Loftus Law offering $299.00 real estate closings!

Work with an experienced full service attorney on your real estate closing this year for $299.00! We'd spend a million for Patrick Loftus representing us... but you don't have to!

Mr. Loftus is offering $299.00 real estate closing fees until the end of 2017.  If you have a closing up or questions concerning a real estate transaction please contact Patrick Loftus at 773-632-8330.

Click HERE for the Loftus Law web site 

Contact Bob and I with any real estate purchase, sales or leasing questions 773-510-1597. Patrick has been great with our Chicago and suburban clients!

 

New East Lincoln Park luxury development offers large apartments near the lake (not on MLS!)

Bob and I check out the construction site and West Diversey and North Hampden in East Lincoln Park.  The busy stretch of West Diversey is home to several large developments. (all photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty)

We checked out the construction site of The Hampdens recently at the Lincoln Park and Lakeview border.  The marketing brokerage of Jameson Sotheby's hosted a pre-market event for brokers early this month. We often are made aware of and preview developments and off market sale opportunities to show our clients ahead of the general population.

Marketed as The Hampdens the new development will command luxury prices.  The building at 2773 N Hamden at West Diversey on the site of the old Market Place grocery store will feature 30 units priced from $899,000 to $1.4 million. A second building at 2753 N Hampden will feature 15 larger more luxury units priced at $1.2 to $3 million according to the marketing site.  

 

The new development is a block or two from the North Pond area of Lincoln Park.

 The highest priced condo sale in the past five years within two blocks of The Hampdens was $1.2 million at 2715 N Pine Grove Ave Unit 3, Chicago, Illinois 60614 in 2016 (a six unit building). These much higher priced speculation units of The Hampdens are yet another indication of the palpable demand and shift to high-end new construction in Lincoln Park.  Just a couple more blocks south of this location at the luxury high-rise 2550 N Lakeview $2 million plus condos are the norm... but that building overlooks the North Pond and has better lake views.

We've loved selling, buying, living and enjoying this area of Lincoln Park / Lakeview for many, many years.  See some past posts here!

Buyers eye iconic Edgewater Beach Apartments

A vibrant mix of vintage and new buildings line Bryn Mawr leading to the Edgewater Beach Apartments in the background.

We had a great time Saturday showing our clients available units at "that pink building" in Edgewater despite the cold gloomy weather. Edgewater Beach Apartments (EBA) at 5555 N Sheridan Road, Chicago IL 60640 offers large vintage cooperative apartments in a full amenity building along Chicago's lakefront. Read about EBA's history and features here.

Living like the roaring 20s!!

Our clients (from Wisconsin) will be retiring and have viewed several Chicago locations and buildings from Old Town to Edgewater with us.  They have come back to EBA for the history, vintage feel, lakefront and beautiful common areas offered by this lifestyle building.


20 units have closed in Edgewater Beach Apartments over the last 12 months as recorded on the MLS. The median price of a closed unit is only $185,000 (with a monthly assessment around $1,000 that includes property taxes, heat, cable, Internet, cooking gas, use of all amenities and a contribution to the capital projects fund).  The low purchase price and included amenities are attractive to our buyers who would also like to renovate a unit to their liking. For example we saw a 1200 sq/ft unit listed for only $140,000 that they can customize.

Call us to help you find mid-rise and high-rise units in Chicago!

It is 46 degrees today... Get your furnace cleaned and serviced!

Home maintenance is fun!

I usually get my dual furnace system cleaned and checked every couple years. Today's cold temps are a good reminder to get a service check before something goes wrong on the coldest day of the year.  I keep a log taped to the a wall near the furnace with dates of our last HVAC service, sewer rod, smoke and carbon monoxide detector checks, lawn fed and fertilized etc...

There are many HVAC service options from larger companies to independent providers.  Some companies may set up a service contract with extra benefits.  If you own a condo it is always a good idea to get group service rate with the entire association. Service contracts often allow for free sevice visits and discounted parts and labor. 

We've dealt with many companies.  We've always had a very good experience with Ardmore Fresh Air in the Chicago area. Give them a try!

The CTA is for the birds!

Bob encounters a fellow CTA rider at the Belmont Red Line station.

Learn to ride the CTA like a pro... or a pigeon.

Do you like trains? TOD underway on busy West Belmont in Lakeview

As brokers we are frequent CTA users trying to avoid our cars and traffic whenever possible.  We stopped to check out progress of the TOD off the CTA Red Line stop at Belmont.

The new development  at 937 - 945 West Belmont adjacent to the CTA Red Line Belmont station is underway.  A vintage three flat has been demolished. Curbed Chicago has some great photos and back story.  It is not clear what the purchase price for the entire property was (the property at 937 W Belmont closed for $135,000 in June 2016) but there is a mortgage recorded of $9 million for the development.  This is yet another example of replacing existing buildings with larger retail and residential developments along commercial strips on the North Side.

Image posted at the property of the (future) completed development at 937 West Belmont

The Transit Orientated Development (TOD) will have 33 rental apartment units, retail space and NO on-site parking spaces. Chicago Streets Blog has a nice primer on the expanded TOD ordinance passed in 2015.  More photos and plans of the project can be seen here (posted at the 44th Ward Alderman site).  A Stone Creek Coffee sign hangs on the fence and is expected to open spring 2018. Mmmmm images of nature while sipping coffee...

Sales on Belmont

Surprisingly, only one condo is recorded sold on the MLS over the past 12 months from 800 West Belmont to 1200 West Belmont near the new development. The 3 beds, 2 baths condo at 1109 W Belmont Ave Unit 3, Chicago, Illinois 60657 sold for $492,000 in spring earlier this year. No rented units are recorded on the MLS but there are many rental units existing over older retail buildings. A shiny new apartment building will rent well here.

Lincoln Park high-end new construction from 2038 - 2050 North Clark Street underway

We stopped by Lincoln Park last week to check out demo and construction progress at 2050 N Clark Street.  The 32 unit new construction building sits on an irregular angle lot. I can't find a purchase price for the property but there was a $2.6 million mortgage in 2016 and a $11 million mortgage documented at the address.

A little kid's dream... backhoe on a huge pile of dirt!

Another project a few doors down (shown above) at 2038-2040 N Clark is replacing a long time parking garage with new "$1M-$3M" condos.

This is a tony block in East Lincoln Park that has maintained sort of an old feel. Two significant new construction buildings is a fairly dramatic departure for this stretch near the Lincoln Park Zoo and the lakefront parks. It makes sense (to me) to add residential here near cultural amenities and jobs. The 2050 N Clark building will be a vast improvement over the one story commercial building it is replacing. The loss of the many spots in the parking garage development is a shock to neighbors, workers and shoppers that rely on it.  

Several condos from 1900 North Clark to 2100 North Clark have sold from $365,000 to $740,000 over the last 2 years. A beautiful row house recently sold for $1,975,000 at 1910 N Clark Street. In my estimation this location will have plenty of demand for high -end condo sales and apartment rentals.

What's up with Lincoln Square home sales? The price!

Agents like nothing more than seeing my four kids entering an open house! The familia checks out a new gut renovation  open house on the 2200 block of West Leland priced at $1,049,000.

Lincoln Square continues to be more popular than ever for home buyers.  The addition and enhancement of public and private schools, improved infrastructure and increased (and trendy) entertainment options have made palpable changes to neighborhood once slow to develop. I suspect there is a higher number of million dollar home sales than in past years as new construction homes push the envelop for this once working class enclave. Let's take a look.

Lincoln Square single family home sales
111 Lincoln Square single family homes sold so far in 2017 with a median price of about $688,000.  25 of the 111 home sales have been for over $1 million.  Three of those homes sold for over $2 million.  
 

New retail build-outs and infrastructure improvements have gone hand and hand with a new class of luxury builds.

In 2016, 83 single family homes sold over the same period with a median price of about $655,000. 16 of those sold homes sold for over $1 million. One of those homes sold over $2 million.


Over the same period in 2007 and 2008 at the height of the bubble a combined 17 homes sold over $1 million with the highest sale about $1.5 million.

4702 N Talman #2 only $215,000! Waters School! Open House Saturday

4702 N Talman #2, Chicago IL 60625 asking $215K

Open House 

Saturday October 14th, 12PM to 2PM

More photos and information here!

Spacious, bright east facing living room and sun room!

Check out this super located two bedrooms condo in the Ravenswood Gardens neighborhood of Lincoln Square!

Two bedrooms, one bath
Brand new stainless steel appliances
Central AC/Heat
In-unit washer and dryer
Large shared deck/ outdoor space
Steps to shops, Harvest Time grocery, bars and CTA Rockwell stop

Eat in kitchen is great for cooking and entertaining.

New appliances with breakfast bar over looking eat-in kitchen space.

Gorgeous tree-line Ravenswood Gardens location steps to everything you need!

Popular Ravenswood Gardens neighborhood in Waters School district of Lincoln Square. 1/2 block to CTA Rockwell Brown Line and all the shops of Rockwell Crossing. 2 beds, 1 bath, large shared back deck, Central Air and Heat, in unit laundry. Hardwood floors throughout. 

Living room features sun room with great east and south windows. Cool eat-in kitchen layout, tons of storage, full size pantry, breakfast bar and plenty of room for a dinning table. First bedroom features organized walk-in closet. Tasteful decorated bathroom with large jetted tub. 

Living room, east facing sun room

Eat-in kitchen

Large shared deck with table and grilling space

 Low taxes and assessment, storage in basement and well run association. Super walk-able location in great community! Check out Greater Rockwell Organization and the Lincoln Square - Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce for local events! Foodies, walk to goosefoot and Elizabeth Restaurant. 

Ravenswood Gardens neighborhood in Lincoln Square

Commercial area just a block from 4702 N Talman features Beans and Bagels, Bloom Yoga, Pizza Art Cafe, Rockwell's, 

 Ruff Haus Pets

 

Waters Elementary School District!

More photos and 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 this weekend: Lincoln Square single family home now $699,000!

 4824 N Hamilton. Great opportunity for a classic Lincoln Square home with inviting porch on great block! (All house and area photos VHT.com and Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty)

 Open House 

4824 N Hamilton Chicago IL 60614 for sale $699,000

Saturday October 14th 10:00am to 12:00pm

Sunday October 15th 11:00am to 1:00pm

Watch the video!

Check out our newest Lincoln Square single family home listing this weekend! This 3-5 bedrooms, 2.5 baths home offers classic vintage feel with modern updates. Large common living spaces, flexible space and potential to grow! 4824 N Hamilton is located steps from Winnemac Park, Ravenswood Metra, Brown Line, Giddings Plaza (and fountain!), Mariano's, dozens of restaurants, bars and more. Experience some of the best block parties and neighbors in the city!

More property photos, floor plan and information HERE

Formal entry foyer with beautiful woodwork and arches.

Spacious living room with east facing windows.

Large living/ dining space to entertain any occasion.

Dining room wired for sound

Eat-in kitchen with lots of storage opens to the family room.

Eat in kitchen

Bright family room wired for sound

1st of three 2nd level bedrooms

2nd level full bathroom

2nd bedroom.  East facing with great closet.

Finished basement with recreation room and "en suite room" great for nanny, AirB&B, 5th bedroom or guests!

Wide 30' lot allows for great backyard and 2.5 car garage.

Just in time to catch the fall colors at Winnemac Park right down the street! (All photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty)

Exclusively listed by

Eric Rojas, Broker

Kale Realty

2447 N Ashland, Chicago IL 60614

773-510-1597

erojas@kalerealty.com

New retail and restaurants line Damen Avenue near Lawrence Ave. All photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty.

Giddings Plaza along the Lincoln Avenue commercial district offers the best in city living with a small town feel.

Enjoy the vibrant location filled with parks, shops, restaurants, 

activities and great transportation options!

Fall, winter home buying tips for the motivated buyer (don't give up!)

All photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty

If you have flexibility and can be aggressive the fall and winter months can be a good time to buy from a price standpoint. The fall and winter months of home buying is just plain different than spring. WHY? Because the pull of the traditional spring selling/buying market is like a tractor beam from the Death Star! There are simply fewer homes listed in fall/winter than spring. Here are strategies we use for clients looking to buy a home in the fall and winter months.

1) There are less homes listed on the market than spring. This is customary and most likely traces to traditional school family schedules.  However Chicago is dynamic in buyer demographic and many buyers move very close to their current homes. We have built over many years access to "off-market" listed properties offered to Top Producing Agents, canceled listings and word of mouth "pocket-listings" to help a motivated buyer find a home.

 

Homes on North Greenview in Graceland West. Fall is my favorite season to view homes! All photos Eric Rojas, Kale Realty

2) Many homes hanging around the market in fall/ winter are simply over-priced. In Chicago it is typical that home buyers lay off these properties. They typically make an offer when homes are either listed at a perceived good value (they will offer close or over list price) or the home is top notch new construction. We research the home listing situation and help make aggressive, FACT BASED home purchase offers. We work on these negotiations as long as it takes.  This can result in a better purchase price (and less competition) than spring market.

One example this season is jumping on a new house listing and buying at a price $50K under  (10% under) the listing price.  We believe many other potential buyers were scared away by the initial asking price but the seller accepted our qualified offer.

3) Relocation properties pop up in fall and winter months as people take jobs to start in the New Year. We coach our clients to be ready financially and mentally to jump on a deal that pops up in the midst of the holiday season. Inventory and budget are big challenges in Chicago and we push our clients to stay ready for all opportunities.


 

Dogs on parade: Downtown K9 statues benefit fallen, injured police families

Bob took a few photos while heading to a showing at The Heritage.  200 German Shepard statues placed around downtown have been auctioned off in K9s for Cops event

Downtown has gone to the dogs (waka waka waka!). Check out the story behind the K9 statues all around downtown.  They are more than just cool art.  All the statues were auctioned off to benefit the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation.

Were you a lucky winner? I am bummed that I had not checked into this auction.  These awesome artistic symbols went for reasonable prices. This event may be coming to an end but you may visit and donate at many Chicago Police Memorial Foundation events throughout the year.