“Last month didn’t feel like February, but unusual has become the norm in this market,” explains Greg Whelan, Redfin Agent in Bucktown. The lack of quality inventory and the soaring demand made it seem more like a typical May or June. “Specifically, within Bucktown, where there were 25% fewer homes on the market last month… Read More
It has happened so many times in the past that it really could not have been too unexpected. The pain of yet another crushing playoff loss still lingers, however. Perhaps it was the symbolism and equanimity of 100 years or the thrilling way they played for much of the regular season. There truly seemed to… Read More
You’ve seen those lovely pied-a-terre’s in Lincoln Park and often let yourself dream of owning one. You know, perhaps something off the park, several bedrooms, a fantastic kitchen. Oh, and don’t forget parking. Now, this is a free-standing house, I don’t want to pay assessments, and give it some curb appeal. Not long ago this… Read More
Wicker Park has seen its inventory decline, but prices have declined as well, which flies in the face of everything I learned in Economics. Lately, though, it seems long-held economic beliefs are out the window. Everyone is trying to figure out where the market is currently at, and there is good evidence that prices from… Read More
With the market as tight as it is for selling homes, this is one of the most difficult markets to move inventory in at least the past 5 years. Everything you can do to make your house more appealing to a potential buyer is important. Generally, there are four actions that you can take to… Read More
The good news: Interest rates on housing loans are at their lowest point in six months. The bad news: If your credit report has a few blemishes, it may be difficult to obtain one of those loans. Not too long ago, it was ridiculously easy to get a home loan. I remember a loan officer… Read More
Okay, first an apology. In a post on August 30th, I referred to the p-e-n-n-a-n-t and inferred the Cubs actually had a chance of winning it. I am SO sorry, oh Wild Gods of Baseball Fate and Fanaticism, please forgive me. In mentioning the P-word, I did not mean to send them on a losing… Read More
Just north of Wrigleyville is an exciting urban neighborhood called Buena Park. Squashed between Wrigleyville, Uptown and the lake, it is something of a secret that has terrific potential. Unfortunately, alderman Helen Shiller, for years has ignored cries of neighborhood residents to provide an atmosphere for more retail businesses, that is, until recently. A few… Read More
The development taking shape near the model units–1454 N. Dayton–at the western edge of Old Town/Lincoln Park called SoNo is a play on the location (South of North Avenue). The 28-story condominium tower designed by Laurence Booth with Smithfield Properties will feature 275 one-, two- and three-bedroom units and 15,000 square feet of retail space…. Read More
After soaring into the stratosphere in the last post, I thought I would come back down a little closer to ground-level today. All this interest in million dollar condos sky high started me thinking about some of the loftier full-service residential units available in Lincoln Park. I started looking at the pricing on some 2-bedroom/2-bath… Read More