Crib Chatter

This 4-bedroom at 2355 N. Commonwealth in Lincoln Park came on the market in June 2016.

This building is on Fullerton Parkway and Commonwealth with Lincoln Park across the street.

Designed by Benjamin Marshall in 1914, it has only 3 units but it’s an elevator building with a parking garage.

At 5150 square feet, it has many of its vintage features including wainscoting, ceiling medallions and an ornate plaster ceiling in the living room.

The unit has a massive foyer.

It has four en suite bedrooms, three that are the usual large sized vintage rooms but one small bedroom which was likely the original maid’s room.

There’s a walnut paneled library and a Florida room with a checkerboard floor.

The butler’s pantry and kitchen have radiant heated floors.

There’s a master suite with a marble bath, dressing suite and private office.

A unique feature is an additional 660 square feet of lobby level storage space with a cedar closet, workshop, storage and a wine cellar.

This unit has in-unit washer/dryer, space pak cooling and 2-car garage parking.

The listing also says there’s a “live-in custodian.”

This is a co-op but the listing has the taxes listed separately and they’re apparently not included in the HOAs.

Originally listed for $3.6 million, it has been reduced to $2.35 million.

Will this property finally sell at this new, lower price in 2019?

Jenny Ames at Engel & Voelkers Chicago has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #1: 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, 5150 square feet, 2-car garage

• There’s no previous price because it’s a co-op
• Originally listed in June 2016 for $3.6 million
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $2.35 million
• Assessments of $2500 a month (includes heat, gas, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal and lawn care)
• Taxes of $48,519
• Space pak cooling
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• 2 fireplaces
• Wine cellar
• Cedar closet
• Workshop
• Bedroom #1: 22×18
• Bedroom #2: 17×16
• Bedroom #3: 17×16
• Bedroom #4: 14×8
• Foyer: 20×10
• Office: 11×10
• Library: 16×16

This 2-bedroom top floor unit at 2002 N. Clifton in Lincoln Park came on the market in August 2018.

This building was constructed in 1910 and has a vintage exterior but many of the interiors have loft-like features, including this one.

It has 15 foot ceilings with a skylight along with exposed brick and wood beamed ceilings.

The unit has a wood burning fireplace.

There’s a lofted den or office measuring 21×12 over the living room.

The kitchen has wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances and granite counter tops along with a breakfast bar.

There’s a private west facing back deck along with central air and washer/dryer in the unit but there’s no parking. The listing says there is zoned street parking.

But why would you need parking when you have the Brown Line el stop just up the street?

This unit was listed in August 2018 for $409,000 and has reduced $9100 to $399,900.

Will this finally sell now that it’s under the key $400,000 level?

George Furla at Dream Town has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #3F: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, no square footage listed

• Sold in May 1992 for $174,000
• Sold in September 1994 for $188,500
• Sold in November 1996 for $190,050
• Sold in September 2012 for $295,000
• Sold in November 2015 for $350,000
• Originally listed in August 2018 for $409,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $399,900
• Assessments of $336 a month (includes exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $6549
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• No parking
• Wood burning fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 13×11
• Bedroom #2: 12×11
• Lofted den/office: 21×12

This 4-bedroom at 442 W. Wellington in East Lakeview just came on the market.

This building was constructed in 1920 and is a co-op. It has 23 units, with only 2 units per floor, a playground and parking. It’s also a full service building with 24-hour door staff and an exercise room.

The listing says this unit has had a “full renovation” by Sasha Adler of the Nate Berkus Team.

It has some of its vintage features, however, including crown molding, 10 foot ceilings and a wood burning fireplace.

There’s a new chef’s kitchen with prep island, butler’s pantry and eat-in area. It has white and black cabinets, stainless steel appliances and marble counter tops along with marble floor tiles.

It has four large bedrooms, as is common in many vintage apartments from the pre-war era, as they were mostly built for well-off tenants.

It also has a master bedroom suite with a walk-in closet and bathroom.

The unit has the features buyers look for including space pak cooling, washer/dryer in the unit, 2 parking spaces and 2 storage spaces.

The listing says dogs are welcome. The outdoor area also includes a grilling area and a full-size basketball area along with a children’s playground.

This is a co-op so the HOAs including taxes.

With 3,600 square feet, is this a good single family home alternative?

Beth Wexner at @Properties has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #5E: 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 3600 square feet

• Sold in February 2014 for $475,000
• Originally listed in May 2018 for $1.05 million
• Was pending in December 2018 at $899,000
• Re-listed in January 2019 for $849,000
• Assessments of $2955 a month (includes heat, gas, parking, doorman, cable, Internet, exercise room, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes = a co-op. It should be included in the assessments.
• Central air- space pak cooling
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• 2 car parking
• 2 storage spaces
• Wood burning fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 23×23
• Bedroom #2: 18×14
• Bedroom #3: 18×14
• Bedroom #4: 18×12
• Dining room: 20×14
• Living room: 25×18 

This 2-bedroom duplex up loft in the Lakeview Lofts at 3201 N. Seminary in Lakeview came on the market in July 2018.

We chattered about it last year when it first came on the market.

If you recall, this loft was completely renovated. Many of you liked the changes that were made but we debated the renovation and what value the improvements brought to the property.

See our prior chatter here.

As a reminder, the Lakeview Lofts were converted into condos in 1992, making them among the older of the loft conversions.

It has 20 units and parking (the listing doesn’t say it’s a garage, just that it’s “onsite.”)

This loft has authentic loft features including 34 foot ceilings, exposed brick walls and timber ceilings and oversized windows.

The listing says the loft has been “completely renovated” and that includes putting in a new kitchen with white cabinets, quartz counter tops, professional grade appliances and a wine fridge along with an island.

The staircase also has been renovated and has a new banister.

The second floor has the two bedrooms and laundry room. One of the bathrooms has a “newly renovated” Grohe bathroom.

There is a common rooftop deck.

The loft has all the finishes buyers are looking for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and onsite parking.

At 1400 square feet, this loft sold with it’s older 1990s/2000s finishes in 2015 for $395,000.

Originally listed in July 2018 for $579,000 it has only been reduced $4,100 to $574,900.

Near the Belmont El station and restuarants/bars/Wrigley Field, why isn’t this selling?

Jeremiah Fisher at Compass Real Estate still has the listing. See the pictures here.

Or go to the Open House on Sunday, January 13 from 11:00 am – 12:30 pm.

Unit #209: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, duplex up, 1400 square feet

• Sold in September 1992 for $150,000
• Sold in September 2002 for $325,000
• Sold in June 2005 for $398,000
• Sold in March 2010 for $400,000
• Sold in February 2015 for $395,000
• Currently listed for $579,000 (onsite parking included)
• Assessments of $318 a month (includes exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $7118
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Wood burning fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 14×12 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 12×11 (second floor)
• Laundry room: 7×10 (second floor)

This 3-bedroom at 630 N. State in River North came on the market in May 2018.

630 N. State was built in 2000-2001 and has 171 units and a parking garage.

This is a Northeast corner unit with 2 balconies on the 23rd floor.

It has cherry hardwood floors in the main living areas.

The listing says the configuration is currently being used as a 2 bedroom plus den.

The den doesn’t have a closet but does have a decorative fireplace.

There’s a master suite with a walk-in closet.

The kitchen has white cabinets, stainless steel appliances and granite counter tops along with a breakfast bar.

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

Originally listed at $799,500 in May 2018, it has been reduced to $674,500 plus $50,000 for 2 garage parking spaces which is what it last sold for in 2004.

Is this a deal?

Mario Greco at Berkshire Hathaway KoenigRubloff has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #2301: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1900 square feet

• Sold in February 2001 for $445,000 (doesn’t list the parking as being included)
• Sold in June 2004 for $725,000 (includes 2 parking spots)
• Originally listed in May 2018 for $799,500
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $674,500 (plus $50,000 for 2 garage parking spaces)
• Assessments of $1343 a month (includes heat, a/c, gas, doorman, cable, exercise room, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger and snow removal)
• Taxes of $11,873
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Decorative fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 18×12
• Bedroom #2: 13×13
• Bedroom #3: 16×11
• Walk-in-closet: 10×9
• Laundry room: 7×4

This 4-bedroom row house at 55 W. Schiller in the Gold Coast came on the market in June 2017.

Built in 1868, the listing says it is an Adler-designed property.

It’s on a 18.5 x 106 lot.

The listing also says it was completely renovated in 2017.

It has oak herringbone pattern floors, crown molding and four fireplaces, including two which are marble.

The kitchen has custom cabinets and a Prunella marble workstation by Waterworks.

3 of the four bedrooms are on the third floor with the master bedroom on the fourth floor.

The master suite overlooks a planted terrace and has a walk-in-closet and a spa bath with marble floors and a glass and steam shower.

There’s a family room on the main floor which has antique cement tiles that were salvaged from European villas.

The backyard is limestone paved.

The row house has a rare attached front 1-car garage and a small driveway which has exterior snow melt.

It has central air.

Originally listed in June 2017 for $4.2 million, it has been reduced $521,000 to $3.679 million.

What will it take to sell this home?

Dawn McKenna at Coldwell Banker has the listing. See the pictures here.

55 W. Schiller: 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, no square footage listed

• Sold in 1989 (no price listed)
• Sold in November 2007 for $959,000
• Possibly also sold in December 2013 for $970,000 (Zillow and Redfin both say it sold in 2013 but the CCRD doesn’t show this sale)
• Originally listed in June 2017 for $4.2 million
• Reduced
• Currently listed for $3.679 million
• Taxes of $20,759
• Central Air
• 1-car front attached garage
• 4 fireplaces (including 2 marble)
• Bedroom #1: 16×15 (fourth floor)
• Bedroom #2: 16×12 (third floor)
• Bedroom #3: 15×8 (third floor)
• Bedroom #4: 16×14 (third floor)
• Library: 13×10 (main floor)
• Family room: 16×15 (main floor)

This 2-bedroom at 2145 N. Racine in Lincoln Park came on the market in December 2018.

We actually chattered about this property twice in 2011, which was during the dark times of the housing bust.

Originally listed at $599,000 in 2010 it had reduced to $499,900, which was well below its $575,000 2006 sales price.

Some of you thought it would ultimately sell for $425,000 to $450,000.

See our chatter here.

It was withdrawn from the market in August 2011 at $499,900 and never sold.

If you recall, the building was new construction in 2006.

It is built on a wider than normal lot measuring 29x123x25x6x119 and is all brick. It has a garage parking space.

The listing says it has new white kitchen cabinets, quartz counter tops and Viking and Bosch appliances.

The unit has crown molding.

The most unique feature, though, is the 250 square foot front facing blue stone terrace with a fire pit.

The property has other features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and a garage parking space.

The unit has come back on the market all these years later at $649,000 which is above the $575,000 2006 purchase price.

Are patient bubble year owners finally getting their day in the sun?

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

Unit #201: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1500 square feet

• Sold in April 2006 for $575,000
• Was listed in April 2010 at $599,000– and reduced to $499,900
• Withdrawn in August 2011
• Listed in December 2018 for $649,000
• Currently still listed at $649,000
• Assessments of $155 a month (includes exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger)
• Taxes of $13,360
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Garage parking
• Bedroom #1: 15×14
• Bedroom #2: 12×10

This top floor 2-bedroom loft in the Lincoln Lofts at 3151 N. Lincoln in Lakeview just came on the market.

The building was converted into lofts in 1996. It has 52 units and a garage. There’s an elevator but no doorman.

This unit is a corner unit with North and West views along with a balcony.

It is on a high enough floor that it easily clears the nearby buildings and has city views, including of downtown, from the rooftop deck (not sure if the rooftop deck is exclusive to the unit or not.)

The kitchen has stone counter tops, wood cabinets and black appliances.

There’s a master suite with a walk-in-closet and a master bathroom which has been remodeled. It has a double vanity and a rare bathroom window.

The second bedroom has 3/4th walls along with a window.

The loft has central air, side-by-side washer/dryer in the unit and TWO side-by-side parking spaces (not tandem) which are included in the price.

This building is located just 3 blocks to the Paulina brown line stop and is nearly across the street from the huge Lakeview Whole Foods. Other shops and restaurants are nearby.

This loft last sold in its original sale in 1996 so this is the first time in 22 years that it’s been available.

At $425,000, will it be under contract by the end of this week?

Justin Oliver at Urban Real Estate has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #615: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, no square footage listed

• Sold in December 1996 for $239,000
• Currently listed at $425,000 (includes 2 side-by-side garage parking spaces)
• Assessments of $573 a month (includes cable, Internet, scavenger)
• Taxes of $6154
• Central Air
• Side-by-side washer/dryer in the unit
• Fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 14×13
• Bedroom #2: 9×15

This 3-bedroom top floor vintage unit at 31 E Elm in the Gold Coast came on the market in November 2018.

It’s bank owned.

This building was constructed in 1916 and has 12 units but no parking.

This unit has some of its vintage features including hardwood floors and crown molding.

The listing says it is 1599 square feet.

The kitchen has white cabinets and still has the stainless steel appliances (according to the pictures).

The bathrooms also still appear to be intact.

The listing says the “home will need some updates.”

It has a separate dining room, a balcony and skylights.

The unit has central air.

We last chattered about this building in 2015 when another 3-bedroom top floor unit, Unit #3A, was on the market. It had in-unit washer/dryer and was renovated.

See our chatter here.

If you recall, it was 1800 square feet and had a new kitchen and marble baths.

You can see the interior pictures here.

It sold for $845,000.

This unit, #3B, was listed at $728,000 in November 2018, went under contract in December 2018, but came back on the market reduced to $684,800.

Is a renovator getting this property cheap enough to make money on it at the current list price?

Andrea Butcher-Thomas at owners.com has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #3B: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, listing says 1599 square feet

• Last sold prior to 1989
• Lis pendens filed in September 2005
• Lis pendens filed in November 2007
• Bank owned in March 2016
• Originally listed in November 2018 for $728,000
• Under contract in December 2018
• Re-listed at $684,800
• Assessments of $737 a month (includes heat, gas, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $14,241
• Central Air
• It doesn’t say anything about the w/d but #3A has one in the unit
• No parking- it’s rental in the neighborhood
• Fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 14×14
• Bedroom #2: 13×15
• Bedroom #3: 13×14

The spring market was hot in 2018. Inventory was low. Homes were selling quickly.

But rising mortgage rates in the second half of the year appeared to slow the strong housing market.

Monthly sales fell from those the year before.

Many homes seemed to take longer to sell.

Remember this 3-bedroom condo in Andersonville at 5603 N. Glenwood?

We last chattered about it in October 2018 but it’s been on the market since June 2018. See the listing again here.

It’s in a popular neighborhood, has central air, washer/dryer in the unit and gated parking all for under $380,000.

It’s still available heading into 2019.

Just down the street is another vintage 3-bedroom unit at 5412 N. Glenwood. It is also a top floor unit. See the listing here.

We chattered about it in May 2018.

It also has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and a parking space.

Originally listed in May 2018 for $515,000 it is still available and has reduced to $440,000.

At the height of the spring market, in March 2018, the average 30-year mortgage rate was 4.4%. By November 2018, it had risen to 4.9%.

However, with the 10-year on the decline in recent weeks, the rates have fallen from recent highs.

These two Andersonville properties are just two of the hundreds of properties we chattered about in 2018. Most of those properties did sell this year.

But there are some which appear to be sitting for longer time periods.

With the lowest unemployment rate in 20 years and a strong Chicago job market, why isn’t housing soaring?

What will the 2019 market look like?