Crib Chatter on Vacation
I’ll be on vacation on the beach in the Caribbean this week, so there won’t be any new posts.
Please try and behave yourselves while I’m away.
I don’t know about you, but it seems really quiet this spring.
There simply isn’t much inventory coming on the market outside of million dollar luxury units.
Anything priced under $500,000 is going under contract pretty quickly, unless they’re asking an unrealistically high price on it for the features and neighborhood.
And what about higher mortgage rates?
Even though they’ve spiked to start the year, they have since stabilized and haven’t yet breached the 5% level. That’s still historically low.
If you’re out there looking to buy, what’s your strategy?
See you on the 26th!
GOOD BLESS LOLZ GO CUBBIES!!!!!!!!!!
guess you either didn’t see or didn’t like the listing i sent you
Too bad. We’ll miss your posts. Have fun.
Icarus, why not post a link?
Tone, I could but the link would get buried versus having its own post that might generate more discussion.
With Sabrina gone, go for it!
Seems like a good time for a random question.
Anyone know anything about the area due north of Humboldt Park? Say within 1/4 mile of the park (between the 606 and the park). I’ve heard it’s gentrifying but am looking for input for a friend from anyone who might actually spend time over there. If you venture north you are in Logan Square which is extremely hot, is this spreading south to the park yet?
Here you go Tone
https://www.redfin.com/IL/Chicago/4033-N-Laramie-Ave-60641/home/13476461
You can blow up the map in my annual review of new construction and see what’s going on there. That area is split between Humboldt Park and West Town. The Humboldt Park portion is actually seeing more activity than the West Town portion. And of course as you cross the line into Logan Square you see more activity. But new construction isn’t the only thing I would normally look at. I also look at average price trends, which I don’t have handy. http://www.chicagonow.com/getting-real/2017/08/new-single-family-home-construction-in-chicago-hottest-neighborhoods-of-2017/
Bye bye Berrios!
Icky:
How busy is Laramie there?
Icarus,
Glad to see some interest in Portage Park – Sabrina doesn’t post too often about that neighborhood (not a complaint, just an observation!). My wife and I live a few blocks north of this house and have a week left there before we close on a two-flat in Jefferson Park next week.
This home is a pretty good value if you’re looking for something move-in ready and don’t mind driving or taking the bus to get to the trains for your commute; as it’s a little too far for practical walking distance to the Irving Park transportation options. This would personally bother me, but obviously not others (as the contingent status indicates!)
The quality of rehab done to this particular home strikes me as a bit cheap. The fact they didn’t even put a latticed(?) cover/fence underneath the front deck to hide the foundation seems penny-wise pound-foolish as it would’ve really increased the curb appeal. Upstairs bathroom looks like some cheap home-depot finishes, closet doors look out of place (should’ve been painted or replaced). Kitchen cabinets –if new– already look out of date. I’m also wondering how in the hell you will get furniture on the second floor with only a small spiral staircase accessing it? Unless there’s a back stairwell they’re not showing… Last thing: the living area/kitchen looks really tight; I would sacrifice a 1st floor bedroom to open the living space so it feels less like a bowling alley.
I like that it has an in-law unit; this could provide some off-the-book rental income from acquaintances or — with some updating — make a nice airbnb unit.
As Six-Corners improves and gentrification continues moving up Milwaukee, properties like this should hold/increase value. I’ve taken many uber-pools home from downtown with women in their late twenties/early thirties who have recently started a family; one of them called Portage Park the “new hipster breeding ground”, as it’s one of the few safe neighborhoods left where single family homes are still reasonably affordable.
https://www.redfin.com/IL/Chicago/4033-N-Laramie-Ave-60641/home/13476461
I’d having a difficult time figuring out how they got the second normal stairway the second floor.
The house was built for a very extended family and it looks like the cut a ton of corners – exposed ductwork on the 2nd floor and not skirting the front porch
anon (tfo),
It’s a little busier than a side street as everyone uses it to by-pass Milwaukee, Long or even Central if they can. Fortunately, it ends about a mile or so North of here (and becomes a legitimate side street north of Milwaukee).
Elliot,
Hi/Bye Neighbor. I don’t disagree with your assessment and think the price reflects. I’m just glad it wasn’t used in a comp for my HELOC — instead they used those overpriced new constructions behind the Binny’s so yay for me.
Wow, that seems really cheap. And the taxes are ridiculously low.
“taxes are ridiculously low”
Last sale = $259k
AMV = $257,290
That might be the most fairly taxed property in Chicago. Should go up in the next re-assessment, based on the ~$330k soon-to-close price.
Oops, you’re right, I read the taxes wrong.
Middle class
https://www.financialsamurai.com/definition-of-a-middle-class-lifestyle-is-the-same-as-it-ever-was/
“Glad to see some interest in Portage Park – Sabrina doesn’t post too often about that neighborhood (not a complaint, just an observation!).”
I’ve posted about Portage Park, Avondale and Jefferson Park in the past. With the market red hot, most of the properties I would cover now go under contract so fast it doesn’t make any sense to post on them. But we’ll see what happens this spring. Maybe it will slowdown a bit and I’ll be able to get a few more on the site.
Also, while I think these neighborhoods are fantastic, most people on the site aren’t really interested. That doesn’t mean I won’t cover it though. ha! But most people on this site have never even been to Portage Park, nor, sadly, do they know where it is. (but they should.)
There’s a whole part of the city that only exists in the GreenZone. They have no conception of the rest of it.
“guess you either didn’t see or didn’t like the listing i sent you”
I haven’t gone out to take pictures for a while with this crappy weather. I’m waiting for real spring to sprung before going outside of the GreenZone.
I know the February home sales data came out while I was out of town. I’ll do an update on it, so we have it for the records, on Friday, which is Good Friday this year.
“I haven’t gone out to take pictures for a while with this crappy weather. I’m waiting for real spring to sprung before going outside of the GreenZone.”
I even sent along a couple of pictures.
Welcome back. So what island did you hit this year? Did you buy a condo or timeshare while down on vacation?
Maybe we all need a spring break Crib Chatter day or two so that we can dream about the islands and discuss “oceanfront” cribs? I’ll kick it off with this one in Wailea my favorite island retreat.
https://www.redfin.com/HI/Kihei/4000-Wailea-Alanui-Dr-96753/unit-2303/home/71703376
“Did you buy a condo or timeshare while down on vacation?”
Hawaii?
I’ve never been. It’s too Americanized for me. I prefer islands with some history. The South Pacific is high on my list though.
I have no desire to own anything in any of these locations. I enjoy going to different places so I’d rather stay at a resort, or, in a crunch, rent a condo. Who wants to go to the same place year after year?
“I’ve never been. It’s too Americanized for me.”
So, your thoughts on Hawaii carry about the same weight as tehHof’s thoughts on Chicago?
Hawaii is not americanized. Technically it is America! And there is some interesting history and culture but mostly hidden unless you seek it out.
For years my wife and I preferred going to different countries/resorts on each trip. Hit 5 of the 7 continents with minimal desire to see six (aust) or seven (ant). At one time my goal was to hit every city with a Four Seasons hotel. But that changed.
Now we have had an annual journey to Maui and really dug into that destination. We made several friendships and communicate with them throughout the year. I have a favorite bartender, great taxi driver, few incredible restaurants, and a general manager at a great resort. We now get generous upgrades to suites when available. And in a few spots actually eat and drink at significantly reduced pricing from the rest of the tourists.
I’d never thought that heading back over and over would be our plan. But now I cant imagine a year without our fall trip to our favorite resort in Maui!
I’ve been to Hawaii three times and absolutely loved it. My only issue is that it is too far. I will say it was a little off putting to see big chain stores/restaurants in Hawaii, but with a little effort you can find the local spots.
I recall asking a concierge at a resort for a restaurant recommendation and this idiot told me to go Ruth’s Chris. WTF?
Russ – The time zone is amazing as it is evening here by lunchtime there. I can relax for hours without checking emails phone calls etc. My wife loves that benefit.
Although far from an easy flight we do it with three young kids. Flying out via the west coast makes the most sense for us. They stretch out run and hit the second 4 hour leg. Returning via DFW on American is also a great option. We sleep to DFW and then only have a short hop to Chicago.
Honolulu has more chain places than any other island. Maui, Kauai, and the big island are a cooler vibe. Lanai now has a Nobu. Is that a chain?
Can’t believe that they recommended Ruth Chris. Think of all the tourists that come to downtown Chicago and choose to eat at Bennigans, Ruth Chris, or TGI Fridays when they are literally surrounded by amazing restaurants!
Jp3, yeah I’ve often wondered the same thing about chains in downtown Chicago or any major city for that matter. I was floored the guy in Maui told me to go to Ruth’s Chris. I just spent like 8 hours on planes to get here to experience all the culture this island has to offer and you recommend going to the same expense account steakhouse I’ve eaten at in like every major city?!
We usually do a week vacation in NYC every year and we never hit chains, even with kids now. It is just blasphemy imho. I recall laughing with wife that there was a huge line at Red Lobster in Time Square last time we were there. I mean, c’mon. You are in one of the best and most vibrant cities in the world and you stand in line to eat the same swill found in practically any suburb in the US? It isn’t that hard to find good and affordable dining off the beaten path.
“Honolulu has more chain places than any other island. Maui, Kauai, and the big island are a cooler vibe. Lanai now has a Nobu. Is that a chain?”
One of my friends was married in Honolulu and she goes every year because her husband’s family lives there. They love it for an “urban” vacation. There are plenty of good restaurants, shops etc.
She tells me that there is nothing “Polynesian” about Hawaii now. It is pure Americana and, actually, Japanese, and don’t expect anything else.
I have nothing wrong with beautiful places with all of the American restaurants you could want. I love Florida. And there are gorgeous hikes and natural beauty all over Hawaii. But I would prefer something more authentic which you can find in parts of the South Pacific or even in the Caribbean or Mexico.
“Hawaii is not americanized. Technically it is America! And there is some interesting history and culture but mostly hidden unless you seek it out.”
Yeah, this is what my friend says. But she says that’s what’s sad about it. It’s history has been lost. It’s the only state with an actual palace yet most Americans don’t even know it’s there.
But it is what it is. There’s no way it’s going to go back to its Polynesian past. That’s why I’ve never had a desire to go there. If I want to sit on a beach, there are plenty of gorgeous ones that are much closer. Same with hikes and natural beauty. It’s much faster to go to Belize or Costa Rica for that.
“So, your thoughts on Hawaii carry about the same weight as tehHof’s thoughts on Chicago?”
What’s up your butt anon(tfo)?
Wake up on the wrong side of the bed?
“I recall laughing with wife that there was a huge line at Red Lobster in Time Square last time we were there.”
Russ, these might have been Brits. When the Red Lobster was open in River North, they used to give it great reviews on Yelp because they loved the prices and those biscuits. They had no idea it was a chain and that you could go to one in the suburbs around the rest of the United States.
“She tells me that there is nothing “Polynesian” about Hawaii now. It is pure Americana and, actually, Japanese, and don’t expect anything else”
I can’t agree completely about the Hawaiian islands. Honolulu is different and I like it for a day or two but it’s not why we go that distance. I’d suggest that you head to the north shore or another island.
I’ve been to several spots in Mexico as well as a few in the Caribbean. None quite compare to Maui. Just an opinion but I think that Hawaii is far better than your friend describes. And what is cultural or truly historic about Cancun or say 7 mile beach in Grand Cayman?
you would have a hard time finding a more beautiful place than Hawaii
The yucatan is boring, flat jungle
As far as restaurants, Fiji has been overrun with influence from the British, Aussies, Kiwis, and Indians. There is not much genuine “Polynesian” (actually “Melanesian”) at restaurants.
“What’s up your butt anon(tfo)?”
You’ve never been to Hawaii, but know that it is all “too Americanized”.
Even limiting it to the 4 major islands, it’s a statement worthy of much of Hof’s blather about Chicago.
“You’ve never been to Hawaii, but know that it is all “too Americanized”.”
Yes. I’ve looked at plenty of hotels and restaurants to plan possible trips. I’ve asked on chat rooms if there are ANY Polynesian hotels ANYWHERE in the entire island chain. The best I could tell, the answer is “no.”
There used to be that great 1950s Polynesian resort on one of the islands (I can’t remember which one now) but it was wiped away by one of the tsunamis and they haven’t rebuilt it (although word is that they may still be doing so so maybe, eventually, there will be a Polynesian resort again.)
You see, as I say about Helmethofer, its REALLY easy to research cities you’ve never been to. Even entire countries. Especially with resources like Yelp, Tripadvisor, Frommer’s, Opentable etc.
But the difference with Helmethofer and myself is, I don’t pretend I’ve ever been to Hawaii. I admit I haven’t. It doesn’t do anything for me because it’s not Polynesian. I can go other places to have a more authentic experience. But HH acts like he lives in Chicago (but doesn’t.) Why lie? For goodness sakes. Plenty of people on this site who comment but don’t live here, at least not now (maybe once did or like to visit.)
“As far as restaurants, Fiji has been overrun with influence from the British, Aussies, Kiwis, and Indians.”
Sure. But I’ve heard it’s not as extreme on some of the islands there versus others.
“you would have a hard time finding a more beautiful place than Hawaii”
Really??? We’re going to go there???
Okay- how about:
Costa Rica
Belize
Colombia
Tahiti
Cook Islands
Borneo
Seychelles
Jamaica
Dominica
Grenada
St. Lucia (lovely)
St. Martinique
St. John, Virgin Islands
I could go on and on.
And I never said Hawaii wasn’t beautiful. It is. Why do you think the Americans colonized it? We’re not dumb.
“And what is cultural or truly historic about Cancun or say 7 mile beach in Grand Cayman?”
Who said anything about Cancun? Not me.
There’s soooo much culture and history in Mexico, where to begin? Go to Oaxaca. There’s no going back once you’ve gone there.
Here’s the resort: the Kona Village on the Big Island.
Looks like they’re hoping to open it, finally, in 2019. The tsunami wiped it away in 2011. Many locals were concerned that the land would be sold so that another luxury resort could go in there. It’s wonderful they’re saving the old style with the bungalows.
There literally isn’t another resort in all of Hawaii that is developed like this. It’s really hard to believe, to me. This kind of resort is common around the rest of Polynesia.
http://www.sb-architects.com/project/kona-village/
Mona village development looks nice. Based on that you might like Napoli Kai up in Kapalua. Old school Hawaii vibe. Clean but slightly dated in an authentic way. Incredible beach and frontage.
Plus it’s adjacent to Merrimans which is one of the true gems of the islands. Make sure to have one of their MaiTais and watch the sunset. Incredible seafood. I’ll always remember watching the Cubs win the World Series there. They don’t have TV’s on ever but they did that night. Everyone wanted to see history being made!
“There literally isn’t another resort in all of Hawaii that is developed like this.”
Hotel Molokai? Sure, it’s not “developed like” Kona, as it’s not as nice, but it’s the same idea. And it’s on a not-touristy island.
“Why do you think the Americans colonized it?”
For much the same reason we keep Guantanamo? Plus sugar cane.
Staying in a hut is the way to stay in Polynesian and Melanesian resorts. A tourism hut can range from fairly basic to extremely luxurious.
In Fiji, it’s called a Bure, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bure_(Fiji)
Pronounced “burr ray”
If the authentic luxury hut is the goal then head a bit further to Thailand.
https://www.fourseasons.com/goldentriangle/
We were only there for a few days but it was amazing!
“Why do you think the Americans colonized it?”
Maybe something to do with a significant historical event that happened on December 7, 1941
Sugar cane allbut shut down on Maui
Moved to other places.
“Maybe something to do with a significant historical event that happened on December 7, 1941”
Um…sadly, this is another reminder that most people don’t know much about US history.
America was in Hawaii in the 1800s. We stole it from the locals and the royal family. We annexed it and declared it a territory in 1900.
1941 had nothing to do with it.
“If the authentic luxury hut is the goal”
That’s not the goal. I can do authentic palapas cheaply all over Mexico. And Kona Village, the original one, wasn’t “luxury.” No televisions, no wifi, no phones. Just the basics.
This was the fear of those on the island when the tsunami destroyed it. It’s on so much acreage they all thought that a company like the Four Seasons, which already has a resort on that island anyway, would simply build another one or a bigger one. Or other similar “luxury” company would do the same.
“For much the same reason we keep Guantanamo?”
Guantanamo???
Really?
That’s out of left field.
Why do we keep Guam, Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands?
It’s all about the military.
“I’ll always remember watching the Cubs win the World Series there.”
Again- I’m not flying halfway across the world to watch the Cubs on television with a bunch of other Americans!
So disturbing…seriously.
If I wanted to do that, I’d fly to Florida. No difference. Same darn sports bars, restaurants, food, drink etc.
But this is just further confirmation that I won’t be going to Hawaii anytime soon. So many other places to see.
Wow I’ll give you an A for misinterpreting that Cubs comment. Missed my point completely. We did not fly half way around the globe to watch a Cubs game in Hawaii. For less $$$ I’d have been sitting in Wrigley.
We were already scheduled to be in Maui on that day. It was just a great memory of a perfect day. We were on vacation in a wonderful place and it took all the stress out of watching that game. Due to the time change I actually snorkeled during several innings.
I’d wave over to friends at the pool/ beach bar for a thumbs up or down on the score and go right back to watching the fish and turtles swim. I’m not a huge sports fan but this was a historic Chicago moment. Being at one of my favorite places and catching the last few moments of the game will forever be a great memory.
And thanks to technology people (especially from Chicago) were steaming that broadcast all over the globe. Even in authentic plazas on more remote non American islands!
Think that you need to lighten up Sabrina! We get that there is something you despise about a place that you’ve never been to but you sure come off with quite the judgie attitude.
“It’s all about the military.”
Yes, exactly. Has nothing to do with how beautiful or not Hawaii was/is. Needed a port for our navy, and to keep it out of the (not quite nascent) greater east asia co-prosperity sphere.
“Yes, exactly. Has nothing to do with how beautiful or not Hawaii was/is.”
Not originally. In the late 1700s it had nothing to do with the military. Even for nearly all of the 1800s. That WAS for sugar cane. (money, money, money!)
Hawaii became important in the Spanish American war and when the Hawaiian Queen tried to take back power, there was a coup and then the island was annexed.
Good times. But it DID have military importance by the time of the annexation.
JP3, where do you recommend staying in Maui? Thanks.
“JP3, where do you recommend staying in Maui? Thanks.”
I’m going out on a limb and saying it’s FS.