Crib Chatter

This multi-unit vintage property at 1708 N. Sedgwick in Old Town came on the market in August 2022.

The main house was built in 1888 and the listing says it’s a Victorian. It’s on a bigger than average Chicago lot measuring 25×144.

The coach house is above the 2-car garage and fronts on cute Fern Court. The coach house has a private entrance on Fern (see the street below).

The listing says the main house has been “completely redesigned.”

It has some vintage features including the original staircase, crown moldings and hardwood floors.

The house has arched windows and a painted brick fireplace in the living room as well as a separate dining room.

The chef’s kitchen is “custom designed” with black and white cabinets, a white subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops and an island that seats 3.

There’s a family room on the second floor as well as the primary suite which has a walk-in-closet and a luxury bath with double vanity, separate tub and shower.

The third floor has two more bedrooms, a hall bath and the laundry center.

The house has central air, skylights and a 2-car garage as well as a private landscaped backyard and patio.

The coach house has 2 units above the garage.

• Unit 2 is an open studio space, with a bath, a back porch, washer/dryer and central air. The listing says that estimated rent is $1500 a month.
• Unit 3 is 3 bedrooms duplex up with 1.5 baths. It has an open kitchen with stone countertops, stainless steel appliances, hardwood floors, washer/dryer and central air. The listing says that estimated rent is $4000 a month.

This multi-unit property is near the shops and restaurants of Old Town and not far from Lincoln Park and the Zoo.

Originally listed at $2.399 million in August 2022, it went under contract in August, but has come back on the market.

Is this a great set-up if you want to be a landlord?

Jeffrey Lowe and Harry Pfaff at Compass have the listing. See the pictures here.

1708 N. Sedgwick: 6 bedrooms, 5 baths, main house and coach house

• Sold in November 2007 for $1.15 million
• Sold in June 2015 for $1.7 million
• Originally listed in August 2022 for $2.399 million
• Under contract
• Re-listed at $2.399 million
• Taxes of $35,097
• Central Air
• 2-car garage
• Fireplace
• Unit #1: Main house: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths
• Unit #2: Studio with estimated rent of $1500 a month
• Unit #3: 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths with estimated rent of $4000 a month

This 3-bedroom at 540 W. Oakdale in East Lakeview came on the market in June 2022.

Built in 2000, 540 W. Oakdale has 10 units and an attached garage.

It has an elevator and a shared rooftop deck.

This unit has south, west and north exposures with 9 1/2 ceilings.

The listing says it “feels like new” and has “many recent improvements.”

The living and dining rooms, kitchen and hallway have all recently been painted.

There’s a gas fireplace in the living room.

It has a “sparkling” new kitchen with custom StyleLite Wired Mercury cabinetry, pull-out pantry, an island, Quartz countertops which are Silestone Ocean Jasper, appliances by Bertazonni, Fisher Paykel, Bosch, Graff fixtures and a Bianco Dolomite porcelain floor.

The primary suite has two walk-in-closets and a bath with double bowl marble vanity, separate shower and large jetted tube along with a new sliding glass door to a north facing balcon

The unit has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and garage parking is included. The listing says the garage is “fully enclosed.”

This building is in the Nettlehorst school district. The listing says the building allows support dogs.

This building is close to the shops and restaurants on Broadway, Clark and Diversey as well as the Trader Joe’s and the Mariano’s.

Originally listed in June 2022 for $739,000, it still remains priced at $739,000.

Does this unit have it all?

Mary Beth Smith at @properties Christie’s has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #3W: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1800 square feet

• Sold in May 2000 for $475,000
• Sold in June 2006 for $585,000
• Originally listed in June 2022 for $739,000
• Currently still listed at $739,000
• Assessments of $422 a month (includes exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $9391
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Garage parking included
• Elevator building
• Gas fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 16×13
• Bedroom #2: 12×11
• Bedroom #3: 12×11
• Living/dining room: 20×20
• Kitchen: 13×12
• Balcony: 10×4

This 2-bedroom townhouse at 1846 N. Sedgwick in the Old Town neighborhood of Lincoln Park came on the market in September 2022.

Built in 1982, this complex has 5 units and attached parking (but it seems like it might have 10 units???)

This townhouse has the typical townhouse layout. You enter on the main floor into a marble foyer which opens to the family room. The listing says it can also be a third bedroom.

The main level also has a full bath with marble flooring and a laundry room with a new full-size washer dryer.

The family room looks out on a private garden that the listing says has been “professionally landscaped” with perennials and tall Arborvitae trees, ground pavers and an automated irrigation system.

The second floor is the living and dining rooms along with the “chef’s kitchen” and a half bath.

The kitchen has white cabinets, tumbled marble floors, honed marble countertops, a decorative backsplash, stainless steel appliances including a Bosch dishwasher.

There’s also a polished bar with wine cooler and beveled granite countertops.

The second floor also has a wood burning fireplace and glass doors overlooking a “unique catwalk” to a newly built private and expansive rooftop deck with built-ins.

The third floor has both bedrooms which have plantation shutters.

The primary suite has a walk-in-closet and the second bedroom has a skylight.

The full bath has a double vanity and beveled marble countertops.

The townhouse has central air and a 1-car garage with a private entrance.

This complex is located near the shops and restaurants on Wells in Old Town as well as being close to Lincoln Park, the Zoo and the Green City farmer’s market.

This is a rare opportunity to buy this home as the last time it changed hands was 28 years ago, in 1994.

Listed at $750,000, is this a single family home alternative in this popular neighborhood?

Shannon Raglin at Coldwell Banker has the listing. See the pictures here (sorry, no floor plan).

Unit #D: 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, no square footage listed, townhouse

• Sold in April 1991 for $277,000
• Sold in June 1994 for $288,000
• Currently listed at $750,000
• Assessments of $270 a month (includes exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $8758
• Central Air
• 1-car garage
• Wood burning fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 17×11 (third floor)
• Bedroom #2: 11×10 (third floor)
• Dining room: 16×10 (second floor)
• Living room: 16×12 (second floor)
• Kitchen: 11×8 (second floor)
• Family room: 21×20 (main floor)
• Laundry room: 6×3 (main floor)
• Walk-in-closet: 7×7 (third floor)
• Deck: 27×14 (second floor)
• Terrace: 25×18 (first floor)

This 2-bedroom penthouse at 2020 N. Lincoln Park West in Lincoln Park came on the market in March 2022.

Built in 1974, 2020 N. Lincoln Park West has 433 units and attached garage rental parking.

It’s a full amenity building with “24 hour Door Staff, on site management and engineer, an outdoor pool, sundeck, spa, sauna, tennis courts, and a newly remodeled gym and yoga room.”

This is a southwest corner unit with sunsets and iconic skyline views from every window.

The listing says this unit was 2 condos combined to create a one-of-a-kind 1750 square foot “home in the sky.”

It has floor-to-ceiling windows, custom lighting, 7’7″ interior doors and new hardwood floors throughout.

The unit has a “renovated chef’s kitchen” with white cabinets, a waterfall quartz island, new Kitchen Aid stainless steel appliances, a herringbone backsplash and a dry bar with wine cooler.

The listing says the primary bedroom would fit a California king. It has an en suite bath with dual sinks and 2 vanities, a natural stone steam shower with a bench and heated floors and a walk-in-closet.

The second bath has a bonus spa/jacuzzi tub.

The unit has the features that buyers look for including central air, the listing says there is a washer/dryer hook-up, and there is rental parking available.

If you love views, this unit has 2 balconies, one facing west with sunsets and one facing south, which is the skyline view.

This building is on Lincoln Park and in the heart of East Lincoln Park but also near Old Town and the Gold Coast.

The listing says: “Location absolutely cannot be beat, the beach, park, zoo, museums, restaurants, shopping, farmers market, bike and running trails, buses to downtown, Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder, Gemini, Vanilla Patisserie, Riccardo Enoteca and much more are right outside your door.”

Listed in March 2022 at $749,000, it has been reduced $500 to $748,500.

It is listed $11,500 under the 2014 sales price of $760,000.

Is this penthouse a deal?

Sarah Ziehr at Redfin has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit 38ML: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1750 square feet, penthouse

• Sold in December 2014 for $760,000
• Originally listed in March 2022 for $749,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $748,500
• Central Air
• Listing says there is a washer/dryer hook-up in the unit but there is also a laundry room in the building
• Rental garage parking available
• Bedroom #1: 19×13
• Bedroom #2: 13×11
• Living room: 20×11
• Kitchen: 16×12
• Dining room: 23×13
• Foyer: 4×6
• Bonus room: 8×6
• Walk-in-closet: 11×7
• 2 balconies: 13×4

This 2-bedroom on the 40th floor of Chicago Place at 100 E. Huron in River North came on the market in May 2022.

Built in 1991, Chicago Place was one of the first luxury downtown buildings of the 1990s. It has 204 units and was built on top of what used to be a shopping mall with a food court, but is now commercial space.

It has an attached rental parking garage.

The listing describes the building as a “Full amenity building with 24-hour door staff, indoor lap pool, fitness center, sauna, sundeck, hospitality room, business center, dry cleaner, and private meeting rooms.”

This unit is on one of the few “terrace” floors on the 40th floor.

It has north and west views which includes the lake and skyline.

The listing says it has been “completely renovated” and that the home feels “brand new” with no detail spared.

It has hardwood floors throughout except in the primary bedroom which is carpeted.

The kitchen has modern cabinets, a breakfast bar with seating for 3, a built-in coffee machine and a beverage refrigerator.

There are custom built-ins.

The second bedroom has bay windows and the listing says it “doubles as a den” with a “barnyard door.”

The primary suite has a sitting area, a large walk-in-closet, a spa-like bath with waterfall marble.

The other two baths have “designer finishes.”

This unit has a large terrace that overlooks the city. It has planters and lighting and the pictures show a grill.

It has the features buyers look for including central air and washer/dryer in the unit. Parking is rental in the building.

Chicago Place is next to Michigan Avenue, is steps to the new Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s and the Eataly, as well as the shops and restaurants of River North and Streeterville. Multiple types of public transportation are nearby.

Listed in May 2022 at $1,125,000, it has been reduced $77,000 to $1,048,000.

If you love views, is this the ideal downtown apartment?

Matt Laricy at Americorp has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #4001: 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, no square footage listed

• Sold in March 1996 for $550,000
• Sold in August 1999 for $600,000
• Sold in October 1999 for $252,000 (Typo in the CCRD??? Maybe $752,000?)
• Sold in March 2000 for $800,000
• Sold in February 2004 for $767,500
• Sold in March 2011 for $700,000
• Sold in July 2016 for $1.2 million
• Sold in July 2019 for $1.05 million
• Originally listed in May 2022 for $1.125 million
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $1.048 million
• Assessments of $1492 a month (includes heat, a/c, doorman, cable, exercise room, pool, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal, Internet)
• Taxes of $14,483
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Parking available for rent in attached garage
• Bedroom #1: 18×16
• Bedroom #2: 16×19
• Living/dining room: 25×17
• Kitchen: 15×7
• Terrace: 24×15

This 2-bedroom in the Tower Lofts at 1601 W. School in Lakeview came on the market in August 2022.

Built in 1910, Tower Lofts is a former Weiboldt’s department store. It has 80 lofts and attached garage parking but no doorman.

This is a corner loft which has 14 foot concrete ceilings, exposed brick and oversized industrial windows with west and south views.

There are hardwood floors throughout.

The living room has an electric fireplace with the original mantel.

The “recently renovated” modern kitchen has “sleek” gray cabinets, matching quartz countertops and backsplash, a large breakfast island, stainless steel appliances except for the custom paneled subzero refrigerator.

The guest bathroom has been “modernized” with heated floors and Hansgrohe shower fixtures.

Both bedrooms have full walls, and it looks like they both have windows as well, which is rare for a 2/2 loft.

It has features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and an extra wide garage parking space is included with room for 2 cars.

The loft also has extra storage on the same floor.

It has a south facing balcony that overlooks West Lakeview and has views of downtown.

This building is near Target, the big Lakeview Whole Foods, the shops and restaurants on Belmont and Lincoln and is near multiple bus lines and the Paulina Brown Line stop.

Listed at $539,900, is this a “view” building in Lakeview?

Koray Yesilli at Chase Real Estate has the listing. See the pictures here (sorry, no floor plan).

Unit #608: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, loft, 1350 square feet

• Sold in April 1996 for $178,050
• Sold in March 1999 for $330,000
• Sold in January 2004 for $400,000
• Sold in October 2004 for $470,000
• Sold in September 2013 for $411,000
• Sold in August 2016 for $465,000
• Sold in February 2019 for $485,000
• Currently listed at $539,900
• Assessments of $560 a month (includes security, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $9413
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Extra wide garage parking space with room for 2 cars is included
• Electric fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 15×11
• Bedroom #2: 13×11
• Living room: 25×20
• Dining room: 14×10
• Kitchen: 15×10
• Laundry room: 2×10

This corner 1-bedroom on the 19th floor in 1 E. Scott in the Gold Coast came on the market in August 2022.

1 E. Scott was built in 1969 and has 240 units and attached leased garage parking.

It has 24-hour door staff, storage lockers, a laundry room and a rooftop outdoor pool with city views.

The listing says this unit was “fully renovated in 2020” and is “turn-key.”

It has vinyl flooring throughout.

The kitchen has modern white and wood cabinets with a peninsula that seats 2, white counter tops, a subway tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances.

It has a custom walk-in-closet.

The unit has central air, but there’s no washer/dryer in the unit. There’s rental parking in the building.

It has floor-to-ceiling windows with views south of the Gold Coast skyline including the John Hancock.

This building is on a tree-lined street in the heart of the Gold Coast but also just minutes from shops and restaurants on Rush/State/Division.

Listed at $300,000, is this the perfect 1-bedroom for lovers of city views?

Erin Deane at Baird & Warner has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #1904: 1 bedroom, 1 bath, no square footage listed

• I can’t find a sales price going back to 1985
• Currently listed at $300,000
• Assessments of $806 a month (includes doorman, cable, pool, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $4119
• Central Air
• No washer/dryer in the unit- but laundry room in the building
• Attached rental garage parking
• Bedroom: 15×10
• Living/dining: 22×17
• Kitchen: 11×9
• Foyer: 13×4
• Walk-in-closet: 7×7

This 2-bedroom townhouse at 1443 W. Wrightwood in Lincoln Park came on the market in August 2022.

Built in 1987, the listing says there are 29 units but that can’t be right, can it? There are front, street facing units and units in the back with doors in the central courtyard.

There is outdoor parking behind the townhouses.

The listing says this townhouse is “rarely available.”

It has been “professionally designed and rehabbed” with high-end finishes.

The townhouse has 4 stories with the living room, dining room and kitchen, along with a half bath, on the main floor.

There is a Chicago-brick fireplace with TV wire management in the living room.

It has a “fully customized” kitchen with range hood, luxury white cabinets, a broom closet, high-end stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, and a chef’s chopping block.

The second floor has the two bedrooms and two full bathrooms.

The primary bedroom has cathedral ceilings and now has a custom staircase with built in shelving to a loft (if you look at the prior listing pictures, there was simply a ladder.)

The loft is now a walk-in-closet which leads to a “spa-like” primary bathroom with double vanity and an oversized shower under a large skylight.

The lower level has a recreation room, which the listing says could be turned into a third bedroom, a full bath and a large laundry and storage room.

It has a front brick patio with room for a table and chairs and a grill.

It has central air and one outdoor parking space.

This townhouse is steps to Wrightwood Park and is near some well-known restaurants such as El Presidente and Avli Taverna.

Listed at $619,000, does the rehab produce a quick sale?

Matthew Janas at Sky High Real Estate has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #A: 2 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, no square footage listed, townhouse

• Sold in December 1998 for $285,000
• Sold in January 2003 for $369,000
• Sold in August 2004 for $390,000
• Sold in June 2010 for $411,000
• Sold in November 2017 for $458,500
• Currently listed at $619,000
• Assessments of $268 a month (includes exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $7168
• Central Air
• One outdoor parking space
• Fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 14×11 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 11×10 (second floor)
• Living room: 13×13 (main floor)
• Dining room: 10×8 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 12×6 (main floor)
• Laundry room: 13×13 (lower level)

This 2-bedroom in 1450 N. Dearborn Parkway in the Gold Coast came on the market in August 2022.

Built in 1874, although the listing says 1890 but older listings I’ve covered have said it’s 1874, 1450 N. Dearborn has 6 units. There’s no parking with the building.

This unit has 12 foot ceilings, crown moldings and 2 decorative fireplaces, one in the living one and one in the primary bedroom.

It has designer lighting from RH.

The kitchen is “gourmet” and has white Shaker cabinets with soft close drawers, marble counter tops, a white subway tile backsplash, a Kohler farmhouse double bowl cast iron sink, a drinking water filtration system and a Viking refrigerator, dishwasher and induction cooktop range.

It also has a tin ceiling.

The unit has a “spa-like” guest bath with a walk-in-shower with body sprays and rainhead and detachable shower head.

The primary bedroom has crown moldings and big windows that overlook the private deck. It has an en suite bathroom which has a jacuzzi tub and rainhead shower head with tumbled marble surround. It also has a walk-in-closet.

The second bedroom looks like it was added on later. It does not have the crown molding or other vintage features.

It is accessed from the “den” which has skylights.

The listing says the private deck, which is big enough for a table and chairs and lounge area, was replaced in 2022.

The unit has features buyers look for including central air and a front load Samsung washer/dryer with smart app.

There’s no parking but it’s available to rent in the neighborhood.

This building is just steps away from Lincoln Park and the shops and restaurants of Old Town as well as Lake Michigan.

Listed at $789,900, is this perfect Gold Coast living?

Arlyn Tratt at NextHome Elite has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

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

• Sold in September 1995 for $275,000
• Sold in June 1997 for $281,000
• Sold in June 2003 for $439,500
• Sold in November 2006 for $575,000
• Sold in December 2016 for $585,000
• Sold in June 2019 for $667,500
• Currently listed at $789,900
• Assessments of $616 a month (includes heat, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $10,582
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• No parking but it’s available for rent nearby
• 2 decorative fireplaces
• Bedroom #1: 15×16
• Bedroom #2: 13×13
• Living/dining combo: 16×18
• Kitchen: 10×11
• Den: 6×18
• Laundry room: 3×3
• Deck: 13×25

The Illinois Association of Realtors is out with the July data. We knew it was going to eventually slow as the mortgage rates rose. But boy, did it slow in July.

In Chicago, home sales (single-family and condominiums) in July 2022 totaled 2,426 homes sold, down 27.6 percent from July 2021 sales of 3,350 homes.

The median price of a home in the city of Chicago in July 2022 was $350,000, a 1.4 percent increase from July 2021, when it was $345,000.

It’s the lowest July sales since 2012, which was the bottom of the housing bust.

Also a reminder that last year, July was the hottest in 15 years. We’ve gone from red hot, to bitterly cold, in just one year.

Here’s the July data since 1997 (thanks, once again, to G for the historic info):

• 1997: 1,694
• 1998: 2,139
• 1999: 2,186
• 2000: 2,013
• 2001: 2,410
• 2002: 2,661
• 2003: 3,105
• 2004: 3,429
• 2005: 3,487
• 2006: 3,088
• 2007: 2,819
• 2008: 2,200
• 2009: 2,040
• 2010: 1,631
• 2011: 1,666
• 2012: 2,088
• 2013: 2,902
• 2014: 2,725
• 2015: 3,082
• 2016: 2,780
• 2017: 2,698
• 2018: 2,803
• 2019: 2,708
• 2020: 2,793
• 2021: 3,350
• 2022: 2,426

Statewide inventories continued to fall, declining 19.1% to 27,910 compared to 34,518 last year.

The number of days homes took to sell also continues to plunge.

Statewide market times:

• 2016: 53 days
• 2017: 47 days
• 2018: 44 days
• 2019: 43 days
• 2020: 50 days
• 2021: 25 days
• 2022: 20 days

“The home sales we saw in July are to be expected considering overall economic uncertainties,” said Ezekiel “Zeke” Morris, president of Illinois REALTORS® and designated managing broker of EXIT Strategy Realty/EMA Management on the South Side of Chicago. “But fortunately for sellers, their homes still sold briskly.”

In Chicago, average days on the market also fell, to 25 days from 31 last year, a decline of 19.4%.

Chicago inventory fell 17.1% to 7,789 from 9,392 properties.

In the Chicago sales, both condo and single family home sales fell but condos were down 31.3% from last year to 1,576 while single family homes fell 19.4% to 850.

The average 30-year fixed rate mortgage was 5.4% in July, down from 5.52% in June but up from 2.89% in July 2021.

“Inflation and increased mortgage rates are having an impact on the market, as we saw home sales decline in July,” said Antje Gehrken, president of the Chicago Association of REALTORS® and president and designated managing broker of A.R.E. Partners. “However, home prices held steady while days on the market decreased, which means houses are moving and it’s important to work with a REALTOR® to price your home correctly if you’re looking to sell.”

Inventory has been “low” for months now.

Is it still impacting home sales, even with rising mortgage rates, or is the slowdown 100% about the surge in mortgage rates and nothing else?

Median prices rose and Illinois homes sold fast in July [Illinois Association of Realtors Press Release, by Bill Kozar, August 18, 2022]