Driving on I-94 towards downtown Chicago

Driving on I-94 towards downtown Chicago

Sometimes the traffic on the Chicago expressways can
really be annoying. But, as you approach downtown,
you don’t mind the traffic. Because the views of downtown
are really awesome.
I decided to take a quick picture while I was driving on I-94.
I know this wasn’t very safe, but there wasn’t much traffic today.
It was a little overcast, but you can imagine how great it looks
on a clear day.

Downtown Chicago as seen from the expressway

Until the next time,

Mark Killion
Real Estate Broker
Century 21 Affiliated
5200 S. Harper Ave
Chicago, IL 60615
24 Hour Voice Mail: 312-242-1822
Send me a note!

Visit me online: www.773property.com

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

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Posted in Chicago, Chicago neighborhoods, Chicago Real Estate, Chicago Relocation, Real Estate, South Loop, West Loop | Leave a comment

Hyde Park Chicago – Lakefront – Promontory Point

Hyde Park Chicago – Lakefront – Promontory Point

Click here for Promontory CO-OP and Rental Listings

One of the great things about the Hyde Park neighborhood is
its proximity to Lake Michigan. I decided to visit the “Point” which is
near 55th and the Lake Front. It is a very beautiful park.
There is a bicycle and jogging path. There is a lot of open space.
It’s a great place to take the family. You can grill next to the lake.
You can also just relax on the rocks. It is very peaceful.

The Point really isn’t a beach. If you want to swim, you need to
travel a few blocks south near the Museum of Science and
Industry. You can actually see the beach from the Point.

There is also a small building at the point that you can reserve
for special events. Some happy couple was having their wedding there today.
They couldn’t have picked a better day. It was sunny with a clear sky and 75 degrees.

Anyway, I took a few pictures of the lake. I hope you like them.

For information regarding Hyde Park Real Estate, please visit my
website at www.773property.com

Hyde Park Chicago - Lake Front

Hyde Park Chicago - Lake Front

Hyde Park Chicago - Lake front - Promontory Point

Until the next time,

Mark Killion
Real Estate Broker
Century 21 Affiliated
5200 S. Harper Ave
Chicago, IL 60615
24 Hour Voice Mail: 312-242-1822
Send me a note!

Visit me online: www.773property.com

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

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Posted in Chicago, Chicago neighborhoods, Chicago Real Estate, Chicago Relocation, HYDE PARK, Hyde Park Chicago, Real Estate | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Bronzeville Rentals – Chicago (60653,60615)

BRONZEVILLE RENTALS (Chicago 60653, 60615)

* Updated MAY-21-2010

I haven’t analyzed the Bronzeville Chicago rental
market in a while.

If you rent a Bronzeville condo, it will give you
at least a year to become familiar with the area.
The Bronzeville area is still in redevelopment stage.
But, it already has a lot to offer. An increasing
amount of restaurants and businesses are coming
to the area. There are plans to add a new grocery
store (and development) near 39th and State.
This will be a huge $50 million dollar project.
This development will have a positive impact on local
real estate values and the quality of life. It will
be anchored by Milwaukee Grocer “Roundy’s”.

You also have trendy restaurants in Bronzeville.
For example: “Chicagos Home of Chicken & Waffles” on
39th and King Drive. Also, the “Cuisine of the Diaspora”
is coming to 51st and Prairie. It will have five venues,
including: Cecelia’s (southern breakfasts), the
Bronzeville Jerk Shack, Majani 310 (vegetarian), and a
Smoke House and Grill.
The complex will also be home to “Bronzeville Fresh Produce”.

Bronzeville real estate values should also benefit
from its proximity to Hyde Park, the University
of Chicago, and IIT.

BRONZEVILLE RENTALS

According to the MLS, as of MAY-21-2010,
there are 54 condos for rent in the Bronzeville area.
The average rental is a 3 bed/2 bath for $1,500 per month.

(interesting note: prices have dropped about 5% since
my last analysis in AUG 2009)

The condos typically have central air. They also have a
microwave, dishwasher, and a Washer and Dryer in the unit.
The more expensive units have granite counters, maple cabinets,
hardwood floors, and stainless steel appliances.
Some units also include one parking space.

Let’s review the last 3 months of the Bronzeville Rental market.
This analysis is based on units that were actually rented.
Whether you’re an owner thinking about leasing your condo, or
a tenant thinking about renting one, this will give you
a good idea of current rental prices. Either way, I can
assist you with your next Bronzeville Rental! 8)

TYPE……..AVERAGE_RENT
————————–
1 Bedroom………..$938
2 Bedrooms………$1245
3 Bedrooms………$1507
4 Bedrooms………$1755
5 Bedrooms………$2650
___________________________

——————————————————
If you would like more information on leasing a
Bronzeville rental, please feel free to contact me.
I provide FREE assistance to renters and buyers.
I provide competitive rates to owners.
Until the next time…

Until the next time,

Mark Killion
Real Estate Broker
Century 21 Affiliated
5200 S. Harper Ave
Chicago, IL 60615
24 Hour Voice Mail: 312-242-1822
Send me a note!

Visit me online: www.773property.com

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

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Posted in bronzeville, Chicago, Chicago neighborhoods, Chicago Real Estate, Chicago Relocation, Real Estate | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Chicago’s Top Cultural Attractions

Chicago’s Top 8 Cultural Attractions
(Based on number of visitors in 2009)

1) John G. Shedd Aquarium
1200 S. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago 60605
(312) 939-2438
www.sheddaquarium.org

2) Art Institute
111 S. Michigan Ave.
Chicago 60603
(312) 443-3600
www.artic.edu

3) Museum of Science and Industry
5700 S. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago 60637
(773) 684-1414
www.msichicago.org

4) Field Museum of Natural History
1400 S. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago 60605
(312) 922-9410
www.fieldmuseum.org

5) Chicago Cultural Center
78 E. Washington St.
Chicago 60602
(312) 744-6630
www.chicagoculturalcenter.org

6) Chicago Children’s Museum
700 E. Grand Ave.
Suite 127, Chicago 60611
(312) 527-1000
www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org


7) Chicago Architecture Foundation

224 S. Michigan Ave.
Suite 430, Chicago 60604
(312) 922-3432
www.architecture.org

8 Adler Planetarium
1300 S. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago 60605
(312) 922-7827
www.adlerplanetarium.org

Until the next time,

Mark Killion
Real Estate Broker
Century 21 Affiliated
5200 S. Harper Ave
Chicago, IL 60615
24 Hour Voice Mail: 312-242-1822
Send me a note!

Visit me online: www.773property.com

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

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Posted in Chicago, Chicago neighborhoods, Chicago Real Estate, Chicago Relocation, Real Estate | Leave a comment

Bronzeville Statue

I was showing a property near 26th and King Drive.
This is at the northern boundary of Chicago’s
Bronzeville neighborhood.
I thought I would take a picture of this huge statue.
It greets you as you’re entering the historic Chicago
Bronzeville neighborhood.
It symbolizes the great migration of African-Americans
from the southern states to the south side of Chicago.
It is aptly named:
“Monument to the Great Northern Migration.???

Bronzeville Statue - Great Northern Migration

Until the next time,

Mark Killion
Real Estate Broker
Century 21 Affiliated
5200 S. Harper Ave
Chicago, IL 60615
24 Hour Voice Mail: 312-242-1822
Send me a note!

Visit me online: www.773property.com

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

773property.com Logo

Posted in bronzeville, Chicago, Chicago neighborhoods, Chicago Real Estate, Chicago Relocation, Real Estate, South Loop | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Bronzeville Chicago – Real Estate Update

Bronzeville Chicago – Real Estate Update

Let’s take a quick look at the Bronzeville Real
Estate market. This data covers sales activity
during the last 3 months. For this analysis,
I am looking at the Douglas and Grand
Boulevard areas.

Single Family Homes:
5 homes were sold in the last 3 months.
The average selling price was about $127,000.

Condos:
47 condos were sold in the last 3 months.
The average selling price was about $66,000.

Two to Four Units:

11 multi-unit properties were sold.
The average selling price was about $107,000.

Currently, this is what’s on the market for sale in Bronzeville:

63 Single Family Homes with an average asking price of $367,000.

316 Condos with an average asking price of $180,000

40 Multi-Unit properties with an average asking price of $242,000.

If you have any questions about Bronzeville
Chicago Real Estate, please let me know!

Until the next time,

Mark Killion
Real Estate Broker
Century 21 Affiliated
5200 S. Harper Ave
Chicago, IL 60615
24 Hour Voice Mail: 312-242-1822
Send me a note!

Visit me online: www.773property.com

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

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Posted in bronzeville, Chicago, Chicago neighborhoods, Chicago Real Estate, Chicago Relocation, HYDE PARK, Real Estate | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

53rd st in Hyde Park will get a makeover

53rd Street in Hyde Park Chicago will get a great
makeover.
Big changes are coming to 53rd and Lake Park
and Harper Court. A big mixed-use Real Estate
development project could start as early as 2011.

The new construction project would replace
the city parking lot which sits between McDonald’s
and the Border’s bookstore. It would also replace
the Harper Court shopping center which is at
5211 S. Harper. Most of this land is owned by the
University of Chicago. I wouldn’t be surprised to find
out that the University of Chicago owns most of the
land in Hyde Park.

The 1st phase will include 150,000 sqft of retail space
and another 150,000 sqft of office space. The next phase
may include up to 160 condos, 75 apartments, and a 200
room hotel!

This should be great for Hyde Park’s property values.
It’s probably a good time to buy in Hyde Park to capture
some of that appreciation.

If you have any questions about buying Real Estate in
Hyde Park – Chicago, IL… please let me know!

Mark Killion, REALTOR
Keller Williams Realty C.C.G.
www.773property.com

Posted in Chicago, Chicago neighborhoods, Chicago Real Estate, HYDE PARK, Hyde Park Chicago, Investment Property | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Sales way up in DEC 2009

According to a recent report, sales in December 2009
were up 33% compared to December 2008. Sales
have been up 6 months in a row! But, overall, sales
for the year were flat compared to 2008.

In many areas of the city, the number of properties
sold is trending up while the selling price is
trending down. So demand is being driven by
increased affordability and the tax credit.

Also, investors are back in the market snatching up
deeply discounted bank owned properties. The
distressed property sales are pulling down Chicago’s
median value. There are properties on the South
and West Sides selling for $20,000! But, I think
that certain areas, like the South Loop and the Near
North side, are stabilizing. Sales activity in those areas
is high, but there is also a lot of inventory on the market.

Hopefully, when the tax credit expires, consumer
confidence will be higher than it is currently. The
timing is good, because it expires during the busy
Spring selling season. So right when it expires,
seasonal demand will be picking up.

I think we hit bottom around July/August 2009.
There is a lot of pent-up demand out there. But there
is even more uncertainty. The main concern now is
job creation. But, I think overall that 2010 will be a better
year than 2009.

Until the next time,

Mark Killion
Real Estate Broker
Century 21 Affiliated
5200 S. Harper Ave
Chicago, IL 60615
24 Hour Voice Mail: 312-242-1822
Send me a note!

Visit me online: www.773property.com

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

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Posted in Bridgeport, bronzeville, Chicago, Chicago neighborhoods, Chicago Real Estate, Chicago Rehab, Chicago Relocation, East Garfield Park, Englewood, financing, HYDE PARK, Investment Property, Logan Square, Pill Hill, Real Estate, South Loop, Uptown, West Loop | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

West Loop Real Estate Analysis

There is still a lot of sales activity in the West Loop. I decided to take a quick look at 2009 Sales activity.
In short, it summed up as follows:
“Sales are trending up, while prices
are trending down”.

2009 SALES ANALYSIS – WEST LOOP

MONTH___#-SOLD____AVG_PRICE

JAN________31________$369K
FEB________32________$422K
MAR________42________$405K
APR________40________$368K
MAY________36________$352K
JUN________99________$332K
JUL________59________$349K
AUG________60________$324K
SEP________71________$335K
OCT________63________$337K
NOV________67________$328K

West Loop 2009 Sales Analysis - Chicago

If you would like more information
on Chicago Real Estate, please contact
me at www.773property.com

Until the next time,

Mark Killion
Real Estate Broker
Century 21 Affiliated
5200 S. Harper Ave
Chicago, IL 60615
24 Hour Voice Mail: 312-242-1822
Send me a note!

Visit me online: www.773property.com

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

773property.com Logo

Posted in Chicago, Chicago neighborhoods, Chicago Real Estate, West Loop | Leave a comment

Chicago Deeded Parking Spaces

Most people may not realize that you can buy and sell deeded parking spaces in Chicago. A Realtor (such as myself :) can even assist you with buying and selling deeded parking spaces in Chicago.

A parking space may make a nice investment. You can rent a parking space, in a desirable location, for $250 to $300 per month. So, a ‘buy and hold’ strategy might make sense.
The space will probably pay for itself in 10 years. If you amass a portfolio of spaces over the years,
you can create a significant passive income stream.

Let’s take a look at sales activity
for deeded parking spaces in Chicago.

NEIGHBORHOOD_______UNITS_SOLD___AVG-PRICE
NEAR NORTH SIDE___________15_______$36K
LOOP______________________07_______$34K
LAKE VIEW_________________03_______$31K
WEST TOWN_________________02_______$30K
NEAR SOUTH SIDE___________02_______$28K
LINCOLN PARK______________01_______$27K
NEAR WEST SIDE____________04_______$22K
UPTOWN____________________02_______$21K
EDGEWATER_________________01_______$19K
KENWOOD___________________01_______$17K
LOGAN SQUARE______________01_______$15K
ROGERS PARK_______________01_______$13K

A total of 40 deeded parking spaces
were sold, in Chicago, between JUN 8 2009
and DEC 8 2009.
The near north side had the most sales activity.
15 deeded parking spaces were sold, in the ‘near
north side’ neighborhood, for an average selling
price of about $36,000.

If you would like more information on chicago parking spaces FOR SALE,
please contact me at www.773property.com

Until the next time,

Until the next time,

Mark Killion
Real Estate Broker
Century 21 Affiliated
5200 S. Harper Ave
Chicago, IL 60615
24 Hour Voice Mail: 312-242-1822
Send me a note!

Visit me online: www.773property.com

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

773property.com Logo

Posted in Chicago, Chicago neighborhoods, Chicago Real Estate, Chicago Relocation, Investment Property, Real Estate, South Loop, Uptown, West Loop | Leave a comment