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!

Under contract! South Loop condo sells fast with multiple offers (and peek at South Loop sales)

 

I look forward to high-rise life when I'm an empty nester! South Loop is a popular destination for those that want to experience Chicago's cultural amenities and lakefront. (All photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty and VHT.com)

Our latest listing at 1101 South State is under contract after multiple offers. The building features amenities including 24/hr door staff, outdoor pool, garage parking, event room and sun deck. The location is on the doorstep of Chicago's Museum Campus. 

Check out the quick walk-through, photos and more info of Unit 2102 HERE.

The views from our latest listing at 1101 S State Street, Unit 2102, Chicago IL 60605 

South Loop condo sales January 1st and August 27th, 2020

South Loop is dominated by high-rise buildings.  Considering the nature of the coronavirus pandemic it is interesting to see how attractive the high-rise condo market has been this year. 405 condo (attached units and attached town houses) have sold thus far in 2020. The median price of a sold condo is about $380,000. Unit sales are down year to year by 18% while median price was about even. In 2019 over the same period 495 condo units sold with a median price of about $372,500. I think many would have predicted a worse outcome when the shelter in place order went into effect.  

Fun Fact: 1201 S Prairie Unit 5301 is the highest priced sold condo at $1,620,000. The lowest priced sold condo is 345 East Eastgate Place Unit 305 for $125,000.

Pool life! 1101 S State along with several other South Loop buildings offer the amenity lifestyle in a central location. 

After a spring pause the Chicago market had a hot June and July despite the pandemic. Early this year I was predicting a relatively slow fall due the upcoming national election. I think the recent civil unrest, lingering pandemic and the election will ultimately hamper over-all unit transactions for the remainder of the year.   

Video! South Loop condo near Museum Campus, great views $309,900, garage parking $25K

Willis Tower and lake views from your South Loop condo (all photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty and VHT.com)

Take a real, down to earth walk-through of 1101 South State - Unit 2102 to get a feel of the condo and surrounding area.  I like to take these casual videos to help buyers view a unit before the live showing. This South Loop high-rise building offers a terrific lifestyle no matter your needs. Close to work? Check! Empty nester? Check! Need to entertain the kids? Check! Parking?? We got it! Enjoy the cultural center of Chicago outside your door.

 Click HERE for the video walk through

Check out the views! Centrally located South Loop two bedrooms, two baths condo steps from the lake front listed at $309,900. Deeded garage parking $25K! Enjoy the city life surrounded by Chicago's cultural HQ. With new appliances, newer floors and freshly painted this unit is well kept and move-in ready. Willis Tower and lake views from the private walk-out balcony. Spacious main bedroom with en-suite bathroom and organized walk-in closet. Bright 2nd bedroom and guest bath right across the hall. In-unit full size washer and dryer! Storage cage included. 

Amenity building features gorgeous outdoor pool and sun deck, 24/hr door staff, party room, guest suite and dog run (woof!). Formula Fitness Club on site! Assessment includes Heat, Air Conditioning, Water, Gas, Common Insurance, Doorman, TV/Cable, Pool, Exterior Maintenance, Lawn Care, Scavenger, Snow Removal, Wi-Fi, Internet Access. Steps to the world class museum campus, Soldier Field, Grant Park festivities, endless shopping and dining (Trader Joe's, Jewel, Starbucks a few minutes walk) and the Loop business district. Two blocks from CTA Red Line and Michigan Ave! Walk outside to stunning architecture, lakefront parks and 24/7 entertainment and services outside your door!

Amazing amenities, restaurants and parks steps from your door. 

1101 South State, Unit 2101, Chicago IL 60605 asking $309,900 plus $25,000 for deeded parking.

Exclusively listed by Eric Rojas, Kale Realty, 2447 N Ashland, Chicago IL 606014

erojas@kalerealty.com - ericrojasblog.com - kalerealty.com- 312-939-5253

Near North Chicago condo sales

Gold Coast and Streeterville high-rise condos fuel Near North Side sales. Being close to the lake front, dining and shopping is the name of the game. (All photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty) 

 

We're back in the Near North Side Community Area with new listings and buyer clients. Near North is home to famous neighborhoods such as Gold Coast, Old Town and Streeterville. It's a fantastic area to enjoy the high-rise life. Near North is also home to many mid-rise and smaller walk-up vintage buildings.  A spattering of expensive single family homes grace Old Town and Gold Coast. But make no mistake: condos dominate Near North.

Near North Condo Sales 2020 (Jan 1st - Aug 7th)

About 1149 condos have sold in the Near North Community Area from January 1st to August 7th. The median price of a sold condo is about $410,000. 

High Rise Units (50+ units in a building) accounted for 959 of the sales with a median price of about $355,000. Condo buildings with 2-49 units accounted for 190 sales with a median price of about $567,000. Large condos in smaller buildings sell for a premium in Near North. 

New For Sale! Gold Coast condo with gorgeous views $339,900

1360 N Sandburg Unit 2401 is all about the views! All photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty and VHT.com

 

Check out our new listing in the Gold Coast at iconic Sandburg Village. Spacious and bright 1360 N Sandburg Terrace Unit 2401 features two beds, two baths and large balcony.  There is no shortage of sun and views from this inviting home! Check on the 3D virtual tour!

Take a quick video walk-through HERE!

Chic, airy apartment that feels like a real home. Features include:

Sophisticated Old Town two bedrooms, two bathrooms corner condo with mesmerizing lake views. The 24th floor home features truly spacious rooms and large balcony with 180 degree views of the lake and city. Updated and artful this apartment sings city living! 

True entry foyer with space for your everyday essentials. Original refinished parquet floors grace the bright airy living room. Massive built-in bookshelf for your collections. Smart layout allows for various furniture arrangements and a true dining area. Updated and refreshed kitchen is fully equipped with dishwasher and stainless appliances. Two large bedrooms are split to opposite sides of the apartment with updated bathrooms located outside each door. Views from every room! 

 

Cummings House in Sandburg Village enjoys DirectTV, WiFi, water, heat, professional door staff, elevators and management on site included in the assessment. Exclusive members only two huge pools, tennis court and Fitness Formula Club steps from your door for reduced resident fees. Laundry in building with refillable rate card, package receiving room, bike room, storage cage, garage parking ($165/mth), common roof deck and dry cleaner. Pet friendly! Attentive condo building management and well cared for common areas. 

World class location in the middle of all that Gold Coast and Old Town have to offer. Minutes to downtown via three bus lines, Division Red Line two blocks away or easy access to Lake Shore Drive. Steps to two grocery stores, Oak Street and North Avenue Beaches and lakefront paths. Float above the city in this classy, quiet and convenient home.

1360 N Sandburg Terrace Unit 2401, Chicago IL 60610 asking $339,900

Exclusively listed by Eric Rojas, Kale Realty 2447 N Ashland, Chicago IL 60614 

PH: 312-939-5253 erojas@kalerealty.com - ericrojasblog.com

Supporting Northeastern Illinois University students through scholarships

My group had another great time playing and sponsoring NEIU Chuck Kane Scholarship Golf Event yesterday (quickly distancing after the photo!). Special thanks to Steve Dunnett, Blueleaf Lending and Nick Patterson, Owner, Kale Realty for joining me as Welcome Kit Sponsors.

It's been a long five months! Despite some challenges Northeastern Illinois University was able to pull off their 48th Annual Chuck Kane Scholarship Golf Event. There was little gathering together at the sold out event but we all enjoyed seeing a few familiar faces as we made our way to the course. The university staff and Wilmette Golf Club were terrific hosts making for a very welcomed round!

Not the best approach position of the day but we pulled it out!

Thank you  Steve Dunnett, Blueleaf Lending and Nick Patterson, Owner, Kale Realty  for once again joining me as Welcome Kit Sponsor. Additional thanks to Dr. Peter Schulz, North Michigan Avenue Chiropractic , the official chiropractor of Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty for joining us this year!

The event was successful in raising funds for the Chuck Kane Scholarship and many other much needed scholarships providing opportunities for hard working Northeastern Illinois students. NEIU is a fantastic university value right here on the North Side of the city.  Please support their efforts by donating to the general scholarship fund here! You may also designate your donation to the Alumni Travel Study Scholarship established by me and two alumni awarded to current students wishing to participate in study abroad programs. Thank you!

La Grange home sales catching up to last year

La Grange homes earlier this month on South Catherine near the desirable downtown shopping and restaurant district (all photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty).

Hello! I have not been posting much nor have I been very active on social media during the last few months.  As you can imagine... there's been stuff to deal with! Luckily our family, friends and neighborhood business folks have been doing relatively well.  I've been in charge of our four kids throughout the pandemic while my wife handled urgent work as a nursing director.  Despite the pandemic conditions our real estate business has not slowed down. We've been helping clients make educated choices in the city and suburbs while the world seemed to go sideways.

Lately we've been in the Western Suburbs. La Grange, Western Springs, Hinsdale and nearby towns like Countryside have been popular with our clients that decide to decamp from city life.  The number one question we get is "How is the market doing?".  La Grange has been relatively steady in the face of the pandemic market.

La Grange Single Family Home Sales

73 single family homes have sold thus far (January 1st to June 19th) with a median price of $525,000.  96 homes sold over the same period with a median price about $545,000.  Considering the extreme conditions these numbers are barely off last year.  I can say anecdotally we have seen an increased number of listings hitting the market and selling since late May.  I think the overall sales and prices for 2020 will end up very close to last year. All stats pulled and analyzed from MREDLLC.com.

A vintage home with an updated kitchen near the La Grange downtown.

The highest priced La Grange single family home to sell this year is 120 South Kensington, La Grange, IL 60525 for $1,087,000. The downtown high-end 1999 build is elegant as well as spacious. The lowest priced sale is 211 Hayes Avenue, La Grange, IL 60525 for only $107,000. The foreclosure sale adjacent to the freight train tracks was bought cash. I'd guess this would be an investor purchase for value add and rental.

Plywood and condo sales along Halsted Street, Lincoln Park

Many small independent businesses along the 2100 block of North Halsted were still boarded up on Monday.  The absence of foot traffic mid-day and the plywood covered windows was off putting. I look forward to our vibrant city coming back better after the pandemic and social unrest.

We had condo showings along North Halsted Street in Lincoln Park on Monday. Halsted Street runs directly down the middle of the neighborhood splitting it into east and west sections.  Like many areas of the city these past few months it feels different. Despite the plywood to prevent potential vandalism and the sparse foot traffic... condo sales must go on. Here's a look at the market along Halsted Street in the heart of Lincoln Park.

North Halsted Street, Lincoln Park Condo Sales (West North Avenue to West Diversey Parkway)

Chez Moi at 2100 N Halsted in a classic Lincoln Park four unit mixed use building. My wife and I would visit the old Café Bernard and Red Rooster Wine Bar in the space. The bustle, charm, food and services of Halsted Street all contribute to the real estate value.

52 attached units (condos, town homes) sold on North Halsted Street in Lincoln Park over the last twelve months. The median price of a sold condo along this strip is about $562,500. The highest closed condo price is $2,165,000 at 1851 N Halsted Street, Unit 2, Chicago, IL 60614. The recent new construction full floor unit is marketed at 4,000 sq/ft and resides in Oscar Mayer Elementary School district.

The lowest priced sale is $200,000 at 2225 N Halsted Street, Unit 27, Chicago IL 60614.

Four units are currently under contract with asking prices from $625,000 to $1,250,000. Thirteen condos are currently listed for sale along the Halsted strip with asking prices from $255,000 to $1,650,000.

"Blue collar" Gold Coast corner demolished, apartments coming to State and Divison

The corner at 1200 N State Street and several other addresses in Gold Coast under re-development. The new development address would be 1212 N State and feature around 90 apartments. 

A rather pedestrian corner in high-end Gold Coast is being developed. It seems like a lifetime ago we captured a few photos of demolition in progress at State and Division. Many bars and shops have graced the corner. A Chase Bank branch too.  Here's a great post about what was there. I hope to pass by there again soon and check on the progress. According to reports the corner properties were purchased for $20 million.

I may have wandered in and out of the pubs along this stretch of State Street in simpler times.

Looking eastward on West Division Street.

A rendering of what is to come and construction updates at the 2nd Ward web site.  

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