Sold! Evanston single family home near Metra, shopping

 

We helped our clients secure 2322 W Harrison, Evanston IL 60201 for $995,000 in a multiple offer situation. Photo Jacki Mack, Jameson Sotheby's and VHT.com 

It was a battle! We worked aggressively since early spring to find our clients buy their forever Evanston home around $1M. Four plus bedrooms, big lot, near transportation and shops? Everybody's dream home! We are super excited for our clients. Check out details on 2322 Harrison

This large farmhouse had important updates including and awesome renovated kitchen.

Well located Evanston homes near commerce and transit have been in huge demand for years. Some areas of Evanston offer big city amenities near attractive spacious homes and lots.  It is difficult to secure a well finished four bedroom single family home under $1M near transit.  2232 W Harrison is an eight minute walk to the Central Street Metra Station.  Stop at Backlot Coffee  and many businesses on Central Street to start your day. Three play-lots within a couple blocks! Great schools? Check! 

A large backyard was a top priority for our buyers moving from the city.  How's 57' x 188' sound?

Home Sales

About 50 single family homes have sold within four blocks of 2322 Harrison Street. The median price of a closed house in this area is $820,000. Homes with at least four bedrooms and a primary bathroom suite have a median price of $1,100,000. 

Having four bedrooms AND a primary bathroom suite ups the closed median sales price to $1,100,000 

The double vanity bath with walk-in shower is like new!

Congrats to our clients on their move-up home in beautiful Evanston in the North Shore.  Please contact us to buy and sell in Chicago and the near suburbs. 

Single family home sales in Old Irving Park (Sales record this year!)

 

There are many original custom built homes in Old Irving Park. In recent years the large lots have been attractive to luxury new construction home buyers moving from the tighter confines of Lincoln Park.

My clients are looking to buy a wide lot home in the Old Irving Park neighborhood of greater Irving Park Community Area. The area offers leafy streets and large lot homes close to two Metra stations and the CTA Blue Line.  Old Irving Park has a slower pace feel with less density and commotion than areas closer to downtown. There is less retail, restaurants and bars I'd consider walkable than alternative Chicago neighborhoods with comparable million dollar homes. The tranquility and easy train commute to downtown more than makes up for it! 

Old Irving Park Single Family Home Sales 2021

Old Irving Park neighborhood 

32 single family homes have closed so far this year (January 1st to September 29th, 2021). The median price of a sold home is about $625,000. Pricing trend has been up for the past five years with the peak median price last year at $670,000 

-Over the same period of 2020, 29 homes sold with an median price of about $670,000.

-2019, 34 homes sold with a median price of about $585,000
-2018, 33 homes sold with a median price of $565,000.

-2017, 41 homes sold with a median price of about $550,000

The highest priced sold home this year is 3713 North Tripp, Chicago IL 60641 for $2,249,000. This may be a record price recorded on the MLS for a resale home! There may be private, "off MLS" sales for higher amounts but I have not scanned recorded deeds.

The lowest priced home sold this year is 3712 North Lowell, Chicago IL 60641 for $320,000. 

Looking for a house? You gotta guy! erojas@kalerealty.com

Looking up! Avondale condo median price up 32% from 2015

Avondale views from a balcony on North Kimball near the Belmont CTA Blue Line. All photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty

Our client recently secured a purchase contract on a newer construction condo in the Avondale neighborhood. The contract is currently in attorney review and inspection. Avondale has been a popular alternative to the red hot Logan Square neighborhood to the south. Development has benefitted from access to the CTA Blue Line and highways... while the area remains relatively affordable to artists, musicians, creatives and the working class who've long immigrated northwest to the neighborhood.

It's a good time to take a look at recent attached units (condo, townhouse) sales in Avondale.

Our client jumped on a new listing featuring a full, private roof top deck. All photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty 

167 condos were sold in the Avondale neighborhood in 2020. The median price of a sold condo over that period is $365,000.  That's up 32% since 2015. The highest priced sold attached unit is 3113 N Karlov Unit 3-4, Chicago IL 60641 for $646,721. The new construction townhouse has size and private backyard outdoor space. The lowest priced sale is 4009 West Nelson Unit 9C for $92,000. The one bedroom, one bath unit is located in the far western border of Avondale a bit far from the Blue Line.

2019, 172 condos sold with a median price of $370,000
2018, 190 condos sold with a median price of $345,000
2017, 176 condos sold with a median price of $312,000
2016, 158 condos sold with a median price of $279,000
2015, 167 condos sold with a median price of about $276,000

 

Evanston single family home sales up 25% year over year

 

No denying that Evanston brings the charm... for a price. The median sales price of a house in 2020 was $585,000. Home sales were bonkers. All photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty

2020 was the gift that kept giving 😀 Despite real social, political and economic challenges the local real estate markets exploded. Many reports have pointed out how Chicago's near and further out suburbs single family home sales were hot, hot, hot. Let's take a look at one of the nearest of "suburbs"... the City of Evanston.

Evanston single family home sales

536 Single family homes sold from January 1st 2020 to December 21st 2020 (sold homes recorded in our MREDLLC.com MLS). That's up about 25% year over year. The median price of a sold house for 2020 was $585,000, up about 14% over 2019.

In 2020, 63 closed homes (on the MLS) sold for over $1 million. of those four were over $2 million and two were over $3 million. There were undoubtedly several more high-end private or off-MLS sales. 

Looking back at 2019 (a normal year) 431 single family homes closed.  The median price for a sold house was about $510,000.  42 of those homes sold over $1 million. Five of those reached the $2 million mark. No homes recorded in the MLS broke $2 million.

• 2018, 422 home closed with a median price of $550,000
• 2017, 465 homes closed with a median price of $532,000
• 2016, 488 homes closed with a median price of $518,000
• 2015, 492 homes closed with a median price of $502,000

2020 may have been the first year in Evanston to close over 500 single family homes! I looked back to 2007 (still in the ramp up before the mortgage crash) and no year broke 500 with 2007 itself only closing 368 houses. 2020 sold smashed the mark with 536!

The lakefront parks and beaches remain the biggest draw to Evanston personally speaking. Followed closely by the robust commerce, jobs and architecture.

I was in Evanston a couple days last week looking at single family homes with a client. They will make the move from a city condo. Evanston has always been tops on my list if we were to move from the city. Mainly I enjoy access to the lakefront parks, recreation and beaches. Second to that is the robust business community, great schools and park district. Third... the architecture! I wouldn't miss a beat from my current city life  The only barrier is price. We bought our current house many years ago and it serves are family well. Moving to a comparable situation in Evanston would be expensive!

However there is a diverse range of housing and budget options in Evanston. Pockets in the south and west of Evanston provide more affordability while  homes within a mile or two of the lakefront can be well over the median price. No matter where you live in Evanston the benefits remain similar. Schools, commerce, park districts, the lakefront and architecture! 

Sold! Buyer clients trade the city for Hinsdale (sales are up)

609 Grant, Hinsdale IL 60521 on the morning walk-through before closing. 

Our long time clients recently closed on a classic Hinsdale single family home. After eight years owning in the South Loop it was their time to enjoy a little more space, a yard and home maintenance 😂 609 Grant was listed for $649,900 and our clients closed for $635,000 with additional closing cost considerations. The $635,000 range is a value for the neighborhood while our clients got everything on their wish list; ensuite bathroom in main bedroom, big yard and deck, two car garage, finished basement and main floor guest bedroom for their growing family! 

Hinsdale home sales in 2020

Hinsdale homes sale units and median price are up a bit over 2019. So far this year 213 homes have been recorded as sold from January 1st to August 28th.  The median price of a closed house is $930,000.  Over the same period in 2019 about 200 homes sold with a median price of $900,000. The pandemic boost some are writing about may be in play.   

We hate to see some of our clients leave the city but we are always excited to help them find their suburban homes. We bring the same resources and care to the suburban house as we do in the city!

Home sales in Oak Park's Washington Irving school district (sales and prices steady)

Beautiful "Four Squares" with typical mature landscaping in Oak Park taken over the weekend. 

We are working with clients who will list their home for sale in Oak Park's Washington Irving Elementary School district. Despite the coronavirus pandemic unit sales and median price have been steady year to year.

Twenty-two single family homes have sold this year (January 1st to May 31st). The median price of a sold home is about $375,000. The highest priced sold house is 1114 S Scoville sold for $868,000. The new construction five bedrooms home sits on a 33'x126' lot.  1175 S Harvey is the lowest priced sold house at $190,000... quite the bargain!

Sales activity and median price have held up year to year. In 2019 twenty-six  homes closed over the same period with a median price of about $375,000 as well.

Two of many, many frame cottages just south of West Madison in Oak Park

Irving School District Single Family Home Sales January 1st to May 31st
(2020) 22 houses sold, median price $375,000
(2019) 26 houses sold, median price $375,000
(2018) 26 houses sold, median price $355,000
(2017) 19 homes sold, median price $335,000
(2016) 17 homes sold, median price $335,000

South Loop townhouse sales: Up and down unit sales and median price

We viewed three bedrooms townhouses this morning in peaceful, well located Dearborn Park II development of the South Loop. This particular section is across from South Loop Elementary and conjoining park.

We're all dealing with the reality of the coronavirus outbreak. However some folks have the added complication of needing to move. They may have leases coming up, home sales under contract or moving to Chicago for a new job. Most of our business is on hold while folks wait this out. We currently have some essential business to take care of while taking appropriate precautions. Additionally I'll keep posting observations to my blog and Facebook site as much as possible (when I'm not homeschooling my kids). 

Stately town homes line Jones Park in South Loop. I think most people would be surprised by the tranquil life offered in the middle of South Loop.

We have clients looking to upgrade space from their South Loop two bedroom condo. They want to keep their small family in the immediate area. The convenience to work, shopping, the lakefront and cultural events are too great a draw to jump ship! It's a good time to take a look at South Loop townhouse sales numbers in the ever evolving lakefront neighborhood.

Greater South Loop neighborhood sales area we generally monitor.  All stats based on this footprint.

South Loop Townhouse Sales
In the first three months of 2020 (January 1st to March 20th) eleven townhouses closed in South Loop. The median price is about $600,000. 320 East 18th Street was the highest priced closing at $860,000. Over the same period of 2019 thirteen townhouses closed with a median price of about $500,000.  The highest priced closing reached $1.7M with another closing at $1.5M.

There have been interesting swings in units sales and median price over the last four years. If the $600,000 holds up this year we'll see another swing back up. What's interesting there were no new town homes built over the last four years that might have explained the over $100K median price spike in 2018. Unit sales jumped to ninety-one townhouses sold in 2017 over just fifty-nine sold in 2016.

2019: Sixty-one total townhouses closed with median price of  about $530,000.
2018: Eighty-three townhouses sold with a median price of a whopping $770,000!
2017: Ninety-one townhouses closed with a median price of about $635,000.
2016: Fifty-nine townhouses closed with a median price of about $565,000

One of my favorite South Loop sight-lines... driving northbound down South Indiana Avenue!

Slow snowy start to Lincoln Square area spring market

My block in Lincoln Square on this snowy morning. Homes in the sub-neighborhoods of Bowmanville and Winnemac Park have been been slow to come on. Many listed homes either need renovations or have been priced over $1 million.

I have clients looking to get into a Lincoln Square house. It's been a slow start for good houses in the $850,000 to one million range. Many houses in the $900s to just over one million are re-treads from the fall and/or sitting on the market. The market does not see them as priced well. We're seeing homes bought over the last five years in Lincoln Square, Edgewater and North Center now listed just over a million dollars that will have to re-sell for less. That reality can slow things up!

While new re-sale listings have dripped on the market I've noticed a healthy dose full gut renovations and new construction homes in the works around Lincoln Square.

Mortgage interest rates are low.  However low inventory and high initial asking prices combined with another whopper national election may bode for a slow year in unit sales. Currently twenty-four houses are for sale in all of Lincoln Square with an eye opening median asking price of $925,000.  Yet the median price for a sold Lincoln Square single family home is about $715,000.   Current listed homes are priced from about $400K to $3.2M. 

Looking for Edgewater single family homes (and a peek at sales)

Homes along West Edgewater Avenue last weekend. Several homes are listed for sale on the block.

I was out last weekend with our buyers looking at newer construction homes in southwestern Edgewater. We're creeping through a slow January for home new listings. I tell my motivated clients to hang in there! However a couple of the open houses we went to had tons of foot traffic despite being on the market for awhile.  I've also shown my clients Pre-MLS listings and private listings that will go on the MLS (or not) next month.

Let's take a quick look at Edgewater home sales.

2019 Edgewater single family home sales 

The Edgewater Community Area recorded 64 single family home sales over 2019.  The median price of a home sale was about $700K. The highest sale was an amazing custom renovation at 1341 W Balmoral for $2,155,000.  The least expensive home sold was 6069 N Ridge for $246,000. The small three beds, one bath home on a busy traffic stretch has a long 138' lot.

Five homes closed in the month of January of 2019.  With one more day in January 2020 (a Friday), four homes have closed. Ten homes are currently under contract and I estimate maybe two will close by tomorrow before the end of the month.

Sold for $965,000! Contemporary gut renovation single family home in the heart of Lincoln Square

2130 West Eastwood is a unique, contemporary home just two blocks from the best of Lincoln Square shops and restaurants. The recent gut renovation sits on a wide lot sold for $965,000. (Photos courtesy Chicago Realty Partners LTD, Broker and 360ViewChicago.com)

Our clients upgraded to a character filled gut renovation house on a terrific Lincoln Square block. The initial asking price of $1,099,000 and the CTA tracks behind the house were obstacles. However after viewing several other options further out from the center of the neighborhood the family could not deny this was "the one"! We helped work out a fair deal and our clients got their perfect location!

Warm wood and light bright cabinets and counters... very Scandinavian design.  Look at that massive island! Oh and the pot filler. Just don't turn it on without a pot under the faucet!

The finish level is unique and well done. The home feels light and bright. In fact, when our clients had gone under contract on the home another group of clients (unbeknownst we were the buyer's agent on the deal) emailed me asking who was the architect and designer! They want to do a similar rehab to their property.

The home has lots of built-ins, cool windows and custom mill work touches.

True indoor/ outdoor living. The doors open wide to the large deck.

A well placed powder room on the main floor with high style.

We all geeked out to this main floor mudroom/ laundry room.  There is also a laundry room on the expanded 3rd floor (yes, this house has one more finished floor than the typical homes at this price-point).

The entire top floor (3rd floor over grade level) is a master suite with sitting room, laundry and full master bath.

Well executed master bath. We really loved the faucets and wood vanity choice.

In addition to a wide lot with great side yard the home features a wrap around deck off the kitchen.

You can view more photos and details of the property HERE. We are excited for our clients and their family. What a cool house and location to live in! Shout out to our awesome contractors and service partners who checked out some of the major home structures and systems on behalf of our buyer clients. Contact us today to find great North Side Chicago homes. We have pre-market and private listings available. If you need to renovate or sell, call us first!

Buyer's agency by Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty

2447 N Ashland, Chicago IL 60614

773-510-1597 - erojas@kalerealty.com

ericrojasblog.com

Under Contract! Spacious split-level in Evanston

It looks small but the second story and lower level of this Evanston home provides lots of flexible space. The long time owners kept the home in terrific shape.  Newly painted walls really sold the house.

Our clients jumped on this spacious split-level at 1703 Keeney in Evanston!  The brick, windows, walls, rooms and even some of the dated finishes are in great condition at the $337,000 list price. We love to help our clients find value! This home has great flow and big rooms.  Three bedrooms up, large living and dining, a fourth bedroom and family room on lower level.  Storage, laundry and central heat and AC.

About nineteen homes have sold over the past twelve months within a two block radius of 1703 Keeney. Median price of  a sold home is about $380,000.  The south Evanston location is easy to the City of Chicago, the Chicago Avenue retail district of southeast Evanston and Burnham Shores Park.  The block is attractive with well kept homes, lots of flowers and mature landscaping.

If you are looking to make the move to Evanston or the North Shore please contact us! 

Under contract! Our North Park condo seller gets "offer you can't refuse"

The well appointed kitchen at 5420 N Kedzie #3E (all photos Eric Rojas, Broker, kale Realty by VHT.com)

Our newest listing has found a buyer in the first day of showings. "An offer you can't refuse!"  5420 N Kedzie #3E was listed on Friday for $237,000 and first showings of the tenant occupied unit were scheduled for Sunday.  That's all it took for this attractive newer construction unit across from the state's perennial Top 3 high school Northside College Prep.

East facing exterior features a large balcony off the living room.

5420 N Kedzie #3E, Chicago IL 60625 listed at $237,000
Wow! Sharp newer construction three bedrooms condo across from Northside Prep (Illinois #1 high school) in North Park. This bright east facing condo has all the extras! Elevator, garage parking (plus tandem spot), big terrace, gas fireplace, organized closets and storage unit. Upgraded kitchen has tasteful finish level and breakfast bar. 

Large bedrooms including enormous master suite with walk-in closet, double vanity bath, separate tub and huge shower. Open living and dining floor plan leads to a great front terrace. Mechanical and finish level upgrades! Easy to 90 and 94 highways, Kedzie Brown Line stop and close to Lincoln Square. North Park University, Northeastern Illinois University, Legion and River Parks all steps away. Discover this great neighborhood and live the good life for less!

View 5420 N Kedzie property info here!

Exclusive listing by Eric Rojas, Vice President/ Broker

Kale Realty 

542 W Roosevelt Road

Chicago IL 60607

773-510-1597

 Call us to buy or sell your next home... don't be a day late and dollar short!

View overlooking the North Park neighborhood of  Chicago

Check out more of our North Park neighborhood posts here!

Under contract! Buyer client nabs Sauganash split-level asking $365,000

Cute as a button split level at 5846 N Kingsdale offers large kitchen, three bedrooms up and a finished lower level family room with walk-out to the yard.

Happy Holidays indeed!

I wrote a couple weeks ago on searching for homes in Sauganash and recent sales numbers.  Our client made a quick move on a nice maintained split level at 5846 N Kingsdale, Chicago IL 60646 in the Sauganash neighborhood of greater Forest Glen. The home was clean, well decorated and showed great.  The property seller had just lowered the price to the very reasonable $365,000. This was an attractive price range for a move-in quality three bedroom home on a picturesque Sauganash block.

Sauganash neighborhood map generated by www.YoChicago.com

The winding wooded streets offer great aesthetic in the long popular neighborhood. The Sauganash lifestyle is relaxed.  The neighbors ban together with the Sauganash Community Association and enjoys nature at parks and the Sauganash Trail.  A Whole Foods Market serves the neighborhood at 6020 N Cicero, Chicago IL 60646.
Parents enjoy a desirable, well rated neighborhood school Sauganash Elementary.

Great block!

The home purchase is out of physical inspection and attorney review.  We await closing in the New Year.  Congrats to our buyer client for a great find!  If you are looking or selling a home on the North and Northwest sides call us!