Crib Chatter

This 1-bedroom in the John Hancock at 175 E. Delaware in the Gold Coast came on the market in February 2022.

Built in 1969, the Hancock, which is no longer called that as the naming rights have expired but until someone new buys the rights I’m calling it that, it has 703 units and commercial and retail space on the lower floors.

The building has 24-hour door staff, an indoor pool, exercise room and in-house grocery store.

There is attached leased parking.

This unit is on the 58th floor and has northern views.

The listing says it has been “renovated” and is now “turn key.”

In the renovation, the original “sky terrace” was removed to make way for a walk-in-closet.

There are wide plank hardwood floors throughout.

The kitchen has North Carolina Ultra Craft gray cabinets, quartz countertops and blacksplash with a waterfall edge and under cabinet lighting with luxury appliances including a Thermador induction stove, a Thermador oven with convection and dehydrate, a Thermador dishwasher, a Subzero refrigerator and a wine fridge.

The bath is “spa-like” with a Kohler toilet, Grohe faucet and shower with rain and handheld shower heads.

It has an office “nook” with built-ins as well as additional built-in storage along the windows, of which 2 of them are “operable”.

The unit has the features buyers look for including a Bosch ventless in-unit washer/dryer, electric heat/air and leased parking is available in the building.

There is also additional storage included.

The Hancock is at the heart of the Gold Coast and Mag Mile neighborhood with shops, restaurants, museums and Oak Street Beach just a short stroll away.

Buyers love “new.”

Listed at $408,600, is the Hancock cool again?

Lisa Huber and Michael Kearney at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices have the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #5807: 1 bedroom, 1 bath, 908 square feet

• Couldn’t find the original sales price
• Sold in May 2017 for $300,000
• Currently listed at $408,900
• Assessments of $844 a month (includes doorman, cable, exercise room, pool, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal, Internet)
• Taxes of $6156
• Electric wall heat/air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Leased parking available in the building
• Additional storage included
• Bedroom: 17×10
• Living room: 20×14
• Kitchen: 13×10
• Office: 6×4
• Foyer: 6×7
• Walk-in-closet: 7×10

This 4-bedroom townhouse in Via Como Due at 513 N. Peoria in River West came on the market in February 2022. (The picture above is of several of the Via Como townhouses and may not be this exact property.)

Built in 2003, Via Como has 34 townhouses along with 4 outdoor areas and a private alley.

This townhouse is one of the larger models with 2930 square feet.

There has been some updates to the main level with a custom built-in entryway, flooring, new bathroom and French doors installed to close off the bedroom/home office.

There’s also a 2-car garage on the main floor.

The second floor has the living/dining rooms and kitchen. There’s a fireplace in the living room with built in bookcases.

The listing says it has an “updated” kitchen with painted white cabinets, new granite counter tops, a Viking cooktop and Bosch dishwasher along with an island.

There’s a balcony off the kitchen for grilling.

Two bedrooms are on the third floor including the primary bedroom which has an en suite bathroom with a double vanity, tub and walk-in-shower.

The third and fourth bedrooms are on the fourth floor along with a full bath and a deck.

The townhouse has central air.

It sits near the Blue Line stop at Grand and close to the shops and restaurants of Fulton Market and Randolph Street.

Listed at $825,000, is a price over $800,000 what it costs for a 4-bedroom townhouse in the River West neighborhood?

Laura England at Compass has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Or see it at the Open House on Friday, Feb 25 from 5 PM to 7 PM.

513 N. Peoria: 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 2930 square feet, townhouse

• Sold in August 2003 for $601,000
• Sold in December 2011 for $600,000
• Sold in February 2014 for $690,000
• Currently listed at $825,000
• Assessments of $275 a month (includes exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $11,500
• Central Air
• 2-car attached garage
• Fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 15×16 (third floor)
• Bedroom #2: 13×12 (third floor)
• Bedroom #3: 11×10 (fourth floor)
• Bedroom #4: 9×18 (fourth floor)
• Kitchen: 18×14 (second floor)
• Living room: 18×15 (second floor)
• Dining room: 15×12 (second floor)
• Family room: 12×16 (main floor)
• Deck: 18×9 (fourth floor)
• Balcony: 11×3 (second floor)

We already knew from Gary’s blog that January was going to be another strong month. (Thanks for all the great info Gary.)

You can read his blog here.

Chicago’s housing market remains red hot with sales still rising and inventory falling. There’s no doubt, it’s a seller’s market.

From the Illinois Association of Realtors:

In the city of Chicago, home sales (single-family and condominiums) in January 2022 totaled 1,801 homes sold, up 6.1 percent from January 2021 sales of 1,698 homes.

The median price of a home in Chicago in January 2022 was $310,000, the same as it was in January 2021.

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: 1801 sales and median price of $310,000

“For a variety of reasons, there are typically fewer homes for sale in January,” 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 for many of those who put their homes up for sale last month, they sold very fast and at favorable prices. Now is the perfect time to sell because of the low inventory.”

The average 30-year fixed rate mortgage rose to 3.45% from 3.1% in December 2021. It’s also up considerably from a year ago, when it averaged just 2.74%.

“The real estate market remained solid in January, with increased home sales and prices holding steady,” said Antje Gehrken, president of the Chicago Association of REALTORS® and president and designated managing broker of A.R.E. Partners. “Continued inventory declines are impacting market time, as buyers are slowing from the heightened pace of 2021 and taking the time to find the home of their dreams.”

Inventory continues to be the story, as it plunged again. Here’s the 3 year trends.

Illinois inventory down 36.4% year-over-year.

• 2020: 47,052
• 2021: 29,093
• 2022: 18,510

Chicago metro inventory down 37% year-over-year.

• 2020: 30,570
• 2021: 19,955
• 2022: 12,574

Chicago inventory finally joined in, falling 33.9% year-over-year after not budging much in 2021 as the city still struggled due to the pandemic.

• 2020: 7,784
• 2021: 8,288
• 2022: 5,482

The number of days on the market fell sharply statewide to 38 days from 47 days last year. But in Chicago, it was up 2 days to 47 from 45 days in 2021.

As Gary has pointed out on his blog, the under contract/pending numbers have weakened which indicates that we could finally see a year-over-year decline in sales in the coming months in Chicago after posting 15 year highs in 2021.

Will rising rates be the thing that finally slows this market?

Illinois homes sold fast in January as demand remains high [Illinois Association of Realtors, press release, by Bill Kozar, February 18, 2022]

This 3-bedroom townhouse at 1125 W. Newport in the Southport neighborhood in Lakeview came on the market in February 2022.

Built in 1995, this townhouse complex, which shares a main drive, has 25 units with single car attached garages.

The listing says this townhouse is “insulated for El and street noise.”

The garage, foyer, laundry and third bedroom are on the first floor. The listing says the den/third bedroom includes a queen sized Murphy bed.

The other two bedrooms are on the second floor, including the primary which has an en suite bath that has been “fully renovated” with Carrera marble, double vanity, jacuzzi tub and custom glass rainfall shower.

The listing says the second bathroom has also been “fully renovated” and has white subway tiles and gold finishes.

The second floor has the kitchen, living and dining rooms.

The kitchen has white cabinets, granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances with a kitchen island with blue cabinets.

There’s a “grill deck” off the kitchen and a large patio on the ground level along with a Juliet balcony off the living room.

The listing says the water heater and furnace have both been replaced in the last 2 years.

In addition to the attached 1-car garage, there is apparently a second additional outdoor space.

The townhouse has skylights and central air.

It’s located just 2 blocks from Southport restaurants and shops, as well as the Brown line stop at Southport, and is also a quick stroll to Wrigley Field and the shops and restaurants of Wrigleyville.

Listed at $599,000, that is $159,000 more than the 2012 sales price.

Is $599,000 the new reality for a 3-bedroom townhouse in this popular neighborhood?

Randi Kamberos at Carr Real Estate Investments has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit C: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2000 square feet, townhouse

• Sold in August 1995 for $259,000
• Sold in April 2000 for $375,000
• Sold in August 2004 for $440,000
• Sold in October 2006 for $480,000
• Sold in July 2012 for $440,000
• Currently listed at $599,000
• Assessments of $230 a month (includes exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $9867
• Central Air
• 1 car attached garage and second outdoor parking space
• Wood burning fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 15×12 (third floor)
• Bedroom #2: 14×10 (third floor)
• Bedroom #3: 15×13 (main floor)
• Living/dining room: 23×17 (second floor)
• Kitchen: 17×12 (second floor)
• Laundry room: 8×4 (main floor)

Crain’s is reporting that the Trump Tower penthouse at 401 N. Wabash in River North is under contract.

Read about it here.

Trump Tower was built in 2008 and has 486 units and a hotel over a parking garage.

It’s a full amenity building with door staff, exercise room and indoor pool.

The penthouse, on the 89th floor, has 360 degree views of the city and Lake from 18 foot insulated glass windows.

The unit is unfinished space so it has to be built out.

At 14,260 square feet, it is listed as a 5 bedroom with 8 bathrooms.

The penthouse has a full-size washer/dryer in the laundry room.

Trump Tower residences can use the 5 star amenities of the building including the 14,000 square foot spa health club. The listing also says residents have use of outdoor space on the 16th floor.

The price includes 4 penthouse level parking spaces.

Listed in September 2021 for $30 million, it previously sold in 2014 for $17 million.

What will it sell for this time?

Will it become the most expensive condo to ever sell in the city?

Chezi Rafaeli at Coldwell Banker has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #89A: 5 bedrooms, 8 baths, 14,260 square feet, penthouse

• Sold in December 2014 for $17 million
• Originally listed in September 2021 for $30 million
• Under contract in February 2022
• What will it sell for?
• Assessments of $16,635 a month (includes heat, a/c, gas, doorman, parking, cable, exercise room, pool, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $257,391
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• 4 garage parking spaces included
• Raw space: buyer must build it out

This 4-bedroom row house at 2033 N. Sedgwick in East Lincoln Park came on the market in February 2021.

Built in 1879 on a 20.5 x 109.5 lot, it has a 2-car garage.

The listing says this rowhouse has been “restored to perfection.”

It has some of its vintage details including high ceilings, the original staircase, custom millwork, hardwood floors and a wood burning fireplace in the living room.

The eat-in kitchen has white cabinets with Calcutta counter tops and backsplash and stainless steel appliances.

3 of the 4 bedrooms are on the second floor including the primary suite with built-in closets and an en suite white marble bathroom with a separate stand alone tub and walk-in-shower.

The second floor also has a sitting room/office space, a second bathroom  and skylights.

The lower level has hardwood floors with a family room with built-ins, a guest bedroom with “updated” full bathroom, the laundry room and storage.

The rowhouse has central air and a 2-car garage with a pergola built on top of the garage.

This rowhouse is near the shops and restaurants of Old Town and Lincoln Park and near Lincoln Park and the Zoo.

It was originally listed for 4 months in 2020 at $1.795 million but did not sell.

It has come back on the market in 2022 at $1.695 million.

Does this rowhouse have it all for those who want to live in vintage in East Lincoln Park?

Natasha Motev at Jameson Sotheby’s has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

2033 N. Sedgwick: 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, no square feet listed, rowhouse

• Sold in April 1983 for $160,000
• Sold in December 1986 for $399,000
• Sold in March 1993 for $560,000
• Sold in October 1998 for $860,000
• Sold in June 2000 for $657,000
• Sold in August 2006 for $1.6 million
• Sold in May 2017 for $1.675 million
• Originally listed in August 2020 for $1.795 million
• Withdrew in October 2020
• Re-listed in February 2022 for $1.695 million
• Taxes of $22,737
• Central Air
• 2-car garage
• Wood burning fireplace
• Skylights
• Bedroom #1: 17×13 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 10×10 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 14×9 (second floor)
• Bedroom #4: 15×11 (lower level)
• Sitting room: 8×8 (second floor)
• Living room: 22×13 (main floor)
• Dining room: 17×13 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 22×10 (main floor)
• Family room: 18×16 (lower level)
• Laundry room: 11×8 (lower level
• Pergola/deck over the garage
• Front Balcony on second floor

This 3-bedroom authentic loft in the Anchor Lofts at 215 W. Illinois in River North came on the market in February 2020.

Built in 1923, the Anchor Lofts has 17 lofts and an attached garage. It was converted in the 1980s and does not have door staff or other amenities.

This listing says parking is available for rent from the HOA.

This loft has an open floor plan with southern and western exposures along with exposed wood beams and tall ceilings.

The listing calls this loft a “true New Yorker’s dream” and likens it to a SoHo or West Village artist loft.

The kitchen has white cabinets with black cabinets on the island, along with marble counter tops and luxury appliances including a Wolf gas range, glass door refrigerator and separate wine fridge.

The primary bedroom has an ample sitting area and custom storage along with an en suite bath.

It appears that the sitting room may be the second bedroom.

There’s a third bedroom but it doesn’t appear to include a window (according to the floorplan).

This loft has central air, washer/dryer in the unit and parking is available in the garage.

Originally listed in February 2020 at $1.2 million, it has been reduced $350,000 to $850,000.

Are River North Gallery District lofts like SoHo?

Ann Fan at Compass has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #5C: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2300 square feet, loft

• Sold in July 2010 for $395,000
• Sold in February 2013 for $780,000
• Originally listed in February 2020 for $1.2 million
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $850,000
• Assessments of $526 a month (includes exterior maintenance and snow removal)
• Taxes of $14,448
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Parking available to rent in the attached garage from the HOA
• Wood burning fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 17×16
• Bedroom #2: 16×13
• Bedroom #3: 10×10
• Living/dining room: 30×24
• Kitchen: 13×9
• Laundry: 7×6
• Foyer: 10×4
• Gallery: 30×4
• Walk-in-closet: 15×6

This 3-bedroom penthouse in the Four Seasons Residences at 132 E. Delaware in the Gold Coast came on the market in September 2020.

The Four Seasons Residences were built in 1989. There are 106 units on top of the Four Seasons Hotel.

The condos have access to the amenities of the hotel including 24 hour room service, the spa, pool, and fitness center.

There is on-site parking, either valet or self-park.

This unit is an east and north facing and has Lake Michigan and city views.

It has 11 foot ceilings and a open 53 foot living/dining room and gallery that faces the Lake.

The unit has a chef’s kitchen with luxury appliances.

The primary suite has 2 dressing rooms and a large bath.

It has central air, washer/dryer in the unit and parking is available in the building.

This building sits next to the Mag Mile, within walking distance to Oak Street Beach and all the shops and restaurants of the Gold Coast.

Originally listed for $4.5 million, it has been reduced to $4.25 million.

At 4500 square feet, could this be a family home in the sky?

Nancy Tassone at Jameson Sotheby’s has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #6502: 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 4500 square feet

• Sold in October 2006 for $4.65 million
• Originally listed in September 2020 for $4.5 million
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $4.25 million
• Assessments of $4880 a month (includes heat, a/c, gas, doormen, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal, Internet)
• Taxes of $55,211
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Parking available- either valet or self park
• Bedroom #1: 30×14
• Bedroom #2: 15×16
• Bedroom #3: 19×13
• Living room: 53×21
• Dining room: 19×19
• Kitchen: 25×13
• Laundry: 5×7
• Foyer: 14×10
• Gallery: 28×17
• Walk-in-closet: 21×13
• Walk-in-closet: 19×9

This 3-bedroom at No 9 Walton at 9 W. Walton in the Gold Coast came on the market in February 2022.

Built in 2018, the building has 66 units and attached garage parking.

It’s a full amenity building with 24 hour door staff, Pelotons in the exercise room, an indoor pool, sauna, steam room, yoga studio, golf simulator and guest suites.

This unit is a half floor home on the 24th floor with city and Lake views.

The listing says it has both casual and formal entertaining spaces.

The unit has custom millwork.

The O’Brien Harris chef’s kitchen has white cabinets, a large island and luxury appliances.

The primary bedroom has a sitting room, a dressing area, a walk-in-closet and a wall of built-in closets.

It has outdoor space with a 360 square foot covered terrace with heat lamps.

The unit has central air, washer/dryer in the unit and 2 valet parking spaces are available.

No 9 Walton sold out before construction was finished and is still considered one of the top luxury buildings in the city.

According to Crain’s, a 4700 square foot unit on the 30th floor recently sold for $8.96 million and it wasn’t even listed on the open market.

This unit is looking for its first resale since the original 2018 sale.

It has come on the market at $6.8 million.

With so much demand to live in the building, will this sell quickly?

Susan Miner at Premier Relocation has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #2402: 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 4278 square feet

• Sold in August 2018 for $5.462 million
• Currently listed for $6.8 million
• Assessments of $4000 a month (includes gas, doorman, exercise room, pool, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $122,448
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• 2 valet parking spaces available
• Bedroom #1: 19×26
• Bedroom #2: 15×11
• Bedroom #3: 14×12
• Living room: 26×19
• Dining room: 17×12
• Kitchen: 26×12
• Family room: 18×16
• Gallery: 28×7
• Foyer: 9×9
• Laundry: 11×11
• Terrace: 30×12

This 1-bedroom in Park Tower at 5415 N. Sheridan in Edgewater came on the market in November 2021.

I thought I had a picture of this building, but apparently I don’t. I’ll have to get one when the weather improves.

The Park Tower was built in 1973 and has 734 units and attached garage parking.

In the early 1970s, tall buildings with amenities were “in” as Park Tower has some commercial space on the low floors, a grocery store and dry cleaners, a garden on the second floor, a 2 stage gym with cardio and weights, an indoor pool, a racquetball court, party room, and sundeck.

It has 24-hour door staff.

This unit is on the 54th floor with north views which is high enough to clear all the other buildings and includes some lake views.

There are hardwood floors.

The kitchen, which has been opened to the living room space, has white cabinets, granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances.

There is a living/dining room combination.

The unit has a walk-in-closet and the listing says an “in-unit laundry is possible.”

The listing also says there is a “solid association, no special assessments.”

Garage parking is leased.

Heat and air conditioning is included in the assessment.

This building is across from Edgewater Beach and the listing says it is “steps to the Mariano’s and Jewel.” It calls the unit a “city dweller’s paradise.”

Thinking about buying it as an investment unit? The listing says that rentals are allowed after 2 years of residency.

Originally listed in November 2021 for $195,000, it has been reduced $20,000 to $175,000.

It sold in 2019 for $160,000.

If you love views, is this unit a deal?

Santiago Valdez and Elizabeth Pyle at Compass have the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #5409: 1 bedroom, 1 bath, no square footage listed

• Sold in August 1989 for $44,000
• Sold in January 2017 for $134,500
• Sold in February 2019 for $160,000
• Originally listed in November 2021 for $195,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $175,000
• Assessments of $580 a month (includes heat, a/c, doorman, cable, clubhouse, exercise room, pool, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal, Internet)
• Taxes of $2543
• Central Air
• No in-unit washer/dryer but listing said it’s “possible” – laundry room in the building
• Bedroom: 10×17
• Living/dining room: 12×21
• Kitchen: 7×10
• Walk-in-closet: 4×5
• Foyer: 4×10