Crib Chatter

This 1-bedroom in 630 W. Waveland in East Lakeview came on the market in May 2023.

Built in 1926, this courtyard building has 50 units. It does not have parking or any amenities.

This unit has 9 foot ceilings, a foyer, hardwood floors throughout the living room and bedroom and a wood burning fireplace in the living room.

The listing says it is “freshly painted.”

It also has a built-in multi-shelved desk nook next to the fireplace in the living room for work-from-home or a beverage bar.

The 3 windows in the living room overlook the landscaped courtyard.

The kitchen has white cabinets that go to the ceiling, stainless steel appliances, a black and white checkerboard floor, and a euro-style washer/dryer combo unit. The listing says there is enough room for a breakfast table.

The listing also says the bedroom is big enough for a king sized bed. It has custom built-in white closets and vanity/desk.

The “timeless” bathroom was remodeled and has a built-in linen closet.

The unit has a walk-in-closet near the foyer and a 10×5 storage unit in the basement.

It does not have parking, although there is rental across the street, nor central air.

This unit is near the shops and restaurants of Broadway in East Lakeview as well as the lake front with its bike trail, golf course, and other park amenities.

Listed at $225,000, that’s $25,000 more than the 2020 sales price. The listing says there is no rental cap in the building.

Is this a good investment for someone who wants to be a landlord?

Mark Buckner at Compass has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #1E: 1 bedroom, 1 bath, no square footage listed

• Sold in April 1997 for $86,000
• Sold in November 2002 for $155,000
• Sold in July 2012 for $115,000
• Sold in May 2019 for $189,000
• Sold in October 2020 for $200,000
• Currently listed at $225,000
• Assessments of $350 a month (includes cable, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal, Internet)
• Taxes of $2825
• No central air
• Euro-style washer/dryer combo in the unit
• No parking- rental available across the street
• Wood burning fireplace
• Bedroom: 13×10
• Living room: 17×12
• Kitchen: 10×11
• Walk-in-closet: 8×4
• Foyer: 7×4
• Balcony: 3×11

This 3-bedroom in 122 W. Delaware in the Gold Coast came on the market in May 2023.

Built in 1881, 122 W. Delaware has 8 units. It does not have an elevator and there’s no parking.

This is a top floor unit.

It has hardwood floors throughout and some of its vintage features including moldings and medallions.

There are two fireplaces: one in the living room and a second in the primary bedroom.

There’s a large eat-in kitchen with a pantry.

We have chattered with this building previously. Some of the other owners have changed the floor plan by removing walls and moving the purposes of certain rooms like moving the living room to one of the bedrooms.

There’s central air but it doesn’t look like there is a washer/dryer in the unit.

The unit has a shared balcony.

The building does not allow dogs or rentals but cats are okay.

It’s near the shops and restaurants of the Rush Street corridor and isn’t far from River North or Michigan Avenue.

The listing says: “This space awaits for your ideas and personal touches.”

Listed at $575,000, will they get this price in 2023’s market?

Pamela Cirignani at Dream Town Realty has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #4W: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1479 square feet

• Sold in April 1988 for $210,000
• Sold in January 1998 for $279,000
• Sold in July 2004 for $485,000
• Currently listed at $575,000
• Assessments of $572 a month (includes scavenger)
• Taxes of $9052
• Central Air
• No washer/dryer in the unit (?)
• No parking
• 2 fireplaces
• Shared balcony
• Bedroom #1: 13×8
• Bedroom #2: 11×14
• Bedroom #3: 11×13
• Living room: 13×15
• Kitchen: 11×15
• Dining room: 8×13

This 3-bedroom in 729 W. Roscoe in East Lakeview came on the market in May 2023.

Built in 1891, this building has 4 units and exterior outdoor parking. There is also an extra storage room.

It has 10 foot ceilings and bay windows.

The listing says “character abounds” as this unit has many of its original vintage features including the hardwood floors, trim, and crown molding. (None of which are painted.)

The unit also has 2 built-in hutches, including one in the separate dining room.

It has a decorative fireplace with the original mantle in the living room and solid wood pocket doors.

The kitchen has been “updated” and has maple cabinets, granite counter tops and “newer” stainless steel appliances.

The “updated” bathroom has white subway tile and a large soaking tub.

There’s a south facing deck off the kitchen and a separate family room.

This unit has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and a designated exterior parking space.

It also has an extra-large storage room.

This building is the middle of East Lakeview, near the shops and restaurants, with movie theaters and Wrigley Field nearby.

Listed at $449,000, is this old school vintage Chicago living?

Lance Kirshner and Laura Dewey Lando at Compass have the listing. See the pictures here. Sorry, no floor plan.

Or see it at the Open House on Saturday, May 6, 2023 between 12 and 2 PM.

Unit #2: 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, 1500 square feet

• Sold in March 2000 for $307,500
• Sold in September 2004 for $365,000
• Sold in May 2007 for $382,000
• Sold in June 2010 for $350,000
• Sold in February 2018 for $400,000
• Currently listed at $449,000
• Assessments of $390 a month (includes heat, parking, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger)
• Taxes are $6770
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Exterior outdoor parking is included
• Decorative fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 12×12
• Bedroom #2: 11×10
• Bedroom #3: 10×8
• Kitchen: 12×12
• Living room: 17×14
• Dining room: 14×12
• Family room: 14×11
• Deck: 12×8

This 5-bedroom single family home at 1225 W. George in Lakeview came on the market in April 2023.

The base of this home appears to be an old warehouse as the 1997 seller was Culinary Foods Inc. It was transformed into a single family home in 1999 by architect Larry Booth and has won architecture awards.

It’s on an irregular lot with 75 feet of frontage but measuring 75 x 102.4 x 87.99 x 56.4. It has a 2-car garage.

The listing says zoning will allow for additional livable space and a rooftop deck.

If this home looks familiar, that’s because we cribbed about it the last time it was on the market in 2016. As usual, most of you complained about the listing price, which was $3.995 million.

You can see that chatter here.

This home has loft-like features including concrete beamed ceilings  and exposed brick walls. In the prior chatter, the listing said it had concrete slab floors with radiant heat.

The kitchen has modern cabinets, luxury stainless steel appliances and two islands with quartz countertops. One island seats 6.

The second floor has 4 out of the 5 bedrooms and they are all en suite.

The primary bedroom and one other bedroom have direct access to the 40 foot indoor lap pool and spa. The primary bedroom also has a private outdoor terrace.

The fifth bedroom is located on the main floor and has its own private entrance and kitchenette.

The house has central air.

It’s near the shops and restaurants of central Lakeview with easy access to north Lincoln Park.

Listed at $4.175 million, is this unique home the perfect private city retreat?

Ali Arciniega and Cynthia Prewett at Chicago Real Estate Artists have the listing. See the pictures here.

1225 W. George: 5 bedrooms, 5.5 baths, 7400 square feet, single family home

• Sold in July 1997 for $114,500
• Then renovated into a single family home in 1999
• Sold in February 2017 for $3.6 million
• Originally listed in April 2023 for $4.175 million
• Currently still listed at $4.175 million
• Taxes are now $76,371 (they were $35,492 in September 2016)
• Central Air
• 2-car garage
• Studio with a kitchenette
• Bedroom #1: 22×19 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 16×13 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 16×9 (second floor)
• Bedroom #4: 23×13 (second floor)
• Bedroom #5 (studio): 30×22 (main floor)
• Living room: 28×24 (main floor)
• Dining room: 23×21 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 21×14 (main floor)
• Foyer: 21×9 (main floor)
• Den: 13×13 (second floor)
• Laundry: 7×7 (second floor)
• Family room: 21×15 (main floor)

This 3-bedroom at 2650 N Lakeview in Lincoln Park came on the market in May 2023.

Built in 1973, 2650 N Lakeview has 300 units and attached valet garage parking.

It’s a full amenity building with door staff, 3 rooftop decks, 2 tennis courts, a gym, study/lounge, party room, and indoor pool.

This top floor condo is a southeast corner unit which the listing says is “rarely available.”

It has a “newly updated” bathroom and kitchen. The kitchen has been opened to the living and dining rooms and has white cabinets, stainless steel appliances and sleek-tile backsplash.

There’s a built-in buffett in the dining room.

The primary bedroom is en suite and has a walk-in closet.

This unit has the features that buyers look for including central air and the valet parking is $180 a month. It does not, however, have in-unit washer/dryer. The building has coin laundry.

The listing says this unit has “some of the best views in all of Chicago” with downtown city views, Lincoln Park and lake views.

It’s just several blocks to the shops and restaurants on Clark Street.

Listed at $849,000 for 1600 square feet, does the view close the deal?

Darrell Scott at Compass has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #4110: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 1600 square feet

• Sold in August 1985 for $110,000
• Sold in February 1991 for $307,000
• Sold in July 1992 for $335,000
• Sold in March 1994 for $330,000
• Sold in June 2005 for $640,000
• Sold in July 2019 for $660,000
• Currently listed at $849,000
• Assessments of $1472 a month (includes heat, a/c, doorman, cable, exercise room, pool, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal, Internet, party room)
• Taxes of $12,246
• Central Air
• No washer/dryer in the unit. Coin laundry in the building
• Valet garage parking available for $180 a month
• Bedroom #1: 17×13
• Bedroom #2: 13×11
• Bedroom #3: 13×11
• Living room: 22×19
• Dining room: 11×10
• Kitchen: 11×10

This large 1-bedroom in Trump Tower at 401 N. Wabash in River North came on the market in April 2023.

Built in 2008, Trump Tower has 486 condo residences on top of a hotel and restaurants along with an attached garage.

It’s a full amenity building with 24/7 door staff, a pool and an exercise room.

This unit is on the 83rd floor and has south and east views of the lake and city through floor to ceiling windows.

There are dark Brazilian wood floors throughout.

The listing says it has been custom painted and has custom window treatments.

The kitchen has Snaidero cherry cabinets, Meile, Wolf and Subzero appliances and Ubatuba granite countertops.

The unit has 1.5 baths with the primary bath in limestone with double sinks, a large soaking tub and separate glass shower.

The unit has features buyers look for including a new washer/dryer (2023), central air and deeded garage parking is included.

Trump Tower was originally thought to be in a “B” location in 2008 for luxury buyers, but then the River Walk was built which changed the area.

It’s near the Mag Mile, the water taxi, the shops and restaurants of River North and the River Walk.

Listed in early April 2023 at $1.2 million, it has been reduced to $1.15 million.

It last sold in January 2011 for $810,000.

Trump Tower struggled during the Trump presidency, but that ended 2+ years ago. Will this seller get the premium?

Jeanne Keating at @Properties Christie’s has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #83E: 1 bedroom, 1.5 baths, 1017 square feet

• Sold in June 2009 for $843,000
• Sold in January 2011 for $810,000
• Originally listed in April 2023 for $1.2 million
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $1.15 million
• Assessments of $1310 a month (includes central air, gas, doorman, cable, exercise room, pool, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $17,776
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Deeded garage parking included
• Bedroom: 15×14
• Living/dining room: 17×15
• Kitchen: 10×9
• Walk-in-closet: 15×5

It’s time for a break. Plenty is going on but some properties are selling so fast I don’t have time to crib on them. Downtown is still slower, though, which is why the blog is focusing on those neighborhoods right now.

Once the weather gets better, I’ll head out for some new pictures of new properties. But I haven’t been encouraged to go out into it lately. It’s too cold. Ha ha.

I’ll be at the beach. Play nice while I’m gone.

See you in May-

Sabrina

March sales were down again. But last March was the month the Fed first started raising rates in this cycle. Mortgage rates started sharply rising in March 2022. Those rates quickly cooled the housing market.

But is the slowdown playing out as we all thought?

From the Illinois Association of Realtors:

The city of Chicago saw a 24.8 percent year-over-year home sales decrease in March 2023 with 2,168 sales, down from 2,883 in March 2022.

The median price of a home in the city of Chicago in March 2023 was $334,000, down 3.2 percent compared to March 2022 when it was $345,000.

Historic data courtesy of G:

City of Chicago condo/TH/SFH closed totals March
year/closed/median/% REO-Short Sales
Year Closed Median %REO/SS

1997 1,226 $126,875
1998 1,540 $137,003
1999 1,766 $152,125
2000 1,793 $167,500
2001 1,800 $195,000

2002 2,112 $210,000
2003 2,261 $225,000
2004 2,772 $244,950
2005 2,822 $271,125
2006 3,000 $275,862

2007 2,399 $285,000
2008 2,098 $300,000
2009 1,219 $217,000 37%
2010 1,860 $207,750 38%
2011 1,481 $163,763 49%

2012 1,630 $170,500 44%
2013 1,894 $187,500
2014 1,875 $235,000
2015 2,173 $260,000
2016 2,149 $269,000

2017 2,546 $295,000
2018 2,343 $310,500
2019 2,062 $290,700
2020 2,123 $319,950
2021 2,937 $345,000

2022 2,883 $345,000
2023 2,168 $334,000

Just a reminder that March 2022 was the third hottest March since 1997. So even though there’s a big drop year-over-year, 2023’s sales were still higher than recent years, including 2019 and 2020.

“While we continue to see a decline in closed sales that matches the decline in inventory, those who were on the fence during the hectic pandemic market are finding opportunities to enter the market with positive hope,” said Sarah Ware, president of the Chicago Association of REALTORS® and principal and designated managing broker for Ware Realty Group in Chicago.

In Chicago, single family home sales fell 15.3% to 811 while condo sales declined 29.5% to 1,357.

Statewide, inventory continued to decline, falling 16.2% to 17,379 properties from 20,735 last year.

In Chicago, inventory fell 23.3% to 4988 from 6506 last year. Days on the market rose 7.5% to 43 days from 40 days last year.

“This time of year, it is typical to see month-to-month increases in sales, and March 2023 was a great example of that in Illinois,” said Michael Gobber, Illinois REALTORS® 2023 President and designated managing broker-partner, Century 21 Affiliated in Westchester.

“Prices and sales increased last month in both Illinois and the Chicago PMSA,” said Dr. Daniel McMillen, head of the Stuart Handler Department of Real Estate (SHDRE) at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Business Administration. “Median prices are at approximately the same level as this time last year, although the number of sales is lower. Our forecast is for prices to appreciate through July, but at a lower rate than last year. We expect the number of sales to grow at a faster rate over the next quarter than last year’s rate.”

The 30-year fixed rate mortgage was 6.54% in March 2023 up from 6.26% in February. It’s also still elevated from March 2022 when it was 4.17%.

But it has now been a year since we’ve seen mortgage rates in the 3s.

While sales are down, they’re not out. What will it take to slow this market further?

Illinois March home sales and median prices fall, while average days on the market rise [Illinois Association of Realtors, Press Release, by Bill Kozar, Apr 20, 2023]

This 2-bedroom in The Donohue Annex at 727 S. Dearborn came on the market in April 2023.

The original portion of The Donohue was built in 1883 and it was the first printer building in the neighborhood. The Annex, at 727 S. Dearborn, was added in 1913.

It was one of the first loft buildings in Printers Row to be converted into housing. It became condominums in 1994.

There is no door staff or parking. But the building does have a fitness room.

The listing describes this loft as an “original artist loft” as it doesn’t seem to have many walls.

It has 13.5′ ceilings and tall, oversized newer industrial windows.

The loft has “some orginal hardwood and brick” throughout.

It’s still live/work.

At 3135 square feet, the listing says it has “endless potential” to be customized to suit a buyer’s needs.

The freight elevator opens directly into the loft with a passenger elevator nearby.

There are just 2 units per floor in the Annex. It’s also the concrete side of the building, as far as ceilings are concerned.

The kitchen has a green stove and dishwasher along with a stainless steel refrigerator and a breakfast bar that seats two.

The primary bedroom has a window and walls but the second bedroom does not appear to have a window.

If you look on the floor plan the loft has a unique area designated “painting storage.”

The unit has features buyers look for like central air and washer/dryer in the unit. The listing says there is radiator heat. There’s no parking with this building but rental and for sale parking spaces are available in the neighborhood.

This is a unique property. I couldn’t find an original sales price. I’m assuming this is the original owner that is selling.

The listing says it’s being sold “as-is.”

Listed for $650,000, will an artist of some kind take a chance on this space?

Jane Wenger at Wenger Properties has the listing. See the pictures and the floor plan here.

Or see it at the Open House on Saturday, Apr 22, from 11 am to 1 pm.

Unit #211: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, loft, 3135 square feet

• I couldn’t find an original sale price
• Currently listed at $650,000
• Assessments of $2220 a month (includes heat, security, exercise room, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal and Internet)
• Taxes of $13071
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• No Parking
• Bedroom #1: 12×17
• Bedroom #2: 10×26
• Foyer: 6×13
• Living room: 27×29
• Kitchen: 13×15
• Dining room: 14×12
• Bonus room: 16×28
• Bonus room #2: 14×27

This 2-bedroom in 2000 N. Lincoln Park West in East Lincoln Park came on the market in April 2023.

Built in 1931 by William Wrigley Jr, the building has 195 units. It was originally apartments until it was converted to condos during the housing boom in 2004-2005.

The building has full time door and maintenance staff, a roof top deck, exercise room, bike storage and a laundry room.

There’s no parking but the listing says it is available as a monthly valet across the street or on the street for free.

This unit is a southeast corner unit with views of Lincoln Park, the Lake and downtown.

The listing says it has elegance and character and “old world charm.” It still has some of its original vintage features like the original crown molding and parquet hardwood floors, which have recently been refinished.

It also has a foyer with the original inlay marble floor.

The living/dining room has the original decorative fireplace with built-in cabinets. It has arched doorways.

The kitchen has dark wood cabinets, what looks like green and black granite counter tops and backsplash and stainless steel appliances. There’s no island but there’s a built-in desk area.

The primary bedroom has a walk-in-closet and a linen/shoe closet. The second bedroom has a 2 closets.

All the windows have shades. There’s also a cedar closet.

You’ll get a bunch of amenities including on-site management, 7 days a week engineering/maintenance, a rooftop deck with 360 degree views, a gym, 2 biker rooms, laundry and 2 pets are allowed up to 50 lbs each.

This building has Starbucks and RJ Grunts, is near the shops and restaurants of East Lincoln Park and Old Town, and is directly across from Lincoln Park.

Listed at $459,000 for 1250 square feet, is this a deal?

Brenda Mauldin at Baird & Warner has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #902: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1250 square feet

• Sold in April 2005 for $558,000
• Sold in April 2020 for $380,000
• Currently listed at $459,000
• Assessment of $988 a month includes heat, gas, doorman, cable, exercise room, exterior maintenance, lawn care, cable, exercise room, exterior, scavenger, snow removal, Internet
• Taxes of $7271
• Window units cooling
• No washer/dryer in the unit
• No parking
• Decorative fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 16×12
• Bedroom #2: 15×11
• Living/dining combo: 21×14
• Kitchen: 18×16
• Foyer: 4×4
• Walk-in-closet: 6×4