Crib Chatter

We last chattered about this 4-bedroom triplex in the vintage row house at 21 E. Goethe in the Gold Coast in March 2011.

See our prior chatter here.

If you recall, it has a unique layout that many of you thought back in 2011 would take a special buyer.

3 out of the 4 bedrooms appear to be on different floors, with the master on the second, one bedroom on the main and 2 in the lower level.

3 out of the 4 have ensuite bathrooms.

The kitchen and the dining room are also located in the lower level (with the living room on the main level.)

Not much of the vintage interior remains.

There are 2 wood burning fireplaces, however, including one in the master bedroom.

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

The unit also has a sunroom overlooking the garden.

The condo has central air, in-unit washer/dryer and a rare 2 outdoor parking spaces (that one of you said in 2011 meant a $100,000 premium since parking is so hard to come by in this neighborhood.)

If you recall, this is also the Ogden school district.

It sold for $799,000 in July 2011 and is now listed at $919,000.

Will it get the $120,000 premium just 2 years later?

It’s also for rent for $5500 a month.

Suzanne Gignilliat at Coldwell Banker has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #B: 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, 3027 square feet (square footage was 2625 sq ft in 2011), 2 car outdoor parking included

• Sold in October 1991 for $244,000
• Sold in August 1993 for $277,000
• Sold in August 1995 for $252,000
• Sold in May 1997 for $285,000
• Sold in January 2006 for $535,000
• Was listed in March 2011 for $849,000
• Sold in July 2011 for $799,000
• Currently listed for $919,000
• OR you can rent it for $5500 a month
• Assessments still $744 a month (the association has 5 units)- includes water
• Taxes are now $13466 (they were $12663 in March 2011)
• Central Air
• Washer/Dryer in the Unit
• 2 wood burning fireplaces
• Bedroom #1: 22×19 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 15×17 (main level)
• Bedroom #3: 10×19 (lower level)
• Bedroom #4: 15×17 (lower level)
• Living room: 23×15 (main level)
• Kitchen: 14×9 (lower level)
• Dining room: 15×13 (lower level)
• Sunroom: 15×5 (main level)

This 3-bedroom single family home at 3350 N. Marshfield in Lakeview just came on the market.

It is in a prime area of Lakeview just a block from the Whole Foods and near the Paulina El stop.

It actually was previously for sale in 2010 but didn’t sell and then it appears it was rented out.

Built in 1888, it is on a smaller than normal Chicago lot of 40×50.

We’ve discussed the irregular lots on this street before when the house directly to the north of this one was on the market.

That house, at 3352 N. Marshfield, was on the market in 2011 and was considered “one of the cheapest” single family homes for sale in Lakeview at $449,900.

See our discussion of that house here.

The listing for this house labels it the “perfect townhouse alternative.”

Two of the three bedrooms are on the second floor with the third in the finished basement along with a family room.

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

It has central air and the listing says there is an “on-site outdoor parking space” (but where?).

In August 2010 it was listed at $539,900.

This time around it has come on the market at $524,900.

Are those sellers who waited it out the last few years by renting their properties looking like geniuses now? 

Tod Pratt at Koenig & Strey has the listing. See the pictures here.

3350 N. Marshfield: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, no square footage listed

• Sold in April 1991 for $117,000
• Sold in September 1997 for $220,000
• Sold in October 1999 for $270,000
• Sold in November 2002 for $315,500
• Was listed in August 2010 for $539,900
• Withdrawn
• Currently listed for $524,900
• Taxes of $6335
• Central Air
• On-site outdoor parking
• Bedroom #1: 16×14 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 18×12 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 8×8 (lower level)
• Family room: 18×18 (lower level)

This top floor 2-bedroom at 3236 N. Seminary in Lakeview came on the market at the beginning of April priced $74,000 above the 2010 purchase price.

From what I can tell, it wasn’t a distress sale in 2010.

At 1200 square feet, it has cathedral ceilings in the living room and master bedroom and a deck off the back (but no roof top deck.)

The kitchen appears to be the same as that in 2010 with maple cabinets, stainless steel appliances and granite counter tops.

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

After two weeks on the market, this unit was reduced $20,000.

But it’s still listed considerably over both the 2010 price and the 2006 purchase price.

Just how much appreciation has there been for buyers who bought just 3 years ago?

Or has there been any?

Jenny Ames at Coldwell Banker has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #3: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1200 square feet

• Sold in December 2000 for $369,000
• Sold in April 2006 for $437,500
• Sold in July 2010 for $395,000
• Originally listed at the beginning of April 2013 at $469,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $449,000
• Assessments of $130 a month
• Taxes of $6956
• Central Air
• Washer/Dryer in the unit
• Garage parking included
• Bedroom #1: 16×12
• Bedroom #2: 10×11

This 2-bedroom single family home at 1646 W. Ontario in West Town has been on the market since January 2013.

While it’s built on a smaller than normal 36×70 lot, it does have a 1.5 car garage and a deck off the back.

There are hardwood floors throughout the main floor.

The kitchen is open to the living space and has white/greyish cabinets and white appliances.

One bedroom is on the second floor along with the family room while the second bedroom is on the main floor.

One thing it is missing is central air. It only has window units.

Originally listed for $500,000 in January 2013 it has since been reduced $60,000.

Is this a deal for people who simply don’t want to live in a condo yet want an “affordable” home near downtown?

John McGeown at Jameson Sotheby’s has the listing. See the pictures here.

1646 W. Ontario: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, no square footage listed, 1.5 car garage

• Sold in August 1997 for $167,000 (per Zillow- as for some reason the ccrd can’t find any record of this property)
• Sold in February 2004 for $360,000 (per Zillow)
• Originally listed in January 2013 for $500,000
• Reduced several times
• Currently listed at $440,000
• Taxes of $4269
• No central air- window units
• Bedroom #1: 17×15 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 10×8 (main floor)
• Family room: 18×14 (second floor)

This 4-bedroom in the vintage mid-rise at 1411 N. State Parkway in the heart of the Gold Coast just came on the market.

It appears to have all the features that buyers look for even though it’s a vintage unit.

At 2700 square feet, the single floor unit has a 15×6 porch which overlooks the trees and flowers on State Parkway.

It has many vintage features including what looks to be a coved ceiling in the hallway, a beamed ceiling in one of the bedrooms, built-ins and a wood burning fireplace.

It also sports large vintage crown molding in the main living spaces.

The listing says the current owners did a “complete gut” of the space.

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

Most importantly, it also has the key big three: in-unit laundry room, space pak cooling and attached parking.

The mid-rise building even has an elevator.

It hasn’t been on the market in 17 years.

Given that it seems family friendly with 4 bedrooms and attached parking, will this sell quickly?

Nancy Joyce at Koenig Strey Real Living has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #2N: 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2700 square feet, attached parking

• Sold in March 1996 for $995,000
• Currently listed at $1.499 million
• Assessments of $1692 a month (includes cable)
• Taxes of $22,082
• Space pak cooling
• In-unit laundry
• Bedroom #1: 17×15
• Bedroom #2: 14×13
• Bedroom #3: 14×11
• Bedroom #4: 14×12
• Laundry room: 11×7

This 4-bedroom top floor duplex up at 1122 W. Diversey in Lakeview came on the market 7 days ago.

If it looks familiar, that’s because the sister unit next door at 1124 W. Diversey #3W came on the market in January 2013 and went under contract in just a week.

You can see the listing for that unit here. It hasn’t closed yet.

Both units have a similar layout.

There are 22 foot cathedral ceilings in the south facing living room.

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

2 bedrooms are on the main floor and 2 are on the second floor along with an open sitting room that overlooks the living space below.

There are skylights and 2 large rear decks.

The unit has central air, washer/dryer and garage parking.

The sister unit came on the market at $550,000.

This unit has listed at $569,000.

It’s already been a week but will it have similar luck as the other unit?

Jenna Smith at Redfin has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #3E: 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, no square footage listed, duplex up

• Sold in September 2000 for $442,000
• Lis pendens foreclosure filed in October 2009
• Sold as a short sale in October 2009 for $450,000
• Currently listed for $569,000
• Assessments of $170 a month
• Taxes of $8223
• Central Air
• Washer/Dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 15×15 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 13×13 (main floor)
• Bedroom #3: 11×10 (main floor)
• Bedroom #4: 12×12 (second floor)
• Sitting room: 12×12 (second floor)

This 2-bedroom in the mid-rise vintage building at 21 E. Elm in the Gold Coast just came on the market.

Built in 1916, it still has some of its vintage features including 2 wood burning fireplaces.

The listing says it has been renovated.

It has Venetian plaster (NOT “plastic”- my mistake) walls and ceilings.

The kitchen has custom wood-made cabinetry and herringbone floors along with luxury appliances.

It has central air and an in-unit washer/dryer but it doesn’t have parking. There is parking available in the neighborhood, including in the high rise across the street.

Will this be a harder sale because it’s just a 2-bedroom instead of the popular 3-bedroom?

Harry Pfaff at Prudential Rubloff has the listing. See the pictures here.

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

• Sold in October 1998 for $345,000
• Currently listed for $724,900
• Assessments of $688 a month (includes heat, cable)
• Taxes of $10,019
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• No parking- but available for lease in the neighborhood
• Bedroom #1: 17×14
• Bedroom #2: 18×11

This 3-bedroom corner unit townhouse at 1816 N. Dayton in Lincoln Park came on the market in November 2012.

The listing says it has had over $100,000 in upgrades including all new windows.

The kitchen has custom features including Kraftmaid cabinets and Juperna Persia granite counter tops along with stainless steel appliances.

The bathrooms have been updated with marble/limestone counter tops.

The townhouse has custom Bon Soir fabric window coverings.

It also has the preferred layout of all 3 bedrooms on the same level.

The townhouse has 2 full baths and 2 half baths and a 1-car attached garage.

At 2200 square feet, this townhouse is similarly sized to many duplex downs only there is no neighbor living above or below you.

Is this a deal?

Brendan Murphy at Dream Town has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #A: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 half baths, 2200 square feet, 1 car garage

• Sold in September 1989 for $537,000 (typo??? maybe should be $337,000)
• Sold in August 2002 for $446,000
• Originally listed in November 2012 for $725,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $699,000
• Assessments of $591 a month (includes cable)
• Taxes of $8033
• Central Air
• Bedroom #1: 13×14 (third floor)
• Bedroom #2: 11×13 (third floor)
• Bedroom #3: 10×12 (third floor)
• Family room: 15×16 (main floor)

This 3-bedroom top floor unit in the  midrise vintage courtyard building at 2337 N. Commonwealth in East Lincoln Park just came on the market.

The building has an elevator, so it’s not a problem being on the 5th floor.

The listing says the unit has “lake views.”

It has the original hardwood floors and plaster moldings.

The kitchen has cherry cabinets and stainless steel appliances with a large kitchen island.

In the pictures, there is a smaller, two person, table and chairs in the kitchen but there is also another room which is open to the kitchen with draperies and a baby’s room.

Is this really an eat-in kitchen converted to a baby’s room? (and the third bedroom?)

There doesn’t appear to be a closet in the area designated as a third bedroom ( at least according to the floor plan in the listing.)

The unit has an in-unit washer/dryer but there is no central air (it is window units only) and there is no deeded parking. It is leased across the street.

The listing says this unit is in the Lincoln school district.

It is listed $19,900 above the 2006 purchase price.

Will it get the premium in this hot market for buyers looking in the Lincoln school district?

(And is this really just a 2-bedroom?)

Heather Hillebrand at Dream Town has the listing. You can see the pictures and the floorplan (yay!) here.

Unit #5E: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, no square footage listed

• Sold in December 1990 for $190,000
• Sold in June 1996 for $212,000
• Sold in February 2006 for $555,000
• Currently listed at $574,900
• Assessments of $600 a month (includes heat, cable)
• Taxes of $6809
• No central air- window units
• Washer/Dryer in the unit
• Parking available for lease across the street
• Bedroom #1: 16×11
• Bedroom #2: 16×11
• Bedroom #3: 12×9
• Kitchen: 16×9

This 3-bedroom single family home at 3637 N. Sacramento in Irving Park has been on the market since September 2012.

Built on a standard Chicago lot of 25×125, it has new windows and air conditioning as well as a new door on the 2-car garage.

The listing says the house has an “updated kitchen” with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances.

Two of the three bedrooms are on the second floor with the third on the main floor.

It also has a lower level family room and central air.

Originally listed in September 2012 for $429,900 it was reduced all the way down to $389,900 in February 2013 before it was taken off the market in March.

But it recently returned to the market listed for $409,000, or nearly $20,000 more than its February price.

Can a 1500 square foot house now command a $400,000+ price in Irving Park?

Colette Faron Wierzbinski at Jameson Sotheby’s has the listing. See the pictures here.

3637 N. Sacramento: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1500 square feet, 2 car garage

• Sold in March 1997 for $130,000
• Sold in September 2001 for $240,000
• Sold in May 2007 for $391,000
• Originally listed in September 2012 for $429,900
• Was listed in February 2013 for $389,900
• Withdrawn in March 2013
• Re-listed in April 2013 for $409,000
• Taxes of $4923
• Central Air
• Bedroom #1: 16×10 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 18×8 (main floor)
• Bedroom #3: 12×14 (second floor)
• Family room: 19×17 (basement)