Crib Chatter

This 2-bedroom at 17 E. Division in the Gold Coast came on the market in February 2025.

Built in 1900, 17 E. Division has 6 units and some outdoor parking.

The listing called this top floor unit a “French-inspired penthouse.”

The unit has some of its vintage features including custom moldings, 12 foot ceilings, a vintage skylight and a wood burning fireplace in the living room.

The listing says it was “rehabbed in 2023-2024.”

It has an “all new” kitchen with white cabinets (but the upper cabinets are mostly missing), stone counter tops, stainless steel appliances and lighting.

If you look at the pictures in the 2022 listing, you’ll see the kitchen was your standard dark wood, stainless steel appliances with an island kitchen.

The current kitchen has replaced the island with a wood table/island which I wonder if it will be included in the sale.

There are hardwood floors throughout, including the bedrooms, which had carpet in the 2022 sale.

The listing says the bathrooms have been “updated.”

The unit also has an office/butler’s pantry which now has built-in cabinets (see pictures from the 2022 to see what it looked like before.)

The unit has some of the features that buyers look for including central air and washer/dryer in the unit. There is no parking but it’s available in the neighborhood.

It also has a private back deck with a water hook-up.

This building is located near the shops and restaurants at State and Division as well as the Rush Street corridor. The Jewel on Division is nearby. You can also easily get to Oak Street Beach. It is near multiple bus lines and the Red line stop at Clark.

This unit came on the market at $640,000, which is $75,000 above the 2022 purchase price of $565,000.

Listed on February 6, it went under contract on February 8.

I’m cribbing about it today because a little birdie told me there were multiple offers. They didn’t even wait until Monday for the “best and final offer.”

Inventory is near record lows in many Chicago neighborhoods.

What should be the strategy of sellers agents in this market?

1. Price it low, have two open houses on Saturday and Sunday, accept offers on Monday by 5 pm?
2. List it, have showings, take in offers as they come but continue to show it for “back-up offers”?

What should be the strategy of buyers?

1. See the property within 24 hours of listing?
2. Be prepared for multiple bids and have a strategy as to what you’re willing to go over?

Any guesses on sales price?

Anne Rossley at Baird & Warner has the listing. See the pictures here. No floor plan but there is one in the 2022 listing.

Unit #3E: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1600 square feet, penthouse

• Sold in September 1992 for $236,000
• Sold in December 2001 for $377,000
• Sold in May 2006 for $482,000
• Sold in June 2022 for $565,000
• Originally listed on February 6, 2025 for $640,000
• Under contract in 3 days on February 8, 2025
• Was told it was multiple bids
• Assessments of $595 a month (security)
• Taxes of $10,419
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• No parking- available to rent in the neighborhood
• Wood burning fireplace
• Vintage skylight
• Bedroom #1: 14×11
• Bedroom #2: 13×11
• Living room: 23×22
• Dining room: 15×11
• Kitchen: 15×11
• Office: 23×7
• Balcony with water