Crib Chatter

This 2-bedroom in the Park West Condos at 444 W. Fullerton Parkway in Lincoln Park just came on the market.

The Park West Condos were built in 1972. It is a full service building with a doorman, an outdoor pool and an attached parking garage.

This 8th floor corner unit has south and east views.

It also has rare in-unit washer/dryer, as most of the units in the building don’t have it.

There are hardwood floors throughout the living, dining and bedrooms.

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

This unit has garage parking included in the price.

The HOAs include everything but electric and phone.

At just $330,000, is this a good way to get views in Lincoln Park if you’re still on a budget?

Eva Ustupski at @Properties has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #804: 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, no square footage listed

• Sold in July 2000 for $266,000
• Sold in February 2007 for $291,000
• Sold in May 2008 for $314,000
• Currently listed for $330,000 (includes the parking)
• Assessments of $878 a month (includes heat, air, cable, internet, pool, doorman, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $4483
• Central Air
• Washer/Dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 10×15
• Bedroom #2: 11×14

This 2-bedroom penthouse loft at the Pac Lofts at 1735 N. Paulina in Bucktown just came on the market.

It last sold in 2013 but has since been completely renovated with a new kitchen, all new baths, and new floors.

It has 14 foot ceilings and exposed brick, which has been tuck pointed and painted white and gray.

The loft has concrete ceilings and industrial windows.

Check out the pictures to see the glass enclosed den and white and glass staircase which leads to a private rooftop deck with an outdoor fireplace, television, water and gas.

The kitchen now has modern gray cabinets and luxury stainless steel appliances.

This loft used to have 4 bedrooms but now has 2 bedrooms. One of the bedrooms is now a theater room, complete with 7 theater seats, which will be included in the sale.

The bathrooms now have modern, contemporary finishes.

The loft is also wired with a Control 4 System that controls sound, light, heat and air in various rooms.

It has central air and washer/dryer in the unit.

The unit comes with 2-car parking in a private garage with its own entrance in the main Pac Loft garage.

This loft is listed 58.7% higher than the 2013 purchase price at $1,499,900.

Will it get the premium now that it’s renovated?

Sophia Klopas at Berkshire Hathaway KoenigRubloff has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #613: 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2400 square feet (is now really 2-bedrooms, can be converted back)

• Sold in June 2007 for $1,022,500 (included the parking)
• Sold in August 2013 for $945,000 (included the parking)
• Lis pendens foreclosure filed in August 2014
• Lis pendens foreclosure filed in August 2015
• Currently listed for $1,499,900 (includes 2 parking spaces in private garage)
• Assessments of $1075 a month (includes cable, internet, exercise room, clubhouse, exterior maintenance, scavenger, and snow removal)
• Taxes of $10,167
• Central Air
• Washer/Dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 30×13
• Bedroom #2: 12×10
• Bedroom #3: 16×13
• Bedroom #4: 16×10
• Rooftop deck: 20×20

This 2-bedroom in The Robey at 4438 N. Damen in Lincoln Square came on the market in mid-February, went under contract, but has returned to the market.

It has east and west views with the east views looking down the courtyard.

The unit has cherry floors, exposed brick, high ceilings and a unique wall of east facing windows in the hallway.

This complex was converted to condos in 2008 so the finishes are pretty new.

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

There’s also an HD projection television in the living room.

This property has the features buyers look for including a balcony, central air and washer/dryer in the unit.

There’s no parking with the building but you can rent it in the garage across the street.

You are just a few blocks to the Damen or Montrose brown line stops and the shops and restaurants of Lincoln Square or on Montrose.

Is this a perfect starter condo?

Given the listing history, seems like you’d better act fast if you’re interested.

Matthew Shrake at Coldwell Banker has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #4W: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, no square footage listed

• Sold in June 2008 for $293,000
• Lis pendens foreclosure filed in January 2015
• Originally listed in mid-February 2016
• Under contract
• Re-listed in March 2016 for $250,000
• Assessments of $245 a month
• Taxes of $3436
• Central Air
• Washer/Dryer in the unit
• Rental parking available across the street for $110 to $125 a month
• Bedroom #1: 11×10
• Bedroom #2: 9×9
• Living room: 15×12
• Kitchen: 10×9

This 3-bedroom vintage single family home at 2031 N. Bissell in Lincoln Park originally came on the market in August 2015.

We actually chattered about it in November 2015. You can see our chatter here.

The listing says it was built in 1880 which would likely make it among the older homes in this neighborhood.

It has some of its original vintage features, such as crown molding, a wood burning fireplace in the living room and a front porch.

But it has also been updated for modern living with skylights and an extension in the back of the house which allows for a second floor master suite as well as a newly renovated family room with heated floors that opens to the backyard patio.

The house has the preferred layout, with all three bedrooms on the second floor.

There are also 2 baths on the second floor, including a renovated guest bath.

The main floor has a powder room and there is also a powder room in the lower level.

The house is on the east side of Bissell, which is NOT the El side.

It has the other amenities buyers look for including central air and a 2-car garage. It’s built on a standard 25×125 lot.

The property is just a quick stroll from all the shops and restaurants on Armitage as well as the Armitage El stop.

It seems to have it all yet here it is, still unsold, and with another price reduction.

Has there been a slowing in the luxury single family home market on the north side?

Debra Dobbs at @Properties still has the listing. See the pictures here.

2031 N. Bissell: 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, no square footage listed, 2 car garage

• Sold in March 1990 for $680,000
• Sold in November 1998 for $507,250
• Sold in November 2012 for $919,000
• Originally listed in August 2015 for $1.325 million
• Reduced
• Was listed in November 2015 for $1.265 million
• Reduced
• Currently listed for $1,219,500
• Taxes of $11,318
• Central Air
• Bedroom #1: 13×11 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 15×11 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 10×10 (second floor)
• Family room: 18×13 (main level)
• Laundry room: 12×10 (lower level)

This 1-bedroom the corn cob Marina Towers at 300 N. State in River North came on the market in mid-February 2016.

Designed by Bertrand Goldberg and built in 1964, the Marina Towers, built on the Chicago River, have become part of popular culture, having starred in television commercials, television shows and films.

The complex has two 65 story buildings.

This unit is on the 56th floor and faces north with John Hancock and city views.

The listing says it is a gut rehab. It has new wood floors in the living/kitchen areas.

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

The bathroom has been renovated and has a custom shower.

There’s no central air, just wall units, and there’s no in-unit washer/dryer, but the listing says it can be installed.

Parking is rental in the building.

Originally listed at $279,900, it has been reduced $14,900.

If you’re new to Chicago, is this a good starter condo?

Michael Michalak at Re/Max Exclusive has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #5619: 1 bedroom, 1 bath, 725 square feet

• Sold in March 1999 for $110,000
• Originally listed in February 2016 for $279,900
• Reduced
• Currently listed for $265,000
• Assessments of $515 a month (includes cable, doorman, exercise room, exterior maintenance, lawn care)
• Taxes of $4090
• Parking available to rent in the building for $239 a month
• No central air- wall units
• No in-unit washer/dryer but listing says it can be installed
• Bedroom: 15×11

This 3-bedroom duplex penthouse in The Venetian high rise at 230 W. Division in Old Town recently came on the market.

It face north and east and appears to have 3 outdoor spaces: a wraparound balcony on the main floor, a balcony off the master bedroom and a rooftop deck accessed privately. (Although, I’m not totally sure the top floor deck is “private.”)

The first floor has the living/dining and one of the bedrooms.

The second floor has the two other bedrooms and a “bonus” room.

In addition to the balcony, the master bedroom also has a walk-in closet and marble bathroom.

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

The unit has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and 2-car tandem garage parking for $45,000 extra.

Is this a good townhouse alternative for those who like “levels”?

Christina DelGreco at Coldwell Banker has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #1508: 3 bedrooms, 2 bath, duplex up, no square footage listed

• Sold in July 2004 for $716,000 (included the parking)
• Currently listed for $679,000 (plus $45,000 for parking) = $724,900
• Assessments of $1066 a month (includes doorman, cable, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $7783
• Central Air
• Washer/Dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 15×14 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 11×10 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 12×11 (main floor)
• Bonus room: 6×3 (second floor)

This 2-bedroom penthouse in 1720 S. Michigan in the South Loop recently came on the market.

It has extra tall ceilings with floor-to-ceiling west views in the living room that make it seem almost loft-like.

The unit also has a 250 square foot terrace.

There are hardwood floors throughout.

It appears the second bedroom doesn’t have windows.

The kitchen has granite and stainless steel appliances.

The unit has the other amenities buyers look for including

central air, washer/dryer in the unit and garage parking is available for $30,000 extra.

In 2012, at the bottom of the market, another one of these 2-bedroom penthouses was on the market as a short sale for $289,000 and some of you STILL didn’t think it was a deal. See our 2012 chatter here.

This one is listed at $529,999, if you buy the parking space.

Are the days of deals in the South Loop gone for good?

Jennifer Lane at Coldwell Banker has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #3310: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1284 square feet

• Sold in February 2008 for $455,000 (included the parking)
• Currently listed for $499,999 plus $30,000 for the parking = $529,999
• Assessments of $464 a month (includes wifi, cable, doorman, heat, gas, a/c)
• Taxes of $4051
• Central Air
• Washer/Dryer in the unit
• 250 square foot terrace
• Bedroom #1: 14×12
• Bedroom #2: 13×11

This 2-bedroom top floor loft in the Union Lofts at 3500 S. Sangamon in Bridgeport came on the market in December 2014.

We’ve chattered about this building before.

Converted into lofts in 2004, it was symbol that the neighborhood had “arrived” as lofts were hot in all the other hip neighborhoods so it was a sign that Bridgeport was hot too.

The lofts on the lower floors in this building have more authentic loft features, including exposed brick walls and timber beams.

This top floor unit doesn’t have that as it looks like it was added on to the top of the building during the conversion in order to add more units.

The building has 71 lofts and outdoor, gated parking.

There have been a rash of foreclosures and short sales in the building since the bust in 2008.

This 2-bedroom appears to be a short sale.

It has east exposure and skyline views.

There are hardwood floors in the living and kitchen areas.

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

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

Now listed for just $199,000, including the parking spot, is this a deal for a neighborhood that’s on the upswing and for a location just a “10 minute walk from Comiskey Park”?

Steve Brashler at Re/Max 1st Service has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #506: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1436 square feet

• Sold in June 2004 for $375,000 (included 2 parking spaces)
• Originally listed in December 2014 for $365,000 (included 1 parking space)
• Reduced
• Under contract once
• Re-listed
• Currently listed as a short sale for $199,900 (includes one parking space)
• Assessments of $720 a month (includes exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $2913
• Central Air
• Washer/Dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 16×16
• Bedroom #2: 11×11

The January home sales are out. As expected, January sales were up year over year.

That is actually a triumph because January sales the last 2 years have been depressed due to polar vortexes and all around nastiness. Weather this winter has been much improved allowing buyers to get out earlier.

Remember, January closings usually mean they went under contract considerably earlier, in November and December.

The city of Chicago saw a 1.1 percent year-over-year home sales increase in January 2016 with 1,363 sales, up from 1,348 in January 2015. The median price of a home in the city of Chicago in January 2016 was $230,000, up 4.5 percent compared to January 2015 when it was $220,000.

Sales Data Since 2006 (thanks to G for the older data):

• January 2006: 2009 sales and median price of $258,000
• January 2007: 1850 sales and median price of $279,900
• January 2008: 1203 sales and median price of $290,000
• January 2009: 918 sales and median price of $205,000
• January 2010: 1237 sales and median price of $195,000
• January 2011: 1034 sales and median price of $150,000
• January 2012: 1123 sales and median price of $149,000
• January 2013: 1521 sales and median price of $157,000
• January 2014: 1383 sales and median price of $200,750
• January 2015: 1348 sales and median price of $220,000
• January 2016: 1363 sales and median price of $230,000

Low inventories could definitely be hampering sales. Statewide, inventory declined 12.6% year over year.

“The Chicago market is seeing sustained, steady increases in both sales and prices,” said Dan Wagner, president of the Chicago Association of REALTORS® and senior vice president for governmental relations for the Inland Real Estate Group of Companies. “To have a January with strong results bodes well for the spring selling season when interest in the housing market typically increases.”

“The year appears to be getting off to a strong start, in no small part due to a mild winter,” said IAR President Mike Drews, broker-associate with Charles B. Doss & Co. in Aurora. “Sellers are getting very good overall prices due to diminished inventories. The strong consumer demand which was evident throughout 2015 seems to be holding firm as we start off 2016.”

When will sellers start listing?

Or will this be another spring without any inventory?

Illinois housing market starts 2016 strong with January gains in home sales, prices [Illinois Association of Realtors, Press Release, February 23, 2016]

This 2-bedroom loft at 375 W. Erie in River North just came on the market.

But long time readers of Crib Chatter know that it has been featured here not just once, but twice, before.

We first chattered about it in 2008, when the bust first hit.

You can read the 2008 chatter here (along with pictures of what the unit looked like 8 years ago).

It sold again in 2010 so we again chattered about that sale.

See the 2010 chatter here.

6 years later, it returns to the market again with a new kitchen.

Why do we care enough to chatter about it THREE times?

It’s all about the 1000-square foot south facing private terrace.

Here are the original 2008 pictures:

This loft has 11-foot wood ceilings and a fireplace.

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

It’s winter, so the terrace won’t look like this, but what could you do with a space of this size in River North?

The loft has central air, washer/dryer in the unit and garage parking is included.

It’s priced $175,000 more than the 2010 purchase price, and is listed at the highest price ever for this property.

What are you willing to pay for your own piece of green in the city?

Jeff Lowe at Berkshire Hathaway KoenigRubloff has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #610: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1800 square feet

• Sold in May 1998 for $328,500
• Sold in April 2003 for $560,000
• Listed in January 2008 for $680,000 (plus $35,000 for parking)
• Reduced
• Was listed in July 2008 for $585,000 (plus $35k for parking)
• Sold in August 2008 for $570,000 (included the parking)
• Was listed in March 2010 for $549,500 (plus $35,000 for parking)
• Sold in May 2010 for $550,000 (included the parking)
• Currently listed for $725,000 (includes the parking)
• Assessments are now $749 a month (they were $521 a month in 2010)- includes doorman, exterior maintenance, scavenger
• Taxes are now $7741 (they were $6446 in 2010)
• Skylights
• Central Air
• In-Unit Washer/Dryer
• Bedroom #1: 13×16
• Bedroom #2: 15×16
• Terrace: 70×15