Sue Fox, @Properties. Direct 773.816.1788
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Lincoln Park house prices fall, but condos hold their value
$460K OFF SALE: This 4-bedroom "majestic greystone" in Lincoln Park was priced at $1,550,000 when it hit the market last spring. Six price cuts later, it was being offered at $1,090,000 when it went under contract a month ago. Such steep discounting is no longer rare in Lincoln Park, where single-family house prices have dropped precipitously.
In many Chicago neighborhoods we’ve been seeing condo prices falling steadily, while the price of single-family houses has tended to hold up a little better. This is the case in places like Lincoln Square, Uptown, Edgewater, Rogers Park, West Ridge and Logan Square.
In Lakeview and North Center, which are two of the most popular North side neighborhoods, both condos and houses have held their value and prices have even slightly increased over the past two years.
But in Lincoln Park — another popular neighborhood, and one of Chicago’s most expensive — I’m seeing condo prices hold steady (with just a small 3.3% decline over two years) while single-family house prices have fallen steeply. The median single-family house price is now $1,280,000 in Lincoln Park, a 22.4% drop over two years earlier, when the median was $1,650,000.
This plunge suggests the difficulty of selling high-end houses in a time of uncertainly and austerity. In Chicago, only the Near North Side (home to Old Town, the Gold Coast, Streeterville and River North) now boasts higher single-family home prices than Lincoln Park, with a median price of $1.6 million. But that figure also reflects a major drop, down 25.6% in the last two years.
I think there could be something more at work, though. Maybe some luxury buyers are choosing the suburbs over the city? Over the past two years, single-family home prices have held relatively steady across much of the North Shore, including Wilmette, Winnetka and Glencoe.
Distress home sales creep into Lincoln Park
THE RICH GET POORER: This 4000-square-foot mansion at 2461 N Geneva Terrace was built with "only the best materials and construction methods" and priced at $6.25 million in 2009. Almost three years later, it had fallen into foreclosure and was sold for $2,725,000. It was one of dozens of homes (mostly condos) sold as a foreclosure or short sale throughout Lincoln Park this year.
With so many foreclosed homes and short sales on the market, I’m sometimes contacted by home buyers hoping to scoop up a distressed property in one of Chicago’s most affluent neighborhoods. Trouble is, these areas have held their value better than most, and often there aren’t many foreclosures or short sales to choose from.
But in Lincoln Park, I have seen distress sales steadily rising over the last couple years — to the point that more than 1 in 8 condo sales in Lincoln Park in 2011 involved a foreclosure or short sale. So far, there have been 658 condo sales this year; 45 were short sales and 42 were foreclosures, meaning that 13.2% were distress sales. The majority of them involved homes that sold for $250,000 or less.
The bargains included 20 condos, all studios or one-bedroom units, that sold for $100,000 or less — a price range once virtually unheard of in Lincoln Park.
If you’re hoping to find a single-family house being sold under a financial cloud, however, your choices are fewer. Only 13 out of 135 Lincoln Park houses sold in 2011 were short sales or foreclosures. That’s less than 10%.
Most of these single-family houses sold for less than $1 million, but there were a handful of high-end luxury homes that also slid towards foreclosure. In some cases, it looks like a developer overestimated the market and got caught with a new home he/she couldn’t sell. At 2664 N Greenview, which the listing describes a 6-bedroom “designed mansion” built in 2008, the developer originally listed it for sale four years ago at $2.4 million. But as the market tanked, no buyer stepped forward, and the price was steadily chopped until the house finally sold this June (as a short sale) for $1.5 million.
Even a millionaire likes a bargain, after all. The most expensive distress sale in Lincoln Park was a new 15-room mansion at 2461 N Geneva Terrace “designed by a European architect for himself,” according to the listing, that sold in September for $2,725,000. Apparently the European architect couldn’t afford the grand home, which hit the market in early 2009 with a $6.25 million price tag. By 2010, it was being marketed as a short sale, and it eventually was seized by the bank and sold as a foreclosure.
It was still one of the most expensive homes sold in Lincoln Park this year.
Please see my other blog posts at www.hometochicago.com
Chicago condos (and houses) for under $200,000
THE LOOP WITHIN REACH: There are dozens of 1-bedroom condos for sale in the Loop at prices below $200,000. This one, located across from Grant Park at 888 S Michigan #902, features an updated kitchen and a large bedroom. It is priced at $195,000 and does not include parking.
Most homes that are sold in Chicago sell for less than $200,000. While that figure may seem surprisingly low, $200,000 actually goes a long way these days. As we head into the 2012 home-buying season, I thought a brief survey of the market in some North side neighborhoods might help answer the question: What can you get for $200,000 or less?
Loop: The great glut of downtown condo buildings has made buying a home in the Loop quite affordable. The supply is abundant here — even at the low end of the market — with 114 condos for sale for under $200,000. In some buildings, like 800 S Wells, there are several units priced under $100,000! Closer to the $200K mark, you’ll find plenty of newer 1-bedrooms in full-amenity buildings, along with a fair amount of shorts sales and foreclosures to choose from. At 208 W Washington, for instance, there’s a 1-bedroom unit on the 21st floor that boasts a balcony, a large 18×12 bedroom, and a den — all for $184,900. It’s a short sale.
Lincoln Park: This is one of the most popular, and most expensive, areas of the entire city. But you can still afford to buy here on a $200K budget. There are currently more than 70 condos for sale for $200,000 or less — many of them studios or 1-bedrooms in the high-rise buildings clustered along Clark or Lincoln Park West. A corner 1-bedroom condo at 1850 N Clark #901 with unobstructed view of Lincoln Park, the lake and the city, for example, is now priced at $199,000 after nearly a year on the market. Parking is available for $150 per month.
Edgewater: If you live in Lakeview or further south, Edgewater may not be on your radar. It’s one of Chicago’s northernmost neighborhoods, nestled right beside the lake, with plenty of trees and parks and low-rise vintage buildings where neighbors stop to chat as they walk their dogs. There are also dozens of high rises along Sheridan that boast lake views as blue as any you’ll find downtown (but with a lot more space for the money.) Edgewater has been hit especially hard by the downturn, and there are now more than 300 condos for sale for less than $200,000. This is the place to go if you’re looking for a 2-bedroom and even a second bath. Examples include 5823 N Ravenswood #116, a 2-bedroom/2-bath loft with a large eat-in kitchen and a separate dining room. Garage parking is included in the $189,000 price.
A HOUSE ON THE CHEAP: This 4-bedroom Irving Park house was priced at $339,000 when it hit the market in May. The seller must have quickly wised up to Chicago's new real estate reality, because the house is now a mere $190,000.
Irving Park: If you venture a few miles west of the lake, housing prices drop to the point that you can buy a house for what a small condo would cost in Lakeview. That means that in Irving Park (and many of the “Park” neighborhoods like Albany Park, Portage Park, Jefferson Park etc.), you can find a tidy 3-bedroom bungalow, ranch house, or even a turn-of-the-century Victorian or Dutch colonial for less than $200,000. I’m not kidding. There are dozens of homes out there like 4114 N Central Park Ave., a rambling 4-bedroom Dutch colonial built in 1907, now for sale at $190,000. Many of these houses need at least some cosmetic updating, but they are affordable options for anyone who’s ever wanted a house of their own, complete with a backyard and garage.
Sauganash: Located in the far northwest corner of Chicago, Sauganash is a lovely, leafy community, almost suburban in its placid beauty. It’s relatively pricey, with many single-family houses going for $400,000 and up. There are still a few bargains to be had here for under $200K, however, including two 2-bedroom townhomes and several condos, most of them located in the same building at Cicero and Peterson (just off the Edens expressway and above the Whole Foods grocery store.)
In sum, there are hundreds of great deals out there right now at low prices — lower, in many cases, than it would cost you to rent a similar home. Happy house-hunting, and please call me at 773-816-1788 if you need any help!
Looking for a Lincoln Park townhome? Plenty of 3-bedroom condos for under $500,000
ON THE MARK IN LINCOLN PARK: Weak demand has pushed down prices in some of the hottest areas of Chicago. After almost six months on the market, this sleek 3-bedroom Lincoln Park condo has been marked down more than $100,000. Located at 2639 N Sheffield #2, it features a gourmet kitchen, luxury baths, a separate dining ro0m and garage parking -- now for $469,000. Oanh Vo-Liu of Keller Williams has the listing.
Lincoln Park is one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Chicago, with such prime real estate that many buyers assume they can’t afford it and begin their search in Lakeview or North Center instead. But recently, prices have fallen to the extent that there are now more than 60 Lincoln Park condos with at least 3 bedrooms available for less than $500,000. Most of them are townhomes or duplex units.
I was just searching for 3-bedroom condos in Lincoln Park, and came across several that have been on the market for more than a year — taking steep price cuts in the meantime. Like 2743 N Wolcott #43, a modern townhouse with a full finished basement and attached garage. Listed for sale a year and a half ago, at $535,000, it is now priced at a much more reasonable $439,900.
Or 1956 N Burling St, Unit B, which has been on the market for 539 days. The price tag for this townhouse, which has a 28-foot private rooftop deck and two wo0d-burning fireplaces, went from $525,000 to $449,000. Many others have been sitting on the market for at least six months, enduring price drops of $75,000 to $100,000.
If you’re looking for a townhouse or condo in Lincoln Park, now is the time to strike. There are some great deals out there this fall, and not enough buyers to absorb them. The imbalance between supply and demand has pushed prices down, to the point where we’re now seeing fabulous, renovated units like 2639 N Sheffield #2, an extra-wide 3-bedroom, 2-bath with garage parking, for just $469,000. This simplex condo is packed with features that today’s buyers want, like a gourmet eat-in kitchen with cherry cabinets, a master suite with a marble bath, separate shower and double vanity, high ceilings, lots of windows, a balcony and a back deck.
It’s been on the market since June, when it was priced at $574,900.
Chicago sales above $5 million? Count them on your fingers
THE TOAST OF THE COAST: This 18-room Gold Coast mansion, located at 25 E Banks Street, finally sold for $6.8 million last October -- about half its original asking price. It was one of only three single-family houses to sell for more than $5 million in Chicago during the past 12 months.
When it comes to truly high-end real estate, Chicago is worlds away from New York. While the Big Apple has dozens of properties that sell for multiple millions, it’s exceedingly rare to find homes in the Windy City that close for $5 million or more.
How rare? Over the past year, only three single-family homes in the entire city of Chicago have sold for upwards of $5 million, according to Midwest Real Estate Data LLC. Another five houses went for $4 million to $5 million. The most expensive Chicago house to sell was 25 Banks Street, a 13,500-square foot Gold Coast mansion built in 1880. Located a block from the lake, it boasted 8 bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, a media room, a wine vault, staff quarters with a separate entrance, and a rooftop terrace. But even this grandeur came at a bargain price: $6.8 million, about half its original price tag of $13.5 million after more than three years on the market.
Of course, there were also seven Chicago condos that sold for upwards of $5 million over the past year. With the exception of one, they were all at the Elysian, the new luxury building located at 11 E Walton Street. (The other was a top-floor penthouse located above the Four Seasons Hotel at 132 E Delaware Place.) At $8.6 million, the priciest condo cost more than the most expensive house — and both were cash deals, as were the majority of all the $5 million-and-up sales. Hmmmm, I was just wondering what to do with that $5 million just sitting in my bank account…
In any case, multi-million dollar sales of any sort are a rare breed in Chicago. There were only 50 single-family houses and 75 condos that sold for $2 million or more citywide (mainly in the Gold Coast, Streeterville or Lincoln Park) over the past year. On the North Shore, moreover, there were 86 homes that sold for over $2 million, but only six that fetched more than $5 million.
Condo & townhome prices up in Lincoln Park
A SPARK IN LINCOLN PARK: Some Chicago areas are still hot, even in this punishing market, and some are not. Lincoln Park, one of the city's most popular and wealthy neighborhoods, has held its value. Condo and townhome prices have surged 14.2% here during the past two years. This 3-bedroom townhome at The Pointe, for instance, sold for $710,000 this spring.
Buyers often ask me for advice about a key question: Is it better to buy a smaller place in a nicer neighborhood, or a bigger home in a slightly less-desirable area? Real estate always involves a series of trade-offs (regarding price, location, size of the home, age of the home, amenities, school district, etc. etc. etc.) but this Location Vs. Size debate is one of the central decisions that buyers must make. In other words, is it a better investment to buy a 2-bedroom condo in, say, a stable, affluent area like Lincoln Park… or maybe a 3-bedroom condo a little further north, perhaps in Uptown or Edgewater?
These days, my vote would have to go with Location. That’s because we are now in Year 5 of a brutal and unrelenting real estate downturn, and I’ve watched homes in many fine North Side neighborhoods lose their value as buyers increasingly turned away from up-and-coming, less central areas in favor of those that were already quite popular. A bird in the hand is probably worth at least five in the bush in these uncertain times, and if you buy in an established, thriving community like Lincoln Park, you will likely come out ahead no matter what.
Consider the prices of condos and townhomes in Lincoln Park over the past two years. While other Chicago communities (and the city as a whole) saw home prices drop, the median sale price for Lincoln Park condos and townhomes increased 14.2% since June 2009, according to MLS data. And the climb has been relatively steady. Two years ago, the median sale price was $530,000. A year later, it was $557,500. And this June, it had jumped to $605,000.
Chicago home buyers are voting with their feet. Every day, they are choosing where to invest, live, and raise families — and they aren’t in a mood to gamble on a neighborhood that seems to be struggling or battered by foreclosures or lacking a strong commercial center or too far from the action. Lately I’m seeing more buyers opting for places like Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Bucktown, and the Gold Coast over areas like Logan Square, Irving Park, Albany Park, Uptown, Edgewater and Rogers Park — even if it means less space.
Back to 2002 for Chicago home prices
SOLD AT LAST: This 3-bedroom house on Wrightwood Ave. in Lincoln Park closed this week for $625,000. The sellers had been trying to unload it since the summer of 2008, when it was priced just shy of $1 million. But Chicago home prices have now fallen so far, they are back to 2002 levels.
Chicago home prices slipped again in December, capping another dismal year for the Chicago real estate market. According to the Standard & Poor’s/Case-Shiller Home Price Index, average home prices in Chicago fell 7.4% in 2010. This is even worse than the 7.2% drop in 2009 (but not as bad as the 14.3% plunge in 2008.)
As a whole, the 20-city index has fallen 31.2% from its peak, according to data released this week. Average home prices in Cleveland, Detroit, Atlanta, and Las Vegas are now below what they were 11 years ago. Robert Shiller, the Yale economist who co-founded the index, said this week that he sees “substantial risk” that home prices will continue to fall — which would put Chicago (along with Dallas, Charlotte and Minneapolis) there, too. In Chicago, the home price index is already back to its March 2002 level.
Chicago condo prices, which until now have remained one of the brighter spots in our market, fared even worse in 2010. Condo prices fell nearly 12% citywide, substantially worse than the 8.7% decline in 2009 and the 7.3% drop the year before. The condo index has sunken back to its July 2001 level, making this a lost decade for Chicago condo prices.
But not everyone is lamenting. This is a fantastic time to be a buyer, obviously (if you have cash or can qualify for a loan!) Home buyers have their pick of some very choice Chicago real estate at what are now basically the lowest prices seen in a decade.
I’ve noticed that inventory is down, however — probably because so many home owners can’t stomach the idea of selling at these prices. Fewer people are listing their homes for sale than in recent years. Last week, for example, there were only 1,120 property listings in Chicago, compared to 1,552 a year ago. That’s a significant drop — 28% fewer listings in just one year. The decline means buyers have fewer properties to choose from, so the popular ones may actually attract multiple offers.
SoNo in Lincoln Park: Developer dangles crazy low interest rate of 3.99%
SoNo SAYS YES: The modern Lincoln Park tower SoNo slashed prices last summer, and now it's chopping interest rates to boot. With a rate below 4%, the remaining condos here will likely fly off the proverbial shelves.
“INCREDIBLE financing incentive!! Spectacular views!! Great values!! Location, location, location!!” So went the email I recently received from the team marketing the SoNo development in Lincoln Park, where the developer and MB Financial have just teamed up to offer an extremely low interest rate for buyers who are able to put at least 10% down.
I’ve written about the price cuts at SoNo in the past (see my June 16, 2009 post), but this new mortgage deal should really light a fire under the remaining units. The developer and MB Financial are now offering a 3.99% interest rate on a 30-year, fixed rate mortgage with no PMI (private mortgage insurance), which is, I must admit, a fabulous deal. But do you want to buy at SoNo?
Almost 70% of the building’s 232 units have now been sold, and prices are quite competitive, with 1-bedrooms starting at $250,900 and 2-bedrooms at $421,900. According to one agent marketing the project, “The developer and building isn’t in any kind of trouble. In fact it’s quite the opposite…It’s a last push to get the project closed out in conjunction with the home buyer tax credit.”
Let it be said that although my @properties colleagues are marketing the project, I have absolutely nothing to do with this development. If you’re interested in living in a new high-rise in Lincoln Park (in this case, a pair of towers near North and Halsted) this could be a good opportunity. The low mortgage rate would save you hundreds of dollars per month, depending on the price of the unit.
If you’re interested in checking out SoNo, give me a call at 773-816-1788.
Prices plunge at SoNo development in Lincoln Park
SoNo slashed prices by up to 20% this week to lure buyers.
Developers around town are slashing prices this summer in an effort to move their inventory before the sluggish winter months return. Even brand-new highrise buildings with modern finishes can now be found in the bargain bin, at prices significantly lower than they stood just a month ago.
At SoNo, a stylish pair of new towers near North and Halsted developed by Smithfield Properties, prices plunged this week. One-bedroom units originally priced at $316,750 are now being sold at $275,900. Spacious two-bedroom units, with 1650 square feet, have dropped more than $100,000 — from $579,900 to $475,900. Even parking spaces are now on sale, for $9,000 rather than the $30,000 they once cost. The new prices are certain to irritate exisiting owners who spent more, but it’s a good deal for newcomers. Sales have reportedly been brisk, with at least ten units going under contract over the weekend. (Disclosure: The property is being marketed by @properties, but I have nothing to do with it.)
While SoNo is a particulary visible example, the story is much the same all over Chicago. Developers who planned projects two or three years ago are hurting, facing tough lending climates and far fewer qualified buyers than they expected. With profit margins shrinking — and many of them pressed to pay back their construction loans — some builders are now swallowing the medicine and cutting prices to levels that will actually attract buyers.
Among the deals my buyers have snagged in the last 3 months:
* A Bucktown 3-bedroom, 3-bath duplex for $399,000, in a building where the developer expected to sell each unit in the mid-$500s.
*A Rogers Park 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo for $200,000, in a building where similar units sold for about $245,000 two years ago.
* A Logan Square 3-bedroom, 2 and a half-bath condo for $380,000, on a block where smaller units sold for $50,000 more in 2006.
Such deals are no longer the exception in Chicago. For buyers with good credit, verifiable income, and some money saved for a down payment, the whole city is basically on sale.
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