The Chicago Real Estate Local

Curious construction BOOM on West Farragut in Bowmanville

noreply@blogger.com (Eric Rojas) — Wed, 22 May 2013 20:18:00 +0000

This standard lot home is being built at the corner of West Farragut and North Leavitt. The previous property sold for $250,000 cash and was quickly torn down (photo Eric Rojas)

2221 W Farragut was purchased this year for $250,000 cash and quickly torn down as well for a single family home development (photo Eric Rojas).

Two blocks of West Farragut Avenue in usually measured Bowmanville have gone willy-nilly with new construction. The 2200 to 2400 blocks of Farragut have seen quite of action including re-sales and developments in the last year.

This exciting double-lot home above is a custom build by a current Bowmanville resident (photo, Eric Rojas). The two separate lots sold for a total of $385,000.

This vacant lot at 2230 W Farragut was sold by the owners of the adjacent house for $190,000 last year.

It is rare to see so many new house being built at one time on a two block stretch. Bowmanville is very established and is not prone to quick turnover. However, West Farragut has had far more sales and development than any other street in the neighborhood in the past year or so. The sales are reflective of the current market demand for new construction homes and quality re-sale houses on the North Side.

There are a few gut rehabs in progress on adjacent blocks as well. It's a big year for Bowmanville.

Click the label link below for more of our posts on Bowmanville. Check out our last single family homes sales on 2209 West Farragut and 4321 N Bell North Bell.

Under Contract! Buyers secure top floor unit in prime Lakeview location

noreply@blogger.com (Eric Rojas) — Wed, 22 May 2013 17:09:00 +0000

The views from 2850 N Burling #4. Our buyer clients are under contract on the home (asking price of the condo was $685,000). The location on the border of Lakeview and Lincoln Park is outstanding! Fantastic shopping and dining just around the corner...not to mention a Trader Joe's at the end of the street.

Tree-top views from North Burling in Lakeview...the trees in bloom are outstanding! (photo, Eric Rojas)

These large 3 bedrooms full-floor units on the 2800 block of North Burling in Lakeview are well sought after. This in the second unit of this build and style we've sold as the buyer's agent within a year...both were very intense multiple offer situations. Last year another one of our client's bought 2842 N Burling #2. It was an almost identical layout to 2850 N Burling #4 with a few interior modifications and no front terrace.

Check out Video from Terrace

We had mentioned these buildings and layouts to our client's months ago. Finally, a top floor unit in with great upgrades came on the market in early spring. Our buyer clients were very prepared with excellent knowledge of the local market. We secured one of the first showings and had an offer in within a couple hours. The home is pending closing and we are excited for our clients.

The peaceful location is a half-block from the Diversey/ Clark and Broadway shopping and dining district. The location is about 5-6 blocks from the lakefront parks.

Epic Blocks! Sold on West Bradley Place in North Center, Chicago

noreply@blogger.com (Eric Rojas) — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:00:00 +0000

There are primo blocks in every Chicago Community Area. They reach legendary proportions for any number of reasons... great school district, amazing landscaping, beautiful homes and real estate agent hyperbole (!).

We show and sell a lot of properties in North Center. The 2000 and 2100 blocks of West Bradley Place in North Center (between North Damen Avenue and North Leavitt Avenue) has reached epic proportions for their reputations. They are highly sought after blocks for all the reasons mentioned above a more. Homes priced anywhere within reason of the marketplace sell immediately.

We showed two single family houses on the 2000 and 2100 blocks last Saturday...both new for-sale listings just before the weekend. 2129 W Bradley was listed at $619,000. The house is totally cool "as is" in my opinion. A "smaller" two bedrooms house with nice main floor, partially dug-down finished basement area and really great family room addition. It's not big... but the asking price reflects that. Our clients would add on to the house.

It's truly a move-in ready house with great curb appeal and attractive yard. It's under contract and my guess is it will sell for closer to $650,000...well over list price. I'd love to see someone just get it "as-is" and be able to live on a great block. My guess is that even at $650,000, a developer may have made the best offer and will tear-down or rehab the house. Expect a re-sell price of $1.2M to $1.7M depending on new or rehabbed.

The other home is a gorgeous fully renovated house at 2153 W Bradley Place. The house was listed at $1,059,000 and quickly under contract after multiple offers. The home will most likely sell for over the list price. Our clients were very interested in both options to get on the blocks. But the reality is single family homes on these these blocks - and North Center in general - are very desirable and tough to get.

I went to McKinley Deisgn for custom metal and wood

noreply@blogger.com (Eric Rojas) — Wed, 15 May 2013 22:50:00 +0000

I took a quick trip to the Near West Side last weekend to visit McKinley Design. Our general contractor Artistic Construction referred Mick's shop for our custom staircase rails. We wanted metal and wood...they do metal and wood fabrication.

We sent some photos ahead the appointment. The guys had some ideas in mind and walked me through the materials they could use. We quickly got on the same page and they provided a proposal to my GC.

The shop at 2535 W Maypole

Mick and Mark

I look forward to posting the final product in a couple weeks or so. Thanks guys!

Closed! Our Lincoln Square three bedrooms condo listing sells for over list price

noreply@blogger.com (Eric Rojas) — Wed, 15 May 2013 19:49:00 +0000

One of our latest listings sold for just over list price. 4709 N Artesian #2, located just off the Lincoln Square main retail and entertainment plaza, quickly received multiple offers and closed for $380,000 last week.

Images from Photo Light Chicago, owned by Eric Rojas, Broker

The three beds, two baths home has a huge kitchen awesome for gatherings. The main living space is open, spacious and bright.

Check out the video walk-through!

We represent the sale and purchase of many Lincoln Square condos and houses. If you are selling or buying a property in the area please consider consulting with us. See you in the neighborhood!

A few photos from Kids in the Square last week

noreply@blogger.com (Eric Rojas) — Wed, 15 May 2013 12:00:00 +0000

Kid's in the Square 2013 last weekend. Good times despite the gloomy weather. Balloon sword and tiger!

Check out this and many other events Sponsored by the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce.

Home sales in Audubon School District up 133%, median price over $1 million

noreply@blogger.com (Eric Rojas) — Tue, 14 May 2013 16:42:00 +0000

Many of our clients only search for homes in a handful of school districts. One of the top 5 schools of choice for our clientele is Audubon School in North Center's Roscoe Village neighborhood (we know this from the very unscientific study we've conducted of our clients). Here's a look at home sales in this popular area and school district this year.

Our client's bought new construction in Audubon school district this year (photo Eric Rojas)

Single family home sales in Audubon Elementary School district (Jan 1st to May 13th 2013)

21 single family homes have closed (sold) in Audubon Elementary School attendance boundaries this year. The median price is about $1,040,000. Sold homes are up 133% over same period last year when 9 homes closed at this point.

The highest sale thus far is 3330 N Oakley for $1,751,309 (and fifty cents). The luxury 5 bedrooms new construction house sits on a desirable 35' foot wide lot. Every foot counts!

Under Contract
13 homes in Audubon School District are currently under contract with a median asking price of about $915,000.

This Roscoe Village foreclosure in Audubon School district was snapped up (photo Eric Rojas)

Click HERE for Audubon and other neighborhood school boundary maps

All data gathered from MREDLLC.com and analyzed by Eric Rojas, Real Estate Broker. Sold home numbers in the district are deemed fairly accurate but should be used as a guide to unit sales and prices in a given area.

Bowmanville's green space

noreply@blogger.com (Eric Rojas) — Tue, 14 May 2013 15:03:00 +0000

The Bowmanville Neighborhood community green space...lookin' good (photos, Eric Rojas)

The Bowmanville Community Organization has kept neighbors connected and fostered a "green lifestyle" in their little burg for decades now. Their greatest triumph of late may be their acquisition and development of land bordering North Bowmanville Avenue.

Here's a handful of photos along Bowmanville Avenue taken on my (cloudy) walk with Stanley last week.

If you live in Bowmanville become a member of BCO and consider a donation to the Green Space project. If you are looking for a nice house in a great North Side community from $400,000 to $1M consider Bowmanville.

New for Sale! Luxury duplex condo in Audubon School district

noreply@blogger.com (Eric Rojas) — Sun, 12 May 2013 19:22:00 +0000

2049 W Addison #1 asking $614,900

High-end kitchen opens to true great room.

Nice move in houses in Audubon Elementary school district of North Center have an average price of over $800,000. Many easily sell for over one million and most houses sell in multiple offers. We've just listed for sale a great alternative that offers luxury finish, a great yard, deck and garage spot to give you the extra space you need.

Large great room with fireplace, surround sound, eating area, half-bath and walk-in pantry.

Large deck and real yard off the great room!

The duplex condo has three bedrooms on the same level, two and one-half baths, formal living room and dining room, open great room, two fireplaces, large deck and garage spot. The lower level has radiant heated wood floors, sump-pump system, laundry room and great storage.

Master bedroom with two walk-in closets

Formal living room

Formal living and dining on one half of the home... great room casual living on the other!

Live steps from great Roscoe Village dining and shopping, the Brown Line train, close to Southport Corridor, Wrigley Field and around the corner from Audubon School.

We work with PHOTO LIGHT Chicago for our real estate photos

noreply@blogger.com (Eric Rojas) — Fri, 10 May 2013 16:59:00 +0000

Bob and I meet many, many service vendors in our brokerage career. We choose to work with and refer high quality people with great service prices. These are folks we've had excellent professional experiences with.

Owner Jola Jablonska of Photo Light Chicago sizes up an exterior shot for us in Wicker Park

Photo Light Chicago has been our GO TO real estate photographer for several years now. We love the work, prices and the people!

Contact Photo Light Chicago and tell them Eric and Bob sent you!

info@photolightchicago.com

Closed! Clients nest in gorgeous double-lot Oak Park home near downtown

noreply@blogger.com (Eric Rojas) — Fri, 10 May 2013 16:36:00 +0000

Space. The final frontier! Our clients are the new owners of this classic Victorian on the 200 block of South Kenilworth in Oak Park (the asking price was $682,000). The property is on a corner double-lot with full side yard. Plenty of elbow room for the kids to run and the gardener to... garden.

You are HERE!

We thank and congratulate our clients. The home has wonderful curb appeal in a terrific community!

Video! Three tips when selling your renter occupied home

noreply@blogger.com (Eric Rojas) — Fri, 10 May 2013 14:21:00 +0000

We are dealing with renter occupied homes for sale more than ever. We are helping our buyer and seller clients negotiate the issues that go along with renter occupied sales. www.YoChicago.com spoke to me last week about selling a unit with renters still in a lease. Check out the video!

A Greener Ravenswood? Be there May 16th!

noreply@blogger.com (Eric Rojas) — Wed, 08 May 2013 12:00:00 +0000


Visit the Ravenswood Community Council web site

Early spring fun at Winnemac Park in Ravenswood

noreply@blogger.com (Eric Rojas) — Tue, 07 May 2013 16:26:00 +0000


I've been meaning to post these Winnemac Park Easter Egg Hunt photos from April...better late than never! Community Christian Church that meets at Chappell school sponsored the Egg Hunt. The coffee and goodies were great on the chilly morning. The Winnemac Park area community comes out and enjoys holidays and special events together....always something to do!

Photo! Newest Gold Coast perch at Starbucks on Rush

noreply@blogger.com (Eric Rojas) — Tue, 07 May 2013 15:00:00 +0000

Bob about town eyes a favorite spot on a FINALLY warm spring day. See and be seen at the new Starbucks concept on Rush Street in Gold Coast...wine at 4:00PM!

We noticed another tear-down next door to the north ...read details at Chicago Architecture blog

Under Contract in 3 days! Wicker Park duplex with great location and space

noreply@blogger.com (Eric Rojas) — Tue, 07 May 2013 12:00:00 +0000

Maybe it was the great closets. Our newest listing in Wicker Park went under contract is just a few days asking $349,000. We look forward to a smooth transaction in the days ahead. Watch the video walk through or view more photos HERE

Watch the video!

Sold and closed! Client sells huge East Lakeview renovation opportunity for $447,500

noreply@blogger.com (Eric Rojas) — Mon, 06 May 2013 18:37:00 +0000

Our client just closed his sale of one our most unique listings in some time: 416 W Briar #1 for $447,500. The 3,800 sq/ft plus duplex condo offers fantastic location and up-side to renovate in this gorgeous boutique building. This is a dream home opportunity in East Lakeview. We congratulate the new owners were a pleasure to work with as well!

Watch the video of the spacious, unique home just off Lake Michigan

Image: Photolight Chicago

Bob and I work with terrific service partners (attorneys, lenders, contractors) that can make selling or buying a home much easier. We also work well together with the parties on the other side of a transaction to keep deals together and keep the drama out.

Call us when considering listing or buying on the North Side of Chicago.

Spring, Victorians and cottages in Wicker Park

noreply@blogger.com (Eric Rojas) — Mon, 06 May 2013 16:31:00 +0000

If the nightlife doesn't bring you to Wicker Park, the architecture should. Enjoy a handful of shots around the historic neighborhood from last week.

The entrance at Wicker Park last week...the minute spring hit! (Photo Bob DePalma)

There are many original fantastic Victorians, painted ladies and cottages in Wicker Park. Some have additions like this property on the rear/left of the photo.

Photo! Gold Coast Hunt Club demolished...new restaurant on the prowl

noreply@blogger.com (Eric Rojas) — Sat, 04 May 2013 13:00:00 +0000

The prime location on State Street will remain a restaurant and night club

Bob took this heartbreaking photo earlier this week. We lost our favorite people watching seats in Gold Goast. The open window seats were great and the bartenders very good. Hunt Club owners to build bigger, classier venue...but it won't be the same.

Here's a shot of the old building from above...needed work.

The old Hunt Club structure at State and Maple (photo Bob DePalma)

Report: Lincoln Park Hospital re-development gets grocery store

noreply@blogger.com (Eric Rojas) — Fri, 03 May 2013 20:00:00 +0000

Webster Square development to feature Mrs. Green's Natural Market HERE

North Lincoln Avenue between Halsted and Larrabee in Lincoln Park has been in flux with two large vacant hospital sites. There is far less population density, in my opinion, than there should be and business is suffering in this normally bustling location. Some major restaurant and bars have gone down to a few days of operation while other businesses pulled out at the time Children's Memorial Hospital packed up and moved to Streeterville.

See some more history and links about the hospital sites here

Also from the from the 47th ward Alderman email update:

I have been informed that Mrs. Green's Natural Market, a boutique grocer already established in New York and Connecticut, will be moving into the former Lincoln Park Hospital garage site, at the southeast corner of Lincoln and Webster. Mrs. Green's is bound to the community agreement that was part of the planned development and will have to abide by the loading zone and other restrictions contained in the PD ordinance. The store is expected to open around Thanksgiving.

The rest of the Webster Square development is proceeding as well. A 75-unit luxury apartment building is under construction now, and the former hospital building will be constructed as condominiums beginning later this year.

Now let's get the Children's site done!

Spring in Ravenswood, Lincoln Square!

noreply@blogger.com (Eric Rojas) — Fri, 03 May 2013 18:51:00 +0000

We have proof...spring did happen this week.

I took a couple shots of one of my favorite yards on the 4800 block of North Leavitt in the Ravenswood neighborhood of Lincoln Square. There is a very natural and organic look to the mature plantings. I remember last year's warm winter had this yard booming in early April...maybe March!

The double lot property has a terrific side yard garden too! A visual treat for neighbors walking too and from busy Lincoln Square.

Living through home renovations

noreply@blogger.com (Eric Rojas) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 20:48:00 +0000

We are told what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Whoever said that may not have lived IN and through a home renovation. We've been working on our 100 year old house for the past couple years...exterior to interior, room by room. The last owners of 75 years had created a separate apartment on the second level...and we're converting the house back.


A new staircase to the second floor in progress.

This round of renovations includes a new central staircase to the second floor, adding central heat and air conditioning to the entire house, creating a new master bedroom and "loft space" and a new backyard patio.

Jon Hill (foreground) of Artistic Construction measures the space for a new closet.

Ooooohhh...closets!

A new wall goes up to create a larger bedroom

We talk to buyers about what they can live with (and live without) when buying a house in their preferred Chicago neighborhood. Most of our clients are very upfront and realistic about their tolerance for renovation projects. Which is to say...they don't want to do renovations. However, if you can stomach the inconvenience you may have more options for your desired location. And, you also learn you can do without a lot for a great location!

Video! Walk through our Wicker Park duplex condo for sale

noreply@blogger.com (Eric Rojas) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 15:04:00 +0000

Check out our video walk-through of 2124 W Evergreen #2 in Wicker Park. Evergreen is a quiet one way street close to the Division Street and Bucktown action. The two beds, two and one-half baths duplex condo with a garage spot is listed at $349,000. It's a great value for all the space, features and location.

You are HERE

New construction, renovations on West Waveland in North Center

noreply@blogger.com (Eric Rojas) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 13:00:00 +0000

This large and attractive home shown above and below undergoes extensive renovation on the 2100 block of West Waveland.

A few weeks back I noticed a lot of construction activity on West Waveland Avenue in North Center. West Waveland Avenue in Chicago is mostly known as a place where ballhawks gather and home runs land in Wrigleyville. About a mile or so west in North Center, Waveland Avenue is a street of high-end new construction homes and rehabs in two highly desirable school districts of Bell and Audubon.

2038 W Waveland shown above - and located in Bell School District - is currently under contract with an asking price of $1,895,000

2148 W Waveland was a disbanded renovation project sold for $639,500 last year (Kale Brokerage Listing) and promptly torn down to build the new house shown above. There is no listing for the new home on the MLS, This may be a custom build for the purchaser which speaks to the tremendous investment going on these blocks.

St. Matthias in Ravenswood at dusk

noreply@blogger.com (Eric Rojas) — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 13:00:00 +0000

A rare decent weather episode late last week had me stopping and smelling the roses. St. Matthias Parish at the corner of North Oakley and West Ainslie in the Ravenswood neighborhood of Lincoln Square offers some pleasant vignettes throughout the year. I always stop and look while on my walks to "the Square" for shopping and entertainment.