Looking for house rentals in Forest Glen's Edgebrook and Wildwood neighborhoods

A wide street and forest-like parkways in the Wildwood neighborhood of Forest Glen, Chicago (Photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty)

We were out over the weekend looking for higher-end house rentals in Forest Glen for a client.  There are few highly updated or newer single family homes to rent in Forest Glen.

The mostly brick homes and lots of Forest Glen can be modest or amazing (like this one), but always interesting to look at.

Forest Glen single family home rental STATS
-19 single family homes are listed as rented in the MLS for the greater Forest Glen community area over the past 12 moths. 
-Most of the homes were modest in size and finish level. 
-The majority of the houses rented for under $2,200 per month. 
-One house rented for over $3,000
-Only two homes are currently listed for rent on the MLS in Forest Glen.  Others may be available through private owners.
-Few houses were rented in the Edgebrook and Wildwood School districts

 Check out YoChicago.com's photos of the Wildwood neighborhood



Stats from MREDLLC.com and anecdotal experience gathered by Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty

This model of downtown Chicago never gets old

Museum of Science and Industry (Photo Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty)

We have loved taking each kid to see the trains go through the city and the country.  Always a favorite.

East Lakeview condo sales Q1, 2014: Higher median price

Mista Pizza on Broadway in East Lakeview (Photo Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty).

The hustle and bustle of Chicago's East Lakeview community makes for a dynamic housing market as well.  Let's take a look at first quarter condo sales in 2014.

Lakeview Condo Sales Jan 1st - March 31st, 2014
Overall, 135 attached units (condo, town house) have sold from January 1st to March 31st in the East Lakeview neighborhood.  The median price of sold condos is about $245,000.  During the same period of 2013, 153 condos closed with a median price of about $199,000.

The small dip in unit sales most likely is due to rising prices and less short sales and foreclosures being cleared out.  The lack of "super deals" in smaller condos has sobered up the market while larger attached homes remain hot.

East Lakeview sales area *No boats included!

Fun Facts

• The highest condo sale was 2919 N Burling Unit J for $885,000. The 3 bedrooms, 2800 sq/ft penthouse featured attached garage parking and roof top deck on a fantastic block
• There were 51 condos sold at $200,000 and under.  Many of these units are one bedroom units in high- rise buildings.
• 37 East Lakeview and short-sales and foreclosures were listed as sold in first quarter 2013Only 16 short sales and foreclosures were listed as sold in first quarter of this year.

Sales statistics from gathered and analyzed by Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty. Source: MREDLLC.com

Crain's: All Chicago prices up, CLICK my hyper-local stats

Crain's Chicago Business ran a story reporting house prices are up for all Chicago zip codes for the first time since 2006.  You will need a subscription for the whole story.

Our sold listing at 1826 N Lincoln Avenue in Lincoln Park (Photolightchicago.com)

You can browse our hyper-local market stats by clicking the link Chicago market statistics or searching a particular neighborhood here on our blog.

Sulzer Library in Lincoln Square nearing major renovations, YOUMedia program

Mr. Conrad Sulzer greets you in the lobby (Photo Eric Rojas, Kale Realty)

Sulzer Regional Library is entering a new phase of renovations and programming.  One of the true neighborhood "anchors", Sulzer should continue to provide a meeting place, education opportunities, kids programs and great access to books and technology to the community for many years. I know for us and many in the neighborhood the large regional library is in the Top 10 list for living in Lincoln Square.

Hello it's spring! Lincoln Square home sales, median price up $200,000

The month of May is creeping up on Chicago after a cold winter.  We are now in the traditional single family home selling season.  Many folks like to list their homes for sale and/ or buy in April and May and close their houses over the summer.  We feel like the season has been delayed a little due to the weather and could get busier now.

This will happen...soon! Photo, Eric Rojas, Real Estate Broker, Kale Realty

 Here's what's happening in Lincoln Square single family homes sales so far in 2014.

23 Lincoln Square single family homes (Detached) have closed so far in 2014 (January 1st to April 23rd).  The median price is about $680,000. Same period 2013, 17 homes closed with median price of about $430,000

The highest priced sale this year is 2020 W Leland closed for $1,850,000.  The new construction Landrosh Development home sits on coveted 37' wide lot. The next two highest sales are new construction on a wide lot at 2149 W Wilson for $1,640,000 and a renovated greystone for  at 2220 W Wilson for $1425,000.

The lowest priced closing is 2653 W Catalpa for $325,000.  The 4 bedrooms, two and one-half baths brick Georgian located in the far northwest Budlong Woods neighborhood of Lincoln Square looked move-in ready.

The northwest area of Lincoln Square includes the Budlong Woods area home to many brick "Georgian" style homes like pictured here. The leafy, quiet area is relatively affordable (from $300s to $800s) but further away from transit and main shopping drags. Photos Eric Rojas, Real Estate Broker, Kale Realty

The market activity exploded in 2013 as demand for well finished single family homes out-stripped supply. Investors and developers continued to pay cash and leverage easy money loans to bring renovated and new homes to market. Buyers keep upping the bids.   

The higher median price reflects the many higher-end finished homes brought to market and higher prices people are willing to pay for "fixer-uppers" to stay in the area. The cat is out of the bag! Data gathered from MREDLC.com and analyzed/presented by Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty.



More hyper-local Chicago Market Statistics HERE

Progress at gorgeous Ravenswood greystone property

4913 N Hermitage has been in some turmoil over the years and sold as a short sale in 2011. Photos Eric Rojas, Real Estate Broker, Kale Realty

We wrote about 4913 N Hermitage over two years ago.  I pass by the beautiful greystone multi-unit and lot often and noticed progress on the coach house structure.  The property has a terrific 50x165 lot.

New stone facade and windows on the coach house.

The 4800-5000 blocks of North Hermitage and Paulina feature an interesting mix of ornate single family homes, multi-units and lot sizes.  The location has become increasingly more expensive due to the booming retail and entertainment strips steps away in Andersonville and along West Lawrence Ave in Ravenswood (Mariano's, LA Fitness, remodeled Metra station etc).

Two re-sale single family homes and one three-flat building are currently under contract priced from $769,000 to $889,000 along theses blocks.

The changing face of Lincoln Park or as Crain's puts it, "Chad and Trixie have kids!"

2301 N Clark Street is home to Little Gems International Pre-School, a newly named real estate group, The Daily Method Barre Studio, Eleven City Diner (for after your workout) and NO record stores

It's no joke the Lincoln Park Community Area has changed a lot since the 1970s.  I stopped by this established mixed use development of retail and condos at North Clark and West Belden (2301 N Clark Street) for a business visit at the new Berkshire Hathaway Home Services KoenigRubloff Realty Group office (say that three times fast!). 

I noticed the new Little Gems International Pre-School facility (better furnished than my home) and the well attended The Dailey Method exercise studio on the bottom floor. I received a couple "stink eyes" from the "yogas" but hey, I didn't tell you to downward dog in front of a giant plate glass window in a storefront on Clark Street (it's not yoga in there but that's all I can come up with).

North Clark Street at West Belden in Lincoln Park

We use to see and in store performance at the Tower Records here and then head over to Raven's (open til 4am, 5am on Saturdays!). Coincidentally, Crain's Chicago Business ran this story about the Lincoln Park baby boom, Little Gems and changing demographics few days after I took the pictures. Weird.

New for sale! East Lakeview penthouse home with private rooftop deck $689,000

We've just listed 622 W Oakdale #5 for sale asking $689,000.  The extra-wide top floor home features fantastic outdoor space, upgraded finish level and attached garage parking.  The true three bedroom condo has a unique, spacious feel with wide open city views from the unit.

Watch the video tour!

 

 

 

The terrific East Lakeview location (near the Lincoln Park neighborhood) is steps from an amazing amount of restaurants, bars, cafes and services.  Trader Joe's grocery is two blocks away. Walk to the lake and Diversey Harbor.

 

The 600 block of West Oakdale features gorgeous original architecture and newer high-end buildings.  It's surprisingly quiet yet steps from all the action along Broadway and Diversey.

 

The over 600 square foot rooftop deck is private to the unit, has interior unit access, water line, sound and electrical.  360 degree views.

 

Large space with multiple seating areas and planter boxes.



Watch a movie under the stars.

 

Sliding glass doors open to the main level terrace with terrific south exposure and great views.  True wow factor when you enter the home!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Professional grade appliances include Viking Range, Sub Zero refrigerator and Bosch dishwasher.



The home is much wider than standard lot construction. You will immediately feel the space when you enter the room.



Gas fireplace, surround sound and custom entry foyer closet.

 

Space for the largest of dining tables.



Large master suite with sound, private deck and 9'x8' walk-in closet

Master bath features split vanities, walk-in steam shower, separate jetted tub and sound.

  

very cool custom office in 2nd bedroom. 

 

 622 W Oakdale #5 additional features include

Three bedrooms

Two full bathrooms

Attached garage parking

Private rooftop deck has interior building access with
water, sound and electric
Large front terrace with gas line for grilling
Back deck off master
Custom coat closet and kitchen pantry closet
Gas fireplace
Hardwood floors throughout
Surround sound and security
Custom utility closet with sink
Electrolux side by side washer and dryer in unit
Heated driveway for garage
Exterior storage unit in garage
Over-sized city lot with wide units
Newer construction with modern wiring and HVAC




 

Listed by:
Eric Rojas, Kale Realty
548 W Roosevelt Road
Chicago, IL 60607
Please email erojas@kalerealty.com

More FOR SALE posts HERE

Classic Lincoln Park dining

I just walked past Ricardo Tratoria at 2119 N Clark Street. The location is quintessential old Lincoln Park amongst classic row homes and multi-units.  The restaurants and homes of North Clark Street are cut into a landscape that is near the lake, expensive and yet somehow gritty in spots.  It reminds me why we live in the city and a that dinner here is in our near future!

 

We like our restaurants in old buildings with fire escapes, apartments above and graffiti in the alley.

Lovely vintage restoration on West Wellington in Lakeview

It's always good to see a restoration of a vintage building around the North Side.  We spotted this project early in the week but don't have any other information. In this case we didn't get close enough to read the permit.

The 800 block of West Wellington shares real estate with expanding Advocate Illinois Masonic Hospital.  However, the location is fantastic for access to CTA Brown Line, buses, restaurants, services and pretty close to the lake.

We love Chicago for classic buildings in busy urban settings.  This location of West Wellington is across from Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center campus.  A hospital may not be the most desirable neighbor but the location is certainly vibrant and convenient to transportation and services.

More Lakeview posts HERE

Find your happy place

Moss Design blog on planting trees now

I swore when I bought my house I'd improve my gardening skills. There needed to be one "do-it-yourself" department in my life.  I'm adding to my landscaping little by little and this year would like to add some height and shade with trees. 

Moss Design on planting trees

Take a tour of the Moss Design studio we filmed a couple years back

Lakeview house builder plays by the rules in Southport Corridor

This stately new construction luxury home nears completion at the 1400 clock of West School in Southport Corridor

New construction can be a very upsetting event for neighbors on a block.  Construction noise, dirt, illegal construction and damage to surrounding buildings are real problems. In this case Mavrek Development has posted their Job Site Rules and contact phone number as a good first step in minimizing any disruptions to the neighborhood.

 

I don't see this often and think it's a very good idea for developers and builders.  Hopefully the construction has gone as well as this neighborly gesture.

Under Contract! Buyer clients secure gorgeous home in Lakeview's Graceland West, Blaine School

The $1,000,000 to $1,500,000 price range for newer construction luxury single family homes in Lakeview, North Center and Lincoln Square is in high demand. 

Under Contract! 1453 W Cuyler listed at $1,369,000 by Berkshire/ Hathaway Home Services.  Bob and I represent the buyers.

Our clients moved quickly on 1453 W Cuyler after a price change to $1,369,000. The well built and high detail finish of the 2008 single family home is located in the "little village" of Graceland West.  The neighborhood is full of amazing architecture and steps from the popular shops and bars of Southport Corridor.

This section of Graceland West is located in well ranked Blaine School.

The home is through attorney review and inspection and pending closing.  We look forward to the housewarming!

Google Maps image

The kind of traffic jam you understand

Loading up at the Globe Pub, North Center

Photo! New look Lincoln Lanes gets sign to match

The new sign gets hoisted up at Lincoln Lanes today in Lincoln Square.

Image courtesy of neighbor Chouinard Photogrphy

Some of us miss the old gritty bowling alley and bar layout...  and attitude.  But people are also happy with the large, expansive layout, multiple TVs for sports and great food and drink specials post renovation.

Under contract! Multiple offers for Lakeview town house with fantastic outdoor space

Watch the video walk-through!



Our listing at 1251 Fletcher Unit I (asking price of $499,900) is under contract.  The home received multiple offers after the first day of showings.  We worked with the sellers on a listing strategy that met their needs. It worked out great. The contract is through attorney review and pending closing.

You are HERE in central Lakeview

The home has great Lakeview location and size.  The real "X" factors for the town house are it's rare enormous outdoor space and great natural light.  Our clients chose well and we wish the new buyers many great years. 

Please contact us to discuss your home sale or purchase around Chicago. Click to view more of our past listing videos.

Newest single family home construction, rehabs in Ravenswood near Winnemac Park

The giant garbage bins are scattered around Winnemac Park for another season of new construction and gut rehabs around the Ravenswood neighborhood of greater Lincoln Square.

4846 N Seeley (middle) was sold as a short sale for $350,000 cash in September of last year.  The new owners listed as an LLC are well into the impressive gut renovation.

4950 N Leavitt was sold as a short sale last year for $403,000 cash (asking price was $399,000).  An active local broker/developer represented the sale and the LLC owner is well into the gut renovation.

None of the homes above are listed for sale just yet.  My guess is all three houses will be marketed for sale but it is possible one or more already have a buyer agreement in place.


Click for more Ravenswood and Lincoln Square posts.

Roscoe Village home sales Q1, 2014: Lot's of building going on

YoChicago.com took a spin around Roscoe Village and noticed all the construction activity.  We've recently viewed many of the re-sale and new construction houses with clients.  Let's check in on first quarter homes sales in one of the North Side's most desirable neighborhoods.

Photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty

7 single family homes have closed in the first quarter of 2014 (Jan 1st to March 31st).  The median price of sold houses is about $990,000.  4 of those houses closed from $1,055,000 to $1,425,000.  The top 2 sellers were new construction houses.

Roscoe Village sales area

6 single family homes are currently under contract in Roscoe Village. The 3 top sellers under contract are new construction houses. 5 houses are currently offered for sale from $800,000 to $1.5 million.  In all, 6 new construction houses have already been completed in this relatively small area with several more under construction.

In 2013, eight single family houses closed with a median price of $1,050,000 over the same period. 

More Roscoe Village posts here

Sales stats gathered and analyzed from MREDLLC.com by Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty

This nerd went to the Ravenswood Mariano's Grand Opening today

Mariano's Vero Coffee and Gelato Bar! Photo Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty

My wife and I have been Ravenswood, Chicago residents for many years and involved in the many community meetings for the Sears parking lot development now know as Ravenswood Station.  I've also had a little fun in the "social medias" surrounding the hype around the largest Mariano's anticipated opening.  Well, I couldn't help myself... I went to the opening day.

You can get anything here including your made to order Todd's BBQ Photo Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty

In all seriousness, the Mariano's and LA Fitness development really has knocked it out of the park.  It's a large, tangible component of the amazing development in greater Ravenswood, Lincoln Square along West Lawrence Avenue and beyond.  Residents are really ecstatic.  We've already enjoyed the quality of life and value of the neighborhood.  The new development and infrastructure improvements have put the neighborhood over the top.

It was a blast running into neighbors, checking out the goods and eating tons of free samples. The location is stellar.  The Ravenswood Station retail anchor sits diagonal to the re-developed Ravenswood Metra Station (Union Pacific North)

The grand opening of the Ravenswood Mariano's at West Lawrence and North Ravenswood Avenues in the Ravenswood neighborhood of Lincoln Square Community Area.

 

Ravenswood Metra Station (Photo Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty)

Congratulations to Alderman's Pawar, O'Connor and past Alderman Schulter for this fantastic accomplishment.

See you at Mariano's! 

For more Ravenswood posts, CLICK HERE