Chicago Real Estate News & Neighborhood Notes - Leo Clark.

10 Things You Should Know Before Buying a Chicago Condo

Buying a Chicago Condo, or any home for that matter, is one of the largest investments and biggest decisions you’ll ever make. If you’re familiar with the Chicago real estate market, you probably already have an understanding of what you’re looking for in your new place, but in a large market like Chicago, condo and housing options are certainly diverse and plentiful, ultimately making your decision that much more challenging. To help you narrow down your home search, we’ve devised a list of 10 things you should know before buying a Chicago condo, which at the very least, should get you thinking about what items on your wish list are truly the most important.

1)  Which Chicago neighborhood fits your lifestyle?

The city of Chicago has over 200…

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Exterior Glass Elevator Coming to Chicago's Aon Center?

No longer wowed simply by ordinary observation decks, a proposed new deck topping Chicago’s Aon Center intends to transport guests via a glass-walled, exterior elevator. It’s been reported that the double-decker lift will ascend the 1000-foot tall building on its northwest edge.

City leaders haven’t officially signed off on the plan, which is said to still be in the planning stage. If it happens, though, it could draw in tourists from Maggie Daley and Millennium parks, bringing in potentially millions in revenue.

It would also face some competition from other observation decks in the city. The Willis Tower Skydeck already allows visitors to step out onto a glass box called the Ledge, while future plans there could add on a glass staircase and possibly even…

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Where to Search Luxury Dog Friendly Condos For Sale in Downtown Chicago

Dog friendly condos are highly searched here in Chicago, and as you might expect, most buildings around the downtown area have various rules and regulations relating to pets. Some condo buildings will have restrictions on certain breeds, while others have very strict regulations on how many dogs you can own, or perhaps even a weight limit.

Believe it or not, however, most Chicago condo buildings will at the very least allow dogs or cats in the building, but impose some limitations like what was just mentioned above. If you're a dog owner in the city and are considering a move, always pay attention to pet and dog restrictions, as policies in buildings all over downtown Chicago seem to always be changing.

In the meantime, have a look at these…

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3 Under-the-Radar Condo Buildings to Consider in Chicago’s West Town

Diverse West Town is filled with plenty of charm, including several condo buildings that may be relatively under the radar, but are certainly worth considering in the Chicago area.

525 N. Halsted

Among them are the condos of City Towne Lofts. Located at 525 N Halsted Street, the mid-rise building was constructed in the mid-1930s, with easy access to public transportation and the availability of nearby parking.

2800 W. North Avenue

The boutique-style building of 2800 W North Avenue presents large windows and plentiful upgrades within a more modern setting. The glass and steel building also offers high ceilings and some impressive skyline views.

1720 N. Mashfield

The redesigned units of 1720 N Mashfield allow for easy access to area parks,…

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3 Loft Buildings to Consider in Chicago’s Logan Square Neighborhood Heading into Spring

As we quickly approach a new season, we’ve uncovered three loft buildings you’ll definitely want to consider in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood.

1935 N. Fairfield

Mere steps away from fantastic restaurants, nightlife and transportation, the units of 1935 N Fairfield present an ideal location for those in search of loft-style living. The building also supplies an elevator and a common rooftop deck, with sweeping views of the surrounding city.

2161 N. California

The spacious units of 2161 N California, meanwhile, enjoy a superb location close to transportation and with some fantastic skyline views. The brick and timber lofts also include some private balconies and plentiful upgrades

2511 Moffat St.

Meanwhile, the charming building of…

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Top Soft Loft Condo Buildings in the West Loop Right Now

Enjoying the luxury of modern features and construction, some of the top soft loft condo buildings in the West Loop right now are hard to beat.

909 W. Washington

In particular, 909 W Washington provides a mid-rise building with plenty of modern elements. Around 100 units grace the building, supplemented by walls of windows, hardwood flooring and plenty of upscale features and finishes. This full-amenity building additionally offers the option of garage parking for an extra fee.

901 W. Madison

Another choice for buyers is 901 W Madison, with its high ceilings, large windows and open floor plans. The building also offers some private balconies, plus an exercise room, sundeck and a dog run. As well, the building sits within easy access to shops,…

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Another Elegant New High-Rise is Being Planned For Chicago's Gold Coast Neighborhood

An elegant new residential option could be coming to the Gold Coast, where developers are planning on constructing a new high-rise. At least that’s according to a new rendering recently shared on an online forum.

The proposed Gold Coast high-rise sits at the northwest corner of Oak and Dearborn streets, close to the Newberry Library. While currently few details on the developer are being released, the rendering suggests the building could house around 70 individual units and more than 160 parking spaces. 

While the proposal calls for keeping a portion of an existing building already at the site, it also includes adding a new tower to the property. That tower would be more than 30 stories tall. 

Currently still owned by the Warren Barr rehab and…

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3 More Fabulous West Loop Loft Buildings to Consider Heading Into the Spring Market

If you’re thinking about purchasing a loft-style home in the near future, we have several West Loop loft buildings you’ll want to consider.

400 S. Green

Also known as the Green Street Lofts, 400 S Green presents modern lifestyle options within a more historic setting. Originally constructed in the late 1800s, the reimagined building now house dozens of lofts, many of which have been additionally updated in recent years. It’s common to find plenty of exposed brick and ductwork, plus high ceilings and the option of on-site parking.

1017 W. Washington

Buyers are also treated to exposed brick and timber within 1017 W Washington. The West Loop property additionally provides a common rooftop deck plus the enjoyment of living close to some of…

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Top West Side Neighborhoods Where You Can Still Find a Good Deal

There’s some great news if you’re searching for a place to call home on Chicago’s West Side. You can definitely still find a good deal, as long as you know where to look.

Logan Square

Certain neighborhoods such as Logan Square are attractive for a variety of reasons, including the deals you’ll find in terms of real estate. The trendy and diverse neighborhood offers a number of apartments and condos for prospective new residents to choose from.

Noble Square

In comparison, Noble Square is another great neighborhood to check out on the West Side. With several affordable housing options, the mostly residential area also includes nearby shops, restaurants and nightlife.

East Village 

Close to some of the area’s most vibrant destinations, East…

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High-Profile Vista Tower Project in Chicago Reportedly Up For Sale

Chicago’s highest-profile project is reportedly up for sale according to multiple news outlets. As first reported by Bloomberg News, prominent Chinese developer Dalian Wanda Group is seeking buyers to assume its 60% ownership stake in the mesmerizing new Vista Tower near the city’s lakefront, along with the $900 million Vista hotel and condo development in Beverley Hills, California.

According to the reports, the sell-off seems to be directly tied to Chinese regulators cracking down on risky offshore spending rather than current market conditions or the long term outlook for what will undoubtedly be one of Downtown Chicago’s premier residential high-rises.

It’s estimated that Wanda’s investment between the California project and Vista Tower here in…

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