Crib Chatter

This 1-bedroom penthouse in the Westgate Lofts at 812 W. Van Buren in the West Loop came on the market in November 2022.

Built in 1910, Westgate Lofts has 46 units and attached garage parking. It was converted into condos in 1990.

It has a bike room and the listing says there are no specials and it is over 70% owner occupied.

This is a corner loft with 12 foot concrete ceilings and concrete columns along with exposed brick walls which have been painted white.

The listing says it has had a “full rehab.”

The loft has hand-scraped wide plank hardwood floors and a wood burning fireplace.

It has an “enormous chef’s kitchen” with 42″ soft-close gray cabinets, thick Carrera marble counters with a waterfall island and high end Jenn Air stainless steel appliances, a custom tile backsplash and large farmhouse sink.

The bedroom has a walk-in-closet.

There’s an updated bath with floor-to-ceiling subway tile and two entrances, including one from the bedroom.

The second floor is accessed by a spiral staircase and has an office/den which walks out onto the new Trex composite rooftop deck with water and electric and wraparound skyline views.

The loft has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and garage parking for $35,000.

This building is near the shops and restaurants of Greektown and the West Loop.

Listed at $495,000, will the rooftop deck seal the deal?

Paul Ragi at @properties Christie’s has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #6D: 1 bedroom, 1 bath, 1200 square feet, loft

• Sold in June 1990 for $165,000
• Sold in June 1996 for $156,000
• Sold in June 2002 for $300,000
• Sold in April 2017 for $350,000
• Currently listed at $495,000 (plus $35,000 for parking)
• Assessments of $503 a month (includes exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal and Internet)
• Taxes of $7911
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Wood burning fireplace
• Bedroom: 13×13
• Living/dining combo: 26×15
• Kitchen: 19×12
• Walk-in-closet: 13×7
• Foyer: 8×6
• Office: 12×11 (second floor)
• Deck: 21×18 (second floor)

This 2-bedroom in 401 E. Ontario in Streeterville came on the market in November 2022.

401 E. Ontario was built in 1990 but was originally apartments. It was converted into condos in 1999. It has 394 units and attached parking.

It is a full amenity building with doorstaff, an exercise room, an indoor pool and spa and rooftop decks.

The listing says this unit has had a “complete gut remodel.”

This unit is a split corner with views of the lake and skyline. The listing says it has “luxury finishes” including new dark hardwood floors throughout.

It has LED strip lighting in the crown molding and custom built-ins in the living/dining room.

The kitchen has been remodeled with new gray? (green?) cabinetry, stainless steel appliances and the listing says granite counter tops but they look like quartz (?).

The listing says both bathrooms have new cabinetry, showers and granite countertops (again looks like quartz?).

The primary bedroom has a walk-in-closet with custom built-ins.

This unit has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and garage parking is available for $30,000.

This unit also has a full size storage which is included.

This building is in the heart of Streeterville near restaurants, Starbucks and other coffee shops, supermarkets and isn’t far from the Mag Mile and Navy Pier.

It has come on the market at $425,000 plus the $30,000 for the parking, or $455,000. It last sold in 2015 for $425,000, when it was not remodeled.

Is remodeling essential to getting a sale in the older high rises in this slow market?

Eugene Fu at @Properties Christie’s has the listing. See the pictures here (sorry, no floor plan).

Unit #2302: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1200 square feet

• Sold in June 1999 for $310,500 (fyi, the 30-year fixed rate mortgage in the April-June 1999 period was around 7%)
• Sold in June 2005 for $390,000
• Sold in July 2015 for $425,000
• Currently listed at $425,000 (plus $30,000 for parking)
• Assessments of $977 a month (includes heat, a/c, doorman, cable, exercise room, pool, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal, Internet)
• Taxes of $8449
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 14×12
• Bedroom #2: 13×10
• Living/dining room: 23×20
• Kitchen: 8×14
• Laundry: 3×2

This 4-bedroom in 3180 N. Lake Shore Drive in East Lakeview came on the market in November 2022.

Built in 1958, the building has 174 units and an attached parking garage.

The building has 2 decks, a party room, an exercise room, a library, doorstaff, bike storage and an engineer.

The listing says it is 98% owner occupied and has $2.4 million in reserves. There are no pets allowed.

In 2021, we chattered about a 2-bedroom in this building that had been completely remodeled and we discussed whether the building was turning over from the older owners to the newer ones.

This unit has also been completely remodeled, with the listing calling it “brand new.”

There are white oak hardwood floors throughout.

The elevator opens into a renovated private foyer which is shared only with 1 other unit.

This unit is a rare condo that has three exposures, east views of the lake, west views and south views.

It has a “chef inspired” kitchen with smart appliances (are those black?), white cabinets, quartz countertops and a breakfast bar with seating.

The living and dining room are open concept and has a dry bar with a 50 bottle wine fridge.

The fourth bedroom could be a den, office or bedroom and is separated by metal framed double glass sliding doors.

The other three bedrooms are in the other wing of the apartment. Two bedrooms share a jack-and-jill bathroom with a Kohler soaking tub with wood accented double vanity.

The primary suite has an en suite bath with two separate vanities and a walk-in-shower with body sprays, and a marble floor.

There is valet parking available in the building for $260 a month, laundry in the unit with a sink and storage, and window a/c.

The HOA includes almost everything, including electricity.

This building overlooks the Belmont Harbor, the lake, and is near the shops and restaurants of east Lakeview.

Bought in July for $330,000, it has come back on after the renovation at $664,900.

Buyers love “new.”

Will this sell quickly even with the tough market conditions?

Keith Brand at Redfin has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Or see it this weekend at the Open House on Saturday, Dec 3 from 11 AM to 1 PM.

Unit #13A: 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 1800 square feet

• Sold in September 1988 for $195,000
• Sold in May 1992 for $191,500
• Sold in February 2004 for $375,000
• Sold in July 2022 for $330,000
• Currently listed at $664,900
• Assessments of $1532 a month (includes heat, a/c, electricity, gas, doorman, cable, exercise, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $7,007
• No central air- but window units
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Valet parking available for $260 a month
• Bedroom #1: 13×18
• Bedroom #2: 13×13
• Bedroom #3: 15×14
• Bedroom #4: 12×12
• Living room: 18×21
• Dining room: 15×21
• Kitchen: 7×15
• Laundry room: 8×6

With mortgage rates surging this fall, it’s not a surprise that October sales fell sharply but median price rose to an all-time high for October.

Reminder that the median price reflects the mix of what is selling.

It was the lowest number of October sales since 2011. But also notice that 44% of the sales that year were short or foreclosure sales.

From the Illinois Association of Realtors:

In Chicago, home sales (single-family and condominiums) in October 2022 totaled 1,709 homes sold, a 30.8 percent decrease from October 2021 sales of 2,469 homes.

The median price of a home in the city of Chicago in October 2022 was $320,000, an increase of 2.2 percent from $313,000 in October 2021.

Thanks to G for all the data on October sales going back to 1997:

October Chicago sfh/condo/th sales and median

• 1997 1,731 $129,900
• 1998 1,855 $138,000
• 1999 1,978 $159,500
• 2000 2,106 $174,710
• 2001 2,177 $200,000
• 2002 2,503 $215,000
• 2003 2,996 $236,000
• 2004 2,651 $241,000
• 2005 2,846 $268,500
• 2006 2,630 $278,000
• 2007 2,007 $285,000
• 2008 1,564 $261,000
• 2009 2,068 $215,000
• 2010 1,225 $183,000
• 2011 1,324 $162,000 (44% short/REO sales)
• 2012 2,009 $175,000
• 2013: 2,231 $218,500
• 2014: 2,128 $236,000
• 2015: 2,173 $240,000
• 2016: 2,046 $260,100
• 2017: 2,109 $260,000
• 2018: 2,108 $271,500
• 2019: 2,084 $275,000
• 2020: 2,568 $315,000
• 2021: 2,469 $313,000
• 2022: 1,709 $320,000

“In October, inflation combined with rising interest rates, seasonality and strained inventory caused closed sales to drop,” said Sarah Ware, president of the Chicago Association of REALTORS® and principal and designated managing broker for Ware Realty Group in Chicago. “However, median sales prices increased while days on the market decreased, meaning homes are still being purchased. Buyers will need to be patient during their home search, and sellers need to work with a REALTOR® to ensure their home is prepared and priced to sell.”

Statewide, inventory fell again, dropping 16% to 26,422 from 31,445 last year. The average home sold in 28 days, which was the same as last year.

In Chicago, inventory also dropped, falling 18.7% to 7,234 from 8,898 in October 2021. The average home took just 34 days to sell, down from 35 last year.

The statewide and Chicago housing markets remain tight, with low inventory despite rising mortgage rates.

The average 30-year fixed rate mortgage jumped to 6.9% in October from 6.11% in September. Last year, the average was 3.07%.

Reminder: buyers will lock in their rates ahead of time so the higher rates don’t get priced into the market for a few months. But November has averaged over 6% as well, so it will be three straight months of rates over 6%.

“The housing market in Illinois has slowed since its peak in June,” 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. “Prices and the number of sales have returned to approximately the same levels as in November 2021. Inflation and high interest rates have led to a decline in consumer confidence. However, inventories remain low, and as a result, prices are not expected to decline substantially over the next few months.”

Will low inventory put a floor under Chicago housing prices until the spring buying season kicks in in a few months?

Median prices and interest rates rose as inventory tightened and homes sold quickly in October [Illinois Association of Realtors, Press Release, by Bill Kozar, November 18, 2022]

This 2-bedroom mid-century townhouse at 3522 N. Pine Grove in East Lakeview came on the market in November 2022.

Built in 1948, this complex has 16 townhouses. It is a fee simple complex with a home owners association.

There’s no parking.

The listing says this unit is a total gut and warns “so please don’t expect it to be a quick lipstick update.”

It’s being sold “as-is” and is a Cook County Public Guardian Sale which needs court approval that the listing says make take 2 to 3 weeks from the date of the contract execution.

The first floor has the living room, dining room and kitchen. There’s carpet now but the listing indicates there may be hardwood floors underneath.

Is that the original stove in the kitchen?

The two bedrooms are upstairs, along with a full bath, and the primary bedroom has access to a front covered balcony measuring 4×19.

There’s a lower level with a recreation room and the utilities, including an “ancient” washer/dryer, an old broiler, not used, and replaced with newer gas forced furnace.

The townhouse also has a pull down stairs to access the attic, which can be used for storage.

The listing says:

NO PARKING. NO AIRBNBS.

Additionally, the complex appears to have a rental cap which is 3 units. The listing says none of the units are currently rented so you could “live there 24 months and rent it out.”

This townhouse is near Belmont Harbor, the lake front, 5 blocks from Wrigley Field and all the shops and restaurants of East Lakeview.

Is this a deal at $279,000?

Harry Maisel at @Properties Christie’s has the listing. See the pictures here.

3522 N. Pine Grove: 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, 1620 square feet, townhouse

• Redfin claims this sold in Sep 2007 for $300,000 but I can’t find that sale in the CCRD
• Two lis penden foreclosures filed in 2022
• Currently listed at $279,000 but is a Cook County Public Guardian Sale
• Assessments of $83 a month (includes scavenger and snow removal)
• Taxes of $605.61 (senior exemption)
• No parking
• No airbnbs
• Unclear about central air
• Laundry room in the lower level
• Bedroom #1: 17×12 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 12×10 (second floor)
• Living room: 17×16 (main floor)
• Dining room: 10×11 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 10×11 (main floor)
• Recreation Room: 20×27 (lower level)
• Balcony: 4×19 (second floor)

This 3-bedroom at 322 W. Belden in East Lincoln Park came on the market in September 2022.

Built in 1914, this pre-war building has 12 units and a central courtyard with 2 seating areas and a grill.

There is no parking or doorstaff but there is private storage in the lower level and a bike room. The building is professionally managed.

This unit has many of its original features including millwork, plaster moldings, built-in cabinetry, window seats and a plaster wood burning fireplace in the living room.

The dining room has cove ceilings, intricate plaster details, a window seat and French doors.

There’s a sunroom overlooking Belden with southern exposure.

The kitchen has blue custom cabinetry, a white subway tile backsplash, high end appliances, quartzite counter tops, and an island with seating for two.

Another unique feature is the butler’s pantry with a sink and beverage refrigerator.

A common feature in pre-war apartments were the formal entry foyer and gallery. This unit has both, including an 18×6 gallery.

The three bedrooms share 2 full porcelain and stone baths.

The primary bedroom also has a walk-in-closet.

It has features buyers look for including in-unit washer/dryer and space pac cooling. There’s no parking with the building, however.

This building is just steps away from Lincoln Park, the Conservatory, and the Zoo along with the shops and restaurants of East Lincoln Park.

Listed in September 2022 at $875,000, it remains listed at $875,000.

Is this a vintage lover’s dream home?

Jeffrey Lowe and Harry Pfaff at Compass have the listing. See the pictures here (sorry, no floor plan).

Unit #2W: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2200 square feet

• Sold in February 1989 for $275,000
• Sold in July 2011 for $517,000
• Sold in June 2016 for $695,000
• Listed in September 2022 for $875,000
• Currently still listed at $875,000
• Assessments of $1277 a month (includes heat, snow removal)
• Taxes of $12,624
• Space pac cooling
• Washer/dryer in-unit
• No parking
• Wood burning fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 16×11
• Bedroom #2: 15×12
• Bedroom #3: 15×7
• Living room: 23×15
• Dining room: 18×14
• Kitchen: 14×13
• Sun room: 9×8
• Gallery: 18×6

This 3-bedroom in 550 N. St Clair in Streeterville came on the market in August 2022.

Built in 2008, just as the Great Recession and housing bust hit, 550 N. St Clair is a modern building with floor-to-ceiling windows and exposed concrete ceilings with 111 units and a parking garage.

It has doorstaff, an indoor pool and exercise room.

This unit is a half floor completely renovated unit designed by Brininstool & Lynch Architects. It has east, south and west views of the city and lake.

It doesn’t have the concrete ceilings that are a signature feature of this building.

There are wide plank solid oak floors throughout with 11 foot floor-to-ceiling windows.

It has a “gourmet kitchen” with white custom cabinets, an oversized island and eat-in breakfast bar with black cabinets, a subway tile backsplash, and luxury appliances by Wolf, Roul, Subzero and Bosch.

There is also a unique large butler’s pantry/second kitchen with a wine and beverage fridge.

The unit has a 600 bottle walk-in wine cellar with French doors.

The primary suite has a fireplace and seating area, walk-in-closet and en suite bath with dual sink vanity, separate tub, and a fully enclosed glass shower for 2. It also has a private balcony.

The other two bedrooms are also en suite.

The unit has a 300 square foot private terrace with city views.

It has the features buyers look for including central air, a laundry room and 2 heated parking spaces included.

This building is near the shops and restaurants of the Mag Mile, the River Walk, Streeterville and River North.

Originally listed in August 2022 for $2.5 million, it has been reduced $51,000 to $2.449 million.

Is this a single family home alternative for those who like highrise living?

Tommy Choi and Joshua Weinberg at KellerWilliams ONEChicago have the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #2502: 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 3200 square feet

• Sold in August 2016 for $1.75 million
• Sold in September 2017 for $2.335 million
• Originally listed in August 2022 for $2.5 million
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $2.449 million
• Assessments of $2296 a month (includes heat, a/c, doorman, cable, exercise room, pool, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal, Internet)
• Taxes of $34,365
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• 2 heated garage spaces included
• Fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 20×19
• Bedroom #2: 12×12
• Bedroom #3: 13×12
• Living/dining combo: 28×26
• Kitchen: 20×16
• Pantry: 13×9
• Walk-in-closet: 20×11
• Laundry room: 13×7
• 2 balconies

This 2-bedroom in The Palmolive at 159 E. Walton in the Gold Coast came on the market in June 2021.

The Palmolive was built in 1929 and has 99 units. This art-deco building used to be a commercial building and was first the home of Colgate-Palmolive-Peet and then was the former home of Playboy and was called the Playboy Building.

It was converted into luxury condos in 2005-2006. It has attached valet garage parking, doorstaff, an exercise room and whirlpool.

During the housing bust, the building’s pricing held up well as it was sold out during the boom and was considered one of the top buildings in the city. Celebrities like Vince Vaughn owned units in the building during that time.

This unit is a southwest corner unit.

It has high ceilings, hardwood floors, custom millwork and a fireplace.

The kitchen is an eat-in kitchen with white Polyform cabinetry, Wolf, Subzero and Miele appliances with an island.

It’s a split floor plan.

The unit has the features that buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and 1 car parking is included.

This building is just steps away from the Mag Mile and Oak Street Beach as well as the restaurants of Streeterville and the Gold Coast.

Originally listed in June 2021 at $1.525 million, it has been reduced $425,000 to $1.1 million. That is $364,000 under the 2006 sales price.

Is this a deal?

Caroline and Matthew Druker at Baird & Warner have the listing. See the pictures here (sorry, no floor plan.)

Unit #14F: 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2347 square feet

• Sold in September 2006 for $1.464 million
• Bank owned in October 2010
• Sold in February 2011 for $961,000
• Originally listed in June 2021 for $1.525 million
• Reduced several times
• Currently listed at $1.1 million
• Assessments of $2381 a month (includes heat, a/c, gas, doorman, cable, clubhouse, exercise room, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $32,832
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• 1 car valet parking included
• Fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 15×13
• Bedroom #2: 16×12
• Dining room: 16×12
• Living room: 15×14
• Kitchen: 15×15

This 3-bedroom duplex up in Ivy Lane at 2843 N. Lincoln in Lakeview came on the market in September 2022.

Built in 1996, Ivy Lane has 23 units surrounding a central courtyard and underground garage parking.

This listing says the unit has new mechanicals, hardwood floors, recessed lighting, “some” new windows, crown molding and composite decking.

The first floor has the living, dining and kitchen along with a full bath and one bedroom.

The second floor has the primary suite and second bedroom along with two outdoor spaces.

The living room has a fireplace.

The kitchen has white cabinets, granite counter tops, a custom backsplash, and a breakfast bar.

The primary bedroom has an en suite bathroom with herringbone marble floors, quartz counter tops, a duble sink and subway tile shower.

There’s a huge private terrace off the primary suite.

This unit has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and 1 indoor garage parking space is included.

This building is near the Lakeview/Lincoln Park border and is near shops, restaurants and coffee shops.

Listed in September 2022 at $559,000, it has been reduced $19,000 to $540,000.

Is this a deal for 3-bedrooms in this neighborhood?

Nancy Tassone at Jameson Sotheby’s has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #211: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1700 square feet, duplex up

• Sold in February 1997 for $249,000
• Sold in May 1999 for $311,000
• Sold in March 2002 for $367,000
• Sold in December 2015 for $415,000
• Originally listed in September 2022 for $559,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $540,000 
• Assessments of $302 a month (includes exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $8715
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• 1 indoor garage parking space included
• Fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 15×12 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 12×10 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 12×11 (main floor)
• Living/dining room: 16×15 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 10×10 (main floor)
• Deck: 4×14 (second floor)
• Terrace: 12×10 (second floor)

This 2-bedroom duplex up at 40 W. Schiller in the Gold Coast came on the market in September 2022.

40 W. Schiller was designed in 1923 by Andrew Rebori and has 19 units.

It has a shared, central courtyard which the listing calls the “most coveted private garden” in the city.

The building has no parking.

The listing says this duplex has never been available.

This unit has a 2-story living room with vaulted ceilings and a wood burning fireplace.

One bedroom is on the main floor with the primary bedroom on the second level, which overlooks the garden. There was also a third bedroom, also on the second floor, which the listing says was turned into a huge walk-in-closet.

It has a separate dining room.

The kitchen has white cabinets and a combination of white and stainless steel appliances.

It has central air but the listing doesn’t say anything about a washer/dryer. Other units have it in-unit so I’m assuming it does (?).

There is leased parking.

It doesn’t have private outdoor space, but the unit has French doors that lead directly out to the private garden.

This is a co-op building. In the prior listings we’ve chattered about in this building, the taxes were included in the assessments.

This building is near the shops and restaurants of Old Town and the Gold Coast.

Listed in September 2022 at $1 million, it has been reduced $75,000 to $925,000.

What price will it take to sell this co-op?

Sophia Worden at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices has the listing. See the pictures here (sorry, no floor plan).

Unit #1E: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, duplex up, 1700 square feet, co-op

• No prior price but the listing says “never available”
• Originally listed in September 2022 at $1 million
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $925,000
• Assessments of $1729 a month (includes heat, gas, cable, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes are listed at $8532 (included in the assessments or no? Usually included in co-op assessments)
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit??? (unclear)
• Leased parking
• Wood burning fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 12×18 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 10×12 (main floor)
• Living room: 14×22 (main floor)
• Dining room: 12×14 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 12×12 (main floor)
• Walk-in-closet: 8×13 (second floor)