Chicago Real Estate Blog - Helaine Cohen

The Restaurant Scene Near Bellevue Place Condos

Thinking about buying a condo at Bellevue Place in Chicago's Gold Coast? Take a closer look at just some of the top restaurants within blocks of the building's front lobby. 

Tavern on Rush

Many of the best options are only a block away, including Tavern on Rush. The contemporary steakhouse is located right on Rush Street. The place to go for steak, seafood and fresh fish, Tavern on Rush offers carry-out, delivery and outdoor dining. 

The restaurant serves up an exciting dinner menu every day of the week, lunch during the week and brunch on the weekends. It also features a nice dessert and drink menu.

Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse

If you like steak, another great place to try is Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse. In business for about three decades,…

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Why Consider a Condo at 100 E. Bellevue?

If you’re searching for a new place to call home, 100 E. Bellevue offers some enticing options. This established high-rise sits in the Gold Coast, with some desirable inclusions for Chicago condo buyers.

Originally built in the early 1970s, 100 Bellevue Place offers such impressive building amenities as a rooftop swimming pool and an exercise room. The high-rise also provides its residents with valet parking, guest parking and a 24-hour doorman. 

New buyers can expect to find light-filled units with sweeping floor-to-ceiling windows for taking in views of the lake and the city. You will also find open concept floor plans with a large amount of living space. 

Many of the units in the building have been nicely updated over the years to include…

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A Look Inside 1601 W. Ohio Street Condos

For elevated new construction in West Town, take a look inside the sophisticated new 1601 W Ohio Street condos. This intimate building only offers three residences for sale, but it easily rivals some of the most luxurious offerings in the Chicago area. 

Not only are buyers treated to a heated parking garage, but also direct elevator access into the private residences. Expect to find such high-end features and finishes inside as floor-to-ceiling windows, private outdoor space and elegantly outfitted kitchens and baths.

Further additions include stone countertops, custom European cabinetry and high-end appliances. These condos are designed for upscale living and entertaining.

The top-level unit of the building additionally serves up access to an…

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Avoid These Mortgage Refinancing Mistakes

While mortgage rates are currently at an all-time low, if you’re considering refinancing you need to be wary of some common mistakes.

Mistake #1- Just the rate

The first mistake has to do with just considering the rate. While a rate may look low you also have to factor in whether you’re being charged more in mortgage points to gain that rate.

Mistake #2- Mortgage extensions

Another mistake comes into play if you’re considering whether to extend your mortgage. If you’ve already made payments for five years you may want to consider refinancing with a 25-year loan instead of a 30-year loan. Even with a reduced interest rate, a longer loan likely means you’ll pay more in interest charges.

Mistake #3- Not comparing options

The final mistake…

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Is The Chicago Housing Market Recovering Well From COVID-19?

As we transition from the spring market to the summer market, many of us are still wondering what the housing market will look like during the rest of 2020 and heading into 2021. While still it’s impossible to know how COVID-19 will change market conditions over time, realtor.com's Weekly Housing Recovery Report is showing some positive signs. 

Not surprisingly, there’s been substantial growth in online home searches since the beginning of the pandemic, and asking prices have also surpassed pre-COVID levels too. 

But according to economists at realtor.com, movement in supply is still expected to be well below seasonal levels. 

Also noted is that cities and markets with a strong technology sector are better-equipped to weather the storm thanks to…

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Chicago Suburbs With Mid-Century Modern Homes For Sale

Mid century modern architecture has always been a popular style but it’s become especially trendy over the last couple years, especially among suburban home buyers in Chicago. As you probably already know, Chicago’s North Shore is where you’ll find an impressive collection of classic mid century modern homes. From Evanston and Wilmette all the way up to Glencoe and Highland Park, there’s really no shortage of desirable mid century modern homes in the area that are ideal for any true mid century modern enthusiast. 

Not surprisingly, though, the North Shore isn’t the only area you’ll find authentic mid century modern homes in Chicago’s suburbs. Oak Park and River Forest are two communities that come to mind in the West Suburbs, and the list goes on from…

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Pros to Buying a Garden Unit Condo in Chicago

If you’re in the market for a new condo you may want to consider a garden unit. That’s because there are plenty of pros when it comes to buying a garden unit condo.

To begin with, a garden unit is located on the ground floor or slightly below street level, with easy access to a backyard garden or patio. They sometimes also offer a small front porch.

The accessibility also means you won’t have to contend with stairs. Whether stocking up on weekly groceries or more easily moving in furniture, a garden unit is the way to go.

This is ideal, too, if you have a pet that needs to go for daily walks. If you work untraditional hours, you won’t have to worry about disturbing others when you leave and return home. 

Another good reason to buy a garden…

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3 Reasons Why You’ll Love Condos at Peoria Green

If you’re looking to buy in the near future, you’re sure to love the news condos of Peoria Green. From the location to the floor plans, we found three great reasons you’ll love the property.

Location

To begin with, the condos sit in the heart of the West Loop and overlook Mary Bartelme Park. Not only does this guarantee nearby green space, a playground and a dog park, but it’s an easy walk from Peoria Green to a neighborhood school.

Floorplans

You’re also sure to love the generous floorplans at Peoria Green. The condos come in four- and five-bedroom layouts, including some with direct park frontage. The sophisticated homes also feature high ceilings and the grand illusion of living in a private home.

Private amenities

The private…

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New Data Shows Chicago Home Price Growth Lags Nation

The pace of home price growth in Chicago continues to lag behind the national pace, and new reports show it’s slowed down even more in recent months.  For some time, the Chicago area was running about half that of the national pace.

New data from January shows the pace in Chicago has now slowed to less than one-sixth of the national figure. Some say this points to evidence the real estate market in Chicago was struggling before COVID-19 began impacting the national housing market.

Single-family home values in the region rose about 0.6 percent in January compared to the same time a year ago. When looking nationwide, home values this January were up nearly four percent.

While nationally home price growth was strong in January when compared to the previous…

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Chicago May Be Experiencing a Housing Bubble

High prices and a lack of buyers in Chicago may be indicative of a housing bubble. At least that’s what some real estate experts are saying.

They point to evidence that people are still buying but aren’t necessarily willing to pay more than the asking price. Redfin found Chicago homes spend a longer time on the market than those in other major U.S. cities.

Unlike some of those other cities, Redfin also found it’s uncommon for Chicago homes to sell above asking price. On the flip side, just 15-percent of Chicago homes are said to sell at less than list price.

Homes in Chicago’s southern suburbs are some of the hardest to sell. Some equate that to the area’s high taxes. Illinois, in general, has extremely high property taxes, behind only New Jersey.

Despite a…

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