Crib Chatter

We last chattered about this short sale 1883 renovated historic rowhouse at 3309 S. Calumet in the Gap neighborhood on the South Side in March 2010.

See our prior chatter and pictures here.

Many of you were in love with it.

4 months later and the house is still on the market. There has been no change in price.

The Gap is a historic landmark district with vintage rowhomes in the Bronzeville neighborhood.

It has all the bells and whistles, including central air and parking, but it also has many of its historic features still intact, including the woodwork.

For those cold winter nights, there are 6 fireplaces.

Michelle Browne at Prudential Rubloff still has the listing. See more pictures and a virtual tour here.

If that link doesn’t work (having trouble getting onto Pru-Rubloff’s site myself)- try this link.

3309 S. Calumet: 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 3486 square feet, 3-4 car parking

• Sold in November 2003 for $330,000
• Originally listed in September 2009
• Listed in January 2010 for $485,000
• Lis pendens filed in January 2010
• Reduced
• Was listed as a “short sale” in March 2010 for $425,000
• Currently still listed as a “short sale” for $425,000
• Taxes of $3542
• Central Air
• Bedroom #1: 20×12 (second level)
• Bedroom #2: 11×10 (second level)
• Bedroom #3: 11×11 (second level)
• Bedroom #4: 11×15 (lower level)
• Second kitchen: 7×15 (lower level)

We have the June 2010 data and sales continue to rebound from 2009’s dismal numbers. The median home price, however, once again fell.

From the Illinois Association of Realtors:

In the city of Chicago, June total home sales (single-family and condominiums) were up 27.5 percent to 2,526 sales compared to 1,981 homes sold in June 2009, the tenth consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains. The city of Chicago median price in June 2010 was $234,250, down 3.2 percent compared to $242,050 a year ago in June 2009.

“We see an increase in the number of units sold in June 2010 over the same period last year, increasing the year-to-date number of homes sold in Chicago by 41% for the first half of 2010 versus 2009,” said REALTOR® Genie Birch, president of the Chicago Association of REALTORS® and a broker associate with Koenig & Strey Real Living, Chicago. “We believe this is a positive indicator that Chicago’s housing market is stabilizing. Motivated buyers and sellers are working toward realistically closing deals at current market values.”

Comparing the last 3 years of June sales:

• June 2010: 2526
• June 2009: 1981
• June 2008: 2282

Remember, mortgage rates are at all time lows.

High unemployment appears to still be affecting purchases.

“Continued strong annual sales growth characterized the months of April, May and June in Illinois in the Chicago region,” said Dr. Geoffrey J.D. Hewings, director of the Regional Economics Applications Laboratory (REAL) of the University of Illinois. “Sales are forecast to remain positive in double digits in both markets through September. Once again price changes remain more stubborn with some slight upward movement in Illinois in July and August followed by little or no change in September; in the Chicago region, the changes continue to trend down in the 1 to 5 percent range.”

Adds Hewings: “The economy is certainly not helping the housing market; the loss of over 200,000 temporary census jobs overwhelmed the private sector gains of 83,000. The unemployment rate fell nationally to 9.5 percent (from 9.7 percent in May). Illinois’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate followed the national decline, dropping -0.4 point to 10.4 percent in June.”

Illinois Home Sales Up 10 Months in a Row, Chicago Region a Full Year
Statewide Home Prices Stabilizing [Illinois Association of Realtors, Press Release, July 22, 2010]

This 7-bedroom jumbo brick bungalow at 2902 N. Newcastle in Montclare recently came on the market for about 50% less than the 2006 purchase price.

It is a bank owned home.

Yes- it really has 7 bedrooms:

3 on the main level, 2 on the second level and 2 in the basement (which the listing agent doesn’t technically “count”- as it’s listed as a 5-bedroom home.)

The listing says it has been updated from top to bottom.

Built in 1925, there are hardwood floors throughout the main level, original woodwork and a fireplace.

The kitchen has white cabinets and granite counter tops but I can’t tell if there are any appliances.

There is central air and a 2-car garage on a standard 25×125 lot.

Is this a deal?

Anton Mitev at New Century Real Estate Investment has the listing. See the pictures here.

2902 N. Newcastle: 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 2 car garage

• Sold in September 2003 for $327,000
• Sold in July 2006 for $432,000
• Lis pendens foreclosure filed on January 2009
• Bank owned in April 2010
• Currently listed for $219,000
• Taxes of $5413
• Central Air
• Bedroom #1: 16×15 (main level)
• Bedroom #2: 12×10 (main level)
• Bedroom #3: 11×10 (main level)
• Bedroom #4: 16×15 (second floor)
• Bedroom #5: 10×10 (second floor)
• Bedroom #6: 12×10 (basement)
• Bedroom #7: 10×10 (basement)

This 4-bedroom vintage brick cottage at 2235 W. Homer in Bucktown is in a “hot” location as buyers are suddenly discovering this area.

Built in 1878, it has been renovated so that it has all the modern amenities including central air.

But not all of the vintage features are gone. The cottage still sports the original stained glass in the living room, crown molding and mahogany inlay.

The house is on a smaller than normal Chicago lot at 24×100 but still has a deck and a 2-car garage.

It also has a walk-out basement that contains the 4th bedroom and the 4th full bath.

The kitchen has stainless steel appliances and granite counter tops.

Robert John Anderson at Baird & Warner has the listing. See more pictures here.

2235 W. Homer: 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, 2 car garage

• Sold in June 2001 for $250,000
• Sold in May 2005 for $648,500
• Sold in July 2008 for $831,500
• Currently listed for $850,000
• Taxes of $7930
• Central Air
• Bedroom #1: 19×16 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 15×14 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 12×7 (second floor)
• Bedroom #4: 16×11 (lower level)

This 3-bedroom top floor condo unit at 3805 N. Wayne in the Southport Corridor of Lakeview has been on the market since April 2010.

It has been reduced $85,900 in that time period and is now listed just $5000 over the 2001 purchase price.

The listing calls it a “dramatic price drop.”

The building was constructed in 2001. It has an open living room/kitchen concept.

The kitchen has granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances.

Is this a steal for a 3-bedroom in this location?

Jody Bartley at Baird & Warner has the listing. See the pictures here.

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

• Sold in April 2001 for $429,000
• Sold in May 2006 for $540,000
• Originally listed in April 2010 for $519,900
• Reduced
• Currently listed for $434,000
• Assessments of $179 a month
• Taxes of $9,395
• Central Air
• Washer/Dryer in the unit
• Parking included
• Bedroom #1: 14×13
• Bedroom #2: 15×11
• Bedroom #3: 10×12
• Living room: 20×14
• Kitchen: 18×13

We last chattered about this 3-bedroom vintage rowhouse at 822 W. Windsor in Uptown in January 2010.

See our prior chatter and pictures here.

Since then, the property went under contract before falling out and coming back on the market at a reduced price of $399,000.

It has since recently been reduced another $20,000.

The rowhouse has some of its vintage features still intact including a fabulous oak staircase.

All 3-bedrooms are on the second level.

The listing says there is a newer kitchen, baths and windows.

The rowhouse does not have air conditioning or parking, which the listing says is available across the street for $75 a month.

Is this now a deal at this price?

Joe Siciliano at Coldwell Banker still has the listing. See more pictures here.

 (For some reason Coldwell Banker’s website isn’t working correctly and isn’t giving me the listings so I’m linking to redfin instead. Sorry CDW!)

822 W. Windsor: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, no square footage listed

• Sold in November 1993 for $95,000
• Sold in December 1995 for $110,500
• Sold in February 1997 for $136,000
• Originally listed in September 2009
• Re-listed in January 2010 for $429,000
• Under Contract
• Back on the market in June 2010 for $399,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed for $379,000
• Taxes of $5497
• No central air
• No parking
• Bedroom #1: 17×16
• Bedroom #2: 12×11
• Bedroom #3: 11×10

This 2-bedroom condo at 1309 N. Greenview in West Town just came on the market.

Located just 3 blocks from the Division Street blue line stop, and a short stroll to the shops and restaurants there, this building was constructed in 2003.

This top floor unit has a private 40×20 rooftop deck with views of the city skyline which is accessible from an interior private staircase in the unit.

The kitchen has granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances.

There are also 12 foot ceilings which are unusual in a unit of this size.

With one heated garage parking space included, is this a deal at under $400,000?

Eric Rojas at Prudential Rubloff has the listing. See more pictures here.

Unit #3: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1400 square feet

• Sold in April 2003 for $342,000
• Currently listed for $374,900 (parking included)
• Assessments of $148 a month
• Taxes of $4668
• Central Air
• Washer/Dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 15×12
• Bedroom #2: 12×10
• Deck: 40×20

This 5-bedroom new construction single family home at 2643 N. Magnolia in Lincoln Park has been on and off the market since January of 2009.

Built on an oversized Chicago lot of 35×125, it has 3 bedrooms on the second floor and 2 in the lower level.

It also sports a 4-car garage, a rarity among single family homes in the city.

The contemporary home has an open concept on the main floor with what looks to be a custom kitchen.

The house has been reduced by $550,000 in 2010.

Gayle Tepper at Prudential Rubloff has the listing. See the pictures here.

2643 N. Magnolia: 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, 6000 square feet, 4 car garage

• Sold in July 2005 for $890,000 (old house)
• Originally listed in January 2009
• De-listed in November 2009
• Re-listed in February 2010 for $3.75 million
• Reduced
• Currently listed for $3.2 million
• Taxes are “new”
• 4 fireplaces
• Bedroom #1: 16×15 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 26×11 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 12×11 (second floor)
• Bedroom #4: 12×11 (lower level)
• Bedroom #5: 12×9 (lower level)

This 4-bedroom renovated rowhouse at 2150 W. Bowler in the Tri-Taylor/UIC neighborhood has all the bells and whistles homebuyers look for.

Built in 1889, it recently was updated with a new limestone staircase.

The lower level has been finished with a family room, a bath and the fourth bedroom. The other three bedrooms are on the second floor.

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

And if you’re looking for a low maintenance backyard, this property could be for you as it has bluestone pavers and a 2-car garage.

It’s built on a 21×125 lot.

Is this rowhouse a good townhouse alternative at this price?

Jennifer Ames at Coldwell Banker has the listing. See the pictures and the floorplan here.

2150 W. Bowler: 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 2 car garage, no square footage listed

• Sold in September 2002 for $240,000
• Sold in December 2004 for $535,000
• Originally listed in April 2010 for $599,000
• Currently still listed for $599,000
• Taxes of $5520
• Central Air
• Bedroom #1: 10×17
• Bedroom #2: 10×15
• Bedroom #3: 10×9
• Bedroom #4: 16×16 (lower level)
• Family room: 20×25

This 2-bedroom duplex loft at 1737 N. Paulina in Bucktown has a lot of the features loft lovers drool over.

Converted in 1992, that would put it among the earliest of the loft conversions in the city which meant that many of the authentic loft features were preserved.

In this case, the duplex loft has exposed brick and timber ceilings. The spiral staircase leads to a den and rooftop deck.

The listing says it was featured in several design magazines.

There is no cookie cutter cherry cabinets in this kitchen as the listing indicates they are custom handcrafted cabinets with carrera marble counter tops.

There is also a see-through wood burning fireplace in both the living room and, on the other side, the master bedroom.

The loft was just reduced another $10,000.

[Photographs by Robert Harshman.]

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

Unit #306: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, no square footage listed, duplex

• Sold in July 1992 for $212,500
• Sold in April 1998 for $260,000
• Originally listed in April 2010 for $499,900
• Reduced
• Currently listed for $469,900
• Assessments of $369 a month
• Taxes of $4543
• Central Air
• Washer/Dryer in the unit
• Parking included
• Rooftop deck
• Bedroom #1: 21×13
• Bedroom #2: 12×11
• Den: 12×11 (second floor)