Crib Chatter

A lot of sellers are finding out, it’s better to price just slightly under $400,000 in this market. There are several two bedroom units for sale in 720 N. Larrabee in River North that are trying to hit that sweet spot. 720 N. Larrabee was built in 2004 in the far western part of River North on […]

Lots of people live near the beach and Lake Michigan, but most overlook busy Lake Shore Drive while doing so. Not so in Rogers Park. The listing for 1056 W. North Shore claims it is “50 feet to the sandy Lake Michigan shoreline.” What would you pay to live near the beach? Unit #3W: 3 bedrooms, […]

511 W. Aldine is one of those elegant courtyard buildings that dot the streets of East Lakeview. Built in 1926, this building does not disappoint with large units and original vintage features. The listing says it “light-filled European vintage”. Unit #3F: 1 bedroom, 1 bath, diningroom, woodburning fireplace I couldn’t find a prior sales price Currently listed for […]

There are two townhouses currently on the market at 1140 W. Newport in Lakeview. These aren’t huge townhouses- but seem more like a two bedroom condo alternative. They were built in 1990. Unit #A was the last unit to sell. Unit #A: Sold in April 2004 for $350,000 Sold in January 2008 for $383,000 Unit […]

I chattered about this pretty vintage unit at 7406 N. Claremont in West Ridge in mid-January 2008. It is still on the market and has been reduced- but not by much. 7406 N. Claremont #1S:  3 bedrooms, 3 baths, duplex, 3100 square feet Sold in March 2002 for $302,000  Was listed in January 2008 for $434,900 […]

In January 2008 we chattered about a listing in The Cinema Lofts at 1635 W. Belmont that emphasized the new stainless steel appliances. Here is another listing doing the same at 725 W. Sheridan in Lakeview: BEST LAYOUT IN THE BUILDING! PRICE INCLUDES 1 DEEDED PARKING SPACE. UNIT FRESHLY PAINTED & ALL NEW CARPET. KITCHEN BOASTS […]

Many people like the modern style of Helmut Jahn’s 600 N. Fairbanks. But before that building came the Mies Van Der Rohe buildings on North Lake Shore Drive. 860 N. Lake Shore Drive is one of the co-op buildings. Built in 1951, there are no washer/dryers and no central air. But who needs those things? It’s […]

Lincoln Park continues to be pricey for those looking for a first home- i.e. a one bedroom condo. 1104 W. Montana in Lincoln Park appears to fit the bill and is currently listed at 2006 pricing. From the listing: JOB RELOCATION OUT OF STATE – SELLER’S LOSS YOUR GAIN. IN 2007 $10,000 IN UPGRADES. APPRAISED […]

You occasionally see for sale by owner (FSBO) listings on Craigslist.  Sometimes the listing sounds ominous by saying things like if you don’t buy the unit by such and such date, it will be listed for “higher” with an agent by the end of the month. Does this type of threat work in this market? I […]

If you’ve driven or walked down South Michigan Avenue along Grant Park you have gone past 1142 S. Michigan and probably didn’t even notice the building. It is a vintage mid-rise condo building with only 8 units- one per floor.    The elevator opens directly into each unit. One of the units has just appeared […]