Crib Chatter

This 4-bedroom townhouse at 3631 N. Pine Grove in East Lakeview came on the market in April 2020.

Built in 1978, there are 6 units and a private, gated drive which leads to outdoor parking.

This townhouse has some features that buyers look for, and can rarely find in a townhouse, including 4-bedrooms and a half-bath on the main floor.

The main floor features the living/dining rooms and kitchen along with a 2-sided wood burning fireplace with a gas starter.

The kitchen has wood 42″ cabinets, stainless steel appliances and granite counter tops with a double oven and a breakfast bar.

The second floor has 3 out of the four bedrooms, including the master suite which has a walk-in-closet and a luxury en suite bath with Grohe/Hans Grohe fixtures, heated floors and a double vanity with quartz counter tops.

The two other bedrooms both have Velux skylights and there’s a marble and limestone full bath.

The fourth bedroom is in the lower level, along with another full bath, a family room, the laundry room and a second wood burning fireplace with gas starter.

The listing says there were new windows in 2016, a newer furnace/AC/water heater in 2015, a new roof in 2019 and new tuck pointing in 2020.

The only outdoor space is a front patio, which the listing says is a new paver patio.

It has the other features buyers look for including central air and one parking space.

At 2700 square feet, this townhouse is the size of many single family homes.

At $699,000, is this a good single family home alternative one block from the lake?

Diana Grinnell at @Properties has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #E: 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 2700 square feet, townhouse

• Sold in January 2015 for $580,000
• Currently listed at $699,000
• Assessments of $268 a month (includes exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $11,608
• Central Air
• Parking space included
• 2 wood burning fireplaces
• Bedroom #1: 14×13 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 14×13 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 12×12 (second floor)
• Bedroom #4: 14×12 (lower level)
• Living room: 21×13 (main floor)
• Dining room: 14×12 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 14×11 (main floor)
• Laundry room: 12×11 (lower level)
• Family room: 20×13 (lower level)

This 4-bedroom single family house at 4230 N. Marine in the Buena Park neighborhood of Uptown came on the market in March 2020.

Built in 1935, an older listing described the home as a “Georgian.” It’s on a larger than average gated lot measuring 75×110.

It has a 2-car attached garage and a rare city driveway.

It’s at the end of historic Hutchinson Street and faces Lake Shore Drive and Lake Michigan.

If this house looks familiar, that’s because we last chattered about it when it was on the market in 2011.

You can see our wild discussion of the house with all the cast of characters (miumiu, Milkster, Sonies, Bob, clio, Groove77, anon(tfo), jenny, Ze, anonny and more.) It’s amazing that many of you are still posting here all these years later.

You can see the chatter here.

If you recall, the house has some of its original features including a den with the original cherry wood paneling and 3 fireplaces.

It has some unique features including a first floor bedroom with attached bath, and a screened in hallway/porch.

The kitchen has white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops and terra cotta floors that extend into a family room with a fireplace.

The second floor, up a curving staircase, has the 3 other bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms.

The master suite has a large walk-in-closet as well as a private terrace.

There’s also a terrace off one of the other bedrooms.

The lower level has a family room, laundry room, kitchen and a temperature controlled custom wine cellar though there are only pictures of the wine cellar in the listing.

The house has central air.

After being on the market for a couple of years during the housing bust, it never sold.

It has come back on the market this year at $1.99 million.

With everyone desperate for outdoor space, does this house have an advantage?

Stephanie Turner at Century 21 SGR has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

4230 N. Marine Drive: 4 bedrooms, 5.5 baths, 6100 square feet, 2 car garage

• Sold in March 1993 for $475,000
• Sold in December 1998 for $1.15 million
• Originally listed in July 2009 for $3.99 million
• Reduced
• Was listed in June 2011, when we last chattered about it, for $2.695 million
• Listed in March 2020 for $1.99 million
• Currently still listed for $1.99 million
• Taxes are now $27,807 (they were $11077 in 2011)
• Central Air
• 3 fireplaces
• Large lot measuring 75×110
• Bedroom #1: 17×16 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 19×16 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 17×17 (second floor)
• Bedroom #4: 14×10 (main floor)
• Living room: 25×14 (main floor)
• Dining room: 22×15 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 25×12 (main floor)
• Office: 13×13 (main floor)
• Family room: 38×17 (lower level)
• Laundry room: 12×12 (lower level)

This 2-bedroom at 2851 N. Burling in Lakeview just came on the market.

Built in 1916, this building has 6 units and 3 separate private 1-car garages.

This unit has the layout and rooms that are common with vintage units including a four season room, a dining room and hardwood floors throughout.

The west facing unit has a private balcony off the front of the unit which, according to the pictures, fits a small bistro table and chairs.

The kitchen has white 42″ cabinets, granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances.

There’s a separate office with a built-in bookcase.

This is also a rare vintage unit that has 2 full baths.

The listing says the second bath, which has a glass enclosed shower door, was converted from a half-bath into a full.

It has the features that buyers look for including washer/dryer in the unit, space pak cooling and one of the three private garage spaces.

It’s four blocks to the Diversey Brown/Purple line stop and near the Trader Joe’s and all the restaurants/shops on Clark and Broadway.

Listed at $496,000, this property seems to have it all.

Will it sell quickly?

Julie Roback at Baird & Warner has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #2S: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1550 square feet

• Sold in June 1993 for $181,000
• Sold in April 1995 for $186,500
• Sold in October 1996 for $185,000
• Sold in April 2002 for $350,000
• Sold in May 2009 for $406,000
• Sold in August 2013 for $470,000
• Currently listed at $496,000 (1-car garage parking included)
• Assessments of $357 a month (includes heat, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $8940
• Space Pak cooling
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 12×10
• Bedroom #2: 11×9
• Living room: 20×13
• Dining room: 18×12
• Kitchen: 14×8
• Office: 10×6
• Sunroom: 9×7
• Front balcony

This 2-bedroom in 1515 N. Wells in Old Town just recently came on the market.

Built in 2001, this building has 29 units and garage parking.

This unit has 12 foot ceilings and has been “freshly painted.”

There’s a master suite with a walk-in-closet and an en suite bathroom with a double vanity.

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

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

But the real selling point is the massive 28×10 private, fenced deck.

According to the listing pictures, it looks like a blank slate with concrete floors, but an urban garden could easily be created just using potted plants and flowers.

After months of sheltering-in-place for months due to the coronavirus, will properties with big outdoor spaces sell quickly this summer?

Juliana Yeager at @Properties has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #3F: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, no square footage listed

• Sold in June 2001 for $271,500 (parking included)
• Sold in August 2005 for $511,000 (parking included)
• Listed in April 2020 for $535,000 (parking included)
• Assessments of $481 a month (includes scavenger)
• Taxes of $8758
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 18×11
• Bedroom #2: 12×10
• Living room: 18×12
• Dining room: 12×11
• Kitchen: 10×7
• Deck: 28×10

This 6-bedroom contemporary single family home at 3540 N. Ravenswood in Roscoe Village came on the market in May 2018.

Long time readers will recognize it because we chattered about it several times in 2011 and 2012.

You can read our 2012 chatter here where we debated the pros and cons of having a basketball court.

If you recall, this house is on a corner double lot measuring 50×125.

It was built in 2007 just as the Great Recession was about to hit.

It has many unique features including 2 kitchens: one that is stainless steel and one that has white cabinets and a large island.

There are four en suite bedrooms and a large master suite.

It has 3 laundry areas.

It has a home theater and a small indoor swimming pool.

If you recall, one of its big selling points was a 4,000 square foot outdoor rooftop deck with a basketball court.

The house also has a rare 4-car attached heated garage.

It’s also now available fully furnished.

Originally listed at $2,899,900 in May 2018, it has been reduced $400,900 to $2,499,000.

Is the luxury market going to seize up this summer?

Marta Landrosh at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices has the listing. See the pictures here.

3540 N. Ravenswood: 6 bedrooms, 6 baths, 7200 square feet, 4 car parking

• I couldn’t find any original sales price but it appears to have been built in 2007 (from our prior chatter there appears to be several PINs on the property)
• Was listed in March 2010 for $3.75 million
• Reduced
• Sold in June 2013 for $2.4 million
• Originally listed in May 2018 for $2,899,900
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $2.699 million
• Withdrawn in March 2019
• Re-listed in March 2020
• Currently listed at $2.499 million
• Taxes are still $46,097 (they were $13,329 in 2012)
• 2 Kitchens
• Indoor Pool
• Basketball court
• Central Air
• Bedroom #1: 22×50 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 22×18 (main level)
• Bedroom #3: 22×18 (main level)
• Bedroom #4: 22×18 (main level)
• Bedroom #5: 12×12 (second floor)
• Bedroom #6: 12×12 (second floor)
• Family room: 25×25 (main level)
• Theater: 25×25 (main level)
• 2nd Kitchen: 15×12 (second floor)

This 2-bedroom in The Fordham at 25 E. Superior in River North came on the market in July 2019.

The Fordham was built in 2002 and has 244 units and garage parking. It’s a full-service building with a pool and exercise room.

The listing for this unit says it has been taken down to the studs and has been totally redone.

It has brand new 8″ wide plank hardwood floors in the main living space.

The living room has a large media center with a 75″ Sony tv system.

The kitchen has custom white cabinets along with a kitchen island and luxury appliances by Subzero and Miele. There’s even a cappuccino maker.

The master suite has a walk-in-closet and an en suite bathroom.

This unit has a north facing balcony overlooking Holy Name Cathedral.

It has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and garage parking is available for $40,000.

Originally listed for $949,000 in July 2019, it has been reduced to $874,000.

Buyers like completely renovated properties.

Why isn’t this selling?

Terri McAuley at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #1403: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1347 square feet

• Sold in August 2016 for $639,000 (included the parking)
• Originally listed in July 2019 for $949,000
• Reduced several times
• Currently listed at $874,000 (plus $40,000 for parking)
• Assessments of $771 a month (includes a/c, gas, doorman, cable, Internet, exercise room, pool, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $10,811
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 14×12
• Bedroom #2: 10×10
• Living/dining room: 22×13
• Kitchen: 12×11
• Walk-in-closet: 6×5

This 2-bedroom triplex loft in the Soda Pop Factory at 1001 W. Altgeld in Lincoln Park just came on the market.

The listing calls it the Lasser Soda Pop Factory but other listings have always just called it the Soda Pop Factory but Lasser was a big soda pop maker in the city until the 1980s.

I don’t know when the building was constructed but it was converted into 9 loft units with a central courtyard and parking in 1987.

This listing says this unit is the largest in the complex at 1800 square feet on 3 levels.

It has a private entry into the living/dining room which has tall ceilings and exposed brick walls.

The kitchen is on the second floor and has white shaker cabinets, granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances.

The two bedrooms are on the third floor and both have bathrooms.

The master suite has his and hers closets and an updated master bath.

There’s a family room in the lower level with a gray wood-looking vinyl floor.

The listing says there are interior stairs to the rooftop deck with views of the Lincoln Park area.

It has the features that buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and there is an attached garage.

This triplex loft is just steps from the Fullerton El stop and the Whole Foods as well as DePaul University.

Listed at $599,000, is this a good alternative to a townhouse?

Anne DuBray at Coldwell Banker has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #1: 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 1800 square feet, triplex

• Sold in 1987 (no price given)
• Sold in June 2005 for $500,000
• Sold in June 2006 for $535,000
• Sold in September 2009 for $480,000
• Sold in April 2017 for $538,000
• Currently listed for $599,000
• Assessments of $511 a month (includes cable, Internet, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $10,688
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Attached garage included
• Wood burning fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 23×13 (third floor)
• Bedroom #2: 15×9 (third floor)
• Living/dining: 23×13 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 17×9 (second floor)
• Family room: 21×13 (lower level)
• Deck: 26×18 (fourth level)

This 3-bedroom loft in the Warehouse Lofts at 312 N. May in the Fulton Market neighborhood of the West Loop just came on the market.

The Warehouse Lofts were built in 1925 and has 42 units. It was part of the Loftminium conversion of loft rental apartments into condos in 2000-2001 in the West and South Loops.

This loft has 14 foot ceilings (which look like they are timber?) and exposed brick.

It appears from the pictures and floor plan that the 3 bedrooms and den have windows.

The master bedroom has a massive walk-in closet measuring 14×12 but is not en suite.

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

The listing says the loft has a home automation system and a new furnace.

There’s central air and washer/dryer in the unit but no parking.

It’s within just blocks to the hot Fulton Market corridor, including Google and McDonald’s headquarters.

Originally listed for $1.45 million in May 2019, it has been reduced $455,000 to $995,000.

Is this loft now priced to sell?

Erin Mandel at @Properties has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #21J: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 3346 square feet

• Sold in November 2003 for $500,000
• Lis pendens filed in May 2008
• Bank owned in October 2009
• Sold in March 2011 for $241,000
• Sold in June 2012 for $560,000 (this included parking so I’m not sure if that was a spot nearby or what as the building doesn’t have parking)
• Originally listed in May 2019 for $1.45 million
• Reduced several times
• Currently listed for $995,000
• Assessments of $795 a month (includes exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $15,428
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• No parking
• Bedroom #1: 17×15
• Bedroom #2: 16×15
• Bedroom #3: 15×15
• Storage: 8×7
• Utility: 8×7
• Gallery: 21×5
• Walk-in-closet: 14×12
• Living room: 37×17
• Dining room: 15×15
• Kitchen: 20×13
• Den: 17×15
• Laundry room: 11×8

The Illinois Association of Realtors is out with the March data.

The Chicago market started out the spring home buying season on a strong note, with near record low mortgage rates and record low unemployment.

But, in March, the COVID-19 state and city wide economic shutdown hit.

Still, March was another strong month despite the virus.

The city of Chicago saw year-over-year home sales increase 1.0 percent with 2,082 sales in March, compared to 2,062 a year ago. The median price of a home in the city of Chicago in March was $320,000 up 10.1 percent compared to March 2019 when it was $290,700.

Historic data courtesy of G:

City of Chicago condo/TH/SFH closed totals March
year/closed/median/% REO-Short Sales
Year Closed Median %REO/SS
1997 1,226 $126,875
1998 1,540 $137,003
1999 1,766 $152,125
2000 1,793 $167,500
2001 1,800 $195,000
2002 2,112 $210,000
2003 2,261 $225,000
2004 2,772 $244,950
2005 2,822 $271,125
2006 3,000 $275,862
2007 2,399 $285,000
2008 2,098 $300,000
2009 1,219 $217,000 37%
2010 1,860 $207,750 38%
2011 1,481 $163,763 49%
2012 1,630 $170,500 44%
2013 1,894 $187,500
2014 1,875 $235,000
2015 2,173 $260,000
2016 2,149 $269,000
2017 2,546 $295,000
2018 2343 $310,500
2019 2062 $290,700
2020 2082 $320,000

“Though we likely won’t see a fuller picture of coronavirus’ impact on the housing market until April’s numbers are released, we are happy to see positive momentum in March,” said Maurice Hampton, president of the Chicago Association of REALTORS® and owner of Centered International Realty. “Clearly, demand kept pace, despite the pandemic, with an uptick in closed sales and sales price over last year. However, we also saw a sharp decline in inventory, something we will continue to keep our eyes on for the future, as homeowners react to the uncertainty of the current environment.”

The 30-year fixed mortgage rate averaged 3.45% down from 3.47% in February and down from 4.27% in March of 2019.

Average time on the market statewide remained unchanged year-over-year at 63 days.

In Chicago, average market time fell to 47 days from 49 days a year ago.

“The March data on the housing market are probably the last to reflect the pre-pandemic impact of the economy,” said Geoffrey J.D. Hewings, director of the Regional Economics Applications Laboratory at the University of Illinois. “Unlike the recession that started in 2008 when there was a gradual increase in unemployment for the next several years, the events of the first quarter of 2020 have revealed a precipitous decline in employment levels (and a concomitant increase in unemployment rates). The consumer sentiment indices reported this month, most notably the decline in the Fannie Mae Home Purchase Sentiment Index, suggest that over the coming months, we can expect to see a growing negative impact on housing prices and sales.”

Chicago inventory fell 13.6% to 7697 from 8909 in March 2019.

Inventory is so limited in some neighborhoods, I’m hearing of bidding wars breaking out.

If you were going to list this spring, are you crazy to wait until the shutdown ends?

Or should you be listing right now when competition is limited?

Illinois home sales and prices post gains in March [Illinois Association of Realtors, Press Release, April 21, 2020]

This 2-bedroom at 1510 N. Dearborn Parkway in Gold Coast came on the market in December 2019.

Built in 1900, this building actually has 18 units and an elevator.

While it has the vintage charm on the outside, the interior vintage character was stripped out of these units decades ago.

This unit, which appears to be on the second floor, does have a wood burning fireplace in the living room, however.

It has an east facing bay window in the living room.

There are hardwood floors in the living/dining and kitchen and carpet in the bedrooms.

The kitchen was put in after the last sale after a wall separating the kitchen from the living room was removed.

It has wood cabinets, what look like granite counter tops, a tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances.

The unit has the features buyers look for including central air and washer/dryer in the unit.

There’s no parking.

Originally listed in December 2019 for $589,000, it’s been reduced $64,000 to $525,000.

Will this lower price get the sale done?

Sara McCarthy at Keller Williams Chicago-Lakeview has the listing. You can see the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #202: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, no square footage listed

• Sold in February 1999 for $323,500
• Sold in June 2014 for $490,000
• Originally listed in December 2019 for $589,000
• Reduced several times
• Currently listed at $525,000
• Assessments of $367 a month (includes exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $8291
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• No parking
• Wood burning fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 19×14
• Bedroom #2: 14×11
• Living/dining room: 22×12
• Kitchen: 18×12