Crib Chatter

This 4-bedroom brick bungalow at 5501 W. Cullom in Portage Park came on the market in September 2020.

If it looks familiar, that’s because we chattered about it in 2009 where we called it the “ultimate bungalow” given its amazing interior features.

You can see our 2009 chatter here with interior pictures.

Built in 1926, it’s on an oversized corner lot measuring 36×125 and has a 2-car garage.

In 2009, we got some insider info from a tipster on the house:

The listing says it has french walnut walls, traycery ceilings, carved woodwork and stained glass.

The lower level has a 1950s lounge, a wine cellar, a walk in meat smoker (which apparently still works) and a full shuffleboard court in the basement floor.

It was built in 1926, according to a tipster, allegedly by an attorney to the mob who deeded the house in his girlfriend’s name with the intent to use it as a home “outside” of  the city.

For those of you inclined to figure out appreciation, it apparently cost $12,000 to build when other homes in the neighborhood cost $3500 due to steel I beam construction, all face brick and floor joists every 12” on center.

The kitchen and baths were remodeled in the 1950s in the art deco style, in which they remain today.

Since 2009, there have apparently been some renovations, to the basement, because there is no more 1950s lounge or full shuffleboard, and to the kitchen.

There’s a recreation room along with a family room, laundry room and utility room now in the basement.

And the listing says nothing about a wine cellar or walk-in meat smoker. It’s unclear if those remain.

The kitchen has been remodeled sometime since the 2009 listing and has white cabinets, a breakfast bar, and stainless steel appliances except for a red oven.

The primary bedroom is on the main floor along with a full bathroom.

Three other bedrooms are on the second floor, along with a full bathroom.

There’s also an enormous 28×25 room that is just listed as “storage” on the second floor.

The half bath is in the lower level.

The house still has the art deco style baths, the stained glass, the moldings, ceilings, walnut paneling and chandeliers.

It also has central air.

The house has a garden, a deck and a small balcony off one of the bedrooms on the second floor.

This bungalow has come on the market at $575,000.

Is this house still the “ultimate” bungalow?

Rizwan Gilani at Dream Town has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

5501 W. Cullom: 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 3405 square feet, bungalow

• Sold in January 1995 for $293,000
• Sold in December 2002 for $525,000
• Sold in April 2010 for $580,000
• Sold in November 2011 for $522,500
• Originally listed in September 2020 for $575,000
• Currently is still listed at $575,000
• Taxes of $10,336
• Central Air
• 2 fireplaces (decorative)
• Bedroom #1: 16×13 (main floor)
• Bedroom #2: 15×13 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 13×11 (second floor)
• Bedroom #4: 11×11 (second floor)
• Living room: 24×17 (main floor)
• Dining room: 18×13 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 17×10 (main floor)
• Foyer: 14×13 (main floor)
• Sunroom: 20×12 (main floor)
• Breakfast room: 14×12 (main floor)
• Mud room: 7×5 (main floor)
• Storage: 28×25 (second floor)
• Family room: 21×17 (lower level)
• Recreation room: 38×25 (lower level)
• Laundry room: 25×14 (lower level)
• Balcony: 9×5 (second floor)

This 4-bedroom in the John Hancock at 175 E. Delaware in Streeterville came on the market in April 2020.

Built in 1969, the John Hancock currently has no real “name”, as John Hancock withdrew it, but I’m going to continue to call it the Hancock until someone else pays for the naming rights.

It’s one of the world’s tallest residential structures with 705 units and attached rental parking. There are offices on the lower level.

This unit has views of Lake Michigan and Navy Pier.

It is a combined unit consisting of two 2 bedroom/2 bath apartments.

The listing says it has contemporary modern/art deco styling with a gray palette.

It has crown molding and custom carpeting.

The listing describes it as a chef’s kitchen with white cabinets, black granite counter tops, a wine cooler and Dacor range with a built-in breakfast table.

The primary suite has 2 full baths plus a sitting room.

It has wall air conditioning units and no washer/dryer in the unit, but the washer/dryer can now be installed.

Rental parking is available in the building for between $375 to $410 a month.

The listing says there are $15 million reserves for the building.

Originally listed at $849,000, it was recently reduced by $200,000 to $649,000.

Is this a deal for a 4-bedroom unit with nearly 3000 square feet?

Margaret Nagel at BerkshireHathaway HomeServices has the listing. See the pictures here (sorry, no floor plan).

Unit #6406-07: 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, 2988 square feet

• Sold in November 2002 for $505,000
• Originally listed in April 2020 for $849,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $649,000
• Assessments of $2082 a month (includes doorman, cable, pool, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $14,156
• No central air- but wall units
• No in-unit washer/dryer but it can now be added to the unit
• Parking is rental in the attached garage between $375 and $410 a month
• Bedroom #1: 19×12
• Bedroom #2: 19×12
• Bedroom #3: 18×11
• Bedroom #4: 18×11
• Kitchen: 12×26
• Living/dining combo: 66×28
• Sitting room: 9×9
• Foyer: 7×9

This 6-bedroom farmhouse at 633 W. Melrose in East Lakeview came on the market in July 2020.

Built in 1876, the listing says it’s one of Lakeview’s original farmhouses.

It’s on an oversized 35 x 157 lot and has a rare 3-car garage.

The house has 3 fireplaces, built-ins in the living room and detailed millwork.

It has a gourmet kitchen with custom cabinetry, Caesarstone countertops, a Shaw’s farmhouse sink, and a unique rehabbed solid oak island.

The kitchen also has a walk-in pantry and reclaimed wood beams.

4 of the 6 bedrooms are on the second floor along with 2 bathrooms, including one Jack-n-Jill bathroom.

The primary suite is on the top floor and has cathedral ceilings and skylights.

The listing says it has a luxurious new spa-like primary bath.

The primary suite also has 3 walk-in-closets, an atrium/sun room, an office with built-in bookcases, an exercise room and a private 13×14 balcony.

The 6th bedroom is in the lower level, along with a full bath and a recreation room.

The listing says the rear yard was redesigned and landscaped in 2017.

The house has central air and the listing says it’s in the Nettlehorst school district.

This property is located in the middle of the shops and restaurants of East Lakeview.

Listed at $2.299 million, it has been reduced to $2.175 million.

This house seems to have it all. Is it a good suburb substitute?

Megan Tirpak at @Properties has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

633 W. Melrose: 6 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, 6150 square feet, farmhouse

• Sold in October 1998 for $600,000
• Sold in January 2003 for $1.825 million
• Sold in September 2013 for $1.775 million
• Originally listed in July 2020 for $2.299 million
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $2.175 million
• Taxes of $37,609
• 3-car garage
• Oversized lot of 35 x 157
• Central Air
• 3 fireplaces
• Bedroom #1: 26×14 (third floor)
• Bedroom #2: 22×15 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 14×14 (second floor)
• Bedroom #4: 14×15 (second floor)
• Bedroom #5: 15×13 (second floor)
• Bedroom #6: 13×12 (lower level)
• Living room: 20×13 (main floor)
• Dining room: 14×15 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 14×14 (main floor)
• Breakfast room: 12×14 (main floor)
• Family room: 12×15 (main floor)
• Recreation room: 17×14 (lower level)
• Office: 14×13 (third floor)
• Exercise room: 11×15 (third floor)
• Balcony: 13×14 (third floor)
• Terrace: 25×17 (main floor)

This 2-bedroom townhouse at 72 W. Schiller in the Gold Coast came on the market in September 2020.

The picture above is not the exact listed unit but is one of the complex.

Built in 1968, this complex has 20 townhouses with private patios. It is fenced in and has gated entries with  landscaped interior courtyard areas.

This townhouse has some mid-century modern features including a 2-story atrium with a skylight, an exposed brick wall, and floor-to-ceiling windows.

The listing says it has an updated kitchen with 42″ wood cabinetry with frosted glass inserts, granite counter tops, and stainless steel appliances.

The listing also says the bathrooms have been updated. The primary bathroom has quartz counter tops and double vanities.

The bedrooms are on the second floor and have vaulted ceilings.

It has central air and garage parking is available for $130 with guest parking available as well.

And for those looking for outdoor space during the pandemic, it has a brick walled patio measuring 24×15.

Listed at $650,000, it has been reduced to $620,000.

Will the patio sell this townhouse?

Juliya Talmacheva at @Properties has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

72 W. Schiller: 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, townhouse, no square footage listed

• Sold in June 1987 (no price listed)
• Sold in December 2017 for $577,500
• Originally listed in September 2020 for $650,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $620,000
• Assessments of $307 a month (includes cable, security, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $11,175
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the kitchen
• Bedroom #1: 15×15 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 14×12 (second floor)
• Living/dining room: 27×20 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 13×8 (main floor)
• Foyer: 6×10
• Walk-in-closet: 10×5 (second floor)
• Terrace: 24×15

This 3-bedroom brick vintage single family home at 1740 N. Sedgwick in Old Town came on the market in August 2020.

Built in 1886, just after the Chicago Fire, it’s on an oversized lot measuring 25×144 and has a 2-car garage.

The house was apparently renovated by a top designer prior to the last sale in 2010.

It has vaulted ceilings with cypress beams on the second floor and beamed ceilings on the first floor.

The house has plantation shutters and hidden built-ins behind mirrors.

The kitchen has gray cabinets with stone counter tops and a large island which appears to seat 5.

There’s a Butler’s pantry with 2 wine fridges.

The house has a family room and separate dining room off the kitchen, as well as a sunroom that wraps around the back of the house with a fireplace that overlooks the landscaped yard.

The house has the preferred family layout with all 3 bedrooms on the second floor.

For a vintage house, it also has a rare primary suite, with 2 closets, including a walk-in closet, and an en suite bathroom with a double vanity, shower and tub.

The other 2 full baths are also on the third floor.

The backyard has a brick patio and a rare 2-car garage (rare for Old Town).

There’s no lower level.

The house has central air.

It’s located near the shops and restaurants of Old Town and Lincoln Park as well as the Sedgwick Brown Line stop.

Listed in August 2020 for $1.649 million, it has been reduced $50,000 to $1.599 million.

If you’re a fan of vintage and Old Town, does this house check all the boxes?

Christopher Mundy at @Properties has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

1740 N. Sedgwick: 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, no square footage listed

• Sold in November 1993 for $256,000
• Sold in November 1998 for $1.5 million
• Sold in May 2010 for $1,312,500
• Originally listed in August 2020 for $1.649 million
• Reduced
• Currently listed for $1.599 million
• Taxes of $32,098
• Central Air
• 2 fireplaces
• 2 car garage
• Oversized lot of 25×144
• Bedroom #1: 18×11 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 12×12 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 13×11 (second floor)
• Kitchen: 18×12
• Dining room: 14×11
• Living room: 26×12
• Family room: 17×13
• Sunroom: 18×7

This 2-bedroom penthouse in 433 W. Briar in East Lakeview came on the market in August 2020.

Built in 1929, the building has 34 units and an elevator. Converted by Belgravia Group in 2007, it has an exercise room, storage and a landscaped garden with grill.

Because it’s the penthouse, this unit has several unique features.

It has extra high ceilings measuring 14 feet along with extensive crown moldings.

The unit has the original arched and leaded windows with custom window treatments.

The listing says the ebony hardwood floors have been redone.

There’s a gas fireplace with a stone mantle.

The kitchen is open to the full size dining room and has bar seating with white cabinets and stainless steel appliances.

Both bedrooms are en suite and the listing says the baths have new vanities.

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

There’s a powder room.

It has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and parking is included and deeded in the lot across the street at 450 W. Briar.

The listing says there’s no roof rights, so you can’t put on a rooftop deck. There are stairs in the 2017 listing. Do those go to the roof???

Neither listing says it’s a duplex.

But for those who love vintage, does this unit check all the boxes?

Pamela Holt at Holt Residential has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #11C: 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 1690 square feet

• Sold in October 2007 for $630,000 (per Zillow)
• Sold in May 2011 for $423,000 (per Zillow)
• Sold in May 2017 for $590,000 (per Redfin)
• Originally listed in August 2020 for $599,000
• Currently still listed at $599,000 (includes deeded parking across the street at 450 W. Briar)
• Assessments of $687 a month (includes exercise room, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $10,206
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Gas fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 16×14
• Bedroom #2: 14×14
• Living room: 31×15
• Dining room: 17×14
• Kitchen: 13×12

This 1-bedroom in The Fordham at 25 E. Superior in River North came on the market in July 2020.

The Fordham was built in 2003 and has 244 units. It’s a full amenity luxury building with doormen, a pool, an exercise room and attached garage parking.

It is considered to be in the Cathedral District as Holy Name Cathedral and St. James Cathedral are nearby anchors.

This unit is among the smallest floor plans in the building at 855 square feet.

The listing says it has been “newly renovated.”

It has 9 foot ceilings and crown molding along with hardwood floors.

The kitchen has white cabinets, stainless steel appliances and granite counter tops.

The bedroom suite has a walk-in-closet and bathroom with a double vanity.

It has washer/dryer in the unit and central air but there’s no deeded parking with the unit. You can rent it in the building or nearby buildings.

This is one of the few floor plans in the The Fordham without a balcony.

It appears to have northern exposures, overlooking Holy Name Cathedral.

The building is in the heart of the Cathedral District with Whole Foods, Trader Joes, the El and the Mag Mile just steps away.

This unit is one of 3 “02” units that are currently on the market.

It is listed at the cheapest price at $360,000.

The other two are:

• Unit #702: listed at $364,500
• Unit #902: listed at $389,747 (recently renovated with a new white kitchen and new bathroom with a Fresca Manchester vanity. Parking for $30,000 available)

You can see those units here and here.

In the past, these one-bedrooms have been marketed as investment units but with COVID and the protests of 2020 along with falling luxury apartment rents, what price will it take to sell?

Carrie McCormick and Ann Caron at @Properties have the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #1002: 1 bedroom, 1 bath, 855 square feet

• Sold in January 2003 for $289,500
• Sold in February 2007 for $385,000
• Sold in April 2013 for $330,000
• Originally listed in July 2020 for $385,000
• Reduced several times
• Currently listed at $360,000
• Assessments of $597 a month (includes heat, a/c, gas, doorman, cable, exercise room, pool, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $6647
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• No parking. Available to rent for $250 to $300 a month
• Bedroom: 12×14
• Living room: 13×13
• Dining room: 13×9
• Kitchen: 8×10
• Walk-in-closet: 5×6

This vintage 2-flat at 2726 N. Mozart in Logan Square came on the market in August 2020.

Built in 1896, this 2-flat is on a double lot measuring 60×125. It also has a masonry 2-car garage.

The house has some of its original features including wood work and stained glass.

The first floor is a 2 bedroom, 1 bath unit with a south facing porch.

It has washer/dryer in the unit but no central air.

There isn’t a picture of the kitchen.

The second and third floor is a 3 bedroom, 3 bath duplex up unit with central air and washer/dryer in the unit.

It has skylights and a primary bedroom with en suite bathroom.

The duplex unit also has built-in bookcases and a fireplace in the living room.

It’s kitchen has wood cabinets, an island and stainless steel appliances.

Each unit pays electric and gas.

There’s an unfinished basement.

Here are the rents:

• Unit #1: $1,700 a month
• Unit #2: $3,000 a month

Logan Square is one of the hottest neighborhoods in the city.

This property is on a rare double lot.

It has come on the market at $1.299 million.

Will a buyer live in the duplex up and rent out the other or will someone convert it into a single family home?

Stephen Schneider at Corcoran Urban Real Estate has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

2726 N. Mozart: 5 bedrooms, 4 baths, 2-flat

• Sold in May 2005 for $775,000 (per Redfin as the CCRD was down)
• Originally listed in August 2020 for $1.299 million
• Currently still listed at $1.299 million
• Taxes of $12,967
• Double lot of 60×125
• 2-car garage
• Unit #1: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath rented at $1700 a month
• Unit #2: 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, duplex up, rented at $3000 a month
• Washer/dryers in the units
• Full, unfinished basement
• Fireplace

The Illinois Association of Realtors is out with the August sales.

During the month, there was a second looting episode while the coronavirus pandemic continued.

Many thought there would be fleeing from the city to the suburbs and other states but sales continue to see year-over-year gains in the strongest August in 4 years.

The city of Chicago saw year-over-year home sales increase 8.2 percent with 2,813 sales in August, compared to 2,601 a year ago. The median price of a home in the city of Chicago in August was $335,000, up 15.6 percent from August 2019.

However, the suburbs saw August home sales jump 19.6%.

August sales since 2007:

• August 2007: 2923 sales
• August 2008: 2078 sales
• August 2009: 1927 sales
• August 2010: 1486 sales
• August 2011: 1787 sales
• August 2012: 2209 sales
• August 2013: 2850 sales
• August 2014: 2414 sales
• August 2015: 2701 sales
• August 2016: 2844 sales
• August 2017: 2791 sales
• August 2018: 2754 sales
• August 2019: 2601 sales
• August 2020: 2813 sales

August median price since 2007:

• August 2007: $305,000
• August 2008: $297,500
• August 2009: $229,900
• August 2010: $200,000
• August 2011: $192,500
• August 2012: $200,000
• August 2013: $245,000
• August 2014: $269,500
• August 2015: $271,000
• August 2016: $271,000
• August 2017: $284,000
• August 2018: $280,000
• August 2019: $289,900
• August 2020: $335,000

This is now a new record median home price for August, surpassing the housing bubble highs.

Of course, median reflects the mix that sells and does not indicate that prices are “rising”.

Single family home sales in Chicago were up 14.8% to 1,130 sales while condos were up just 4.1% to 1,683.

“The Chicago market was hot in August as homebuyers took advantage of record-low mortgage rates,” said Maurice Hampton, president of the Chicago Association of REALTORS® and owner of Centered International Realty. “The market data reflects this, with significant increases in closed sales and median sales prices, and a drop in inventory, compared to last August. The spike in single family home sales and prices reflects increasing desires for greater space as a result of the ongoing pandemic.”

The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 2.94% in August, down from 3.02% in July. In August 2019 it was 3.62%.

Inventory plunged statewide by 35.5% to just 40,449 homes from 62,737 homes in August 2019.

“The Illinois housing market continued its summer surge in August with strong gains in both home sales and median prices,” said Sue Miller, president of Illinois REALTORS® and designated managing broker of Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group in McHenry. “Consumers are motivated and ready to buy, but many are facing chronic inventory shortfalls and that is affecting their house hunting.”

Inventory crashed 34.2% in the Chicago metro area to 27,790 from 42,241 properties.

It was down only 4.3% in Chicago to 9,787 from 10,222 properties.

Is low inventory the biggest risk to the housing market?

Illinois home sales and prices climbed higher in August as inventory and interest rates hit historic lows [Illinois Association of Realtors Press Release, September 22, 2020]

This 4-bedroom townhouse in the Concord Lane Townhouses at 233 W. Concord Lane in Old Town came on the market in July 2020.

Built in 1979, the Concord Lane Townhouses has 20 townhouses with attached one-car garages along a private brick street protected by a security gate.

This townhouse has 10 foot ceilings on the main level with a living room, kitchen and dining room.

The living room has a wood burning fireplace.

The kitchen has wood cabinets, luxury stainless steel appliances and what looks like a white tile backsplash.

There’s an eating area with a table next to the kitchen as well as a small balcony where you can keep a grill.

The second level has a family room, an office nook and the primary bedroom suite which has a walk-in shower and double vanity.

The other three bedrooms are all on the third floor.

The listing says all the bathrooms were recently updated and a third full bath was added.

The lower level has a recreation room and the laundry room.

There’s no yard but there is a rooftop deck with planters and a pergola.

It has central air and a one-car attached garage.

The listing says it has “unparalleled security, safety and serenity in a gated community” in the heart of Old Town.

Gated communities and private lanes were popular in Old Town and the Gold Cast in the 1970s when crime was high.

Some of them, like this one, remain.

Are they going to make a come back?

Scott Green and Janet Owen at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices have the listing. See the pictures here.

233 W. Concord Lane: 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, no square footage listed, townhouse

• Sold in August 1988 for $392,500
• Sold in July 2003 for $725,000
• Sold in July 2006 for $1,140,000
• Sold in August 2012 for $1,060,000
• Sold in April 2016 for $1,152,500
• Originally listed in July 2020 for $1,150,000
• Still listed at $1,150,000
• Assessments of $542 a month (includes security, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $19,942
• Central Air
• One car attached garage
• Wood burning fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 14×12 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 18×11 (third floor)
• Bedroom #3: 11×11 (third floor)
• Bedroom #4: 14×10 (third floor)
• Living/dining room: 21×20 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 20×11 (main floor)
• Family room: 20×17 (second floor)
• Recreation room: 16×15 (lower level)
• Laundry room: 19×17 (lower level)
• Balcony: 7×3 (main floor)
• Rooftop deck: 34×19