Oak Park single family home sales 2017 (median price up 18% from 2012)

Grand properties in Oak Park. We were involved in multiple offer situations on several Oak Park homes this season. All photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty

Many of our Chicago clients move to Oak Park to purchase their first single family house. They simply find the combination of price-point for a livable house and school district more desirable than Chicago. Oak Park offers a substantial downtown with dining and entertainment options akin to Chicago lifestyles. The Park District is rather robust as well.

Quick look at Oak Park's downtown

Let's take a look at over-all sales.  I sometimes dial down to school districts, condos etc... give me a shout if you are looking in a particular area and price point.

One of several retail/ restaurant centers around Oak Park

 Oak Park single family home sales January 1st to July 22nd, 2017
279 single family homes closed from January 1st to to July 22nd. The median price of a sold house is about $455,000.  The lowest sale for a house is $115,000.  The highest sale is $1,240,000.

321 houses sold over the same period in 2016 with a median price of $435,000.

Going back to the "turn" (when the market started climbing up from the crash) only 203 houses sold over the same period with a median price of about $385,000.  Median price in 2017 is up 18% from 2012.

Inspection time! And Bucktown condo sales

2047 N Leavitt #2S is under contract (asking $689,900) All photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty and VHT.com

We attended a buyer inspection at our recent Bucktown listing last week.  Bucktown is known for it's retail/ dining scene and newer construction housing. Visit on any day (particularly a weekend afternoon) and you will see residents bustling along both commercial and residential streets. Many of my younger relatives look at Bucktown/ Wicker Park as their desired entry neighborhoods to the city (I'm an old "far" North Sider... too boring for them) eschewing Lake View and Lincoln Park.

2047 N Leavitt in Bucktown is a newer construction condo building

 Bucktown condo sales this year
238 units have been sold in the Bucktown neighborhood boundaries from January 1st to July 21st, 2017.  The median price of a condo is a hefty $433,000.

The highest sold condo is 2040 N Damen Unit 4 for $1,375,000 cash.  The full floor newer construction penthouse has private elevator to the 2,800 sq/ft home.  The lowest sold condo was a rare studio garden unit at 2130 N Oakley for $165,000. It was the only condo this year to sell for lower than $216,000.

2047 N Leavitt Unit 2S has three bedrooms and three full bathrooms.  Condos with at least three bedrooms and and two (plus) baths have a median sales price of $600,000.

Openlands plants new trees at Winnemac Park

Trees are planted along the east walking path near Amundsen High School

Way back in the spring I ran into a crew planting trees in Winnemac Park at the east end of Amundsen's soccer field.  The trees will bring much needed shade to the many students, athletes and spectators that use the fields and they will enhance the walking paths.

The tree delivery and planting was made available in partnership with the non-profit Openlands 
and their Tree Planters grants. Go to the links if you have identified a public city space in need of trees. Many partnerships are made with Openlands to acquire, enhance and preserve public spaces.

Thanks guys!!!

Sold! Buyer clients come home to spacious Western Springs house

1132 Birch Lane, Western Springs, IL 60558 closed early this month for $615,000. All photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty

Our city folks flew the coop with their growing family for their home town.  We represented the sale of their small Lake View  condo in late June and purchase of this huge forever home early this July. The large home has a kitchen / great room overlooking the yard that any family would desire. The warm home has the rare combo of both formal rooms and huge communal spaces!

I think our clients were sold when they turned the corner and stepped into the great room!

114 Western Springs single family homes closed from January 1st - July 14th 2017. The median price of a single family home this year is $561,000.

112 homes sold over same period of 2016 with a median price of $586,000.
99 homes sold in 2015 with a median price of $617,000.
93 homes sold in 2014 with a median price of $505,000.
109 homes sold over the same period in 2013 with a median price of $480,000.

Big jump in median prices over the last four years!

Lincoln Square single family home sales still booming in 2017 (median price up 58% from 2012!)

Renovation and new construction activity continues in the Lincoln Square community area (all photos Eric Rojas, Bob DePalma brokers, Kale Realty)

84 single family home have sold thus far in 2017 (Jan 1st to July 14th). That appears to be a pretty hefty sales pace. It is! Only 54 homes sold over the same period last year.

The median sales price for a single family home in Lincoln Square Community Area this year is $705,000. Median price was about $655,000 same period last year in 2016.

The way back machine tells us median price of a Lincoln Square house in 2012 was $445,000!  Median price is up 58% from 2012 to 2017.

The peak years of 2007 and 2008 prior to the financial crash respectively had median prices of about $600,000 and $650,000.

Our Lincoln Square/ Bowmanville house listing at 2329 W Berwyn sold for $605,000 earlier this year.

The highest priced Lincoln Square closing is 4439 N Hamilton Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60625 for $2,505,563.  The 2008 luxury build is on a 37.5'x177' lot.

The lowest priced sale over this time period is 2317 W Foster Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60625 sold for $180,000. The home sits on a short 25'x100' lot on busy Foster Avenue.

Condo sales around Rockwell Crossing in Ravenswood Gardens

We recently listed a condo in Ravenswood Gardens of Lincoln Square.  4702 N Talman #2 is just 40 seconds away from the quaint commercial strip known as Rockwell Crossing.  It's home to long time staples such as Beans and Bagels, Pizza Art Cafe, Bloom Yoga and Ruff Haus Pets. The Red Lion Lincoln Square on Rockwell is just a block or so away (if you are into English pubs).

Get excited for a quick look at Rockwell Crossing in Ravenswood Gardens!

Ravenswood Gardens neighborhood

Ravenswood Crossing condo sales January 1st to July 14th 2107

42 condos have sold thus far in Ravenswood Gardens this year.  The median price is about $275,000. The highest priced sold listing is $540,000 at 2450 W Montrose Ave West Unit 4N, Chicago, Illinois 60618. The newer construction condo (2008) featured 3 bedrooms, elevator and roof top deck. 

The lowest sold condo price this year is $120,000 at 2619 W Agatite Ave Unit 3E, Chicago, Illinois 60625.  The one bed, one bath unit is in a 1970s build near the river bank.

Sneak peek VIDEO! 5319 N Kenmore #3A in Edgewater Beach for sale $224,900 (PRE-MLS)

5319 N Kenmore #3A, Chicago IL 60640 (all photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty)

Check out the sneak peek video for 5319 N Kenmore #3A in Edgewater Beach.  I took a look at renovation progress yesterday.  We help our clients source contractors and make renovation decisions when buying, selling and while owning too!  For sale $224,900!

Top floor duplex-up
Two beds
One full and one-half baths
In-unit washer/ dryer
Central heat and A/C
Fresh paint, newer full bath and updated kitchen

Living room overlooking courtyard trees

Staircase to second floor!

Dining room (or office/ third bedroom) with fireplace

 

Gut renovated bathroom

 

Two shared decks (one on each floor)

 

Two large 12x14 bedrooms upstairs

 

2nd bedroom with large walk-in closet

 Contact us! (Pre-approved buyers please. Call me for a lender contact)

 

Exclusively listed by:

Eric Rojas, Vice President/ Broker

Kale Realty

2447 N Ashland

Chicago, IL 60614

773-510-1597

ericrojasblog.com

Open House at 2047 N Leavitt #2S in Bucktown - Watch the video!

Open House! 2047 N Leavitt #2S, Chicago IL 60647 

For sale $680,000

3 beds, 3 baths, garage parking and roof top rights

Saturday July 15th from 12:00pm to 2:00pm

More property information HERE

Theater on the Lake construction photos, new lakefront restaurant coming

All photos Eric Rojas/ Bob DePalma Brokers, Kale Realty

The building that hosts Theater on the Lake at 2401 N Lake Shore Drive in Lincoln Park is under renovation.  Here are a few shots from earlier in June.

Curbed Chicago has a nice run down of the $6 million renovation that will include a restaurant/ bar with tons of outdoor seating. Surprisingly from Oak Street Beach to Waterfront Cafe in Edgewater there are few options for outdoor dining along the lake. The Dock at Montrose Beach has filled the void thus far for casual dining (with party atmosphere).

Bucktown Garden Walk this weekend (and our open house)

Check out gardens like this one near Homer and Damen in Bucktown (all photos Eric Rojas, Robert DePalma Brokers Kale Realty)

The 13th Annual Bucktown Garden Walk is this weekend July 15th and 16th.  The Garden Walk headquarters at Churchill Park 1825 North Damen Avenue features a children's fest and adjacent beer garden.

Just in time for our Open House!

2047 N Leavitt Unit 2S for sale $689,900

Saturday July 15th from 12:00pm to 2:00pm

Watch the video!!

More 2047 N Leavitt Unit 2S property information HERE

Thank these great homeowners for their commitment to the neighborhood!

Eye popping "seven lots" Lincoln Park home nears completion

Bob snapped a few photos of one of Lincoln Park's largest homes in progress at 1955 N Orchard, Chicago IL 60614 (all photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty)

We walked by one of the largest Chicago homes featured in that article early this week - 1955 N Orchard spans 7 city lots (the standard Chicago lot being 25'x125').  DNAinfo.com wrote a great article concerning tear downs and multi-lot new construction homes in Lincoln Park back in 2015. The owners of the private build reportedly spent over $9 million over 10 years amassing the lots alone.

You really have to stand in front of this thing to realize how big it is. 

I don't believe demolishing multiple properties across seven lots to build one single residence is good for the city. Maybe the limit should be two lots maximum. I don't know the answer but on face value this seems anti-urban/ anti-city and less sustainable.  If you have not walked the neighborhood in the past 10 years you'll be blown away by the amount new in-fill construction.

Former Old Town Noble Horse site to be developed into condos

The former entrance to Noble Horse Theater in Old Town (all photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty)

A few years ago I walked around the site of the Noble Horse Theater building at 1410 N Orleans in Old Town. I called the theater owner and redevelopment looked eminent. I wondered who would gain control of the site and what would inevitably be developed.  My thought at the time was residential units would do well at the location.

Crain's reports today that LG Development will opt for condos over the original rental building plan.  I think this is a good move. The median price of a sold condo is about $450,000 in Old Town including mid and high-rise style buildings such as the one proposed for this site.

Carriages housed at the old property.

State Street that great street! Sales at Library Tower in historic Printer's Row

520 South State Street, Chicago IL 60605 is a full amenity condo building in Printer's Row neighborhood of the Loop/ South Loop Community Area.

We had some recent business at 520 South State the Library Towers condominium building in Printer's Row neighborhood.  We've always liked this newer construction building for the location, amenities and price point for Loop living. Full amenity building with 24 HR door staff, roof deck, fitness/business center, theater & valet dry cleaner. There is a heated garage and all units I have seen have a garage spot.

21 Library Tower units have sold in the last 12 months for a median price of $420,000 (recorded in MREDLLC.com).  That price will get you a well finished two beds, two baths condo with balcony, great light and garage spot. There are 184 total units listed in the building and it was built in 2008.

Great south exposure for the balconies on the Harrison side.

Step out to the bold, grand ornamentation of Harold Washington Library every day!

Library Tower is steps from the CTA Harrison Red Line stop and Chicago's highly ranked  Jones College Prep High School

The University Center dorms are across the street. The top schools, university dorms, cultural events, longstanding restaurants/bars and mixed old and new architecture make help make this a unique, vibrant area.

The Harrison side of the building features a park for a little green space (and doggy bags/ waste station for walking Fido). The north side of the building houses a CVS Pharmacy store. A cool looking Starbucks store is just a half-block west of Harrison. This is a nice place to sit and have your coffee!

The highest sold unit in the past 12 months is Unit 709 for $639,900.  The three beds, two baths home with garage parking is listed at 1,800 sq/ft.  The lowest condo sale is Unit 1405 for $295,000.  This is a great price point for a full amenity one bed, one bath unit with balcony and parking!

New for Sale! Dramatic Bucktown duplex-up, garage, skyline views $629,000

The loft view at 2047 N Leavitt #2S, Chicago IL 60647

New for sale in Bucktown.  Great corner lot location with unobstructed exposure and skyline views.

2047 N Leavitt #2S, Chicago IL 60647 asking $629,000

 3 beds, 3 baths, garage parking, 3 outdoor spaces

WOW factor living room.

22 ft ceiling and windows with tree top views.

Master bedroom with walk-in closet and deck!

Modern Bucktown duplex-up with 22 ft floor to ceiling windows. Highly upgraded corner unit, 3 beds, 3 baths with garage parking. Chef’s kitchen w/ high-end Viking appliances. 

Three large outdoor spaces includes interior access to huge 750 sq/ft roof space and skyline views. Top floor master suite, spa-like bath, heated floors, double vanity, separate tub and luxury walk-in shower with rain + body sprays, custom marble. 10'x16' deck off master! Laundry room w/ side by side washer and dryer. Private second bedroom with 10'x16' deck! 

Interior roof access and skyline views.

Fresh paint, looks new! South, west and east light. Fantastic location near CTA Blue Line, Holstein Park and pool and close to all that Bucktown/ Wicker Park offers! Check out the Wicker Park/ Bucktown Neighborhood Guide.

Walk-in steam shower.

Master bath with double vanity and separate tub.

Second bedroom with walk-in closet and deck!

Three full bathrooms!

More property information HERE

Exclusively listed by:

Eric Rojas, Vice President/ Broker

Kale Realty

2447 N Ashland

Chicago, IL 60614

773-510-1597

ericrojasblog.com

Open House! New Bucktown penthouse listing open Sunday July 9th 11a to 1p

The loft view at 2047 N Leavitt #2S, Chicago IL 60647

Wow factor living room.

22 ft ceiling and windows with tree top views.

Master bedroom with walk-in closet and deck!

We have a new Bucktown listing that hit the market today. Check out this modern top floor duplex-up home this weekend!

2047 N Leavitt #2S, Chicago IL 60647 asking $695,000

 3 beds, 3 baths, garage parking, 3 outdoor spaces

Open House

Sunday July 9th 11:00am to 1:00pm 

Modern Bucktown duplex-up with 22 ft floor to ceiling windows. Highly upgraded corner unit, 3 beds, 3 baths with garage parking. Chef’s kitchen w/ high-end Viking appliances. 

Three large outdoor spaces includes interior access to huge 750 sq/ft roof space and skyline views. Top floor master suite, spa-like bath, heated floors, double vanity, separate tub and luxury walk-in shower with rain + body sprays, custom marble. 10'x16' deck off master! Laundry room w/ side by side washer and dryer. Private second bedroom with 10'x16' deck! 

 

Interior roof access and skyline views.

 Fresh paint, looks new! South, west and east light. Fantastic location near CTA Blue Line, Holstein Park and pool and close to all that Bucktown/ Wicker Park offers! Check out the Wicker Park/ Bucktown Neighborhood Guide.

Walk-in steam shower.

Second bedroom with walk-in closet and deck!

More property information HERE

Exclusively listed by:

Eric Rojas, Vice President/ Broker

Kale Realty

2447 N Ashland

Chicago, IL 60614

773-510-1597

ericrojasblog.com