Ravenswood Holiday Walk on Montrose and Damen Avenues, this Thursday December 12th!

Go to http://ravenswoodholidaywalk.com/ for all the shops and details!  There are many more shops, restaurants and bars along the strip in addition to the sponsors. 

We've blogged about many things going on along Montrose Avenue in the Ravenswood/ Lincoln Square areas over the years.  It's never been more fun!


A couple of my favorites participating are Lill Street Art Center and Fountainhead.

Get festive in Andersonville! Swedish American Museum

Andersonville has a great holiday vibe.  The shops, restaurants and Andersonville Chamber of Commerce offer unique and terrific seasonal events.

Be sure to stop in at the Swedish American Museum for unique gifts and old world charm.


 

Photo! Marcus Samuelson cooking at Chicago Macy's

What's cooking Chicago? Photo Eric Rojas and Bob DePalma

We caught this shot of celebrity Chef Marcus Samuelson after a one of our closings downtown today.  Macy's almost bounced us from the store!

Condo unit sales near East Lakeview's new Walgreens, Walmart, Trader Joe's way UP: Who could ask for more?

We snapped this photo yesterday of the new flagship Walgreens getting finishing touches.  The popular East Lakeview/ Lincoln Park location around Diversey, Clark and Broadway has seen an upward trend in retail and condo sales over the last three years.

The intersection of Diversey, Clark and Broadway will get it's latest big retail boost soon.  The new Lakeview, Lincoln Park multi-level Walgreens is getting close to completion. This is bustling area that has been filling retail space like lightening since the opening of Trader Joe's on Diversey back in 2011.  A city Wal-Mart opened early this year on Broadway.  There is a ridiculous presence of "Big Box" retail in this cool city location but many independents and smaller chain retail shops remain among the eateries.

Condo Sales 2013

Condo sales are are doing well in the immediate area of Diversey, Clark and Broadway. This happens to be one of the most popular spots to purchase condo homes for our clients. We've personally enjoyed the area and have been in tons buildings here.  Below is the sales area we are looking at roughly a few blocks radius of the intersection.

Condo sales around the Diversey, Clark and Broadway intersection.

144 one bedroom condos have closed in 2013 up to Dec 5th in this sample area.   The median for a one bedroom home is $187,000.  Only 103 one bedroom condos sold over the same period in 2012. Only 57 closed over the same period in 2011! 

There is a variety of high-rise, mid-rise and vintage buildings in the immediate area.  So, you can get a unique one bedroom home with various amenities that appeal to you.

Vintage condos on tree-lined Cambridge just off West Diversey Parkway

33 two bedrooms, one full bath units closed thus far.  The median price is about $265,000.  Only 17 units closed same period last year in 2012 and 14 units closed over 2011.

100 two bedrooms, two bathrooms condo units closed so far this year.  The median jumps to $345,000 (almost $100K more than the one bathroom units). Only 64 two bedrooms, two bathrooms condos closed same period 2012 and 48 units closed in 2011.

28 three bedrooms, two baths units closed this year.  The median price leaps to $515,000.  31 three bedrooms, two baths condos closed in 2012 (median was $485,000) and only 14 units closed in 2011.

Plan NOW to sell your home in 2014

We are meeting with several clients this month to discuss selling their homes in early 2014.  Some homes will need physical preparations like paint and repairs.  Some clients are looking to secure their next house prior to listing their home. Others just want to understand how long the process will take.

Our condo listing at 1970 W Winnemac in Ravenswood was listed just before the Thanksgiving weekend and under contract within a few days. There are few options in the market at this time so buyers that lost out last season are looking intensely at new listings.

Sellers need to know there is buyer demand right now.  If the property is presented well and priced reasonably with the market trends then a short market time is expected.   Bob and I come up with an individual strategy and seller options to manage the selling process for the least amount of surprises and disruptions as possible.

Use this time wisely.  Preparations now will help you sell your current home and reach your next goal of a move-up house, an out of state move, moving to the burbs or down-sizing.  We will visit your home and help you plan accordingly.
 

Under Contract! Lakeview townhouse slips to foreclosure but offers deal

We recently negotiated a purchase contract for a bank owned townhouse in a great Lakeview location.  1542 W School Unit H in popular Henderson Square is offered at $333,000. The home is a foreclosure with a bank lien and unpaid assessments on the property.  We have a lot of experience with Lakeview town houses and thought this could offer a good value.

Photo Rising Realty

There are several complexities with this type of purchase.  The bank, lien, backed assessments and contract addendum can scare away many buyers.  However, we worked with our buyer clients on a good strategy - step by step - to secure the property with a bottom line they are happy with.  The contract is now pending attorney review and inspection. 

Bob and I make sure our clients work closely with their real estate attorney so they remain protected and comfortable in the deal.  In this case we referred our long time real estate Attorney Kent Novit at Novitlaw@covad.net and 1-312-332-2407 x203. 



 

Film crews a regular site around Chicago, Lincoln Park

ABC's "Betrayal" was filming this week at the busy Fullerton and Southport intersection in Lincoln Park. 

The TV and movie industries have been great for Chicago. But those production trucks and trailers take up a lot of real estate!  I've seen crews at Montrose Harbor and along West Bryn Mawr bridge at Northside Prep high school.

Chicago Millennium Park "ice skating" fun!

Seriously fun and a great setting (Photo Eric Rojas, Real Estate Broker)

I say "ice skating" because our kids were out on skates for the first time.  Dad's back is OKAY (in case you are wondering).  I think they will stick to swimming.

It took awhile to get them off the handrails

Our 4 year old fared a little better.

Gorgeous early December weather on Sunday.  What a sight!

Skate rental was $10 a pair and easy (although we hit it at the right time and walked right up). Skating is free... so bring your own skates and snacks for a low cost good time.  Or, visit the Park Grill for a warm up. DNAinfo.com has a nice story about ice skating at Millennium Park and some handy links HERE

Magic happens at Budlong Woods library branch Lincoln Square

Magician Sean Masterson performs last night at Budlong Woods library branch in
Lincoln Square 5630 N Lincoln Ave

One of the good things about living in Chicago is the vast array of free kids stuff to do.  Sports, theatre, music, art... you name it and there is probably some free or cheap events and activities nearby sponsored by the City or private entities.

Last night the kids and I were treated to a really great hour long magic show by Sean Masterson at the Budlong Woods Chicago Public Library branch.  They have a large community room where they sponsor "Family Nights", creative activities and lectures.

Video! The changing housing market around Winnemac Park in Ravenswood

Check out this interview with www.YoChicago.com. We talk about what's going on with tear downs, new construction, homes sales and area amenities around Winnemac Park in the Ravenswood neighborhood of greater Lincoln Square.



Contact me if you are looking to buy or sell a house in the Lincoln Square area or other North Side neighborhoods.  We will help you come up with a plan and help you make important decisions.