Crib Chatter

This 1-bedroom loft at 400 S. Green in the West Loop has an unusual feature for most loft buildings- a massive terrace.

The listing says it measures 237 square feet and is a “loggia terrace”.

From wikipedia:

Loggia is the name given to an architectural feature, originally of Italian design. They are often a gallery or corridor at ground level, sometimes higher, on the facade of a building and open to the air on one side, where it is supported by columns or pierced openings in the wall. Notably, Filippo Brunelleschi featured a loggia at the front of the Ospedale degli Innocenti (Hospital of the Innocents) in Florence, Italy.

Today, a loggia can be a small, often ornate, summer house built on the roof of a residence to enjoy cooling winds and admire the view. They are typical of Italian architecture and were especially popular in the 17th century. They are prominent in Rome.

The unit has 16-foot timber ceilings but I don’t see any exposed brick in the pictures (although other units in the building have it.)

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

The bathroom is natural stone.

I can’t tell what the parking situation is but the listing says “owned parking transferrable”- but parking is NOT included with the unit. Some of the other units have rental parking transferrable from next door. And a few have it deeded in the building.

Originally listed in August 2011 for $279,900, it has been reduced $20,000 to $259,900.

Before you scream that this is overpriced, at the end of September a 2/1 in the building with 1200 square feet and transferrable parking, which also had the loggia terrace, sold for $265,000. The second “bedroom” was in the building’s old safe and did not have a window or a closet (which, under Chicago real estate rules technically didn’t make it a bedroom at all.)

What is the current market for the large authentic 1-bedroom lofts?

Armando Chacon at Century 21 S.G.R. Inc. has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #417: 1 bedroom, 1 bath, 1017 square feet

• Sold in December 1990 for $132,000
• Sold in September 1999 for $204,500
• Sold in November 2002 for $245,000
• Originally listed in August 2011 for $279,900
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $259,900
• Assessments of $386 a month (includes cable)
• Taxes of $5480
• Central Air
• Washer/Dryer in the unit
• Owned parking transferrable (?)
• Bedroom: 14×12

There’s an interesting mix as to what is selling, and what is not, right now in Chicago.

We last chattered about this 2-bedroom at 1658 W. Belmont in Lakeview 10 months ago.

See our prior chatter here.

If you recall, the vintage building appears to have been converted into condos in 2006-2007.

It is a rare vintage 2-bedroom unit which also has a second bathroom as most are 2/1s.

The kitchen has the new construction finishes with granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances.

It also has the features that buyers look for including central air, an in-unit washer/dryer and parking.

Back nearly a year ago, most of you thought this unit would sell for around $240,000 to $250,000 given its location on Belmont.

Since November 2010, it has been reduced $20,001 to $289,999.

What will it take to finally sell this property?

Jeremiah Fisher at Prudential Rubloff still has the listing. See the pictures and floorplan here.

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

• Sold in March 2008 for $315,000
• Originally listed in February 2010 for $324,900
• Reduced
• Was listed in November 2010 for $310,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $289,999
• Assessments of $185 a month
• Taxes of $4590
• Central Air
• Washer/Dryer in the unit
• Parking included
• Bedroom #1: 12×11
• Bedroom #2: 10×9

This 3-bedroom duplex up at 1347 N. Mohawk in Old Town has been on the market for 6 months.

In that time period it has been reduced $43,900.

At 2500 square feet, it is equal or bigger than many townhouses in the neighborhood at a similar price range.

It has a 2-story living room with a lofted den.

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

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

It has 3 outdoor spaces, central air and garage parking.

The unit is now listed $55,000 under the 2004 purchase price at $475,000.

Unit #3, a 3/2.5 duplex up on the top floor in the same building, is also currently on the market and listed at $549,000.

Is this a deal for the space and location?

Jeff Kerr at @Properties has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #1: 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, duplex up, 2500 square feet, garage parking

• Sold in October 1999 for $360,000
• Sold in August 2004 for $530,000
• Sold in May 2007 for $595,000
• Originally listed in May 2011 for $518,900
• Reduced
• Currently listed for $475,000
• Assessments of $345 a month
• Taxes of $10,760
• Central Air
• Washer/Dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 15×14 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 12×11 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 11×9 (main floor)

We last chattered about this 5-bedroom single family home at 4117 N. Western in North Center in April 2011.

See our prior chatter here.

Back then, the house was bank owned and was going to auction with an opening bid of $149,000. It was a cash only transaction.

From the pictures in the prior listing, it appeared that the kitchen and bathrooms were intact. You can see the prior pictures here.

Most of you were scathing about the value of this house since it was actually ON Western.

The house sold at auction and closed in June 2011 for $161,700.

It has since been rehabbed and now has a new kitchen with dark maple cabinets, granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances.

Built in 1906 on a standard Chicago lot of 25×125, it now has 2800 square feet, up from 1462 square feet previously.

It also has a finished basement and a new 2-car garage.

The old listing also had 2 bathrooms and the new listing has 3 baths.

Originally listed at $449,000 in early October, it has been reduced to $369,900.

Despite its location on Western Avenue, is this a deal for a single family home in the Coonley school district?

What will this ultimately sell for this time?

Robert Tomich at Capital Real Estate Services has the listing. See the pictures here.

4117 N. Western: 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2800 square feet

• Sold in November 1998 for $138,000
• Lis pendens filed in September 2006
• Sold in February 2007 for $575,000
• Lis pendens foreclosure filed in September 2009
• Bank owned in June 2010
• Originally listed in January 2011 for $342,000
• Reduced in February 2011 to $333,500
• Withdrawn
• Went to auction on April 16 with the starting bid of $149,000
• Cash only
• Sold at auction in June 2011 for $161,700
• Re-listed in October 2011 for $449,000
• Reduced several times
• Currently listed at $369,900
• Taxes at $8233
• Central Air
• Bedroom #1: 15×14 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 13×12 (main floor)
• Bedroom #3: 10×8 (main floor)
• Bedroom #4: 8×9 (main floor)
• Bedroom #5: 14×9 (second floor)
• Family room: 15×14 (basement)

We last chattered about this 3-bedroom penthouse at 6030 N. Sheridan in Edgewater in October 2008.

See our prior chatter here.

Listed for $1.16 million, 3 years later it has now been reduced to just $549,999.

If you recall, the penthouse has a 1,000 square foot private terrace with some lake views.

There is also a cedar lined year round sunroom with a jacuzzi.

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

The unit has in-unit washer/dryer and it appears some of it has central air (although there are window units in some of the bedrooms as well.)

Parking appears to be rental in the building for $165 to $200 a month.

After all these years, is this property FINALLY priced to sell?

Kieran Conlon at Conlon has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #2201: 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 2600 square feet, 1000 sq ft terrace, two car parking

• Sold in April 2003 for $700,000
• Was listed in May 2008 for $1.16 million (2 car parking included)
• Reduced
• Was listed in July 2008 for $999,000 (2 car parking included)
• Was under contract in the summer
• Reduced
• Listed in October 2008 for $899,000
• De-listed
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $549,999
• Assessments of $944 a month (was $755 in 2008) which includes heat, doorman and cable
• Taxes of $3354
• Central air (in only part of the unit?)
• In-unit washer/dryer
• Rental parking for $165 to $200 a month
• Bedroom #1: 20×20
• Bedroom #2: 20×14
• Bedroom #3: 17×13

We’ve chattered about a lot of houses that have been renovated but the rehabbers are out doing the same in condo units like this 2-bedroom at 1660 N. LaSalle in Old Town.

The listing says it has been “renovated by the renowned designer David Yates.”

You can see pictures of what the unit looked like before here.

It now has hardwood floors throughout.

The kitchen has new cherry cabinets, granite counter tops, backsplash and stainless steel appliances along with modern light fixtures.

Both bathrooms have been renovated with granite and stone counter tops.

It has west views (NOT lake views.)

The unit also has central air but there is no in-unit washer/dryer.

There is rental parking in the building.

Bought in December 2010 for $239,000, it was originally listed at $499,000 before being reduced $30,000.

Given that the unit is, essentially, “new”- what price will it ultimately command?

Emelin Brown at Roman Realty has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #3408-10: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1600 square feet

• Sold before 1990
• Lis pendens filed in August 2008
• It appeared to be a foreclosure sale when it sold in December 2010 for $239,000
• Originally listed in August 2011 for $499,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed for $469,000
• Assessments of $843 a month (includes heat, water, pool, doorman, cable)
• Taxes of $3396
• Central Air
• No in-unit washer/dryer
• Parking is rental in the building for $100 to $181 a month
• Bedroom #1: 17×10
• Bedroom #2: 10×10

We last chattered about this 3-bedroom Tudor at 5761 N. Virginia in the Peterson Woods neighborhood of West Ridge in August 2011.

See our prior chatter here.

Many of you liked this house but given that it was priced over $500,000 and was only a 3/1.5, most of you didn’t think they would get that price.

If you recall, the house has some of its original vintage features including arched doorways, woodwork, and leaded windows.

But it last sold in 2007 and in that listing it was described as having “lots of potential.”

Since that purchase, many of the windows have been replaced.

There is also new space pac and a new deck off the back of the house.

The kitchen now has new stainless steel appliances and there are 2 new bathrooms.

Built on a 30×125 lot, the house has a 2-car garage.

Reduced $41,000 and now listed under $500,000, is this house now priced to sell?

Terry Silis at Baird & Warner still has the listing. See more pictures here.

5761 N. Virginia: 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, 2100 square feet, 2 car garage

• Sold before 1988
• Sold in May 2007 for $485,000
• Was listed in August 2011 for $539,900
• Reduced
• Currently listed for $498,000
• Taxes of $6830
• Space Pac cooling
• Wood burning fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 20×14 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 15×11 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 19×10 (second floor)
• Unfinished basement

This 2-bedroom townhouse at 1807 W. Ellen in Wicker Park has been on the market since March 2011.

It is a Fannie Mae Homepath property.

Since it was first listed, it has been reduced $117,430 to $279,500.

Built in 1990, the townhouse has hardwood floors on the main level, along with the living room and kitchen.

The 2 bedrooms are on the second level and have carpeting.

There is also a 12×20 family room in the basement.

It has central air and a 1-car garage.

From the pictures it appears that the kitchen, which has granite counter tops and black appliances, and the bathrooms are intact.

Is this a deal?

Sokrates Paschalis at Redline Realty has the listing. See the pictures here.

1807 W. Ellen: 2 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, no square footage listed, 1-car garage

• Bought before 2001 (no price given)
• Lis pendens foreclosure filed in June 2009
• Bank owned in July 2010
• Originally listed in March 2011 for $396,930
• Reduced
• Currently listed for $279,500
• No assessments listed
• Taxes of $8115
• Central Air
• Bedroom #1: 11×16 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 10×11 (second floor)
• Living room: 12×20 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 8×10 (main floor)
• Family room: 12×20 (basement)

We last chattered about this 3-bedroom triplex loft at 1601 W. School in Lakeview in March 2011.

See our prior chatter here.

Back then, it was listed at $450,000 plus $25,000 for parking.

Still on the market, it has been reduced to $350,000 plus $25,000 for parking.

Back in March, some of you thought the low $400,000s would do it. But one of you guessed $350k to $375k.

If you recall, this building was a former Wieboldt’s department store so the loft has authentic features including exposed brick, big windows and tall ceilings.

The top floor unit has a spiral staircase leading to the second and third levels.

All 3 bedrooms are on separate floors.

The listing says the buyer can entertain his/her friends in this unit, as it has a private rooftop deck with downtown views and an outdoor grill.

There still aren’t any good pictures of the kitchen, but it looks like there are stainless steel appliances.

The loft also has a rare feature of TWO washer/dryers in the unit.

What will it take to finally sell this loft?

Laura Veeneman at Rerthoffer Realty still has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #701: 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 1800 square feet

• Sold in January 1996 for $219,000
• Was listed in March 2011 for $450,000 plus $25,000 for parking
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $350,000 plus $25,000 for parking
• Assessments of $428 a month
• Taxes of $6799
• Central Air
• 2 washer/dryers in the unit
• Private 16×24 rooftop deck
• Bedroom #1: 12×15 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 12×15 (main floor)
• Bedroom #3: 17×12 (third floor)

This top floor 2-bedroom at 3705 N. Paulina in the Southport neighborhood of Lakeview seems to have all of the features that condo buyers look for.

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

The unit also has a large east facing deck that overlooks the treetops.

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

The listing also says its in the coveted Blaine school district.

Listed $23,000 under the 2005 price, is this a good alternative to renting in the neighborhood?

Mitch Gordon at Baird & Warner has the listing. See more pictures here.

Unit #3: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1400s quare feet

• Sold in April 2001 for $359,000
• Sold in September 2005 for $372,500
• Originally listed in September 2011 for $349,500
• Currently still listed for $349,500
• Assessments of $192 a month
• Taxes of $5693
• Central Air
• Washer/Dryer in the unit
• Garage parking included
• Bedroom #1: 13×10
• Bedroom #2: 13×9