accredited management organization (AMO) designation represents more than an industry title — it’s proof of accountability, ethics, and financial integrity.
For commercial property owners in the greater Chicago area, partnering with an AMO-accredited firm like Brian Properties means your investment is protected by nationally verified standards and decades of local expertise.
Whether you own an office, industrial, retail, or mixed-use property, our team provides the experience, transparency, and service needed to help your asset perform at its best.
Schedule a consultation today to learn how Brian Properties can help you manage, lease, or enhance your commercial property with the care and accountability of an AMO firm.