Crib Chatter

The October sales numbers are out from the Illinois Association of Realtors and the market continues to remain strong, with the second highest October sales since 2006.

In the city of Chicago, home sales (single-family and condominiums) in October 2021 totaled 2,417 homes sold, down 5.9 percent from October 2020 sales of 2,568 homes.

The median price of a home in Chicago in October 2021 was $312,000, down 1.0 percent compared to October 2020 when it was $315,000.

Thanks to G for all the data on October sales going back to 1997:

October Chicago sfh/condo/th sales and median

• 1997 1,731 $129,900
• 1998 1,855 $138,000
• 1999 1,978 $159,500
• 2000 2,106 $174,710
• 2001 2,177 $200,000
• 2002 2,503 $215,000
• 2003 2,996 $236,000
• 2004 2,651 $241,000
• 2005 2,846 $268,500
• 2006 2,630 $278,000
• 2007 2,007 $285,000
• 2008 1,564 $261,000
• 2009 2,068 $215,000
• 2010 1,225 $183,000
• 2011 1,324 $162,000 (44% short/REO sales)
• 2012 2,009 $175,000
• 2013: 2,231 $218,500
• 2014: 2,128 $236,000
• 2015: 2,173 $240,000
• 2016: 2,046 $260,100
• 2017: 2,109 $260,000
• 2018: 2,108 $271,500
• 2019: 2,084 $275,000
• 2020: 2,568 $315,000
• 2021: 2,417 $312,000

“Real estate has always had an element of seasonality, and that’s what the data reflects from October: seasonality coming back into play after so much pent-up demand over the past year and a half,” said Antje Gehrken, president of the Chicago Association of REALTORS® and president and designated managing broker of A.R.E. Partners. “The market remains relatively strong and healthy, even compared to before the pandemic, despite concerns about continued inventory strain.”

The average days on the market declined statewide to 28 days from 43 days last year.

While average days on the market in Chicago actually rose 2.9% to 35 days from 34 days last year.

Statewide, and in City of Chicago, inventory plunged year-over-year.

Statewide, home inventory fell 28.7% to 29,456 from 41,320 properties. In Chicago, it fell 25.1% to 8,315 from 11,099 properties last year. In October 2019, it was 10,138 properties.

The Chicago sales mix continued to favor condos. Of total sales, 1,426 were condos and 991 were single family homes.

Single family homes fell 12.8% year-over-year and, for the first time in a year, condo sales also fell year-over-year, down 0.3%.

The average 30 year mortgage rose to 3.07% in the month, up from 2.9% in September and also up from 2.83% last year.

Low inventory appears to be pressuring prices statewide.

“Again, this month the market exhibits positive growth in prices combined with a decline in the number of sales,” said Dr. Daniel McMillen, head of the Stuart Handler Department of Real Estate at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Business Administration. “Surveys provide mixed evidence on consumer sentiment, with some indicating an increase this month in consumer confidence in the economy and others indicating a decrease. Prices are expected to continue to increase for the next three months while the number of sales is expected to decrease again.”

The winter has historically been the “slow” months for the housing market, except last year, in 2020, due to pandemic buying.

Will this be the second year in a row that there is no real seasonal slowdown in sales?

Illinois homes continue to sell quickly in October [Illinois Association of Realtors, Press Release by Bill Kozar, November 22, 2021]

This 2-bedroom loft in Park 1500 Lofts at 1500 W. Monroe in the West Loop came on the market in August 2021.

Park 1500 Lofts was converted into 175 loft condos in 2002.

It has an attached garage and door staff.

This loft has 14 foot timber ceilings and large industrial windows.

It has mahogany hardwood floors in the living/dining room and kitchen with carpet in the bedrooms.

The loft has a “chef’s kitchen” with white Shaker cabinets, stainless steel appliances, tiled backsplash and a large island.

The loft has a cocktail station and fireplace.

The listing says both bedrooms can fit kingsized beds.

The smaller bedroom doesn’t have a door, nor full ceilings, but it does have a window.

The primary bedroom also has a window, which is not always guaranteed in an industrial loft, and a wood bedroom wall.

The bathroom has new light fixtures, mirror and quartz counter tops on the vanity.

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

It also has a balcony.

This loft was originally listed in August 2021 for $355,000 and has been reduced to $329,000. The listing also says the seller is offering a $2K credit.

With many working from home full-time, will buyers be seeking out the 2/1 floor plans versus the 1/1s so they have space for an office?

Will 2/1 units be back in vogue?

Ebonie Andrews at Redfin has the listing. See the pictures and 3D walkthrough here.

Unit #207: 2 bedrooms, 1 baths, 1070 square feet, loft

• Sold in May 2002 for $178,000
• Originally listed in August 2021 for $355,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $329,000 (includes garage parking)
• Assessments of $375 a month (includes doorman, snow removal, exterior maintenance, lawn care)
• Taxes of $5125
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Seller providing $2K credit
• Fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 14×17
• Bedroom #2: 10×10
• Living/dining combo: 19×22
• Kitchen: 8×17
• Laundry: 12×3
• Balcony

This 3-bedroom in The Barry at 3100 N. Sheridan in East Lakeview came on the market in November 2021.

Built in 1925, The Barry has 65 condos.

It has door staff and an exercise room. There is no attached parking.

The listing for this unit says it was “demolished and rebuilt” by Lewbonne Development.

It says it is a “new and inspiring way to live in The Barry.”

The unit has an all new floor plan along with new electric, plumbing, metal std walls and tall French doors.

They opened the space which revealed the aggregate beamed ceilings and exposed brick exterior walls.

The listing says it was designed with an art collector in mind.

The living room has a marble gas fireplace and a Timothy Oulton crystal chandelier.

The unit has a separate dining room.

It has a den with an industrial Jon Sarriugartea 3-tier hand forged iron chandelier.

The kitchen has a 10 foot island that unites the kitchen and den.

The kitchen is custom with “craftsman built shou-sugi-ban treated solid wood cabinetry with brass hardware” marble counter tops, a Dacor range and 2 convection ovens, along with a professional style refrigerator and pantry.

There’s a built-in wine wall with industrial lighting.

The unit has 2 primary suites, at each end of the unit, and both are en suite. There’s also an attached office or third bedroom accessed via French doors.

It has some of the features buyers look for including central air and washer/dryer in the unit but no parking. It is rental in the neighborhood.

The listing says all of the furnishings are available to purchase.

This unit last sold in 2017 for $325,000 and has come back on the market at $1,035,750.

Is this the most unique property ever featured on Crib Chatter?

Colleen Berg at Berg Properties has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #2E: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2300 square feet

• Sold in August 1988 for $145,000
• Sold in May 1991 for $143,000
• Sold in July 2017 for $325,000
• Lis pendens foreclosure filed in July 2021
• Currently listed at $1,035,750
• Assessments of $1768 a month (includes heat, gas, doorman, cable, exercise room, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal, Internet)
• Taxes of $8721
• Central Air
• Radiator heat
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Gas fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 18×12
• Bedroom #2: 19×12
• Bedroom #3: 9×12
• Gallery: 33×5
• Living room: 16×23
• Dining room: 9×16
• Kitchen: 16×15
• Family room: 15×30
• Laundry: 11×4

This corner 2-bedroom in The Lancaster at 201 N. Westshore in Lakeshore East came on the market in June 2020.

The Lancaster was built in 2005 and has 232 units and an attached parking garage.

It’s a full service building with 24-hour door staff, an exercise room and sundeck.

We haven’t chattered about the building in a number of years. It was hit by foreclosures and short sales during the housing bust a decade ago.

The listing for this unit says it has had a “gorgeous renovation.”

It has new wide plank hardwood floors.

The kitchen is also “new” and has white cabinets, stone counter tops, a breakfast bar, and stainless steel appliances.

Both bedrooms have “updated” en suite baths and there’s also a powder room.

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

Lakeshore East has matured over the last 16 years and now has shops, restaurants and access to the Riverwalk and Lakeshore bike path.

Originally listed in June 2020 for $649,000, it has been reduced to $575,000.

Is this a deal for this neighborhood?

Ginger Menne at Baird & Warner has the listing. See the pictures here.

Or you can go to the open house on Saturday, November 20 from 12 PM to 3 PM.

Unit #1908: 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 1295 square feet

• Sold in May 2008 for $510,000
• Originally listed in June 2020 for $649,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $575,000 (garage parking is $35,000 extra)
• Assessments of $799 a month (includes heat, A/C, gas, doorman, cable, exercise room, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal, Internet)
• Taxes of $10,965
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 16×13
• Bedroom #2: 12×13
• Living/dining combo: 20×15
• Kitchen: 9×12

This 1-bedroom at 1350 N. State Parkway in the Gold Coast just came on the market.

Built in 1911, 1350 N. State Parkway became 8 condos in 2009.

It does not have parking nor any amenities other than extra storage space.

The listing says this unit has been “meticulously remodeled” and could be a pied-a-terre.

This is a “garden unit” with many of its vintage features including walnut hardwood floors throughout, classic crown moldings and a gas fireplace with an art deco mantel.

It has 9’6″ ceilings and a gilded chandelier.

The living room has 2 walls of built-in bookshelves.

The “gourmet kitchen” has deep cherry cabinets, honed granite counter tops and luxury appliances with Subzero, Miele and Bosch.

The en suite bedroom has 2 closets and crown molding along with designer lighting. The bathroom has noir marble floors, a coffered ceiling and Barber Wilsons and Waterworks fixtures.

There is a second full bathroom.

The listing also describes a “flex space” that could be a sleeping quarters or office.

The unit has central air, but no in-unit washer/dryer or parking. There is coin laundry in the building and parking is available throughout the neighborhood.

But the big selling point of the unit are the French doors which open onto the private landscaped terrace, with a brick herringbone floor and brick walls, which the listing says provides “Parisian charm.”

This building is next door to the old Playboy Mansion and is in the heart of the Gold Coast neighborhood, within walking distance of shops and restaurants of the Gold Coast, the Mag Mile and Old Town.

The listing calls it “authentically chic” Chicago.

Listed at $650,000, that’s $100,000 more than the 2017 sales price of $550,000.

Is this the ideal location for those who dream of Gold Coast living?

Ryan Preuett at Jameson Sotheby’s has the listing. See the pictures here (sorry- no floor plan).

Unit #GS: 1 bedroom, 2 baths, 1474 square feet

• Converted to condos in 2009
• Sold in August 2017 for $550,000
• Currently listed at $650,000
• Assessments of $640 a month (includes heat, gas, security, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $7458
• Central Air
• No washer/dryer in the unit- but laundry in the building
• No parking- but available in the neighborhood
• Gas fireplace
• Landscaped terrace (no square footage listed)
• Bedroom: 16×13
• Living room: 18×15
• Dining room: 16×13
• Kitchen: 8×8
• Flex space: 9×6
• Foyer: 13×5

This 1-bedroom in Kilmer House in the Sandburg Village at 1555 N. Sandburg Terrace in Old Town came on the market in November 2021.

From the Kilmer House website:

James House is a 43-story high-rise structure with 520 residential units. Although the address is 1560 North Sandburg Terrace, its main entrance is on Germania Place and its service entrance faces LaSalle Street.

Kilmer House is a 6-story mid-rise structure with 96 residential units. Although its address is 1555 North Sandburg Terrace, Kilmer’s main entrance faces Clark Street and its service entrance is on Sandburg’s terrace level.

The two buildings share services and mechanical systems and are connected at the basement level through the garage. Construction of James House and Kilmer House was completed in 1970. At that time, the buildings were rental units. During 1980, they were converted to condominium units.

While James Kilmer is responsible for its own buildings, the Homeowners Association (HOA) is responsible for the common elements of the Village including swimming pools, tennis courts, commercial spaces, walkways and driveways, plantings, landscape maintenance, and snow removal.

The Kilmer House has doorstaff, a clubhouse, exercise room, and pool.

The listing says Kilmer House was designed by renowned architect Solomon Cordwell Buenz.

It describes this unit as an “urban retreat” which has had a “stunning remodel.”

The unit has an exposed brick wall and 8″ wide white oak floors trimmed with 5″ moldings.

The listing says it has a Chef’s dream kitchen with custom, high gloss white cabinets, quartz counter tops and full wall backsplash along with waterfall edge.

The kitchen has luxury appliances including Fisher & Paykel refrigerator, Bertazzoni stove, Zephyr range hood, a Bosch dishwasher and Sharp microwave drawer along with a dual zone wine refrigerator for 40 bottles.

The unit has a built-in media unit and designer lighting.

The bathroom has an oversized walk-in shower with custom glass, Fairmont Design vanity and Hansgrohe fixtures.

There are new raised panel doors throughout and California Closets.

Still looking for outdoor space?

It has a “massive” private terrace with brick walls and “lush gardens.”

The unit has air conditioning and parking is rental in the complex.

There is no washer/dryer in the unit BUT the listing says there is “a walk-in room off the kitchen that includes plumbing for in-unit laundry.”

This building is near the shops and restaurants of Old Town and the Gold Coast.

Buyers love remodeled properties and outdoor space.

Listed at $375,000, is this competition for the new luxury rentals in the neighborhood?

Tracy Boyce at @Properties has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #114K: 1 bedroom, 1 bath, 1000 square feet

• Sold in November 1995 for $109,000
• Sold in December 2012 for $195,000
• Sold in July 2015 for $243,000
• Currently listed at $375,000
• Assessments of $723 a month (includes heat, a/c, doorman, cable, Internet, clubhouse, exercise room, pool, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $4925
• Air conditioning
• No washer/dryer in the unit but you apparently CAN put it into the closet off the kitchen- otherwise coin laundry in the building
• Rental parking in the building
• Bedroom: 11×18
• Office: 3×8
• Living/dining room combo: 15×16
• Kitchen: 12×9
• Laundry: 6×5
• Private terrace: 26×24

This 1-bedroom at 36 S. Ashland in the West Loop came on the market in July 2021.

36 S. Ashland is a vintage building with 16 units on Ashland and Ogden.

It was converted into condos in 2004.

It has an elevator and storage in the basement but there’s no parking.

This unit has 10 foot ceilings with a wall of windows with northwest exposure that runs the length of the apartment.

There are Brazilian cherry hardwood floors and a fireplace in the living room with a full granite surround.

The unit has a “euro-style” kitchen with stainless steel appliances, a built-in oven and granite counter tops with a breakfast bar.

The listing says there is a marble bath.

The unit has features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and a private balcony overlooking Ogden.

It doesn’t have parking but it does have private storage in the basement.

The listing markets this as the following:

Investment or in-town condo in a popular, easy-to-rent West Loop location.

Originally listed in July 2021 at $195,000, it has been reduced to $175,000.

But there’s a catch.

The listing also says:

HOA has limited documentation, so no conventional financing. Cash only, sold as-is.

The West Loop is one of the hottest in the city. Would this unit make a good investment?

Rozilyn Dupiton at KellerWilliams OneChicago has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #204: 1 bedroom, 1 bath, 883 square feet

• Sold in July 2004 for $228,000
• Originally listed in July 2021 for $195,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $175,000
• Assessments of $137 a month (includes scavenger and snow removal)
• Taxes of $1601
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• No parking
• Fireplace
• Bedroom: 13×12
• Living room: 16×16
• Dining room: 10×10
• Kitchen: 12×10
• Balcony: 12×5

This 3-bedroom townhouse at 1926 N. Lincoln Park West in East Lincoln Park came on the market in September 2021.

Built in 2008, this complex has 15 units and garage parking.

It’s an elevator building.

This is the building which has the Ranalli’s restaurant on the first floor.

This townhouse is 3 levels and has dark hardwood floors throughout.

It has a chef’s kitchen with “brand new” white cabinets and new hardware with high-end stainless steel appliances with a range hood, quartz counter tops, a waterfall island and quartz backsplash along with a breakfast bar.

There’s a powder room with a floating vanity on the first floor.

Two bedrooms are on the second floor with one on the third.

The primary bedroom has a “spa-like” bath with a double vanity, tub, steam shower with a rainshower head and porcelain tile floors.

The second full bath also has a double vanity and porcelain floors.

There’s dual HVAC.

The townhouse has 2 “oversized” private balconies.

It has central air, washer/dryer in the unit and garage parking.

It’s near Lincoln Park, the zoo and the shops and restaurants of Old Town and Lincoln Park.

Originally listed in September 2021 at $767,000, it has been reduced $78,000 to $689,000.

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

Joshua Lipton and Heather Ditlevsen at Compass has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #2B: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, no square footage listed, townhouse

• Sold in May 2009 for $525,000 (included the parking)
• Listed in September 2021 for $767,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $689,000
• Assessments of $363 a month (includes exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $14,246
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer  in the unit
• 2 balconies
• Bedroom #1: 16×14 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 16×13 (third floor)
• Bedroom #3: 13×10 (second floor)
• Living/dining room: 16×25 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 9×8 (main floor)
• Laundry: 4×4 (second floor)

This 2-bedroom penthouse loft in the Art House Lofts at 14 N. Sangamon in the West Loop came on the market in July 2021.

The Art House Lofts were converted into 26 lofts in 1990.

It has attached private garages.

This penthouse is east facing and has 12 foot timber ceilings, exposed ductwork and hardwood floors.

The kitchen is open to the living and dining room and has wood cabinets, stone counter tops, an island and stainless steel appliances.

There’s a fireplace in the living room.

The second bedroom does not appear to have a window but it does have a skylight. The unit has 3 skylights in total.

There are 3 separate entryways that lead you to a private 264 square foot outdoor space that faces east over the skyline.

The private balcony is large enough to fit a table and chairs and a second seating area.

The loft has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and a “large” attached private 1 car garage which is $30,000 extra.

This loft is in the middle of all the shops and restaurants of the West Loop and just a few blocks from the red-hot Fulton Market neighborhood.

It was originally listed in July 2021 at $495,000 and has been reduced to $490,000.

With so many new apartments in the neighborhood, does this loft have to compete against new construction rentals?

Jesse Nocon and Leticia Marquez at MUV Real Estate have the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #402: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, no square footage listed

• Sold in December 1999 for $214,500
• Sold in August 2002 for $295,000
• Sold in February 2005 for $370,000 (included parking)
• Sold in May 2011 for $355,000 (included parking)
• Originally listed in July 2021 for $495,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $490,000 (garage parking is $30,000 extra)
• Assessments of $471 a month (includes exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal, Internet)
• Taxes of $6679 
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 14×12
• Bedroom #2: 12×10
• Foyer: 9×10
• Walk-in-closet: 5×6
• Kitchen: 9×17
• Living/dining room: 14×17
• Deck: 33×8

This corner 3-bedroom in The Wellington at 360 W. Wellington in East Lakeview came on the market in October 2021.

Built in 1959, The Wellington has 99 units and attached rental garage parking.

It has a rooftop deck and an on-site engineer.

The listing for this northeast corner unit says it was “completely rehabbed in 2017.”

The 2017 listing says it had new walls, plumbing and electrical.

It has hardwoods throughout and heated bathroom floors.

The kitchen has white cabinets, high end stainless steel appliances, stone counter tops, a white tile backsplash and a breakfast bar with seating for two.

There are built-ins in the living room, including a fireplace.

The unit does not have central air as there are wall units. It also doesn’t have in-unit washer/dryer.

Rental garage parking is available in the attached garage but according to the listing there is a short wait list.

However, this unit also has rare outdoor space.

According to the listing, it is one of just two units in the building with its own private outdoor space.

It has a massive outdoor deck reached via a half story staircase (see pictures).

The building is near bus lines and the shops and restaurants of East Lakeview.

Originally listed in October 2021 at $485,000, it has been reduced $25,000 to $460,000.

Will the outdoor deck make the sale?

Ryan Gossett at Compass has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #2E: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1560 square feet

• Sold in September 1989 for $45,000
• Sold in May 2015 for $285,000
• Sold in November 2017 for $425,000
• Originally listed in October 2021 for $485,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $460,000
• Assessments of $981 a month (includes heat, cable, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavengers, snow removal, Internet)
• Taxes of $6449
• Rental garage parking available (short wait list)
• Fireplace?
• Bedroom #1: 16×16
• Bedroom #2: 12×15
• Bedroom #3: 15×10
• Living room: 15×15
• Dining room: 11×16
• Kitchen: 10×10
• Deck: 24×29