Thursday, March 28, 2013

Mid-century town homes in East Lakeview offer size, good school

In dense East Lakeview space is a premium. We have clients looking for a larger space for the long term in either eastern Lakeview or Lincoln Park. This mid-century fee-simple townhouse development on the 500 block of West Barry in Lakeview is a good option.  The large town homes were built around 1949 reside in Nettlehorst school district.
 The town homes are situated around a fairly large courtyard for the location.  The recent listings boast concrete construction and 3000+ sq/ft for the units (photo Bob DePalma, Real Estate Broker)

Sales
We viewed 516 W Barry, a 3000 sq/ft three bedrooms, three and one-half baths home newly listed at $619,000.  The home features a full basement level with finished family room, 3 spacious bedrooms.

516 W Barry Unit A closed last December 2012 for $535,000 (3 beds, 2/12 baths with unfinished basement).  522 W Barry closed in early 2012 for $616,000.  The corner home had 3 beds, 2 1/2 baths and a finished basement. All the homes feature nice sized backyards and deeded parking.

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

"Downtown" Rockwell Crossing + Sales in Ravenswood Gardens



We recently listed a condo for sale at 4709 N Artesian (now under contract) in the Ravenswood Gardens sub-neighborhood of Lincoln Square.  Although the condo is just across North Western Avenue from the major retail and entertainment strip it also has a small "downtown" of it's own called Rockwell Crossing  on North Rockwell Street.





The CTA Brown Line crosses at street level starting at the Rockwell stop and all stops heading west. (Photo Eric Rojas)

 A handful of popular businesses line North Rockwell such as Bloom Yoga, Beans and Bagels (shown above), Rockwell's (bar and grill) Pizza Art CafĂ© and my personal favorite The Red Lion English pub.

The Rockwell Crossing development shown above has remained a popular building with several re-sale units this past year. (Photo Eric Rojas)

Condo Sales (attached homes) in Ravenswood Gardens Past 12 Months (area shown below)

34 condos (attached homes including town houses) sold and closed over the past 12 months from this date (3/27/13).  This is about even with the 35 units sold from March 2011 to March 2012. The median price of a condo home is $230,000 and was about the same the previous year as well.

The highest condo sale was 2450 West Montrose #2N for $440,000...a newer construction 3 beds, 2 baths condo with 2 car garage parking.  The lowest sale was 2619 W Agatite #3F for $87,500.  The 1970's built 3 beds, 1 bath unit on the river was in mostly original condition.

Single Family Home Sales in Ravenswood Gardesn Past 12 Months

12 single family homes sold over the last 12 months.  The median price is about $715,000 for closed houses.  The highest sale was $1,040,000 for 4530 N Virginia...a charming double-lot home on the River renovated in 1988.  The lowest single family home sale was 4740 N Artesian sold for $475,000...a 3 bedrooms frame cottage house on a 30' wide.

Statistics and map generated form MREDLLC.com by Eric Rojas, Licensed Real Estate Broker at Kale Realty

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Elusive single family home sales in Nettlehorst School district

Nettlehorst is a desirable public elementary school located in East Lakeview.  Due to the dense, near lakefront attendance boundaries of the school there are fewer single family homes available to purchase than in many of the other well ranked school districts on the North Side.
Image created from www.cps.edu

Nettlehorst School district house sales - Past 12 months

Only 6 true single family homes have sold and closed in Nettlehorst public school district over the past 12 months. The prices range from $339,000 for a foreclosure sale at 1115 W Roscoe of a small frame structure on a little 22' x 50' lot to $1,850,000 for a 6,000 sq/ft new construction development row house at 538 W Stratford Place.
333 W Barry resides in Nettlehorst attendance boundaries and is currently listed for sale asking $3,450,000 (photo Eric Rojas, Real Estate Broker)
Currently, there is only 1 single family home under contract in the school attendance boundaries.  3219 N Kenmore is located in the far western portion of the boundaries and is under contract with an asking price of $825,000.

Only 4 existing single family homes are listed actively for sale as we speak.  The price ranges from $745,000 for a short-sale at 1123 W Addison to 3,450,000 at 333 W Barry (amazing house and location).

Closed single family homes in Nettlehorst by year (includes row homes)

2012 - 6 houses
2011 - 3 houses
2010 - 4 houses
2009 - 4 houses
2008 - 3 houses
2007 - 5 houses

All stats pulled and analyzed  by Eric Rojas, Broker from MREDLLC.com. Boundaries are approximate and created from www.cps.edu boundary maps. All info is approximate and truthful to our knowledge.

Monday, March 25, 2013

Photos! Ravenswood Hospital demolition continues

One of the older building is carefully demolished (photo Eric Rojas, Real Estate Broker)
The Ravenswood Hospital buildings and site have been slowly cleared over a particularly cold winter and spring. The large demolition site is a bit eerie...even in the bright sun on a rare clear day.

Photo Eric Rojas, Real Estate Broker
Looking west down Wilson (photo Eric Rojas, Real Estate Broker)

A play-lot on your block! Zatterberg Park in Ravenswood neighborhood

The terrific Helen Zatterberg Park and play-lot is tucked right into the gorgeous 4200 block of North Hermitage. The neighborhood is known as "east Ravenswood" in the Lakeview Community Area according to our technical MLS boundaries...but, many "feel" this the North Center Community Area.  North Hermitage from West Irving Park Road all the way north to West Lawrence is home to wide lots and some eye popping new construction and vintage homes.

It's fairly rare to have a park directly between two single family homes on a residential block. The park ads to the desirability and value of the 4200-4300 block of North Hermitage.  There are only three single family home sales recorded in the MLS going back to 2007 and they range from $835,000 to $1,800,000.  North Hermitage and the surrounding blocks between West Irving Park Road and West Montrose are highly desirable for single family home buyers due to the tranquil blocks and central location in the city.



Friday, March 22, 2013

Viewing a Roscoe Village foreclosure house at $679,000

We rushed over with our clients to look at 3417 N Oakley when it hit the market about two weeks ago. The Roscoe Village bank owned foreclosure is listed at $679,000.
3417 N Oakley in Roscoe Village and Audubon School district (photo Eric Rojas)
Believe it or not $679,000 may be an "under market" price for this long vacated 5 bedrooms house...even with many issues to deal with.  That is, if you consider needing a gas mask for the basement an "issue".

Does this scare you?
There was a steady stream of buyers looking at the property over the first few days of the listing.  The home is still active on the MLS but I suspect the bank already has several offers to consider.  It's size and location are very attractive in a market where the average gut rehab sells for over $850,000.

My clients were very interested, but, inexperienced with a house needing a lot of gutted areas.  I rushed back with one of my trusted contractors, Jon Hill owner of Artistic Construction.  We put a ball park of $150,000 to clean up the house and restore it.  That included a total gut of the basement shown above and gutting the main floor (living, kitchen and baths).  The top two levels needed work too...but it was mostly cosmetic.

My contractor quickly spotted some other issues with load bearing walls in the upper level that may or may not need attention...and would push the renovation budget up a little.  All in all though, there was room to do the work and still be able to sell the home for the money you'd have into it in my opinion.  I also felt someone could pay $700,000 or so and then renovate.

Thursday, March 21, 2013

New for Sale: Lincoln Square, Ravenswood brick bungalow $379,000, NOT on MLS

  For Sale: 2236 W Carmen asking $379,000.  Not on MLS
Classic 4 bed, 2 bath side entrance brick bungalow on over-sized 30x130 lot.  Amazing value in this market and location.  Move-in condition but kitchens/ baths need updating.  Huge unfinished walk-out basement with good ceiling height, great yard and 2 car garage. Home has been professionally structurally reinforced by current owners.

Very popular location near Lincoln Square retail and entertainment, steps from Winnemac Park, close to Andersonville shops and restaurants, CTA Brown Line at Western or Damen, walk to new Dominick's grocery...more!  Award winning Chappell school district, many affordable nearby private and public school options.
Winnemac Park (photo Eric Rojas)

Main Floor
Large living room, separate formal dining room and kitchen.  2 nice sized main floor bedrooms, 1 full bath

Second Floor
Opened attic stairs lead to second floor.  Very functional 2 bedrooms and 1 full bath. Now used as bedroom and office.

Basement
Large, full unfinished basement, washer and dryer and good ceiling height. Home has been professionally structurally reinforced by current owners.

Boiler, radiant heat, no central air.  Mechanicals, roof, windows, exterior in good shape.  Many copper plumbing updates.

Note Showing Instructions:
Limited showings, serious buyers only please.  Must have mortgage pre-approval subject to verification by Listing Brokers prior to scheduling a showing.  Proof of Funds required if cash buyer. If you need a mortgage lender and adviser, please contact Steve Dunnett at sdunnett@wintrustmortgage.com... tell him Eric sent you.

Please email erojas@kalerealty.com for showings with specific information and contact phone number.

Exclusive listing by Eric Rojas and Bob DePalma, Brokers with 
Kale Realty 548 W Roosevelt Road, Chicago, IL 60607


Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Lincoln Square single family home sales 2013, inventory low

Single family home inventory has been tight in Lincoln Square thus far in 2013.  Newly listed homes have been snapped up pretty fast... especially east of North Western Avenue and south of West Foster Ave.  The last several houses listed under $500,000 (either ideal for a move-in buyer or developer) in this zone have gone under contract immediately.

Lincoln Square single home sales January 1st to March 18th, 2013

14 single family homes have closed this year (March 18th). The median price is about $536,000.  Closed unit sales are down from the 21 homes closed same period of 2012. However, the median price was only about $410,000 for the same period last year. 

The highest sale so far was $1,3675,000 for a unique new construction home at 2104 W Sunnyside. The house features an attached garage fronting the street rather than detached off alley.  The lowest sale has been $190,000 for a very small frame ranch house at 2730 W Berwyn. The house was a foreclosure sale and needed work.


Image from www.wikipedia.org

Lincoln Square Contingent and Pending sales 2013

21 single family homes are currently contingent or pending (under contract).  Amazingly, only 21 homes are currently listed for sale in the large Lincoln Square Community Area. The median asking price for these homes is about $475,000.

We sell a lot of houses in the Lincoln Square area.  Contact me if you are looking for a home in the area.  We may have "pocket listings" or know of homes being rehabbed or built that are not listed.

Stats gathered from MREDLLC.com...all opinions and analysis Eric Rojas, Licensed Real Estate Broker.

McPherson School OPEN HOUSE...this week in Lincoln Square!

Hello neighbors:
Be a joiner! McPherson Elementary, Lincoln Square's neighborhood school, is hosting its annual Spring Open House on Thursday, March 21 from 4 pm to 7 pm. 

 The school is located at 4728 North Wolcott, near the intersection of Lawrence and Wolcott. This is a great way to meet the principal, staff, teachers, students and other parents and explore the school.
The open house will feature:
  • Information about the Early Childhood Programs: Pre-School & Full Day Kindergarten
  • Showcase the 10th Anniversary of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program
  • Details about Art, Music and World Language (Spanish) opportunities at the school
  • McPherson Sports: Staff vs Girls Basketball Game at 4 pm & Staff vs Boys Basketball Game at 5 pm
Also, check out Friends of McPherson (FOM) (www.friendsofmcpherson.com), like FOM on Facebook or email info@friendsofmcpherson.com to learn more.

Please pass on this information to others in the hood that might be interested!

Andersonville condo sales now and then

Read my guest post Snap shot: Andersonville condo sales at www.YoChicago.com today.  I look at current and past Andersonville area condo sales.  There are some new units and new construction condos and townhouses being brought to the market for the first time since pretty much 2008.  Unit sales should be up in 2013.
Old water tower in Andersonville (photo, Eric Rojas)
  Click the Chicago market statistics link below for tons of local market data.

Monday, March 18, 2013

New construction begins on massive Ravenswood lot

Construction has begun on Ravenswood's newest luxury home on its voluminous lot. We wrote about this nifty $1,465,000 vacant land sale at Montrose and Hermitage back in 2010. According to that listing the lot measures 92 feet wide and 165 feet deep. It appears that the new foundation is poured for a single family residence on the north end of the lot furthest from West Montrose... while the remaining space to the south will make up the outdoor living areas (my guess). 
The foundation is poured for another interesting house on North Hermitage Avenue in the Ravenswood neighborhood (Photo Eric Rojas, Broker)
It's an interesting project.  If anyone wants to chime in on any public knowledge of the property feel free to email me and I'll update the post. North Hermitage, running from West Irving Park Road to West Lawrence Avenue, is full of interesting, eclectic and luxury homes on various lot sizes (click for some examples).

Looking south towards Montrose


Sunday, March 17, 2013

Blown-in, spray insulation popular in the Windy City

Cold winds were (still!) blowing this winter...and it seems the insulation companies have been taking advantage. 

This the the 4th insulation truck I've seen hard at work around Lincoln Square this month.  These trucks have special machines for blown-in insulation. At least three of the crews I noticed had their tubes running straight up to the attic of their customers' houses. Last year's warm winter made me forget how cold our old houses really are!

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Local Chicago news resources we read

From time-to-time I like to point out hyper-local news sources that help me keep up with the North Side neighborhoods we work in.  Here are a few in no particular order:
 Downtown Chicago looking north from South Loop.  Photo Bob DePalma

www.YoChicago.com

Yo Chicago offers unique and intelligent insight on the business of real estate.   Their news feed can't be beat. The site also offers arguably the best collection of property and neighborhood video PLUS "helicopter flyover" photos available for view in Chicago!

Lincoln Square Patch

The "Patch family", including Lincoln Park and Roscoe Village/ North Center, has good local news on business openings, closings, services, entertainment, city construction and some real estate picks.

DNAinfo.com Chicago

Good, professional coverage of both hyper-local and bigger downtown stories.

Curbed Chicago

Good scoops and aggregated news on major new construction proposals, interesting properties, and some fun mixed in too.


 

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Ravenswood construction very active north of Lawrence Avenue

An increasingly popular area in the Ravenswood neighborhood of Lincoln Square is seeing a lot of building activity.  It has become very common again to see new high-end construction and major gut rehabs around the blocks surrounding Winnemac Park (between West Lawrence to West Foster and North Damen to North Western). Here's an example from my recent walk around the neighborhood on a balmy winter day with our youngest son Stanley.

New construction on the 4800 Block of North Hamilton asking over $1.1 million (Photos, Eric Rojas)
New custom construction on the 4800 Block of North Seeley.
A new gut renovation on the 4900 North Claremont
Not shown is 4919 N Leavitt.  That property was recently bought by a developer in January for $345,000 cash and is already undergoing a gut rehab. My guess is it will be for retail sale.

You are HERE!
 

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Sold: Buyer client closes Lincoln Park short-sale condo

One of our buyer clients just closed on 2133 N Southport #2. This was a short sale condo with two beds, two baths and garage parking built in 1998.  The final sale price was $270,000 which is a great value compared to most similar properties sold over the past year and under currently under contract.
2133 N Southport #2 in Lincoln Park is a good value buy for our client and great for a roommate situation (Photo Eric Rojas, Broker)
All our clients have different motivations.  This particular client was more investment minded.  He wanted a space good for roommates and that would afford a relatively low cost of living in Lincoln Park.  We helped the first-time buyer quickly evaluate the short-sale situation, his goals and potential rental income of the property.

It turns out our timing was great...the lender just verbally approved the short-sale price after a previous contract fell through.  Our client did not hesitate to write an offer after our first showing. The contract was accepted and the deal approved swiftly by the lender.

The 2100 Block of North Southport is pretty quiet to the north of the property.
The 2100 Block of North Southport is right between the action of Webster Street bars and restaurants and the North Clybourn retail stretch.  It's relatively quiet despite it's proximity to busy traffic and retail along Clybourn.  The price was well discounted for the bustle and short-sale however.  The rental income from the condo covers our client's mortgage payment AND his current location's rent with his roommates until he moves in!
Looking southeast down Clybourn from the Southport intersection on a gloomy Saturday...Trump Tower in the background (Photo, Eric Rojas)
The condo is at the foot of the Clybourn retail and restaurant corridor in Lincoln park.  Very easy shopping and access to downtown.  We congratulate our client on a great value and fun place to live!

North Lakewood in Southport Corridor gets new construction "boom"

The 3600 to 4000 block of North Lakewood Avenue is popular stretch in Lakeview's Southport Corridor enclave.  Even some Cub's players and celebrities have bought homes on - and adjacent to - these blocks.  The blocks reside in the highly ranked and highly desirable Blaine Elementary School attendance boundaries.  The 3600 block is especially active right now with at least three "LLCs" buying lots at the end of last year.

3615 N Lakewood is on a 30' wide lot...wider than standard 25' city lots demand a premium for new construction (Photo Eric Rojas, Broker).

The original property at 3615 N Lakewood shown above sold last summer for $700,000 cash (land value).  There is no listing on the MLS for the contemporary style new construction house yet.  However, it looks like a "speculation house" built by a very active developer for retail sale.  

UPDATE:  Here's a little video from www.YoChicago.com on the 3615 N Lakewood construction.


3627 N Lakewood Ave in Lakeview's Southport Corridor also on a 30' lot (Photo Eric Rojas, Broker).
The more traditional style new construction shown above is a few houses down the block at 3627 N Lakewood.  The original property sold at the end of last year for $770,000 cash.  This home was also bought by an LLC but it's unclear if it will come to market, has been sold already or is a private custom build for the purchaser.
The 3600 block of Lakewood will get several new construction neighbors (image created from MREDLLC.com, Eric Rojas).



The last 3 re-sale (and fully rehabbed or recent new construction) single family homes to sell on these 4 blocks of North Lakewood respectively have been 3830 N Lakewood for $1,130,000, 3838 N Lakewood for $1,465,000, and 3714 N Lakewood for $1,475,000.  3627 N Lakewood shown above was also a re-sale singe family home and in older but attractive living condition selling at $770,000  Unfortunately to some it was no match for the market demand for new construction houses.


A multi-unit  (two-flat) at 3646 N Lakewood on the opposite side of the block was also purchased late last year for $665,000 by Bloomfield Development LLC  and will surely be re-developed.  I did not see notice construction on that lot...but it was freezing the day I took these photos and hurried off the block!

Monday, March 11, 2013

Lincoln Park town house sales February 2013

We have been working with buyer clients looking for a large town house in Lincoln Park.  The market for quality properties has been very fast and competitive this year already.

Lincoln Park town house sales February 2013

9 town house style homes closed in the month of February (as recorded in www.MREDLLC.com, our local MLS).  The median price was just over $550,000.  This is up 6 closed units over 2012 which saw only 3 town houses close in February.
The town houses of Tamerlane on the 2700 block of North Greenview, Lincoln Park (Photo Eric Rojas, Broker)

The highest sale/ closing in February was for 430 West Armitage Unit A for $998,000.  The 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths home at the popular The Point development is located in east Lincoln Park near the lake and has over 3300 sq/ ft of living space.  The lowest town house closing for the month was at 1443 West Wrightwood Unit B for $380,000.  This is located adjacent to popular Wrightwood Park and amongst and enclave several large town house developments and newer construction single family homes.
We looked at a new town house listing over the weekend at Parklane on the 2700 block of North Greenview. This popular town house development has large homes featuring 3 true bedrooms and two common living rooms. (Photo Eric Rojas, Broker)

Pending and contingent sales tell the story of this year's fast start.  There are currently 57 town homes under contract (contingent or pending closing).  The median price is about $575,000 for the under contract units.  That's a lot of town house units under contract before we even hit the traditionally busy spring market.

Friday, March 08, 2013

Sold for list price! Old Town Triangle row house in Lincoln Park snapped up, closed fast

Our clients closed their transaction yesterday on 1826 N Lincoln Avenue...one our favorite listings and locations in some time.  We were almost sorry to see it go so fast.  The property sold for the list asking price of $949,000 in the first day of showings.
The sellers and the buyers were a joy to work with.  The "French chic" historic row house and sublime location certainly had a cheerful effect on the deal.

Congrats to our clients and to the new owners. The buyers are from very close by in the neighborhood and will have the quintessential Lincoln Park lifestyle in their classic abode. 

Bon travail!

Bomanville buzzin'! Double-lot new construction on great Lincoln Square block

The former properties at 2249 and 2251 W Farragut sold late last year for a total of $385,000 cash (Photo 3/6/13, Eric Rojas)
We recently sold a single family home listing at 2209 W Farragut...a great block in the Bowmanville neighborhood of Lincoln Square.  All you Bowmnaville Bees must be a buzzin' over the recent new construction!

2249 W Farragut and 2251 W Farragut were sold all cash late in 2012 as a package deal totaling $385,000.  That's only $192,500 per build-able lot...sweetheart deal! A local neighbor looks to be building their dream home.  I can't see a better endorsement for a block than current residents investing heavily in their homes.



Wednesday, March 06, 2013

Top 5 Lincoln Park house sales January 1st - March 1st 2013

 And without as much as a drum roll....here are the Top 5 Lincoln Park home sales January 1st to March 1st, 2013
A picture of one of my favorite houses in Lincoln Park (Photo Eric Rojas, Broker)

1. 1705 N Dayton sold for $3,125,000

2. 1124 W Altgeld sold for $2,475,000

3. 2235 N Burling sold for $2,200,000

4. 1720 N Cleveland sold for $1,900,000

5. 2245 N Dayton sold for $1,900,000

All sales stats from MREDLLC.com our local MLS of which I'm a member.

Under Contract in 4 days! Lincoln Square condo draws a crowd

Our newest listing at 4709 N Artesian #2 asking $379,000 drew a big crowd the first few days after going on the market.  Our seller clients accepted a terrific offer by the first weekend.

4709 N Artesian #2 is a three beds, two baths condo with garage parking.  Eric Rojas, Broker
 The popular Lincoln Square / Ravenswoods Gradens location drew many devoted locals.  The quiet one-way street has close access to retail, entertainment, CTA Brown Line transportation and a popular in district school (Waters Elementary).

We've been helping our clients position themselves for strong offers on their properties.  We work with each individuals goals to maximize a positive outcome.  Contact us if you are selling your home.  Selling is a very anxious and disruptive process...we can minimize the stress!

More Lincoln Square posts HERE

Tuesday, March 05, 2013

Snow what? CPS kids go to school

My three year old pre-schooler "braves" the snow on her way to class this afternoon.
We kept the fact to ourselves around our house that many suburban schools were calling a snow day... last night before it snowed.  The show must go on for CPS kids, many of who, live very close to their neighborhood schools.  In fact, living on the block of our school was a main factor for city living.

NEIU closed it's doors today so no swim lessons this evening. I would however like a half-day tomorrow to take my six and three year old sledding!


Putting the "Old" in Old Town!

1544 N Wieland in Old Town...pretty old.  (Photo Eric Rojas, Broker)
Old Town's North Wieland Street is a narrow, alley-like street just west of the popular North Wells Street retail and enetertainment district.  We've had some business on Wieland through the years and the street is a mixed bag of new, high-end single family homes and old structures that keep re-inventing themselves. 

I don't know much about 1544 N Wieland, but it seems to one of the oldest brick structures (at least parts of it) in the neighborhood...and still kicking.


Under contract! Buyer clients choose North Center new construction house in Audubon


Our clients are under contract on 1920 W Eddy, a new construction home asking $1,475,000.  It's going up fast! (Photo Eric Rojas, Broker with Kale Realty)

Our buyer clients this year wanted a new construction house near the Lincoln Square area.  After helping them research new construction house trends in the area, they expanded the search a little south to North Center where more opportunities for their budget and wish list were available.


We are representing them on the purchase of 1920 W Eddy (asking $1,475,000) in North Center and in the popular Audubon School attendance district.  The house was barely a foundation when we checked out the location.  We were then able to look at the same house (nearly finished) on the same lot size in another location.  This was really helpful and clinched the decision.
The 1900 block of West Eddy features original and inviting brick homes and large renovated frame "Colonials and Queen Ann's"

The original structure was a frame home purchased for $540,000 in late 2012. Our buyer clients felt wide lot (30') new construction homes do not come up often and they preferred the "four bedrooms up" the extra width provides.  They liked the proximity to the CTA Brown Line which they use daily. They also witnessed two other new construction houses of interest go under contract nearby well before their completion and before they could see them (on standard 25' lots to boot).

The contract is now in attorney review.  Congratulations so far and we look forward to a smooth closing process. What a fantastic high-end home by a long time reputable builder!

Monday, March 04, 2013

Lincoln Square house gets "Red X"

A new City of Chicago program places a red "X" on structurally unsound buildings.  This is meant to warn first responders of a potential structural collapse and is an unexpected sight in Lincoln Square.




I noticed the home on the 4800 block of North Oakley in Lincoln Square was give it's scarlet letter X while walking past it on Saturday.  This is a very nice block in the Ravenswood sub-neighborhood, close to Giddings Square and all the Lincoln Square retail and entertainment.  I walk this block many times a week on my way to shopping in the Square and always wonder when this house would finally be sold, bought, torn down and developed.

A long time neighbor across the street said the house has been "vacant for 15 years".  I don't know the fate of this house or if the City is seeking permission to demolish the home.  If you do know and would like me to update the blog, email me a note erojas@kalerealty.com

UPDATE 3/5/13:  Some neighbors did email me that the house allegedly was passed down from the owners to one of their children and the person lives out of the area.  Hopefully the owner is in a sound situation and this will prompt some sort of resolution for the house.


Curbed Chicago has pointed out an artist documenting many of the marked houses around the city.

Saturday, March 02, 2013

Video! Drive Lincoln Square then walk-through a condo

www.YoChicago.com met up with me in Lincoln Square to check out our new condo listing at 4709 N Artesian #2 and for a quick drive through the neighborhood (in my mini-van!).



Check out the video walk-through of 4709 N Artesian 3@ asking $379,000