Crib Chatter

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]

This corner 3-bedroom in 1250 S. Michigan in the South Loop came on the market in July 2022.

Built in 2005, 1250 S. Michigan has 228 units and attached garage parking.

The building has door staff, an outdoor pool, private park with landscaping, dog run and “newly renovated” gym.

This southwest corner unit has been “newly remodeled” and has floor to ceiling windows.

The unit has an open living/dining and kitchen with hardwood floor throughout.

The kitchen has been “just remodeled” and has white cabinets, new quartz countertops including a waterfall edge on the breakfast bar, and new stainless steel appliances.

The primary suite has 2 professionally organized walk-in-closets and a newly updated bath with dual vanity, granite counter tops, walk-in-shower and separate soaking tub.

The second bedroom has new carpet and the listing says the third bedroom could be a guest bedroom or an office.

There’s a newly updated second bathroom.

The unit has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and garage parking is available for $35,000.

It has a balcony.

This building is near Grant Park, the Museum Campus, and shops and restaurants of the South Loop.

Originally listed in July 2022 for $689,000, it has been reduced $14,000 to $675,000.

Is this a deal for a remodeled 3-bedroom?

Rubina Bokhari and Oksana Suden at Compass have the listing. See the pictures here (sorry, no floor plan).

Unit #2606: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1774 square feet

• Sold in July 2005 for $609,500 (included the parking space)
• Originally listed in July 2022 for $689,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $675,000 (plus $35,000 for garage parking)
• Assessments of $963 a month (includes doorman, cable, heat, a/c, gas, exercise room, pool, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal, Internet)
• Taxes of $8779
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 13×15
• Bedroom #2: 10×11
• Bedroom #3: 10×12
• Living/dining room combo: 14×29
• Kitchen: 10×11
• Balcony

This top floor 2-bedroom at 4728 N. Lincoln in Lincoln Square came on the market in August 2022.

Built in 2001, this building has 4 units and garage parking. It doesn’t say it has an elevator so I’m assuming it’s stairs.

The listing says this unit is “rarely available.”

The main living space faces east, over the heart of Lincoln Square, and has cathedral ceilings.

There are hardwood floors throughout and a fireplace in the living room.

The listing says the kitchen was “beautifully renovated” and has white cabinets, quartz countertops with an island and new stainless steel appliances in the spring of 2022.

The second bathroom has been “refreshed.”

The primary bedroom has 2 walk-in-closets and an en suite bath with dual vanity, jacuzzi tub and walk-in shower.

You also access the balcony from the primary bedroom, which has a west facing exposure.

The listing says there is a “newer” side-by-side washer/dryer. The unit also has central air and a rare 2-car parking, including one in the heated garage.

You can walk to all of the shops, restaurants and cafes of Lincoln Square and are minutes from the Brown line El stop at Western Avenue.

Listed at $470,000, is this Lincoln Square living at its best?

Liz Jones at KellerWilliams ONEChicago has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #4N: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1500 square feet, penthouse

• Sold in November 2003 for $419,000 (per Zillow)
• Sold in August 2017 for $410,000
• Currently listed at $470,000 (includes one garage parking space and second outdoor spot)
• Assessments of $300 a month (includes scavenger)
• Taxes of $9816
• Central Air
• Side-by-side washer/dryer in the unit
• Fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 16×14
• Bedroom #2: 14×12
• Living room: 24×12
• Dining room: 16×9
• Kitchen: 12×9
• Laundry room: 6×4

This 2-bedroom duplex loft in the Prairie District Lofts at 1727 S. Indiana in the South Loop came on the market in August 2022.

Built in 1905, the listing says Prairie District Lofts was a former Kodak factory. It has 116 units but no parking. Some units have transferable outdoor rental spaces in the lot next door for $165 a month.

The building has a landscaped atrium, common roof deck, onsite manager, storage, bike room and fitness center.

It was originally apartments and wasn’t converted into condos until 2007, which was at the very end of the bubble. Looking at old listings, the developer was still selling units as late as 2011.

The listing for this duplex says it was gut rehabbed in 2022.

It has exposed brick walls, industrial windows with southern exposure and 18 foot timber ceilings in the living/dining room.

A new custom spiral staircase by Paragon was added and both bedrooms are now fully enclosed.

The kitchen has refinished sage cabinets, a farmhouse sink,  Quartz countertops, a white tile backsplash and Beko stainless steel appliances.

The primary bedroom is on the second floor and has a skylight as well as an en suite bath.

The second bedroom is on the main floor and it has windows.

The listing says the bathrooms are “spa-like” and have floor-to-ceiling Daltile tile, RH vanity, LED mirrors and Kohler fixtures.

The loft has a dry bar with a wine fridge which the listing says can be removed to make the space an office.

The unit has motorized shades, barn doors, Lightology lighting, an electric fireplace in the living room, a new furnace and a/c as well as new in-unit laundry.

The loft has a private rooftop deck with lake views which can be expanded further if desired.

It has central air but there’s no parking indicated with the unit, just permit street parking, so you’d have to find parking in the neighborhood.

This building is near the Museum Campus, Soldier Field, the Prairie District and the shops and restaurants of the South Loop.

Buyers love “new” and move-in ready.

Is this the perfect authentic loft?

Alex Till at Baird & Warner has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #407: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1500 square feet, duplex loft

• Sold in September 2007 for $342,000
• Sold in August 2018 for $325,000
• Sold in June 2019 for $360,000
• Currently listed at $500,000
• Assessments of $464 a month (includes exercise room, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal, Internet)
• Taxes of $6452
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• No parking- street parking only
• Electric fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 13×13 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 13×13 (main floor)
• Living/dining room combo: 18×17
• Kitchen: 11×8
• Dry bar: 8×7
• Rooftop deck: 12×10

This 4-bedroom penthouse on the 92nd floor, the highest residential floor, in the John Hancock (yes, I’m still calling it that) at 175 E. Delaware in Streeterville came on the market in June 2022.

Built in 1970, the Hancock, which doesn’t have a name anymore because no one has bought the naming rights, was built in 1970 and has 705 units.

It’s a full amenity building with an indoor pool, exercise room, 24-hour doorstaff and attached rental parking. There is a grocery store in the building. The lower floors are commercial and retail space.

This is a southeast corner unit with 65 linear feet of windows with views of the Lake, Navy Pier, and most of Chicago and the suburbs.

The listing says it has “never before on the market” and is 3 combined units.

It’s been remodeled by designer Danielle Richter with some unique features including 2 fireplaces, specialty lighting from France and a 200+ bottle built-in wine cave.

The main living space is open concept with views.

The kitchen is De Giulio with German Silver and Ivory Lacquer cabinetry, Artistic Tile backsplash in Calcutta and Mother of Pearl, a 13 foot island with bar seating and 2.5″ natural Quartzite counterops, paneled Subzero in antique mirror that reflects the lake views, and a Wolf induction range and microwave.

The primary suite has a 12 foot tray ceiling and a two-toned marble ecosmart fireplace, a walk-in-closet and an en suite bathroom that the listing says is a “rejuvenating work of art with a Calcutta Gold soaker tub carved from a single block in Italy, heated floors with custom mosaic tile, Calcutta counters with hammered polished nickel sink, Waterworks fixtures, and large separate shower with body sprays.”

The second and third bedrooms are also en suite and the third bedroom has a Murphy bed.

The fourth bedroom is next to the living room and can be used as a den and has a suspended multi-panel door.

The unit has a laundry room with a Miele front loading washer/dryer, deep sink, storage and 8-foot Carrara marble countertop.

There is electric heating and cooling and rental parking in the building.

Originally listed in June 2022 for $4.5 million, it has been reduced $705,000 to $3.795 million.

Despite all the other new tall residential high rises built in Chicago since 1970, is the Hancock still the ultimate in skyscraper living?

Keith Wilkey at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices has the listing. See the pictures, video and floor plan here.

Unit #9207: 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, 3308 square feet, penthouse

• It has multiple pins so the sales history is not as clear
• Sold in April 1983 for $75,235 (per Redfin)
• Sold in August 1990 for $530,000 (unit 9207)
• Sold in April 2005 for $1.8 million (units 9206 and 9207)
• Sold in March 2012 for $275,000 (unit 9205)
• Originally listed (all 3 units combined) in June 2022 for $4.5 million
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $3.795 million 
• Assessments of $3101 a month (includes doorman, cable, exercise room, pool, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $22,529 (not sure if this includes all three units)
• Wall A/C
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• 2-fireplaces
• 200 bottle wine cave
• Bedroom #1: 24×14
• Bedroom #2: 14×13
• Bedroom #3: 22×12
• Bedroom #4: 15×14
• Living room: 22×20
• Dining room: 22×11
• Kitchen: 26×11
• Family room: 16×21
• Laundry room: 10×7
• Walk-in-closet: 13×8

This 4-bedroom townhouse at 3631 N. Pine Grove in East Lakeview came on the market in June 2022.

Built in 1978, this complex is all brick and gated. It has 6 units and onsite parking.

It has had an “exquisite rehab” of the floors, lighting, baths and kitchen.

The main floor has the kitchen, living room and dining room.

The kitchen looks to have gray cabinets, stainless steel appliances and a tile backsplash.

The listing says there is matte black hardware throughout.

3 of the 4 bedrooms are on the second floor including the primary suite which has a walk-in-closet and an en suite bath.

The townhouse has the original wood burning fireplaces in both the living room and lower level family room.

The fourth bedroom and laundry room are also in the lower level.

There are skylights, including in some of the bedrooms.

It has central air and parking is available.

This townhouse is near the shops and restaurants on Broadway and Addison, close to Wrigley Field and Belmont Harbor and multiple means of public transportation.

Listed in June 2022 at $825,000, it has been reduced $27,000 to $798,000.

This appears to the be the first sale of this townhouse in 30 years.

Is this a rare opportunity to get a renovated 4 bedroom townhouse under $800,000 in popular East Lakeview?

Kristin Bird and Alfredo Medina at Kale Realty have the listing. See the pictures here (sorry, no floor plan).

Unit #C: 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 2700 square feet, townhouse

• Sold in May 1986 for $200,000 (per Redfin)
• Sold in July 1988 for $215,000
• Sold in October 1992 for $235,500
• Originally listed in June 2022 for $825,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $798,000
• Assessments of $308 a month (includes exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $11,882
• Central Air
• Parking available
• Gated community
• 2 wood burning fireplaces
• Bedroom #1: 17×13 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 14×13 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 12×12 (second floor)
• Bedroom #4: 14×12 (lower level)
• Living room: 17×13 (main floor)
• Dining room: 16×13 (main floor)
• Family room: 19×11 (lower level)
• Kitchen: 14×11 (main floor)
• Laundry: 12×11 (lower level)

This 3-bedroom in 40 E. Delaware in the Gold Coast came on the market in June 2022.

Built in 1926, this building has 75 units but no attached parking.

It has 24 hour doorstaff and an exercise room.

This is a corner unit with natural hardwoods throughout and a wood burning fireplace.

The listing says it has an “updated” kitchen with new white Carrara quartz countertop, subway tile backsplash and refurbished cabinets.

It has a dining room.

The primary suite has an en suite bathroom with new stone counter tops, new lighting, mirrors, fixtures and a marble steam shower and a walk-in-closet.

The second bath has been “updated” with new stone countertops, new fixtures and new subway tile in the shower.

All three bedrooms have windows.

It has washer/dryer in the unit, wall air conditioning units but there’s no parking in the building. You can rent it across the street.

This building is in the middle of the Gold Coast, near shops and dining and the Mag Mile.

Listed in June 2022 at $500,000, it has been reduced $5,000 to $545,000.

Is this a deal for a 3 bedroom?

Justin Lucas at @Properties Christie’s has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #1602: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1700 square feet

• Sold in August 1996 for $305,000
• Sold in January 2002 for $435,000
• Sold in March 2020 for $430,000
• Originally listed in June 2022 for $550,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $545,000
• Assessments of $1761 a month (includes doorman, cable, exercise room, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal, Internet)
• Taxes of $10,298
• No central air but wall units
• No parking but available across the street
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Wood burning fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 16×12
• Bedroom #2: 14×12
• Bedroom #3: 11×12
• Living room: 19×15
• Dining room: 19×14
• Kitchen: 8×10

This 3-bedroom penthouse in 2136 W. Armitage in Bucktown came on the market in July 2022.

Built in 2007, this building has 5 units and garage parking.

This unit is the entire top floor and has 10 foot tall ceilings and Brazilian teak floors.

The kitchen has modern cabinets, an island, high end appliances including a Subzero refrigerator and Wolf gas range along with quartz and CeaserStone countertops and a tile backsplash.

There’s a wet bar and a gas fireplace.

The primary bedroom has an en suite bath with an air spa tub and custom walk-in-shower.

The third bedroom has a custom built-in Murphy bed with access to a private deck.

There are 4 outdoor spaces including a balcony off the kitchen, a bigger terrace with a pergola off the living room, a balcony off the primary bedroom and a private deck off the third bedroom.

If you need more outdoor space, the unit also shares the garage rooftop space.

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

This building is in the heart of Bucktown near all the shops and restaurants as well as public transportation.

I couldn’t find a list price from July, but it’s currently listed at $669,899 which is just under the 2007 purchase price of $671,000 but higher than the last sale in 2014 at $642,500.

Is this a deal for Bucktown?

Jim Moore at Re/Max NEXT has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

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

• Sold in September 2007 for $671,000
• Sold in August 2014 for $642,500
• Originally listed in July 2022
• Currently listed at $669,899
• Assessments of $371 a month (includes scavenger)
• Taxes of $11,807
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Garage parking included
• Fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 15×13
• Bedroom #2: 12×12
• Bedroom #3: 12×11
• Living room: 14×19
• Dining room: 13×12
• Kitchen: 16×12
• 4 private outdoor spaces

This 4-bedroom duplex down at 17 E. Division in the Gold Coast came on the market in August 2022.

This building was built in 1900 and has 6 units and outdoor parking behind the building.

This unit was on the market earlier this year, was bought in February 2022 and had a complete renovation.

It has white oak herringbone hardwood floors on the main level and wide-plank white oak on the lower level.

There is custom millwork, arches and built-ins and 2 fireplaces, one in the living room and one in the lower level’s “second living room.”

The unit now has a “chef-caliber” kitchen with custom white oak cabinets, a large island that can seat 4 with quartzite countertops and waterfall edge. It has Dacor paneled refrigerator and freezer, Cove dishwasher, Wolf range, with Best hood with fresh air return and a Wolf microwave.

The main level has a powder room with custom marble sink and 2 bedrooms, including the primary suite.

The primary suite has a walk-in-closet and en suite bathroom with heated dolomite floors, dual vanities, matte black free standing tub and walk-in-shower.

There’s a new staircase to the lower level which has exposed brick and beams.

It has a recessed wine room and wet bar with Subzero refrigerator. There’s also two more bedrooms and a full bathroom.

This unit has central air, washer/dryer in the unit and one outdoor parking space behind the building.

This building is near the shops and restaurants of the Rush Street and Division Street corridor and in the heart of the Gold Coast.

Buyers love “new” because they don’t want to renovate anything.

It sold in February 2022 for $524,000 and has come back on the market at $1.3 million.

Will this “new” property sell quickly?

Vincent Anzalone and Brad Soltwisch at Dream Town have the listing. You can see the pictures and floor plan here.

If you are a Redfin subscriber, you can also see pictures of the original unit before the renovation in the pricing timeline.

If you want to see it in person, there will be an open house on Saturday, August 13 from 12 pm to 2 pm.

Unit #1E: 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, no square footage listed, duplex down

• Sold in 1985 but no price listed
• Sold in February 2022 for $524,000
• Currently listed after the renovation at $1.3 million (includes outdoor parking space behind the building)
• Assessments of $589 a month (includes exterior maintenance, scavenger, parking)
• Taxes of $11,463
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• 2 fireplaces
• Bedroom #1: 11×16 (main level)
• Bedroom #2: 12×10 (main level)
• Bedroom #3: 18×13 (lower level)
• Bedroom #4: 12×11 (lower level)
• Living room: 15×16 (main level)
• Dining room: 10×13 (main level)
• Kitchen: 15×14 (main level)
• Recreation Room: 22×19 (lower level)
• Walk-in-closet: 4×19 (main level)
• Laundry: 8×3 (lower level)