Crib Chatter

This 6-bedroom single family home at 1345 W. Wolfram in West Lakeview just came on the market.

If it looks familiar, that’s because we chattered about it in September 2013.

See that chatter here.

If you recall, it’s on a rare double lot measuring 52×124.6 which allows it to have that other rare city feature: the 5 car garage.

At 9050 square feet, it not only has 6 bedrooms but also 7 full bathrooms and 2 half baths.

It has 4 decks and a basketball court.

If you have a lot of children using those bedrooms, there is a lower level nanny’s quarters complete with a full kitchen.

The double lot allows you to have 4 bedrooms on the same level, all with ensuite bathrooms.

The kitchen is gourmet with luxury stainless steel appliances.

If you don’t want to walk up and down all the stairs, there is an elevator.

In 2013, some of you became obsessed with the low property taxes and thought it must have only included one pin, instead of two.

The taxes are higher this go around, having jumped to $16890 from $11866 in 2013.

The listing says the house is in the Prescott school district.

With inventory low again, will 2015 be the charm for this house?

Jennifer Ames at Coldwell Banker has the listing again. See the pictures and floor plan here.

1345 W. Wolfram: 6 bedrooms, 7 full baths, 2 half baths, 9050 square feet, 5 car garage

• I couldn’t find a prior sales price
• Originally listed in September 2012 for $3,195,999
• Reduced
• Was listed in September 2013 at $2.95 million
• Withdrawn in November 2013
• Listed in March 2014 for $2.95 million
• Withdrawn in October 2014
• Re-listed in March 2015 for $2.85 million
• Taxes now $16,890 (they were $11,866 in 2013)
• Central Air
• 3 fireplaces
• Nanny’s quarter with kitchen
• Basketball court
• Bedroom #1: 21×15 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 15×14 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 11×15 (second floor)
• Bedroom #4: 11×18 (second floor)
• Bedroom #5: 11×13 (third floor)
• Bedroom #6: 8×16 (lower level)

This top-floor 2-bedroom at 823 N. Winchester in the East Village just came on the market.

For those long time readers, this unit may look familiar because we last chattered about it in 2010.

See our 2010 chatter here.

The building was built in 1908 and this unit still has many of its vintage features.

It has original built-in hutches, a stained glass window and original moldings.

It also has a skylight and unique exposed brick.

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

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

It also has a deck off the back and a 10×9 walk in closet, which is rare in a vintage unit.

In 2010, it was originally listed at $350,000 but never found a buyer.

Five years later, it has come back on the market at the price of just $315,000.

Will the improved market and a lower price equal a quick sale this time around?

Ron Knoll at @Properties has the listing again. See the pictures here.

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

• Sold in October 2003 for $272,000
• Originally listed in April 2010 for $350,000
• Withdrawn in December 2011
• Currently listed at $315,000
• Assessments of $104 a month (they were also $104 a month in 2010)
• Taxes now $4362 (they were $3372 in 2010)
• Central Air
• Washer/Dryer in the unit
• Garage Parking included
• Bedroom #1: 15×11
• Bedroom #2: 11×8

This 950 square foot 1-bedroom loft in 540 N. Lake Shore Drive in Streeterville just came on the market.

It has the authentic loft features that loft lovers look for including exposed brick walls and 12-foot timber ceilings with south facing windows.

The kitchen has white cabinets and stainless steel appliances.

It has central air but there’s no in-unit washer/dryer or parking. There is laundry in the building and rental parking, however.

It’s a full amenity building with a doorman, exercise room and rooftop deck.

Chicago is one of the few remaining big American cities where you don’t have to be a millionaire to live in the city center.

At $259,000, is this loft a good starter condo for someone who really wants to live in Streeterville?

Michael Kelly at Dream Town has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #413: 1 bedroom, 1 bath, 950 square feet

• Sold in June 1992 for $100,000
• Sold in December 1998 for $134,000
• Sold in March 2012 for $186,500
• Currently listed for $259,000
• Assessments of $460 a month (includes A/C, water, gas, cable, doorman, exercise room)
• Taxes of $3054
• Central Air
• Laundry in the building
• Rental parking available in the building
• Bedroom: 20×14

This 2-bedroom in The Legacy at 60 E. Monroe on Millennium Park in the Loop just came on the market.

It is one of 30 condos that were re-listed last week by the developer.

The Legacy was built during the boom but didn’t start closings until 2009, which was after the bust.

The listing says the building is now 83% sold.

The building has 355 units, many with striking lake and city views.

This 1487 square foot 2-bedroom has south and east views.

The kitchen has cherry cabinets and luxury appliances like a Subzero refrigerator and a Bosch dishwasher.

It was originally listed pre-construction in 2007 for $649,900.

In 2012 and 2013, it was listed for $700,000 but withdrawn.

It has come back on the market at $719,000 with parking an extra $55,000 to $75,000.

Most of the new listings are 2-bedroom units although there are several that are larger.

Will we see more of these unsold units come on the market this spring? (i.e. the accidental landlords as well?)

Anthony Madonia at @Properties has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #1603: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1487 square feet

• Originally listed in July 2007 for $649,900
• Was listed in 2012-2013 for $700,000
• Withdrawn
• Currently listed for $719,000 (plus parking at $55,000 to $75,000)
• Assessments of $621 a month (includes gas, water, doorman, pool, exercise room)
• Taxes aren’t listed
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 12×16
• Bedroom #2: 10×13

January 2015 continued the trend that was noticeable throughout the fall and winter of 2014, and that was declining housing sales.

Remember, last winter was the polar vortex with record cold blasts and the second highest seasonal snowfall ever.

This January closings, for the most part, would have gone under contract in November and December of 2014. Chicago recorded no snowfall in December and moderate temperatures.

From the Illinois Association of Realtors:

The city of Chicago saw sales of 1,295 homes in January 2015, down 8.3 percent from last year. The median price of a home in Chicago was $222,000, up 11.0 percent over January 2014.

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: 1295 sales and median price of $222,000

“Families and professionals have a strong desire to buy a home yet a full market recovery continues to be stalled by the limited homes for sale. Buyer demand on lower inventory is pushing up prices to offer sellers an incentive,” said Hugh Rider, president of the Chicago Association of REALTORS® and co-president of Realty & Mortgage Co. “With the winter thaw, we expect to see increased market growth as more homebuyers and homeowners see the opportunity to make the most of currently low interest rates.”

“Once again prices and sales moved in opposite directions in January with the sales decline attributed to a lower completion rate for homes under contract in December,” said Geoffrey J.D. Hewings, director of the Regional Economics Applications Laboratory at the University of Illinois.  “In addition, foreclosure sales declined while sales of regular properties were almost the same as January 2014.”

Mortgage rates remain considerably below last year’s level. The average 30-year mortgage was 3.66% in January 2015 compared to 4.46% a year ago.

In January 2014, the IAR blamed the weather for the decline in sales. But sales declined every month last year except one.

What’s the excuse this year?

Illinois sees double-digit gains in median home prices in January [Illinois Association of Realtors, Press Release, February 23, 2015]

This 2-bedroom penthouse in Park Place Tower at 655 W. Irving Park Road in Lakeview recently came on the market.

The building was built in 1976 and has 901 units.

It is among the tallest buildings on the north side of the city.

This unit, on the 55th floor, which is the penthouse floor, has south and east views which includes the lake and the city.

It has hardwood floors in the main living areas.

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

There’s central air and a 1-car tandem parking space that can fit two cars included in the price.

The listing doesn’t mention a washer/dryer being in the unit.

This unit last sold 10 years ago during the boom years.

It has come on the market $75,100 under the 2005 price at $419,900.

Is this a deal for the views and location?

Cathryn Browne at Baird & Warner has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #5501: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, no square footage listed

• Sold in July 2005 for $495,000
• Currently listed at $419,900 (includes 1 tandem parking space that fits 2 cars)
• Assessments of $943 a month (includes A/C, water, doorman, cable, exercise room, pool)
• Taxes of $5690
• Central Air
• No washer/dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 17×12
• Bedroom #2: 13×11

This 3-bedroom vintage unit at 2130 N. Lincoln Park West in East Lincoln Park came on the market in January 2015.

The building was built in 1928 and has 33 units.

It’s a half-floor residence with views of the park, the Lincoln Park Zoo and the lake with multiple exposures.

The kitchen has been updated with maple cabinets and Subzero, Bosch and Viking appliances.

It has a 35×7 gallery as well as a decorative fireplace.

The unit comes with features that are rare with vintage units such as garage parking in the building, washer/dryer in the unit and space pak cooling.

The listing says it’s in the Lincoln school district.

At 2400 square feet, it’s as large as many townhouses.

It was last listed in 2011 but withdrawn without a sale.

The unit has now come on the market $255,000 above the 2006 purchase price, at $1.2 million.

When people think about living in the city with children, is this the dream?

Landon Harper at @Properties has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #8S: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2400 square feet

• Sold in July 2005 for $870,000
• Sold in July 2006 for $945,000
• Currently listed for $1.2 million (1 car garage parking included)
• Assessments of $1387 a month (includes water, exercise room)
• Taxes of $12607
• Space pak
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 16×15
• Bedroom #2: 18×11
• Bedroom #3: 10×10
• Gallery: 35×7
• Dining room: 18×15

This 2-bedroom at 2729 N. Racine in Lincoln Park just came on the market.

If it looks familiar, that’s because we chattered about it in 2011.

See our 2011 chatter here.

But in 2011, it didn’t sell.

It looks to have the same finishes as in 2011.

The kitchen has granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances.

One bedroom is upstairs and the second is downstairs with a murphy bed.

The unit has skylights and shares 1 common wall with the unit next door.

There is deck and 1-outdoor parking space included.

In 2011, everyone seemed obsessed that the assessment for this 2-unit building was “just” $225 and only included water and common insurance.

4 years later, the assessment remains $225 a month.

This unit has come on the market just $20,000 above the lowest list price in 2011.

But the market is much better than 4 years ago.

Will this sell quickly this time around?

Jamie Connor at Conlon again has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #N: 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, no square footage listed

• Sold in October 2001 for $329,000
• Sold in August 2005 for $425,000
• Originally listed in September 2010 for $409,000
• Reduced
• Was listed in October 2011 for $349,000
• Withdrawn in October 2011
• Currently listed at $369,000
• Assessments are still $225 a month (includes water and common insurance)
• Taxes are now $6025 (they were $5452 in October 2011)
• Central Air
• Washer/Dryer
• Parking
• Bedroom #1: 14×13 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 14×13 (lower level)

This large 1-bedroom vintage unit in an old mansion at 1450 N. Dearborn Parkway in the Gold Coast just came on the market.

It was built in 1874 and has 4 units.

The listing says it “feels like Paris.”

The unit has many of its vintage features intact including 2 fireplaces, 12 foot ceilings with the original moldings and built-in bookcases.

At 1000 square feet, the unit has a dining room.

The galley style kitchen has a mixture of maple and white cabinets with Subzero and Bosch appliances.

It has features buyers look for including washer/dryer in the unit and coveted parking behind the building.

However, there’s no central air.

This unit hasn’t been on the market in 12 years.

Is now the time to get your dream property?

Linda Lyons at Berkshire Hathaway KoenigRubloff has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #2A: 1 bedroom, 1 bath, 1000 square feet

• Sold in August 1989 for $160,000
• Sold in September 2003 for $480,000
• Currently listed for $450,000 (includes parking)
• Assessments of $484 a month
• Taxes of $6086
• 2 fireplaces
• No central air- window units only
• Washer/Dryer in the unit
• Bedroom: 14×20
• Dining room: 8×10
• Kitchen: 5×9

This 3-bedroom garden unit in the vintage building at 55 W. Erie in River North just came on the market.

The building was built in 1895 and has 9 units.

This unit is a Freddie Mac property and is being sold “as-is.”

From the pictures, it appears the kitchen cabinets are intact but the only appliance is the microwave.

Also from the pictures, it looks like the bathroom vanity and toilet are there.

Is that green carpet in the living room?

It has exposed brick and a fireplace.

The listing says it is 1200 square feet but you can’t really rely on anything in a bank listing.

There’s no parking with the building.

This unit is interesting because it became bank owned 2 1/2 years ago in 2012. That’s a long time to be sitting on a property.

This property is in a prime River North location, near the Cathedral District and Michigan Avenue shopping.

But the pictures also clearly indicate it’s in the lower level, i.e. the basement.

Would you live in the basement of a building if it was the right location?

Linda O’Donnell at Re/Max Signature has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #G: 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, 1200 square feet

• Sold sometime in the late 1990s (no price listed)
• Lis pendens first filed in July 2007
• Bank owned in August 2012
• Currently listed “as-is” for $224,900
• Is a Freddie Mac 1st look property through 2/24/2015 (which means owner-occupiers only)
• Assessments of $293 a month
• Taxes of $4565
• It says there’s central air- but who knows
• No mention of washer/dryer
• No parking
• Bedroom #1: 16×13
• Bedroom #2: 11×13
• Bedroom #3: 12×12