Saturday, April 29, 2017

Sunday Open House! Great Lake View condo location for $289,900

1051 W Barry #1W, Chicago IL 60657
Open House 
1051 West Barry #1W, Chicago IL 60657
For sale $289,900
Sunday April 30th - 1PM to 3PM

Take the video tour! 


New this week! An affordable unit in the center of Chicago's Lake View neighborhood. Gorgeous block of vintage buildings! A couple blocks to CTA Red Line or Brown Line. Tons of great restaurants and bars around the corner DMK, Fish Bar ,Vaughn's Pub.  In the middle of new mega Whole Foods and new Target stores. Shopping at DSW, Marshall's, boutiques more!


Two beds, One bath, Washer/ Dryer, Deck, Basement storage, Central Heat/AC

Thursday, April 27, 2017

The West Diversey Parkway construction zone in Lincoln Park / Lake View

South side of 600 block of West Diversey, Lincoln Park. All photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty unless otherwise stated
A popular retail and residential mixed corridor on Lincoln Park / Lake View border is in the midst of upheaval. This commercial strip (pictured above) that once housed a Starbucks on the 600 block of West Diversey Parkway is now demolished and cleared out.  It is part of a larger redevelopment of retail space at the corner of Clark and Diversey.  See plans here from the 43rd Ward web site.


The former Market Place lot on the 500 block of West Diversey is still vacant. Developers walked from the project a couple years ago.  No update has been posted to the 43rd Ward site at this time.


508 West Diversey construction



Photo http://www.44thward.org/508-diversey/
508 West Diversey on the same block is currently under construction. 56 residential units will mean more $$$$ for the throng of local business and will help keep this a vibrant location near the lake.


Wednesday, April 26, 2017

Sneak peek! My musical debut at 1051 W Barry Unit 1W in Lake View - For sale this week!


1051 West Barry Unit 1W, Chicago IL 60657
 We just dropped the video on our newest Lake View listing! Take the tour:



Be the first to view our newest listing at 1051 W Barry Unit 1W, Chicago IL 60657 for sale at $289,900.   More preview photos HERE


 Exclusively listed by:
Eric Rojas, Vice President/ Broker
Kale Realty
2447 N Ashland
Chicago, IL 60614
773-510-1597
ericrojasblog.com

La Grange home sales 2017

So many cool, customs builds throughout La Grange. All photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty
La Grange, IL is a popular western suburb for our city clients to move to.  Many clients we meet in Chicago grew up in the west and southwest suburbs.  Some clients are just looking for their long term family home with an acceptable commute to downtown Chicago. I was back in La Grange with our buyers over the weekend. Let's take a look at recent home sales.

 La Grange single family homes sales January 1st - April 21st, 2017
40 single family homes are recorded as closed in our MLS thus far in 2017.  The median price of a closed home is $500,000.  However at $500,000 it is a struggle to find a move-in ready three bedrooms, two baths home with a finished basement reasonably walk-able to transportation.


41 single family homes closed in La Grange over the same period in 2016 for a medium price of $380,000. 
37 homes closed in 2015 with a median price about $510,000. 
38 homes closed in 2014 with a median price of $525,000
41 homes closed in 2013 with a median price of about $390,000

Wow, that's some crazy consistency for unit sales. The median price fluctuates considerably from high $300,000 to $500,000. The relatively small sample size each year reflects the house offerings people purchased.  In 2013, $390,000 could get you a little more house. In 2016 my guess is a lot of the lower-end homes were offered and bought up for future gut renovation or tear-down in the strong market.


La Grange offers a huge spectrum of home styles and price ranges on every block. You'll see custom Mediterranean, new build cottage and Tudors and classic "Chicago Bungalows" on the same block.

Saturday, April 22, 2017

Edgewater town house sales

We'll have a listing coming on in this town house development at 5320 N Kenmore in Edgewater (all photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty).
We're town house crazy this week with two new listings hitting the market.  Next week we will photograph and film an Edgewater town house on North Kenmore near the lake (pictured above).  Let's take a look at Edgewater town house sales this year.

Edgewater town home sales January 1st to April 21st, 2017
Only four town homes have sold thus far in 2017.  They are a rare breed near the lake. The median price for this small sample size is about $355,000.  The higher priced town homes only have two bedrooms (plus family room). The development on North Kenmore we'll be representing is very close to the lakefront and Foster Beach.

Epworth United Methodist Church among the many large apartment buildings, condos, town homes and high-rises of eastern Edgewater.
Six town homes sold over the same period of time in 2016 with a median price of $388,000.  A couple larger, higher-end town houses sold bringing up the median.  In 2015 only three town homes sold with a median price over $500,000.  Indeed, town homes down in Edgewater are a rare find in spring months!

Thursday, April 20, 2017

New for Sale! Bowmanville, Lincoln Square town home, open house this Saturday!



All brick town house with fenced in front patio.
 5350 N Damen Unit E, Chicago IL 60625 for sale $349,900 
Open House Saturday April 22nd 10am to 12pm

New today! Check out this great town house value in the Bowmanville neighborhood of Lincoln Square. Bowmanville popularity has exploded over the past five years with high-end residential development, charming existing homes and growing local businesses.

Take the video tour!






Fenced in patio one of three outdoor spaces.  Great for garden planters!

Open floor plan with Juliet balcony overlooking West Balmoral Street. Attractive wood burning fireplace for cozy winter nights.

Open concept allows for large dining table and entertaining.

Well laid out kitchen with sink overlooking main living area.

Pantry cabinets!
This deck off the kitchen has room for a grill and chairs.
Main floor family room has huge coat/ storage closet, washer/dryer closet and access to the two car garage.

Spacious, bright master bedroom suite.
En suite bathroom, rare at this price-point!
Fenced in front patio.

More photos and property information HERE

Wow! This Bowmanville, Lincoln Square town house offers terrific value. Two beds, two full+one-half baths, family room, top floor loft, attached two-car garage, large fenced in patio, kitchen deck and potential roof deck.

First floor family room with huge closet, in-unit washer/dryer and access to garage. Main floor is light, airy open plan w/ recessed lighting, attractive wood burning fireplace, Juliet balcony, large dining area.

Well appointed kitchen overlooks living space and features pantry cabinet plus sliding doors to deck. Spacious master bedroom suite and private bath.  Large second bedroom with huge organized closet. Bonus loft space makes great office, reading area. There is walk-out access to roof and deck build-out is allowed according to association.

Home of the great gardens!
Urban Pooch, Half-Acre, Hardware Crossfit and many more businesses, bars and restaurants of Bowmanville, Andersonville and Lincoln Square outside your door.  PET friendly and close to Ravenswood Metra, CTA Brown Line.

Bowmanville neighborhood

Public green space steps from the town home.
 Exclusively listed by:
Eric Rojas, Vice President/ Broker
Kale Realty
2447 N Ashland
Chicago, IL 60614
773-510-1597
ericrojasblog.com

Saturday, April 15, 2017

Downers Grove via Chicago (and home sale stats)

One a couple large water towers in Downers Grove, IL.  All photos Eric Rojas, Kale Realty.
Our fantastic clients have prepped their Lake View, Chicago condo for sale and it's ready for prime time! Yes, it is time sell and move back the motherland. One of the target areas near family with Metra to the city is Downers GroveLet's take a look at Downers Grove home sales this year.

Chasing the American Dream! Looking for a great house - in budget - in Downers Grove "close enough" to a Metra stop for the downtown Chicago commute. We can do it!
Downers Grove single family home sales January 1st to April 14th, 2017 (and other fun stats)

  • 138 single family homes sold thus far in 2017.  The median price for a house is about $375,000. 
  • Over the same period last year 118 single family homes sold with a median price of about $310,000. 
  • Go back to 2015 and 113 single family homes sold with a median price of $330,000.
Our clients would like at least four bedrooms house with en suite master bath.  66 homes have sold listed with at least four bedrooms and a master bathroom suite. The  median price is  $515,000.  Four bedrooms house sales with NO master bath had a median price of $370,000.  That master suite is costly!

In most Chicagoland markets we saw the unit sale and median price upturn start in 2012. In 2012, only 79 Downers Grove single family homes sold over the same period for a median price of about $267,000.

Don't forget! We help our clients sell in the city and buy in the burbs!

Thursday, April 13, 2017

Home inspection time Elmhurst!

420 South Hawthorne, Elmhurst, IL 60126 is a four bedrooms home listed at $489,900.  Our clients are in the attorney review period after securing a purchase contract.
We recently helped buyers secure a purchase contract on 420 S Hawthorne in Elmhurst, IL. I attended the home inspection last week on a rainy early spring day.  We attend all our client property inspections to understand the full condition of the house and it's value in the local market.  Bob and I often help solve inspection issues that arise and assist buyers in home improvement planning after the inspection.

118 single family homes have sold in Elmhurst from January 1st to April 7th, 2017 with a median price of $395,000. 420 S Hawthorne is a true four bedrooms home with a master suite.  12 homes with this criteria have closed this year for a median price of about $475,000.



Lincoln Square multi-unti sales (two, three and four-flat builidngs). Median price up 30% over 2015


Our recent two-flat listing at 2443 W Winona is under contract asking $529,900.
Two-flats and small multi-unit buildings are hot again (were they ever not?) in Lincoln Square community area of Chicago. We've been buying and selling in this market and it appears a more active market than 2016. Let's take a look!

2017 Multi-unit Sales  January 1st to April 7th

About 16 multi-unit buildings (two-four flats) have sold from January 1st to April 7th, 2017.  The median price is a eye-opening $618,000.  Over the same period in 2016,  20 multi-units sold with a median price about $535,000.  Units sales are slightly down but we see a significant bump in median price. Building considered values go quick.

12 units sold over the same period in 2015 with a median price of $470,000. Lincoln Square multi-units (two-four units) median sales price is up 30% over the same period since 2015.

Check out a video walk-through we filmed last year of our recent two-flat sale.




There are 14 multi-units currently under contract with a median asking price of $550,000. About 11 multi-units are actively listed for sale with a median price of about $700,000. Pretty big gap between buildings under contract and those sitting on the market.


Contact us to buy and sell in and around Lincoln Square. We show "off-market" and pre-MLS properties too!

Saturday, April 08, 2017

Sold over list price! Wrigleyville three bedrooms condo with awesome rooftop $425,000

This condo for Cub's fans went fast! 
Listed at $419,900 sold for $425,000 in multiple offer bid.



Wow! A three bedrooms, two baths condo with parking and awesome common roof top deck.  Just steps from Wrigley Field and the CTA Red Line at Addison. This large, renovated condo has great space for entertaining.  Enjoy the video walk through and call us to buy or sell more condo units in Wrigleyville, great Lake View and the North Side of Chicago.

Huge, open plan with fantastic kitchen for entertaining.

Amazing 360 degree roof deck views!
3743 N Wilton #3, Chicago IL 60613 sold for $425,000
Three bedrooms
Two bathrooms
Master suite
Parking included
Private deck off master suite
Huge common roof deck
Awesome bay window area, tall ceilings, great light!
 Exclusively listed by Eric Rojas
Broker, Kale Realty 
2447 N Ashland, Chicago IL 60614
773-510-1597
erojas@kalerealty.com
ericrojasblog.com

Chicago Reptile Fest 2017 this weekend in North Park!




Chicago Reptile Fest 2017 is being hosted by Northeastern Illinois University 5500 N St Louis Ave Chicago IL 60625 this weekend (NOW) April 8th and 9th.  Click the link for more info and hours!  This is a really unique event in the North Park neighborhood near Lincoln Square.




Friday, April 07, 2017

Open House Sunday April 9th, 12p-2p! East Village duplex condo, three beds, garage $549,900

934 N Wood Unit 1, Chicago IL 60622 asking $549,900

Open House
Sunday April 9th
12:00pm to 2:00pm

Watch the video walk through of our newest West Town listing in East Village.
934 N Wood, Unit 1, Chicago IL 60622
Offered at $549,900


Open living and dining on the main floor.  Surround sound and Juliet balcony.
East Village 3 beds, 2.5 baths duplex down with garage parking steps from Division Street and Chicago Ave! Upgraded finish level w/ hardwood floors and built-in speakers throughout, two huge master baths, gas fireplace and 3 outdoor spaces. 

Upgraded kitchen with Viking range.
Quality cabinets and breakfast bar.
Warm, rich kitchen, Viking range, breakfast bar and tons of storage overlooks open plan dining and living. Main floor features half-bath + spacious master bedroom suite, walk-in closet, second closet and huge walk-out deck. Master bath separate jetted tub, double vanity and separate shower. 

Spacious master bedroom with walk-in closet.  Double doors to large back deck.
The large back deck is one of three private outdoor spaces.  Garage parking included!
En suite bathroom, separate jetted tub, double vanity and separate shower.
True lower level family room w/sound and walk-out patio. 2nd bedroom w/ French door and direct access to seriously luxurious second master bath. Giant 3rd bedroom with private patio offers guest / office/ work-out space! 


Lower level family room, hardwood floors, built-in speakers and walk-out patio.
Family room with fireplace, french door to 2nd bedroom.
Attractive 2nd bedroom with nice detail.  Direct access to the second full master bathroom.
Wow! Another master bath with awesome tub and shower.
Huge, bright 3rd bedroom with private patio. Lots of flexibility for guests, office, work-out space or yoga studio.

Loads of extra closet space in the unit. Walk to CTA Blue Line, Mariano's all the dining, bars and amenities you could want. Building maintenance and association in great shape. Live large in one of Chicago's hottest neighborhoods!

Great location in one the truly hottest areas for building and sales in the city.

 Exclusively listed by:
Eric Rojas, Vice President/ Broker
Kale Realty
2447 N Ashland
Chicago, IL 60614
773-510-1597
ericrojasblog.com