Crib Chatter

This studio at 732 W. Bittersweet in the Buena Park neighborhood of Uptown has been on the market since April 2012.

The listing says it has been upgraded with real maple hardwood floors.

The kitchen also has granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances.

The listing says it has an eastern view.

It doesn’t have central air, in-unit washer/dryer or parking.

But it’s priced nearly 70% off the 2005 price at $37,900.

Who’s buying a studio condo right now?

Cecille Plurad at American International Realty Corp. has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #608: studio, no square footage listed

• Sold in October 2005 for $129,500
• Originally listed in April 2012 for $49,900
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $37,900
• (not listed as a short sale that I can see in the public listing)
• Assessments of $250 a month
• Taxes of $1632
• No central air (window units only)
• Coin laundry
• No parking
• Studio: 18×11
• Kitchen: 12×8

This 2-bedroom in the 1920 Beaux Arts style building at 3314 N. Lake Shore Drive in Lakeview came on the market in May 2012.

It is a corner unit with south and west exposures.

The unit has 10 foot ceilings and hardwood floors throughout.

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

The master bathroom is carrera marble.

It has central air but no in-unit washer/dryer. There also is no deeded parking.

Since May, it has been reduced $27,600 to $239,900.

It is also now listed $10,100 under the 2001 purchase price.

How low will this go?

(Yes- there is a large monthly assessment with this unit.)

Ron Ehlers at Jameson Sotheby’s has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #7D: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, no square footage listed

• Sold in September 1994 for $148,500
• Sold in September 1997 for $162,000
• Sold in May 2001 for $250,000
• Sold in January 2003 for $280,000
• Sold in April 2005 for $310,000
• Sold in January 2008 for $320,000
• Lis pendens foreclosure filed in July 2010
• Originally listed in May 2012 for $267,500
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $239,900
• Assessments of $1025 a month (includes heat, cable)
• Taxes of $4842
• Central Air
• No washer/dryer in the unit
• No parking
• Bedroom #1: 17×14
• Bedroom #2: 12×12
• Living room: 19×17
• Kitchen: 14×6
• Foyer: 8×6

We last chattered about this 2-bedroom vintage unit at 2034 N. Seminary in Lincoln Park in August 2011.

See our prior chatter here.

At that time, the unit was priced $16,500 under the 2004 purchase price. The property didn’t sell, however, and was withdrawn from the market in October 2011.

With news that the market appears to be hotter, the unit has come back on the market again this time listed at $399,000 or $10,000 less than when we last chattered about it in August.

If you recall, this is a vintage 2-bedroom that used to be a three bedroom but one of the small bedrooms was turned into a walk-in closet.

Much of its original 1891 woodwork has been restored.

It has built-in bookcases, a fireplace and hardwood floors throughout.

The unit also has stained glass windows and high ceilings.

The kitchen, however, has been renovated and updated with stone counter tops and stainless steel appliances including SubZero.

The unit has a washer/dryer in the unit and a private garage however it does not have central air.

Given that this is so far the hottest summer in about 25 years, should properties without central air (this unit has window units) wait until the fall to list?

Neringa Northcutt at @Properties has the listing once again. See the pictures here.

Unit #3: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, 1400 square feet

• Sold in August 1999 for $308,000
• Sold in December 2004 for $425,500
• Originally listed in February 2011 for $435,000
• Reduced in July 2011
• Was listed in August 2011 at $409,000
• Withdrawn in October 2011
• Currently listed for $399,000
• Assessments of $139 a month
• Taxes of $3159
• No central air (window units only)
• Washer/Dryer in the unit
• Parking included
• Bedroom #1: 16×14
• Bedroom #2: 13×10
• Walk-in closet: 9×9 (was bedroom #3?)

Thanks to anon(tfo) who pointed out that the 2-flat at 2014 W. Addison in North Center that we last chattered about in September 2010 when it was a short sale, finally sold and has come back on the market as a flip.

See our 2010 chatter here.

The listing now says it’s “not a short sale or a foreclosure” although it’s being sold “as-is.”

The listing says the property needs a major rehab. It also did for the prior sale.

It says the zoning is RT-3.5 and that it’s in a hot, hot location.

The 2-flat has the following units:

1. Unit #1: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath
2. Unit #2: 3 bedrooms, 1 bath

No renters are on the property as it was in distress for several years previously.

It’s on a standard 25×125 lot.

Originally listed for $431,000 on June 17, it quickly was reduced to $399,999.

Will this flipper be successful?

Jennifer Sahinoglu at Falcon Living LLC has the listing. See the listing here.

2014 W. Addison: 5 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 car garage, 2-flat

• Sold in August 1990 for $143,000
• Sold in September 2005 for $485,000
• Originally listed in June 2010 for $399,000
• Lis pendens filed in July 2010
• Numerous reductions
• Was listed in September 2010 as a “short sale” for $279,999
• Finally sold in April 2012 for $200,000 (according to Redfin)
• Originally listed in June 2012 for $431,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed for $399,999
• Taxes now $8062 (were $6861 in 2010)
• No central air
• Zoning RT-3.5

Vince Vaughn isn’t the only one moving out of The Palmolive at 159 E. Walton in the Gold Coast as this large 1-bedroom recently came on the market just about 6 months after it last sold.

It is a rare 1-bedroom that faces north- so it’s NOT facing south and looking into the Westin Hotel (like Clio always said his 2-bedroom did.)

It has dark stained oak floors and the other features of most Palmolive units, including luxury finishes and appliances.

Parking is $50,000 extra.

The Palmolive had an 8-year tax freeze for original owners. This unit first sold in 2011 from the developer, so hence why the taxes are just $2629. The tax freeze does NOT transfer. The new owner will pay substantially higher.

By the way- some of the original closings in the building happened in 2005. We’ll be coming up to the end of the tax freeze for the original owners shortly. Time sure flies.

This unit was originally listed at $750,000 in the middle of June 2012 and a week later was reduced to $699,900.

How many of these upper bracket 1-bedrooms can the market handle?

A bunch of expensive one bedrooms are currently on the market in the new Ritz and Lincoln Park 2520.

Emily Sachs Wong at Koenig & Strey Real Living has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #6B: 1 bedroom, 1.5 baths, 1278 square feet

• Sold in December 2011 for $720,000
• Originally listed in June 2012 for $750,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $699,900 (parking is $50,000 extra)
• Assessments of $1003 a month (includes gas, cable, doorman)
• Taxes of $2629 (landmark tax freeze which does NOT transfer to the new owner)
• Central Air
• Washer/Dryer in the unit
• Bedroom: 16×14

We last chattered about this 2-bedroom at 2029 W. Pierce in Wicker Park nearly 2 years ago.

See our August 2010 chatter here.

At the time, it was listed $5,000 above the 2005 purchase price. Several of you thought it was too high (surprise, surprise.)

But most of the chatter about the property revolved around the CTA shower curtain.

Alas, the shower curtain is no more (at least in the listing pictures.)

But the “rehabbed” kitchen with maple cabinets, granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances remains.

It has all the other bells and whistles that buyers look for including central air, deeded parking and in-unit washer/dryer (the coveted side by side).

The listing does mention, however, that no dogs are allowed.

It is in a prime location in Wicker Park, just minutes from the Damen blue line stop and within shouting distance of all the shops/restaurants of Bucktown/Wicker Park.

The unit is now listed $35,000 under the 2005 purchase price.

Is this now a better deal than renting in the neighborhood?

Will this price get the sale done?

Joe Kennedy at @Properties now has the listing. See the pictures here.

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

• Sold in May 2002 for $316,000
• Sold in June 2005 for $370,000
• Originally listed in April 2010 for $400,000
• Reduced
• Was listed in August 2010 for $375,000
• Withdrawn in December 2010
• Currently listed for $335,000
• Assessments of $190 a month
• Taxes of $5092 (were $4123 in 2010)
• Central Air
• In-unit washer/dryer
• No dogs
• Bedroom #1: 10×13
• Bedroom #2: 9×13
• Sunroom: 7×10

This 2-bedroom loft in 2650 W. Belden in Logan Square first came on the market in 2010 and was withdrawn only to re-appear in April 2012.

Since April 2012, it has been reduced $20,000 to $239,000.

It has floor to ceiling windows and exposed brick along with 15 foot ceilings.

At 1600 square feet, it appears that both bedrooms do not have windows.

But it has other features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer and 1 outdoor parking space.

The listings says it has new plumbing and electric from two years ago.

I couldn’t find an original sales price because the PIN appears to be the same as Unit #111, which is also on the market (it’s one of Gary Lucido’s listings). It too was rehabbed just 2 years ago.

Were these units that were original developer units that are only now finally being sold?

And is this a deal at under $240,000?

(By the way- that is NOT my picture up top. I may take some crazy ones- but that is not one of mine.)

Tatiana Rea at @Properties has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #101: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, loft, 1600 square feet

• I couldn’t find an original sales price- same PIN as Unit #111.
• Off and on the market in 2010
• Was listed in April 2012 for $259,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $239,000
• Assessments of $477 a month
• Taxes – not listed
• Central Air
• Washer/Dryer in the unit
• Parking included
• Bedroom #1: 15×12
• Bedroom #2: 13×11

We’ve talked about this complex on West Grant in East Lincoln Park called “The Portals on Grant” several times over the years.

Built in the 1970s, the building is about 50 units of 3 bedroom/2.5 bath duplexes with parking, washer/dryer in each unit and central air.

This 3-bedroom “C” Unit at 429 W. Grant recently came on the market.

It might be familiar to those of you who watch real estate in the neighborhood (and especially at the Portals) because it last sold just 16 months ago, in March 2011.

This is a duplex up top floor unit with two balconies.

All three bedrooms are on the second floor.

There is a first floor powder room with a washer/dryer.

The kitchen has granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances.

Many of you have considered these units to be “deals” in the past because they were selling for under $400,000 and were in the Lincoln school district.

This unit sold for $388,000 just 16 months ago.

It has been listed for $41,000 above the 2011 purchase price at $429,000.

That is $29,000 higher than a sale in 2006, at the peak of the housing boom.

Will it be able to get the premium given the hotter market?

Lisa Resek-Peck at @Properties has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #C: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 1 car parking, no square footage listed

• Sold in December 1988 for $166,000
• Sold in October 1991 for $182,500
• Sold in February 1996 for $189,000
• Sold in December 2002 for $385,000
• Sold in May 2006 for $400,000
• Sold in March 2011 for $388,000
• Currently listed for $429,000
• Assessments of $336 a month (includes cable)
• Taxes of $6094
• Central Air
• Washer/Dryer in the unit
• 1 car parking included (outdoor?)
• Bedroom #1: 17×11 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 13×11 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 11×10 (second floor)

This 3-bedroom townhouse at 1140 W. Cornelia in Lakeview came on the market in May 2012.

This is a property for loft lovers who have graduated from the 1-bedroom version and now need space.

Like your standard loft, it has exposed brick walls and timber ceilings.

But it also has 3 levels including a family room on the lower level along with two of the three bedrooms.

There is also a private roof top deck and garage parking.

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

Originally listed for $625,000, it has been reduced to $599,900 which is about $25,000 above the 2008 purchase price.

Is this townhouse a good single family home alternative for this neighborhood at this price?

Michael O’Connor at Dream Town Realty  has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #A: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2000 square feet, 1 car parking

• Sold in November 2000 for $410,000
• Sold in May 2008 for $575,000
• Assessments of $200 a month
• Taxes of $8572
• Central Air
• Private roof deck: 25×15
• Bedroom #1: 19×13 (second level)
• Bedroom #2: 16×13 (lower level)
• Bedroom #3: 16×12 (lower level)
• Family room: 16×12 (lower level)

This 2-bedroom duplex in The Pierre at 2100 N. Lincoln Park West in East Lincoln Park has been on and off the market since August 2007.

It has some unique features including a spiral staircase to the second floor bedrooms and a 600 square foot private landscaped terrace.

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

The unit has central air and in-unit washer/dryer. There is rental parking in the building.

The listing calls it a “one of a kind” property.

The Pierre was built in 1919 and is a full service building with a rooftop pool and 24-hour doorman.

The unit was recently reduced $30,000 to $495,000.

What price will it take to finally get this sold?

Scott Berg at Berg Properties has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #3BN: 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, duplex, no square footage listed

• Sold in March 1988 for $163,000
• Sold in March 1999 for $230,000
• Originally lisetd in August 2007 (I couldn’t find a price)
• On and off the market
• Was listed in November 2011 for $525,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $495,000
• Assessments of $954 a month (includes cable, doorman, gas, rooftop pool)
• Taxes of $4129
• Central Air
• Washer/Dryer in the unit
• Rental parking in the building
• Bedroom #1: 22×19 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 19×15 (second floor)
• 600 square foot terrace