Crib Chatter

This 2-bedroom at 1358 W. Belmont in Lakeview came on the market in February 2023.

Built in 2011, 1358 W. Belmont has 6 units, parking and an elevator. It was among the first wave of new condo buildings as the housing bust eased.

This unit has floor-to-ceiling South facing windows in the living room that lead to a balcony with city views.

There looks to be hardwood floors throughout (but the listing doesn’t confirm they’re real hardwoods).

There’s a fireplace in the living room.

The kitchen is open to the living room and has wood cabinets, what looks like granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula which seats 4.

The primary suite has a “spa-like” en suite bathroom with a double vanity, a bathtub/shower combo and a walk-in-shower. It also has a walk-in-closet.

The unit has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit, surround sound and a “large” rear exterior space which the listing says fits 2 cars.

There’s storage in the basement.

The listing says “investors welcome.”

But it also says: “Also, sellers prefer to close and rent back month to month. Come see why you will want to call this one your next home! Note: Sellers prefer a few months rent back. Thanking you in advance.”

This building is near the shops and restaurants of central Lakeview, including on Belmont and Lincoln, and the large Lakeview Whole Foods.

Listed in February 2023 for $500,000, that’s a $115,000 premium over the October 2015 purchase price of $385,000.

Are 2/2 condos still popular with home buyers?

Robin Chessick at Jameson Sotheby’s has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #301: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1196 square feet

• Sold in August 2011 for $312,500
• Sold in October 2015 for $385,000
• Currently listed at $500,000
• Assessments of $266 a month (includes water, parking, insurance)
• Taxes of $7781
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Exterior parking space which fits 2 cars
• Fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 16×12
• Bedroom #2: 13×9
• Living/dining room: 22×17
• Kitchen: 15×10
• Balcony

We can say one thing about January 2023 sales: at least they weren’t as bad as January 2009. They managed to stay above 1,000 in Chicago.

From the Illinois Association of Realtors:

The city of Chicago saw a 41.2 percent year-over-year home sales decrease in January 2023 with 1,076 sales, down from 1,831 in January 2022. The median price of a home in the city of Chicago in January 2023 was $297,500, down 4.0 percent compared to January 2022 when it was $310,000.

Sales Data Since 2006 (thanks to G for the older data):

• January 2006: 2009 sales and median price of $258,000
• January 2007: 1850 sales and median price of $279,900
• January 2008: 1203 sales and median price of $290,000
• January 2009: 918 sales and median price of $205,000
• January 2010: 1237 sales and median price of $195,000
• January 2011: 1034 sales and median price of $150,000
• January 2012: 1123 sales and median price of $149,000
• January 2013: 1521 sales and median price of $157,000
• January 2014: 1383 sales and median price of $200,750
• January 2015: 1348 sales and median price of $220,000
• January 2016: 1398 sales and median price of $227,750
• January 2017: 1574 sales and median price of $255,000
• January 2018: 1444 sales and median price of $265,000
• January 2019: 1347 sales and median price of $255,000
• January 2020: 1462 sales and median price of $267,500
• January 2021: 1698 sales and median price of $310,000
• January 2022: 1831 sales and median price of $310,000
• January 2023: 1076 sales and median price of $297,500

“The housing market is currently experiencing its usual winter slowdown,” said Dr. Daniel McMillen, head of the Stuart Handler Department of Real Estate (SHDRE) at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Business Administration. “Median prices are similar to their levels at this time last year in both the Chicago area and the rest of Illinois. Our forecasts indicate that prices and sales will increase over the next three months throughout the state.”

Statewide time on the market was up 2 days to 41 days from 39 days last year. But inventory fell again, losing 7.6% to 19,204 from 20,793 properties, as home sellers stayed on the sidelines and didn’t list.

In Chicago, time on the market also rose 2 days, or 4.3%, to 49 days from 47 days last year. Inventory also fell again, declining 12.7% to 5310 from 6084.

Fears about a rush of inventory coming on the market have clearly been misplaced. Inventory remains near all-time lows.

In Chicago’s 1076 sales, both condos and single family homes saw similar weakness. Single Family Home sales declined 39.9% year-over-year to 459 while condos fell 42.2% to 617.

“Following the New Year, January is a common time for sellers to prepare their homes for the spring market by buttoning up their properties for sale,” said Sarah Ware, president of the Chicago Association of REALTORS® and principal and designated managing broker for Ware Realty Group in Chicago. “Buyers, aware of their greater negotiating power, have their eyes on the spring market with the hope of increased inventory.”

The 30 year fixed came down from December, to an average of 6.27% from 6.36%. But this is still up sharply from January 2022 when it was just 3.45%.

Last winter’s market was still red hot. We won’t see more attractive year-over-year comparisons until the spring and summer because the Fed didn’t start raising rates until March of 2022.

Will Chicago sales remain frozen as we head into the spring season?

Illinois home sales and median prices dropped in January  [Illinois Association of Realtor, Press Release, by Bill Kozar, February 21, 2023]

This 2-bedroom loft in Millennium Park Lofts at 20 N. State in the Loop came on the market in June 2022.

Built in 1932, Millennium Park Lofts (is that it’s name? I found that name on a few websites but it’s unclear if the building has a formal name) was converted into loft condos in 2003 by Smithfield Properties.

It has 106 units and an exercise room. There’s no door staff.

This loft faces east with State Street views.

It has 12.8 foot concrete ceilings and is an actual live/work loft. The listing says there are “very few” rental restrictions, but no Airbnb.

The listing says it has been “professionally remodeled with the aid of an interior designer.”

It has “expensive” vinyl plank flooring throughout.

The kitchen has new modern white cabinets, open wood shelving, stainless steel appliances and “new” quartz countertops including a 9 foot island with waterfall edge and seating for four.

The listing says the loft has “high-end light fixtures from Restoration Hardware/CB2/Pottery Barn/West Elm.”

The primary bedroom has a window but the second bedroom does not appear to.

The loft has features that buyers look for including central air and a “new” washer/dryer in the unit. There’s no parking but it’s available in nearby buildings.

This building is in the heart of the Loop, near the Target and Macy’s, Millennium Park, Grant Park, numerous bus routes and the subway.

Listed in June 2022 for $550,000, it has been reduced to $499,900.

The listing also says it is currently leased for $3,000 a month.

What price gets this sold?

Darya Lisserman at Baird & Warner has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #411: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1200 square feet, loft

• Sold in June 2003 for $265,000
• Sold in February 2006 for $230,000
• Sold in September 2015 for $310,000
• Originally listed in June 2022 for $550,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $499,900
• Listing says it is currently leased for $3,000 a month 
• Assessments of $886 a month (includes heat, gas, security, cable, exercise room, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal, Internet)
• Taxes of $8151
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• No parking
• Bedroom #1: 11×20
• Bedroom #2: 11×13
• Living/dining room: 24×13
• Kitchen: 14×10

This 3-bedroom in 1148 W. Monroe in the West Loop came on the market in February 2023.

Built in 2005, 1148 W. Monroe has 20 units and attached garage parking. It is an elevator building.

This is a penthouse unit on the northeast corner.

The listing says it has had “recent renovations” including new bathrooms, new built-ins, a new a/c unit and a new water heater.

It has wood floors throughout that the 2011 listing said were cherry.

The kitchen has wood cabinets, what looks like granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances.

The primary bedroom has a en suite bathroom with a walk-in-shower and a separate tub.

This unit has features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and one car garage parking is included.

There are two outdoor spaces including a balcony and a private rooftop deck. It’s unclear how you access it as there is no floor plan.

This building is near Target, the shops and restaurants of the West Loop and Skinner Park.

Listed at $715,000, is this a deal for 3-bedrooms in this neighborhood?

Steven Powers at Century 21 SGR has the listing. See the pictures here (sorry, no floor plan).

Unit #6NE: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, no square footage listed, penthouse

• Sold in September 2005 for $462,500
• Sold in September 2011 for $462,000
• Listed in February 2023 for $715,000
• Assessments of $425 a month (includes exterior maintenance and scavenger)
• Taxes of $12,434
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Garage parking included
• Fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 13×15
• Bedroom #2: 10×11
• Bedroom #3: 10×11
• Living/dining room: 22×21
• Kitchen: 13×11
• Balcony
• Rooftop deck

This 4-bedroom in The Pearson at 250 E. Pearson in Streeterville came on the market in May 2022.

Built in 2003, The Pearson was designed by Searl Lamaster Howe Architects and has 180 units and an attached parking garage.

The building has 24/7 door staff, on-site management, a rooftop party room and sundeck and a “state-of-the-art” exercise room.

This unit, at 4,000 square feet, looks to be a combined corner unit.

It has wide plank white oak flooring throughout and finishes in the modern style.

The gourmet kitchen has custom cabinetry, ebonized oak columns and luxury appliances including Subzero and Wolf with an island.

There’s also a wet bar with a second island.

It has a media/lounge room, a burled walnut study and a designated workout space.

The listing says the primary suite was molded from two secondary bedrooms, creating a “luxe space” complete with its own private balcony with park and city views.

There’s a wall of glass separating the primary bathroom which has Waterworks fixtures, floating vanities, a steam shower and an entire wall of oak doors that leads to a walk-in-closet.

The unit is a fully automated smart home and has central air, washer/dryer in the unit and 3 heated parking spaces and 3 storage units are included.

It also has 3 outdoor spaces, including the balcony off the primary suite, a second private balcony and a 900 square foot private terrace with a fire pit, outdoor kitchen, landscaping, lounge and dining areas with city views.

The Pearson is just a few blocks off the Mag Mile, near the Museum of Contemporary Art, directly across from Lake Shore Park and the shops and restaurants of Streeterville and the Gold Coast.

Listed in May 2022 for $3.85 million, it has been reduced $750,000 to $3.1 million.

Is this a deal for the square footage and outdoor space?

Victoria Rezin and Dawn McKenna at Coldwell Banker have the listing. See the pictures here (sorry, no floor plan).

Unit #1805: 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 4000 square feet

• Sold #1805 in August 2016 for $1.525 million
• Sold #1806 in August 2016 for $975,000
• Originally listed in May 2022 for $3.85 million
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $3.1 million
• Assessments of $2670 a month (includes a/c, doorman, cable, clubhouse, exercise room, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal, Internet)
• Taxes of $42,059
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• 3 heated parking spaces included
• 3 storage units included
• Automated smart home
• Outdoor kitchen
• Fire pit
• Bedroom #1: 19×12
• Bedroom #2: 14×13
• Bedroom #3: 12×13
• Bedroom #4: 14×10
• Living room: 16×15
• Kitchen: 22×16
• Dining room: 11×16
• Foyer: 11×27
• Office: 11×17
• Exercise room: 12×10
• Family room: 16×11
• Walk-in-closet: 16×8
• Walk-in-closet: 7×7
• Wet bar: 11×8
• Balcony #1: 19×5
• Balcony #2: 5×12
• Terrace: 16×56

This 3-bedroom Basecamp townhouse at 445 W. Hobbie on the Near North Side (???- original development was called “Basecamp River North”) came on the market in March 2022.

Designed by Pappageorge Haymes and built in 2015 on 2-acres, Basecamp River North has 47 townhouses, some that are 2 stories and some that are 3 stories with attached garages.

The picture above is of one row of the 2-story units. The picture was also taken in 2017 so the trees and foliage would be more grown out and extensive.

This 2-story townhouse has heated concrete floors on the first level along with the living room, dining room, kitchen and a half bath.

The kitchen has white and wood contemporary cabinets with an island that does not appear to have seating. The listing says it has granite counter tops and “upgraded” home appliances.

The second floor has all three bedrooms.

The primary suite has wood floors and an en suite bathroom with a double vanity.

The other two bedrooms have carpeting. Does the third bedroom have a window? It appears to have a skylight but it’s unclear about the window.

This townhouse has a private rooftop deck with skyline views.

It has central air and a rare, attached 2-car garage.

The townhouse is near Seward Park, the Clark and Division red line stop, Jewel, Target and Aldi and the listing says it’s “mins to get on Lake Shore Drive.”

Originally listed in March 2022 for $866,000, it was reduced several times before it went under contract in November 2022 listed at $819,000.

But it came back on the market in January 2023, also at $819,000, and has just reduced $10,000 to $809,000.

The listing says, “Seller is willing to negotiate closing credit for buyer to buy down the interest rate.”

Will this price, and closing credit, get this townhouse sold this spring?

Josephine Wang at Concentric Realty Inc. has the listing. See the pictures here (sorry, no floor plan).

445 W. Hobbie: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2200 square feet, townhouse

• I couldn’t find the PIN in the CCRD but Zillow says it sold in July 2015 for $570,000
• Originally listed in March 2022 for $866,000
• Reduced
• Contingent in November 2022 at $819,000
• Re-listed in January 2023 at $819,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $809,000
• Assessments of $267 a month (includes lawn care and snow removal)
• Taxes of $14211
• Central Air
• 2 car attached garage
• Bedroom #1: 18×13 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 10×14 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 11×10 (second floor)
• Living/dining combo: 18×18 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 16×16 (main floor)
• Roof top deck

This 2-bedroom penthouse at 737 W. Aldine in East Lakeview came on the market in February 2023. I don’t have a picture of this building but I feared if I didn’t crib on it immediately, it would probably be under contract by next week so we’ll look at flowers instead.

Built in 1993, 737 W. Aldine has 11 units and attached garage parking. I can’t find any reference to an elevator in any listings for the building so I’m assuming it has stairs.

This top floor unit has soaring ceilings with fully operable skylights with shade and large French doors.

The listing says the wood floors are newly refinished.

The living room, dining room and kitchen are open concept. There’s a fireplace in the living room.

The kitchen has custom wood cabinets with some open shelving, statement stone countertops and backsplash, a large eat-in island with butcher block and a wine cooler.

The primary suite has a huge walk-in-closet and a primary bath that was renovated in 2018 which has heated floors and towel bar, a soaking tub, separate shower and dual vanity.

The unit has “covetable” storage including a walk-in laundry room and additional storage in the attic.

It has a Lutron lighting system, electric blinds and a tankless on-demand hot water heater.

The unit has outdoor space with a deck off the back of the unit with a retractable awning and watering system.

The building also has a common roofdeck and shared garden.

It has central air, washer/dryer in the unit and attached garage parking is included in the price.

This building is near the shops and restaurants of East Lakeview and near several bus lines and the Belmont el stop.

Listed in February 2023 at $550,000, it this a deal for the penthouse life?

Katharine Waddell at Compass has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Or see it at the Open House on Saturday, Feb 18, from 2 to 3:30 pm.

Unit #4: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, no square footage listed, penthouse

• Sold in April 1994 for $221,500
• Sold in March 2000 for $358,000
• Currently listed at $550,000
• Assessments of $259 a month (includes exterior maintenance, scavenger and snow removal)
• Taxes of $8178
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Garage parking included
• Skylights
• Fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 19×11
• Bedroom #2: 14×10
• Living/dining combo: 12×23
• Kitchen: 15×12
• Laundry room: 9×6
• Walk-in-closet: 11×5
• Foyer: 7×7
• Deck: 12×23

This 2-bedroom loft in Domain at 900 N. Kingsbury on the Near North Side came on the market in February 2023.

Built in 1912, Domain was converted into 298 loft condos in 2002. It has attached garage parking.

It also has door staff, a bicycle room, an on-site engineer, a common roof deck and a fitness center.

This loft faces the interior and has a balcony overlooking the courtyard garden with southern exposure.

The prior listing said it has 14-foot concrete ceilings. It also has authentic loft features like concrete columns and large floor to ceiling windows.

The listing says it has been “newly renovated” and now has luxury vinyl plank Rigidcore HD Flooring which is 100% waterproof and fade resistant throughout.

There’s a new spiral staircase that leads to a lofted space built on top of the second bedroom, which doesn’t have any windows but it does have a wood ceiling.

It has a new kitchen with gray and wood “hand-built slab front custom cabinets” with soft-close drawers and doors by J&A custom cabinetry. It has white subway tile, Whirlpool and GE stainless steel appliances, and a peninsula with seating for 2.

There’s a custom TV built-in in the living room.

The primary suite has a custom walk-in-closet and an en suite bathroom with a double vanity and Italian porcelain marble walk-in-shower.

The listing says the loft has “top of the line” Benjamin Moore paint.

This loft has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and it appears that garage parking may be included.

The loft also has a big south facing balcony.

This building is in far west River North, along the Chicago River, but is north of Chicago Avenue so it’s technically the “near north side”. Shops, coffee shops and restaurants have been making their way west down Chicago Avenue over the last few years.

Is this area now part of River North?

Listed at $569,500, that’s $209,500 above the prior 2022 sales price of $360,000.

Buyers love “new.”

Will the renovation get the sale done quickly?

Natalie Scumaci at BerkshireHathaway HomeServices has the listing. See the pictures here. Sorry, no floor plan but you can see it in the prior April 2022 listing.

Unit #939: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1190 square feet, loft

• Sold in November 2003 for $276,000
• Sold in November 2003 for $351,000
• Sold in April 2022 for $360,000
• Currently listed at $569,500
• Assessments of $893 a month (includes heat, a/c, gas, parking, doorman, cable, exercise room, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal, Internet)
• Taxes of $7157
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Garage parking appears to be included (?)
• Bedroom #1: 15×15
• Bedroom #2: 10×9
• Living room: 15×14
• Dining room: 13×8
• Kitchen: 10×9
• Loft: 10×9 (second floor)
• Balcony: 19×6

This 2-bedroom in One Chicago at 14 W. Superior in River North came on the market in February 2023.

One Chicago is the new 79-story apartment/condo building with 77 condos starting on the 44th floor. It’s the taller building in the picture above.

Developed by JDL Development, it was completed in 2022 and has valet garage parking. It’s a full amenity building with 24-7 door staff, a party room, an amenities deck with grills and seating areas and access to the Lifetime Fitness Resort & Spa.

The building has hands free elevators and residences with “secure Latch Hardware entry systems.”

Several of the units have come onto the MLS in 2023 but I chose this 2/2 because we have chattered about many 2/2 condos over the years.

It has wide plank European oak hardwood floors throughout, full height windows and custom stepped ceilings.

The kitchen is a custom designed O’Brien Harris kitchen with modern black cabinets, stone counter tops and luxury appliances along with an island open to the living/dining space.

The bedrooms have Ketra circadian lighting.

The primary bathroom has floor to ceiling slab porcelain, a custom built vanity and Kalista fixtures.

The listing says the bathrooms also have “Oversized showers are complemented with cantilevered benches, recessed storage niches, fog-free shave mirrors and effortlessly controlled with Kohler’s DTV electronic, programmable system.”

About the Life Time Fitness Resort, the listing says, “Residents will enjoy an exclusive membership to Life Time Athletic Resort and Spa’s diamond level private club.”

The unit has central air, washer/dryer in the unit and there’s parking but I don’t know if it’s included or not. It’s valet at the covered motor court.

This building has the new Whole Foods on the first floor, a Philz Coffee, Kilwin’s, Wells Fargo, and an upscale restaurant which hasn’t opened yet. It’s also in the middle of the shops and restaurants of River North, the Gold Coast and the Mag Mile.

Holy Name Cathedral is also across the street as well as several bus lines and the Red line stop at Chicago Avenue.

Listed at $2 million, how long will it take to sell out this luxury building?

Nancy Tassone and Bradley Brondyke at Jameson Sotheby’s have the listing. See the pictures here. Sorry, no floor plan. I’m sure they can show you all of them though.

Unit #4902: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2279 square feet

• New construction
• Listed in February 2023 for $2 million
• Assessments of $1818 a month (includes heat, a/c, gas, doorman, exercise room, pool, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal, Internet.)
• Taxes are “new”
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 18×14
• Bedroom #2: 10×16
• Living/dining room: 23×16
• Kitchen: 16×14
• Laundry: 19×16

This 3-bedroom in 3161 N. Halsted in East Lakeview came on the market in September 2022.

Built in 2008, 3161 N. Halsted is a boutique building with 8 units and an elevator.

It has attached garage parking.

This is one of the penthouse units which has 12 foot ceilings and 8 foot interior doors.

It has hardwood floors throughout the main living areas and a wood burning fireplace.

The kitchen has been “updated” with 66″ gray cabinets, a massive island with seating for 3 and what looks like a beverage refrigerator, a tile backsplash and luxury appliances from Viking and Bosch.

Two of the bedrooms appear to share a Jack-n-Jill bath.

The primary suite has an “updated” bathroom with 2 separate vanities and walk-in-shower as well as a walk-in-closet.

The unit has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and a connected 1-car garage is included.

It has three outdoor spaces including 2 balconies on the main living floor, one off the front and one off the back.

But it also has a private, south facing 1400 square foot rooftop deck with a pergola, lighting, irrigation for plantings, it’s wired for sound and has gas for grilling.

The rooftop deck is not reached via staircase but is via elevator which the listing says can bring your guests up directly from the lobby to the deck.

The listing also says this building is in the Nettelhorst school district.

The building is in the middle of Lakeview, near the shops and restaurants on Halsted and Belmont, multiple bus lines and subway stops, and apparently across from what will be a new Amazon Fresh grocery store (are they still building this?).

Originally listed in September 2022 for $924,900, it has been reduced $24,900 to $900,000.

Is this the ultimate rooftop deck for summer living?

Alishja Ballard and Glenn Bryant at @Properties Christies have the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #402: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 1600 square feet, penthouse

• Sold in July 2012 for $530,000
• Originally listed in September 2022 for $924,900
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $900,000
• Assessments of $498 a month (includes exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $15,068
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• 1-car connected garage included
• Wood burning fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 16×12
• Bedroom #2: 11×10
• Bedroom #3: 10×10
• Living/dining room: 17×16
• Kitchen: 17×14
• Rooftop deck: 17×85
• 2 balconies