Crib Chatter

We last chattered about this renovated vintage 3-bedroom rowhouse at 544 W. Fullerton Parkway in Lincoln Park in April 2011.

See our prior chatter here.

At that time, the rowhouse had been reduced $251,000 from its original asking price to $999,000.

No one guessed the ultimate selling price of the house, but the chatter evolved into what it meant to be truly “wealthy.”

The rowhouse recently sold for $965,000, or $66,000 above the November 2005 purchase price.

If you recall, the rowhouse was built in 1900 on a 20×101 lot and maintained many of its vintage features even though it was also renovated.

The listing said it had a new kitchen with white cabinets and Subzero, Bosch and Viking appliances.

There were 3 new marble baths.

The rowhouse had 12 foot ceilings, crown molding, 2 original stone fireplaces and the original mahogany front door and staircase.

All 3 bedrooms were on the upper floor.

It also had a front garden and a private rear patio.

The listing said there was “onsite parking”.

Cynthia Wilson at Koenig & Strey Real Living had the listing. You can still see the interior pictures here.

554 W. Fullerton: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 3000 square feet

• Sold in April 1992 for $350,000
• Sold in November 2005 for $899,000
• Originally listed in February 2011 for $1.25 million
• Reduced
• Was listed in April 2011 for $999,000
• Sold in June 2011 for $965,000
• Taxes of $11,991
• Central Air
• Parking is “onsite”
• Bedroom #1: 14×12 (third floor)
• Bedroom #2: 14×12 (third floor)
• Bedroom #3: 8×7 (third floor)

This 2-bedroom top floor duplex up in the courtyard building at 1440 W. Roscoe in the Southport neighborhood of Lakeview has been on and off the market since 2007.

The building was converted into condos in 2005.

It has all the finishes of that era including cherry cabinets, granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances in the kitchen.

The bathrooms are marble.

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

Given that the El runs directly behind the building, the listing points out that the unit is “soundproofed.”

Now listed about 35% under the 2005 purchase price, it is a short sale that has been bank approved.

A buyer “can close quick” – but the listing points out that a buyer will need 20% down – which at the current list price would be $42,000.

With that much money needed upfront, how low will this go?

Vivienne Frow at @Properties has the listing. See the pictures here.

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

• Sold in March 2005 for $327,000
• Listed as a short sale in November 2010 for $257,000
• Lis pendens foreclosure filed in December 2010
• Reduced numerous times
• Currently listed as a “short sale” for $210,000
• 20% down required
• Assessments of $265 a month
• Taxes of $4952
• Central Air
• Washer/Dryer in the unit
• No parking
• Bedroom #1: 12×12 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 13×10 (second floor)

This 2-bedroom at 55 E. Erie, the popular luxury high rise in the Cathedral District of River North, has been on and off the market for 3 1/2 years.

We even chattered about it way, way back in November 2007.

See our November 2007 chatter here (but since this blog was very new at that time- there were, gasp, no comments to the post.)

We also chattered about it in February 2008 and some people actually commented. See the interior pictures here (it’s the second set of pics in the post).

In November 2007, the unit was priced at $779,000, including the parking, after it had been purchased in 2006 for $710,000.

Flash forward to 2011 and the unit is again available and was recently reduced another $17,500.

It is now listed, with parking, for $42,500 under the 2006 purchase price at $667,500.

This North facing unit actually has an entry foyer, which you rarely see in newer construction condo buildings.

It also has 9’6″ ceilings and hardwood floors throughout the living area.

The kitchen has finishes you would expect from new construction in that era, including granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances.

The bathrooms are marble.

55 E. Erie is a full service building with an indoor pool, doorman, sauna and exercise facility.

Nearly 4 years later, will this unit finally find a buyer?

Margaret Baczkowski at @Properties has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #2202: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1407 square feet

• Sold in November 2003 for $581,900
• Sold in January 2006 for $710,000 (included the parking)
• Was listed in November 2007 for $729,000 (plus $50,000 for the parking)
• On and off the market
• Was listed in March 2011 for $642,500 (parking was extra)
• Reduced
• Currently listed for $625,000 (plus $42,500 for parking)
• Assessments of $668 a month (includes a/c, gas, doorman)
• Taxes of $9770
• Central Air
• Washer/Dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 13×12
• Bedroom #2: 15×12

This newer construction 3-bedroom duplex down at 3156 N. Cambridge in East Lakeview has been on the market since October 2010.

At 3000 square feet, it has more square footage than most single family homes in the area in the same price range.

Built in 2007, it has luxury features such as custom millwork and natural stone baths.

The kitchen has custom Italian cabinetry, Viking and Bosch stainless steel appliances and granite counter tops.

All three bedrooms are on the main floor.

The unit has 2 fireplaces including one in the large 28×15 lower level family room which has enough space to carve out a fourth bedroom if need be.

It also has a heated attached garage, central air and washer/dryer in the unit.

Since October 2010, the price has been reduced $75,000.

The unit is now listed $60,000 under the 2007 purchase price.

Is this a deal for the space and location?

Leigh Marcus at @Properties has the listing. See more pictures here.

Unit #1: 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 3000 square feet, duplex down

• Sold in July 2008 for $759,000
• Originally listed in October 2010 for $774,000
• Reduced several times
• Was listed in May 2011 for $719,900
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $699,000
• Assessments of $145 a month
• Taxes of $10,022
• Central Air
• Washer/Dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 14×14 (main floor)
• Bedroom #2: 12×11 (main floor)
• Bedroom #3: 12×11 (main floor)
• Family room: 38×15 (lower level)

We last chattered about this 4-bedroom Victorian single family home at 2522 N. Rockwell in Logan Square in April 2011.

See our prior chatter here.

It became a heated discussion as to prices people would be willing to pay for a single family home in Logan Square versus a “nicer” neighborhood in the city.

Some of you thought this house was overpriced by $100,000 given its location. Others thought it would sell quickly near the ask as there simply aren’t enough single family homes in closer in neighborhoods listed under $500,000.

The house was listed at $489,000 in April and sold for $465,000, or $55,500 under the 2005 purchase price. (Thanks to the person who posted that it had sold!)

As you recall, it was built in 1889 on a standard lot and was located just a half a block south of Logan Boulevard.

3 of the 4 bedrooms were on the second floor with the 4th one on the main level.

The house also had a finished basement with 9 foot ceilings and new carpeting.

The house was somewhat unusual in this price point in that it had 3 full baths (instead of just 2) with one on each floor.

The kitchen had vaulted ceilings with white cabinets and appliances and Silestone counter tops.

There were new windows on the upper floor and the original pine floors had been restored.

There was also a new brick patio and plantation shutters throughout.

The house had central air and a 2-car garage.

Catherine Brennan at @Properties had the listing. You can still see the interior pictures here.

2522 N. Rockwell: 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2 car parking, no square footage listed

• Sold in July 2001 for $412,000 (according to Redfin- but public records don’t give an amount)
• Sold in June 2005 for $520,500
• Originally listed in March 2011 for $489,000
• Was listed in April 2011 at $489,000
• Sold in June 2011 for $465,000
• Taxes of $4407
• Central Air
• Bedroom #1: 14×12 (second level)
• Bedroom #2: 14×12 (second level)
• Bedroom #3: 11×9 (second level)
• Bedroom #4: 12×9 (main level)
• Family room: 18×13 (lower level)

This 2-bedroom penthouse at 1300 N. Astor in the Gold Coast has been on the market since April 2011.

The half-floor unit has east, south and west views, including views of the John Hancock and the downtown skyline.

The listing says the unit has been “completely gutted”.

If you like the custom furniture, you can apparently also purchase it.

Even though the listing doesn’t say, it appears that the kitchen and baths are done in marble.

I can’t tell what the floors are- but it doesn’t look like carpeting in the main living/dining area. Any guesses?

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

Since it was listed in April 2011, it has been reduced $35,000.

It is currently listed $125,000 under the 2007 purchase price.

Is this a deal given the renovation and the views?

Janet Owen at Prudential Rubloff has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #28A: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, no square footage listed

• Sold in September 1999 for $370,000
• Sold in January 2003 for $435,000
• Sold in April 2007 for $1 million
• Originally listed in April 2011 for $910,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed for $875,000 (parking included)
• Assessments of $1637 a month (includes heat, a/c, doorman)
• Taxes of $7672
• Central Air
• Washer/Dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 18×12
• Bedroom #2: 16×10
• Living room: 14×14
• Dining room: 15×13
• Kitchen: 11×10

This 4-bedroom single family home at 4230 N. Marine Drive in Uptown has been on the market for 2 years.

In that time, it has been reduced $1.295 million.

Built in 1930, the Georgian 2-story house is on an oversized corner lot that measures 75×109.

The house is one of the rare properties that faces Lake Shore Drive and the lake.

Three out of the four bedrooms are on the second floor with the fourth on the main.

It has a finished basement and central air along with a 3-car garage.

The kitchen has white cabinets with granite counter tops.

What will it take to finally sell this house?

Chaz Walters at Coldwell Banker has the listing. See the pictures here.

4230 N. Marine Drive: 4 bedrooms, 5.5 baths, 6100 square feet, 3 car garage

• Sold in March 1993 for $475,000
• Sold in December 1998 for $1.15 million
• Originally listed in July 2009 for $3.99 million
• Reduced numerous times
• Currently listed for $2.695 million
• Taxes of $11077
• Central Air
• Bedroom #1: 16×17 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 16×19 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 17×17 (second floor)
• Bedroom #4: 10×14 (main floor)

This 3-bedroom single family home at 1926 W. Potomac in Wicker Park came on the market a year ago- in July 2010.

It has been reduced $20,000 in that time.

It is now listed $100,100 under the 2006 purchase price.

Built in 1990, the house has 2564 square feet on a 24×132 lot.

All 3 bedrooms are on the second floor with a den and a 300 square foot rooftop deck on the third floor.

It doesn’t appear to have a basement but instead has a family room on the main level.

There are skylights and a 2-story atrium.

The kitchen has stainless steel appliances and granite counter tops.

The house has central air and a 2-car garage.

Is this a deal for the location and square footage?

Eric Newman at @Properties has the listing. See the pictures here.

1926 W. Potomac: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2 car garage, 2564 square feet

• Sold in August 2004 for $685,000
• Sold in April 2006 for $900,000
• Originally listed in July 2010 for $819,900
• Reduced
• Currently listed for $799,900
• Taxes of $12,108
• Central Air
• Roof top deck: 300 square feet
• Bedroom #1: 18×13 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 13×13 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 13×13 (second floor)
• Den: 17×15 (third floor)
• Family room: 15×14 (main floor)

We last chattered about this 5-bedroom historic McCormick Rowhouse at 925 W. Fullerton in Lincoln Park in May 2011.

See our prior chatter here.

At that time, it was listed $183,500 under the 2006 purchase price at $899,000.

None of you guessed the ultimately selling price but many of you thought it was a nice property. Some of you didn’t like the location near the Red Line el stop and right on Fullerton.

The house recently closed for $893,000.

Built in 1890, the brick rowhouse was on a 23×120 lot.

The listing said the rowhouse had been “restored”.

The kitchen was eat-in with white cabinets and Viking, Bosch and SubZero appliances.

The master bedroom was on the second floor with 3 other bedrooms on the third level. The fifth bedroom was on the lower level along with a family room and bathroom.

It had central air and 2-car parking.

Did this sell fast because it was priced right?

Ian Schwartz at Coldwell Banker has the listing. You can still see the pictures here.

925 W. Fullerton: 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, no square footage listed, 2 car parking

• Sold in February 1996 for $389,000
• Sold in October 2001 for $850,000
• Sold in June 2006 for $1,082,500
• Originally listed in June 2008 for $1,099,000
• Reduced and was listed in March 2009 for $996,000
• Withdrawn
• Was listed in May 2011 for $899,000
• Sold in June 2011 for $893,000
• Taxes of $14493
• Assessments of $63 a month
• Central Air
• Bedroom #1: 21×12 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 21×14 (third floor)
• Bedroom #3: 16×12 (third floor)
• Bedroom #4: 17×11 (third floor)
• Bedroom #5: 11×8 (lower level)

This 2-bedroom in The Grand Ohio at 211 East Ohio in Streeterville has been on the market since April 2010.

It was recently reduced $11,000 to $269,000.

That is $62,500 under the 2007 purchase price.

The unit has cherry tinted floors in the living/dining areas.

The kitchen has cherry cabinets and stainless steel appliances.

There is central air but no washer/dryer in the unit.

There also is no parking with the unit-but there is rental or you can purchase in the building.

211 E. Ohio is a full-service building with an indoor pool, basketball courts, racquetball courts, tennis courts, a sauna and is known for its big exercise facility.

Is this a deal for a 2-bedroom Streeterville apartment?

Ann Caron at @Properties has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #803: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1100 square feet

• Sold in March 2001 for $309,500
• Sold in November 2005 for $306,500
• Sold in December 2007 for $331,500
• Originally listed in April 2010
• Was listed in April 2011 for $280,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed for $269,000
• Assessments of $610 a month (includes doorman, cable, indoor pool, basketball, tennis and raquetball courts)
• Taxes of $3815
• Central Air
• No in-unit washer/dryer
• No parking- but rental or purchase available in the building
• Bedroom #1: 11×16
• Bedroom #2: 11×13