Lakeview single family home sales up 12%, prices up a smidge

We see a slight increase in Lakeview single family home sales and median price for 2011 over last year. This continues an over-all up-swing for single family homes in our top North Side neighborhoods we regularly work in.

House on Janssen in Lakeview

The Lakeview Community Area has seen 103 single family homes sold and closed from January 1st to November 1st in 2011. This is up 12 percent  from 92 homes sold during the same period 2010.  The median price was up $25K at $985,000 for 2011. Median was about $960,000 from  same period in 2010.

Interesting facts:

Highs: The highest priced Lakeview home closed thus far was 2856 N Hermitage, a spectacular newer construction luxury house on a 50' wide lot for $3.6 million. The house is located in a unique luxury sub-division overlooking Chi Che Wong Park. Just about 50% of homes sold over $1 million in Lakeview.

Lows: The lowest priced Lakeview single family home closing was a short sale at 1019 W George Street for $250,000 cash.  This was a ridiculous deal for the location bought by a professional.  I have not been back to the site, but it will most likely be a tear down at that price and potential sales margin, or, a salvaged gut renovation.

Distressed: Of 103 closed houses, 6 were either  foreclosures of short-sales (distressed properties) with two closed prices under $300K, two around the $500-$600K, and two closed over $700K.

Home on Janssen in Lakeview

All sales data gathered from MREDLLC.com and analysis by Eric Rojas, Real Estate Broker. All Photos Eric Rojas and Robert DePalma, Real Estate Brokers

Seen in Lincoln Park

We can only shake our heads.

Demolition slow going on Lincoln Park Hospital site

The demolition of the concrete parking structure at the former Lincoln Park Hospital is moving along slowly. Piece by piece slowly.  Bob took this shot last Thursday.  What's the timeline on the new Webster Square development?

New! Ravenswood, Northcenter and Lincoln Square school rankings/ charts

The terrific local online publication Welles Park Bulldog has put together data charts for local Ravenswood, Lincoln Square and Northcenter area schools.  The charts are made up from several school ranking sources including CPS, Chicago Magazine and a survey by the University of Chicago.  There are both elementary and high school charts available at Welles Park Bulldog.

Click on schools in the interactive map for a quick synopsis.

Chappell Elementary School main entrance. Photo Eric Rojas, Real Estate Broker

Northcenter hot, hot hot: Single family home sales up 26% in 2011, median price up too

Northcenter, Chicago has seen both an increase in home sales and an increase in median prices for 2011.

The Northcenter Community Area has seen 150 houses sold and closed from January 1st to November 1st in 2011. This is up 26 percent  from 119 homes sold during the same period 2010.  The median price was about $790,000. Median is up $60,000 from $730,000 same period 2010.


Interesting facts:
Highs: The highest priced home closed thus far was 3905 N Oakley, a new construction luxury house on a 35' wide lot for $1,775,000. 42 homes (almost 30%) were over $1 million.
Lows: The lowest priced closing was a foreclosure at 4117 N Western for $161,700.  This home was a somewhat recent renovation and was sold through an auction company.

Distressed: Of 150 closed houses, 16 were either  foreclosures of short-sales (distressed properties), mostly in the lower 25% of sold home pricing.



The popularity of Audubon, Coonley and Bell Elementary Schools, abundant single family home stock, retail amenities and central city location contributed to the increased single family home demand in Northcenter.  In our analysis, Coonley School with it's recent grants and Regional Gifted Center designation has been the largest factor in increase of home prices.

All sales data gathered from MREDLLC.com and analysis by Eric Rojas, Real Estate Broker. All Photos Eric Rojas and Robert DePalma, Real Estate Brokers

Bucktown, Wicker Park single family home sales up in 20% in 2011

Increased single family home sales has been the story on the North Side for 2011 thus far. Let's see how Bucktown and Wicker Park are doing.

The West Town Community Area has two very trendy neighborhoods of Bucktown and Wicker Park that we sell and buy in regularly (roughly West Augusta to West Armitage and North Ashland to North Western). These are distinct bell-weather neighborhoods for West Town and alternatives to Lincoln Park or Lakeview for our clientele. Some clients want to be here from the start due to the distinct urban feel, great restaurants and access to downtown.  


Bucktown and Wicker Park has seen 84 houses sold and closed from January 1st to November 1st of this 2011. This is up 20% from 69 homes sold during the same period 2010.  The median price was about $712,000. Median is down a bit from $780,000 same period 2010.


Interesting facts:
-The highest priced home closed thus far was 1804 N Leavitt, a new 8000 plus sq/ft converted warehouse at $2.7 million. 
-The lowest priced closing was a foreclosure at 1816 West Haddon for $201,000.  This is a likely tear-down property.
- Of 84 closed houses, 11 were either  foreclosures of short-sales (distressed properties). This is probably a little higher percentage than blue chip centers of Lincoln Park and Lakeview. 8 of the 11 distressed sales were in the very low-end of pricing (under $400,000).

Vintage homes in Wicker Park

 Click HERE for more Chicago Local market stats!
All stats gathered and analyzed from MREDLLC.com by Eric Rojas, Real Estate Broker.  All photos Eric Rojas and Bob DePalma, Real Estate Brokers unless otherwise noted.

Update: A rare, incredible location for Lincoln Park new construction house

This East Lincoln Park new construction home is about as near to the lake as you can get. The corner lot luxury home near Old Town Triangle and posh lakefront living is a rarity indeed.

New construction at Lincoln and Wisconsin

We noticed some work moving ahead on the new construction single family home at the conspicuous corner of North Lincoln Avenue and West Wisconsin Street.  The greater lot and house have been in various stages of development for years. However, it's the jewel of the greater footprint that had been cleared for new single family homes.  The exposures are terrific.

Google screen shot of former vacant lot at Lincoln and Wisconsin

UPDATE: YoChicago.com just sent over this video of the site.




There is no MLS listing for the house or for-sale sign. A Lakeside Bank sign is posted in front.
For more posts on Lincoln Park, click HERE

Chicago Local: A summer scene in November

We've been having fun sharing fall photos from our work and lives around the North Side. Here's one from today that reminded us of summer in East Lakeview...on November 1st...short sleeves, street musicians and all.

Pumpkins make the scene in Gold Coast

Photos Eric Rojas and Bob DePalma, Real Estate Brokers

This classy gathering of pumpkins do a little people watching on North State Parkway in Gold Coast.  You can too with condo homes on the 1200-1400 blocks ranging from about $100,000 for a vintage studio to $3 million for a luxury 4000 sq/ft sprawling flat at the iconic Ambassador condo building at 1300 N State Parkway.


If you are looking for Gold Coast condos with or without pumpkins (whatever you want), call us.
More Gold Coast information, photos, properties here