Corcoran Urban Real Estate

Chicago Real Estate Blog

  • Monday Real Estate Round-Up

    Monday Real Estate Round-Up
    Monday, June 29, 2015
    The numbers are in and Chicago's top-selling neighborhood for the month of May was: the Near North Side. The sales numbers are driven, in large part, by the amount of inventory, and neighborhoods rich in condos typically rank higher. In May the top three slots went to the Near North Side, then West Town then Lincoln Park with 280, 195 and 157 sales respectively. If you remove condos from the equation, then the numbers change substantially...
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  • Grandeur & Grace in Humungous Streeterville Home

    Grandeur & Grace in Humungous Streeterville Home
    Just Listed, Streeterville
    Friday, June 26, 2015
    This spacious residence lives like a single-family home in a stately building at the heart of it all. Over 4100 square feet, 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths with separate living quarters for a nanny or guest complete with second kitchen. Huge rooms throughout with tall ceilings and great light. Steps to Michigan Avenue, Lake Shore Park, and the lake front. Full amenity building with pool & grocery, Garage Parking included.
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  • And May's Top-Selling 'Burbs Are...

    And May's Top-Selling 'Burbs Are...
    Thursday, June 25, 2015
    The numbers are in and Chicagoland's top-selling suburbs from May were: Aurora, Naperville and Plainfield. Sales for the first two were up 28.9 and 27.5 percent from April to May but the largest increase belongs to Plainfield, which saw a sales surge of 64.1 percent. Joliet and Arlington Heights both saw big increases as well, 47.7 and 33 percent respectively. For more, head over to Chicago Agent Magazine here .
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  • May Sales Show Continuing Price, Sales Increases

    May Sales Show Continuing Price, Sales Increases
    Tuesday, June 23, 2015
    The good news for the Chicago-area housing market keeps coming in; the May numbers continued the trend of increasing sales volume and price. Sales were up 7 percent in May year over year and prices rose 7.2 percent, according to the Illinois Association of Realtors latest analysis. The city's market was even stronger, with sales rising 10.1 percent and media price up 6.8 percent. For more, head over to Chicago Agent Magazine here .
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  • Monday Real Estate Round-Up

    Monday Real Estate Round-Up
    Monday, June 22, 2015
    The number of houses in the Chicago-area has picked up and in spite of that the sale prices continue to increase and market time decreases as the market tries to keep up with demand. According to a new report, the number of homes for sale in the Chicago area grew 18 percent in the last 12 months, a sign of increasing health and the biggest increase in three years. Market time is less than 17 days and the median price us up to $285,000...
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  • Why Aren't More Renters Buying?

    Why Aren't More Renters Buying?
    Friday, June 19, 2015
    As rent costs increase, many are looking to buy as an option to control their monthly costs. But so far, the numbers show that renters aren't moving into home ownership at high rates. According to a study from John Burns Real Estate Consulting, 14.6 percent of renters transitioned to home ownership in the fourth quarter of 2014, down from 25 percent ten years earlier, in 2004...
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  • Chicago Homeowners Recovering Equity

    Chicago Homeowners Recovering Equity
    Thursday, June 18, 2015
    It's a natural consequence of the home sales price increases that are evident in the local market, but homeowners across the city, state, and nation are finding themselves in better equity positions, according to the most recent data. According to CoreLogic, 81 percent of mortgages in Chicago are now above water after the first quarter 2015 appreciation. That's up 78.1 percent in 2014. There was also a .2 percent drop in mortgages that were in near negative equity from 3.8 p
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  • Just Listed! Golden Views in the Gold Coast

    Just Listed! Golden Views in the Gold Coast
    Gold Coast, Just Listed
    Wednesday, June 17, 2015
    Enter this high floor, North East corner 1 Bed / 1 Bath condo and be WOWED by the fantastic views of Lake Michigan! Most desirable tier. Floor-to-ceiling windows. Forever views overlooking Gold Coast mansions. Recently upgraded open kitchen & remodeled bath. 7' x 7' walk-in closet in bedroom. On the quiet side of the building, but just steps to Lake Shore Drive, beaches, fine dining & shopping! 2 blocks to CTA Red Line & grocery...
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  • Not All Upgrades Are Equal

    Not All Upgrades Are Equal
    Tuesday, June 16, 2015
    When you're looking at upgrades to your home, they're not all created equally. In fact, if you're looking to recoup your investment when the time comes to sell, there are some upgrades you should avoid completely and some ideas from which you should steer clear. First, avoid pools. Swimming pools in general are often viewed by prospective buyers often as more of a burden then a benefit...
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  • Monday Real Estate Round-Up

    Monday Real Estate Round-Up
    Monday, June 15, 2015
    Another day, another residential skyscraper is proposed for Chicago. This time, Jupiter Realty and Pappageorge Haymes have partnered on a proposal for a 500-foot tall tower at 465 North Park in Streeterville. The tower would feature 444 apartments, 181 parking spaces and just under 12,000 square feet of retail. They're hoping to start construction in January 2016...
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  • New to the New Eastside: Aqua Abides!

    New to the New Eastside: Aqua Abides!
    Just Listed, New Eastside
    Saturday, June 13, 2015
    Contemporary 1 Bed / 1.5 Bath Plus Den Unit At Aqua Condominium. Hardwood Floors Throughout, Stainless Steel Appliances, Dishwasher, Garbage Disposal, Washer & Dryer. Balcony With Views Of Navy Pier, Lake Michigan & City Skyline. Floor-To-Ceiling Windows. Includes Heat-A/C, Gas, Water, Cable, High-Speed Internet & The Use Of All The Amenities. Extra Wide Premium Parking Available For Purchase.
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  • Chicago Has Fewer 'Zombies'

    Chicago Has Fewer 'Zombies'
    Industry News
    Friday, June 12, 2015
    New data from RealtyTrac shows that Chicago's "zombie foreclosures" are down substantially in the second quarter on 2015. The total number of "zombies", that is, houses that are vacant but where foreclosure proceedings are not yet completed, fell 28 percent. The total number of such properties in the metro area is now 7,168. Chicago was joined by Atlanta, Dallas, Miami and Phoenix in the decline. For more, head over to Crain's here .
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  • New Tower Proposed for Streeterville

    New Tower Proposed for Streeterville
    In The News
    Thursday, June 11, 2015
    Another day, another residential skyscraper is proposed for Chicago. This time, Jupiter Realty and Pappageorge Haymes have partnered on a proposal for a 500-foot tall tower at 465 North Park in Streeterville. The tower would feature 444 apartments, 181 parking spaces and just under 12,000 square feet of retail. They're hoping to start construction in January 2016...
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  • *Just Listed!* Vintage Charm & Grace in the Gold Coast

    *Just Listed!* Vintage Charm & Grace in the Gold Coast
    Gold Coast, Just Listed
    Thursday, June 11, 2015
    Vintage charm and grace in this extraordinary 2,000 sq ft corner unit overlooking Lake Michigan & Oak Street Beach. This 3 bed (1 converted), 3 bath unit has deep crown moldings, mint condition hardwood floors, fire place. English style kitchen with butler's pantry. Large master suite. Library which includes Murphy bed & ensuite bathroom. 3rd bed converted into office w/ built-in shelves and desk. Garage parking near.
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  • The Return of the First-Time Homebuyer

    The Return of the First-Time Homebuyer
    Wednesday, June 10, 2015
    It may sound counter-intuitive but in some good news for real estate, the percentage of down payments has dropped. Good news because it could signal the return of the first-time homebuyer. According to a new report from RealtyTrac, down payments for single family homes, condos and townhouses was down to 14.8 percent in the first quarter of 2015, the lowest number since 2012 and down from 15.5 percent last year. FHA loans were down to 2...
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  • Chicago Home Prices Continue To Climb

    Chicago Home Prices Continue To Climb
    Tuesday, June 9, 2015
    More good news from CoreLogic - the April housing market report showed continuing price increases for Chicago. Including distressed sales, home prices in Chicago rose 4.5 percent year over year and excluding distressed sales the increase was even more dramatic, 6.6 percent. For the full report, head over to Chicago Agent Magazine here .
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  • A Lovely New Listing for the New Eastside

    A Lovely New Listing for the New Eastside
    Just Listed, New Eastside
    Tuesday, June 9, 2015
    This home at The Chandler has deluxe finishes & features for comfort & easy living! Sunny south side of the building with balcony, east view of DuSable Harbor AND west view of the New Eastside park! Kitchen has granite counter tops, Snaidero custom cabinets, & Stainless Steel appliances. In-home washer/dryer. Amenities include rooftop indoor swimming pool, 2 outdoor decks, fitness center, media room, & party room. Deeded parking additional $35k.
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  • Monday Real Estate Round-up

    Monday Real Estate Round-up
    In The News
    Monday, June 8, 2015
    Chicago's next great public space officially opened over the weekend. The 606, a connected series of parks with the overhead rails-to-trails project known as the Bloomingdale Trail, will connect diverse neighborhoods from Logan Square and Humboldt Park to Wicker Park and Bucktown. Running along an abandoned railroad bed along Bloomingdale Avenue, the trail has caused new interest in housing and in real estate development along its entire length...
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  • Renting in Chicago

    Renting in Chicago
    Thursday, June 4, 2015
    The relationship between landlords and tenants is a complicated one and in Chicago the Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance governs those relationships. Curbed Chicago has a great post out today that breaks down the misconceptions about renters' rights and their obligations (and for landlords). They cover security deposits, move-in fees, rules governing the payment of rent and more. The full post is here.
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  • Just Listed! This Is How You Get Your Harbor On

    Just Listed!  This Is How You Get Your Harbor On
    Just Listed, New Eastside
    Thursday, June 4, 2015
    Panoramic and unobstructed S.E. views of Lake Michigan, Columbia Yacht Club, Monroe Harbor and Parks. Split 2 bedroom, 2 bath, updated kitchen, new carpet in both bedrooms, neutral colors, built-in closet systems & washer/dryer in unit. Harbor Point has won awards for outstanding landscaping. Building has indoor pool, health club, grocery store, playroom, WiFi lounges, cleaners, patio with grills, & guest parking.
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