Crib Chatter

This 2-bedroom townhouse at 515 W. Belden in East Lincoln Park came on the market in October 2011.

In that time, it has been reduced $10,000 to $419,000.

Built in 1968, it has the features buyers are looking for including central air and parking.

It has 2 wood burning fireplaces, including one in the master bedroom, and 3 skylights along with wood ceilings.

Both bedrooms are on the second floor. It has the added bonus of having a lower level family room and a lower level office.

There is a galley style kitchen with white cabinets, granite counter tops and white appliances.

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

The townhouse, however, only has 1.5 baths.

Could the number of baths be a sticking point with buyers?

Or is this a deal for the location?

Judith Kolar at Koenig & Strey Real Living has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #14: 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, no square footage listed, parking included

• Sold in May 1992 for $195,000
• Sold in August 1996 for $212,000
• Originally listed in October 2011 for $429,900
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $419,900
• Assessments of $38 a month (includes trash)
• Taxes of $6812
• Central Air
• Bedroom #1: 15×13 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 13×10 (second floor)
• Family room: 12×14 (lower level)
• Office: 9×10 (lower level)

If you thought short sales and REOs were reserved mainly for homeowners who bought at the peak of the housing bubble, think again.

This 1-bedroom in the Lofthaus at 321 S. Sangamon in the West Loop just came on the market.

It is a short sale and is now listed 44% under the September 2009 purchase price of $292,500.

The Great Recession, if you recall, began in the summer/fall of 2008- or basically a year before this unit was purchased.

The Lofthaus was built in 2004. The units have loft-like features like exposed concrete ceilings.

The listing says the kitchen has been upgraded with Ginger Mission cabinets, granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances.

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

The unit has a western view.

As prices continue to drop, are we going to start to see more of the 2009 and even 2010 purchases going short sale?

Lauren Schuh at Exit Strategy has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #402: 1 bedroom, 1 bath, no square footage listed

• Sold in March 2004 for $243,500 (parking included)
• Sold in September 2009 for $292,500 (parking included)
• Currently listed as a “short sale” for $164,900 (parking included)
• Assessments of $310 a month (includes heat, a/c, gas)
• Taxes of $3380
• Central Air
• Washer/Dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 12×10
• Living room: 14×13
• Kitchen: 13×14

We’ve chattered about this renovated 69th floor 2-bedroom in the John Hancock Center at 175 E. Delaware in the Gold Coast several times in 2011.

See our November 2011 chatter here.

Originally after a complete renovation, in March 2011, for $649,770, the unit had been reduced to $525,770 by the end of 2011.

It then went under contract.

But it has come back on the market and the price was RAISED about $100,000 to $627,770.

Huh?

It has since been reduced to $620,770.

If you recall, this 2-bedroom has been completely renovated with contemporary kitchen and bath finishes to bring it up to today’s standards.

You can see the before and after pictures of the renovation in our April 2011 chatter here.

Many consider the Hancock to be an icon and a lot of you have liked this renovation.

The oak herringbone floors are among the only original features remaining.

The kitchen has brown and white euro-style cabinets with Wolf and Subzero appliances.

This unit has a sky terrace (a built-in “terrace”) measuring 8×9 and several windows that actually open.

While there is no central air, there are wall units. Until a few years ago, in-unit washer/dryers were not allowed but this unit now has the hook-ups.

Parking is leased in the building.

What’s the point of  raising of the price that dramatically after nearly a year on the market?

What happens to this unit now?

Andrew Glatz at Crown Heights Realty still has the listing. See more pictures here.

Unit #6910: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1500 square feet

• Bought in May 1987 (no sales price listed)
• Lis pendens filed in February 2008
• Bank owned in January 2009
• Sold in August 2010 for $390,000
• Originally listed in March 2011 for $649,770
• Was still listed in April 2011 for $649,770
• Reduced
• Was listed in July 2011 at $599,770
• Reduced
• Was listed in November 2011 at $560,770
• Reduced
• Was listed in December 2011 at $525,770
• Under contract
• Re-listed in mid-January 2012 for $627,770
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $620,770
• Assessments of $1117 a month (includes doorman)
• Taxes of $6423
• No central air- wall units
• Washer/Dryer hook-ups in the unit
• Parking is leased
• Bedroom #1: 12×22
• Bedroom #2: 14×11
• Sky terrace: 8×9

We’ve chattered about this 3-bedroom single family home at 1040 N. Wolcott in the East Village neighborhood of West Town several times over the years.

See our July 2011 chatter here.

The last time we chattered about it, in July 2011, “Andrew”, who claimed to be the owner, chimed in that they were pulling the house off the market and renting it out.

“Hello all. Owner of the home. We are not distressed sellers, but did want to test the market to see where we were at. Has definitely been a tough market to sell. Had many showings, one good offer at $675k which fell through due to financing. Seems like well priced condos can move relatively quickly, but volume for SFHs can be quite a bit more limited.”

“Decided to finally pull the listing off market and test the rental market which has been much stronger than I expected (relative to the sales market at least). So gonna go that route until the housing market comes back. When is that? May be 1 year, may be 10 years. But with a 3% 5/1 ARM, we can bide our time.”

So it is rather surprising to see that the house has come back on the market just 7 months later and listed for nearly the same as it was back in July 2011.

If you recall, the house was built in 2000 so it’s newer construction.

The listing says it has hardwood floors throughout.

The kitchen is described as “gourmet” and has granite counter tops.

The master bathroom has been renovated.

The family room is located on the second level and there are 2 wood burning fireplaces.

The 3 bedrooms are split, with the master bedroom on the second floor and the other two bedrooms on the third.

It has central air and a 2-car garage on a standard 25×125 lot.

It also has a great location if you are a fan of Division Street, which is just a block away.

I hope “Andrew”, the alleged owner, provides us with further details as to why they’re re-listing now.

Is the renter still living in the house? Or was it simply too hard to be a landlord?

With low inventories, is this now finally the perfect time to sell a single family home in this location?

Jason Vondrachek at Quest Realty still has the listing. See more pictures here.

1040 N. Wolcott: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2 car garage, no square footage listed

• Sold in November 2001 for $525,000
• Sold in May 2007 for $765,000
• Originally listed in April 2010 for $779,900
• Reduced
• Was listed in June 2010 for $749,900
• Reduced
• Was listed in December 2010 for $719,900
• Reduced
• Was listed in July 2011 at $674,900
• Withdrawn in July 2011
• Re-listed in February 2012 for $679,900
• Taxes of $11,741
• Central Air
• Bedroom #1: 18×12 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 14×14 (third floor)
• Bedroom #3: 13×10 (third floor)

We last chattered about this 6-bedroom single family home at 3540 N. Ravenswood in North Center nearly two years ago, in March 2010.

See our prior chatter here.

Most of you loved the house and said if you won the lottery you were buying it. Yes- it’s a true “crib.”

Built in 2007 on a 50×125 lot, the steel and masonry 9000 square foot house has 10-foot ceilings and central air.

It also has 2 kitchens that, as you can see from the pictures, are decked out with luxury finishes including stainless steel appliances.

The buyer can also enjoy the master suite which measures 22×50.

But what sets it apart is the indoor pool, hot tub, sauna and the outdoor basketball court on the roof.

It’s basically like having your own gym.

It also has a 4-car attached garage.

In the last 22 months, the house has been reduced $955,000 to $2.795 million.

Many of you thought the most suitable buyer would probably be a Cubs player given the athletic amenities (although many Blackhawks live nearby in Roscoe Village.)

In our last chatter some of you guessed this might sell for around $2.5 million. But that was then and this is now.

What price will it take to move this property in 2012?

Sophia Klopas at Koenig & Strey still has the listing. See the floorplan, walk through video and pictures here.

3540 N. Ravenswood: 6 bedrooms, 6 baths, 9000 square feet, 4 car parking

• I couldn’t find any original sales price but it appears to have been built in 2007 (from our prior chatter there appears to be several PINs on the property)
• Was listed in March 2010 for $3.75 million
• Reduced
• Currently listed for $2.795 million
• Taxes of $13,329
• 2 Kitchens
• Indoor Pool
• Basketball court
• Central Air
• Bedroom #1: 22×50 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 22×18 (main level)
• Bedroom #3: 22×18 (main level)
• Bedroom #4: 22×18 (main level)
• Bedroom #5: 12×12 (second floor)
• Bedroom #6: 12×12 (second floor)

This 3-bedroom at 2500 N. Lakeview in Lincoln Park has been on the market nearly 2 years.

It is a wraparound corner unit with lake and Lincoln Park views.

The building was built in 1974 and has a doorman and an outdoor pool.

Yes, the unit has pink carpet. It doesn’t have to stay!

But it also has a master suite with a walk-in closet.

The kitchen is big with an eat-in area with views.

There is no central air, just wall units. There also is no in-unit washer/dryer but it appears it can be added.

There is parking (rental?) in the building.

Since April 2010, the unit has been reduced $15,000.

Unit #1805, just a few floors below is, with cherry hardwood floors is listed at $540,000. It has an in-unit washer/dryer.

Compared with the prices of the new construction units right next door in 2520 LP, even with a rehab, is this a deal for someone with vision?

Alexis Holland at Century 21 SGR has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #2205: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1600 square feet

• Sold in February 1996 for $285,000
• Originally listed in April 2010 for $425,000
• Reduced
• Was listed in August 2011 for $410,000
• Still currently listed at $410,000
• Assessments of $1170 a month (includes pool and doorman)
• Taxes of  $8033
• No central air- wall units
• No in-unit washer/dryer (can it be added???)
• Parking appears to be rental in the building
• Bedroom #1: 16×13
• Bedroom #2: 13×12
• Bedroom #3: 11×9

This 3-bedroom at 1929 W. Irving Park in North Center has been on the market since October 2011. (It is the vintage building in between the two new construction buildings in the picture above.)

It is bank owned and is currently listed for 34% under its 2004 purchase price.

According to Case-Shiller, Chicago prices have declined 34.8% through November 2011.

This building was constructed in 1903 and was converted into condos in 2004.

This unit looks like a typical vintage layout with a separate dining room and three smaller bedrooms.

From the pictures, it appears the kitchen is intact. It has stainless steel appliances, cherry cabinets and granite counter tops.

Pictures also indicate that the one bathroom is intact as well.

The listing says there are “real” hardwood floors. There is also central air.

There is no mention of a washer/dryer or of parking, but the 2004 sale appears to have included a parking space.

Since October, the unit has been reduced $40,000.

Compared to renting, is this a deal?

Jason Shapiro at Rising Realty has the listing. See the pictures here.

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

• Sold in December 2004 for $301,500
• Bank owned in June 2011
• Originally listed in October 2011 for $239,900
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $199,900
• Assessments of $202 a month
• Taxes of $4018
• Central Air
• No mention of washer/dryer
• No mention of parking
• Bedroom #1: 14×8
• Bedroom #2: 12×8
• Bedroom #3: 11×8
• Dining room: 16×11

We last chattered about this 3-bedroom townhouse at 424 E. North Water in Streeterville in July 2010 (the picture above is of the complex- not necessarily this particular unit since it is a gated community with no public access.)

See our prior chatter here.

Many people don’t realize that there are even townhouses in Streeterville.

This one is located between the Chicago River and the Ogden Slip. Water taxis used to depart nearby on the Ogden Slip (do they still?) or it’s a short walk to the Michigan Avenue location where a commuter could take it to their loop office.

This townhouse is built on a land lease (which the listing says to ask about.) I believe its an extra monthly cost on top of the $420 a month assessment.

Does anyone know?

The townhouse has 3 levels, with the 1-car garage and a bedroom on the first level, the living/dining and kitchen are on the second level and the other two bedrooms are on the top floor.

This property also has a roof-top deck to take in the skyline, and Navy Pier fireworks, and a balcony.

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

Since July 2010, this townhouse has been reduced another $50,000.

Will this finally sell in 2012, nearly 5 years since it first came on the market?

Mario Greco at Rubloff now has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #424-D: 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2200 square feet, 1 car garage

• Hard to figure out the records but it looks like it sold in March 1997 for $305,000
• Originally listed in August 2007 (I couldn’t find a listing price)
• Was listed in February 2008 for $779,000
• Reduced several times
• Was listed in July 2010 for $699,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $649,000
• Assessments of $420 a month
• Taxes of $10764
• Ask about the “land lease”
• Central Air
• 1 car attached heated garage parking
• Rooftop deck: 17×11
• Bedroom #1: 15×12 (third floor)
• Bedroom #2: 12×12 (third floor)
• Bedroom #3: 11×10 (main floor)

This 4-bedroom full floor unit at 1555 N. Astor in the Gold Coast recently came on the market for $5.4 million.

It has 360 degree views of Lincoln Park, the Lake, the city and downtown.

At 6,000 square feet it has updated modern finishes in the kitchen and baths.

The building was constructed in 1976 and has an indoor pool and an outdoor tennis court.

There is no deeded parking but there is unlimited fee parking and free guest parking.

The unit has an in-unit washer/dryer but there is no central air- only wall units.

There were several $5 million+ condo units that sold in 2011.

Will there be several more in 2012?

Pamela Sage at Baird & Warner has the listing. See the listing here.

Unit #41EW: 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, 2 half baths, 6000 square feet

• Sold in December 2004 for $5.325 million
• Currently listed for $5.4 million
• Assessments of $4619 a month (includes doorman, cable, pool, tennis courts)
• Taxes of $18,688
• No central air- wall units
• In-unit washer/dryer
• Unlimited fee parking
• Free guest parking
• Bedroom #1: 21×15
• Bedroom #2: 12×12
• Bedroom #3: 21×12
• Bedroom #4: 12×12
• Family room: 27×17

We last chattered about this 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath duplex “rowhouse condo” at 319 W. Webster in Lincoln Park in November 2011.

See our prior chatter here.

Some of you were torn about the then asking price of $449,000.

While the condo had updated luxury finishes, including a Viking stove and Miele dishwasher in the kitchen, and parking, the bedrooms were on the main level with the living areas on the upper floors.

But the unit had a fantastic location just “steps” to the zoo and Lincoln Park and near the restaurants and amenities on Clark.

It also had the coveted in-unit washer/dryer and central air.

Some of you thought it might sell between $375k and $400k.

It recently sold for $410,000.

Was it all about location, location, location?

Sharon Glickman at Baird & Warner had the listing. You can still see the pictures here.

Unit #1: 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, no square footage listed, duplex up

• Sold in September 1999 for $340,000
• Sold in March 2004 for $399,000
• Listed in October 2011 for $449,000
• Sold in January 2012 for $410,000
• Assessments of $327 a month
• Taxes of $3349
• Central Air
• Washer/Dryer in the unit
• Parking included
• Bedroom #1: 10×16 (main level)
• Bedroom #2: 15×11 (main level)