Sandra Hatzopoulos joined First Western Properties in 2017. She is an experienced Retail Leasing and Residential Sales Broker specializing in West and South Loop, University Village, Pilsen/Little Village, and Humboldt Park. As a Chicago native, Sandra has extensive knowledge of Chicago and suburban real estate markets. She also has over 15 years of property management experience with an emphasis on medical buildings.

Yannis Arbis joined First Western Properties in 2008. Yannis is a valued member of our brokerage team with 12 years of experience as an MBA from Loyola University. In addition to his work as a broker, Yannis has spent time as a Project Manager and has been involved in a multitude of multi-family & residential construction projects throughout the Chicagoland area. With his diverse experience in both field & office environments, Yannis is able to assist clients when making logistical investment decisions regarding the purchase of their next multi-unit or private residence. Yannis Arbis provides clients with valuable counsel when making these important and often complex decisions, while always respecting their confidentiality and keeping their best interests in mind.

Mel Bifsha joins First Western as a multifamily broker. He focuses on up-and-coming areas such as the Pilsen, Humboldt Park, Little Village, Bronzeville and Bridgeport neighborhoods of Chicago. Mel is experienced with property revitalization and has bought and sold dozens of multifamily properties for his investors and partners. He is also fluent in four languages. “Mel’s combined 18 years of experience in the Chicago metropolitan community translates to a high level of local market expertise that will aid in delivering results for First Western and his clients,” read a company statement.

Lucy Sopco is conscientious leasing agent who exudes credibility, commitment and determination. Lucy’s passion for Real Estate is apparent through her excellent communication skills and a warm and friendly approach.

Originally from Romania, it was always her dream to live in Chicago.In 2010 she pursued that dream.

She joined First Western Properties in 2019 as a Residential Leasing Agent.

Lucy always held an interest for real estate and loved pursuing real estate websites, listings and those addictive HGTV shows since high school. She watched friends and family members make their mark in the industry and admired the freedom the real estate career can offer when you work hard

Maribel joined First Western Properties in 2019. Fluent in English and Spanish. Her goal is to provide excellent customer service.

Thoma Panos is a real estate analyst for First Western Properties and focuses on overseeing the growth of the company’s portfolio, as well as the projection of future acquisitions. Mr. Panos started as a finance and property management intern with the company, where he gained hands-on experience in real estate transactions and the day-to-day operations of managing residential and commercial properties. Thoma graduated from DePaul University with a bachelor’s degree in finance and economics and remains an active member in their alumni association.

Thalia Tsakiris is currently a junior majoring in finance at DePaul University and joined First Western Properties as a leasing agent and a marketing intern in May 2019 and. Through her internship with First Western Properties, Thalia has been able to develop a deep knowledge of the real estate industry and gain on-site experience, as well as furthering her professional skill set in this exciting sector. Through her time at First Western, Thalia collaborated with brokers and property owners to construct three daily email blasts featuring apartment buildings for sale, retail centers for sale, and retail spaces for lease. She also performs showings and leases residential apartments throughout Chicago areas such as Little Village and Pilsen. Thalia has learned to adapt to a rapidly changing environment of the real estate market and has become an asset to the company.

Brandon Polyakov is currently a junior majoring in finance at DePaul University and joined First Western Properties as a finance and property management intern in February 2020. Through his internship with First Western, Brandon has been able to develop a deep knowledge of the real estate industry and gain hands-on experience, as well as furthering his professional skill set in this exciting sector. Over the last year and a half, Brandon learned to navigate the complex and rapidly changing environment of the real estate market that was brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, becoming an asset to the company while also furthering his knowledge and skills.

Peiyu Zhang is a marketing assistant for First Western Properties, Inc., a leading Chicago full-service commercial real estate company. Mr.Zhang focuses on marketing in the greater China area and the US. Mr.Zhang started as a marketing intern with the company, where she gained hands-on experience in real estate marketing.

Before joining First Western, Mr.Zhang worked at Hooli Homes Chicago Inc., helping Chinese international students lease apartments and marketing documents of company real estate projects for the Chinese market, where she gained experience in real estate marketing, lease & sale, and the day-to-day operations of social media.

Mr.Zhang ​graduated from Valparaiso University (the US) and Nanjing Univerisity of the Arts (China) with a double master’s degree in Digital Media and Recording Arts. She gained experience in video shoot & editing, sound record & editing, and social media marketing.

Henry Salazar is a third-year DePaul student majoring in Accounting. He joined First Western Properties as an accounting and property management intern in October 2021. Henry is currently at the start of his career, and is determined to learn all he can about the accounting and real estate industries in order to become a valuable member of First Western Properties.