February | 2012 | Evanston homes and condos

City officials announced today that Trader Joe’s is going to open at the former site of Blockbusters at 1211 Chicago. Trader Joe’s will be located across the street from Jewel and one block north of Whole Foods.

The property sold in August for $2,300,000, above the list price of $2,250,000. The parcel is 25,074 square feet and the building, constructed in 1961, has 12,780 square-feet.

The grocery retailer plans to raze the former Blockbuster building and build a new 13,000 square-foot store, expected to open early next year. Read more here.

Former Mayor Lorraine Morton puts her house on the market

Evanston architect gets noticed for first North Shore LEED certified home

Only 770 downtown Chicago condos sold in 2011, compared to 1,682 in 2010

Housing Affordability Reaches New Records

Illinois ranks in the top 10 for the highest number of foreclosures last month

FSBO Site Founder Reaches Out to Real Estate Pros

30-Year Rates Continue to Hold at Record Lows

Filed under: News | Tagged: 1211 Chicago, 2102 darrow, forsalebyowner.com, Mayor Lorraine Morton, trader joe's | Leave a Comment »

Evanston officials to announce big development Friday

Posted on February 16, 2012 by Tm Pareti

Evanston officials to announce big development Friday

Evanston to rethink appointments to new Landlord Licensing Committee

Cook County to unveil one-stop property tax website April 1

Foreclosures Pick Up Pace, Banks Work Through Glut

Investors Get Ready for FHFA’s Foreclosure Bulk Sales

A New Breed of Investors Steps Forward

Builders Are Feeling More Optimistic

High Student Loan Debt Hinders Home Buying

Filed under: News | Tagged: 1211 Chicago, cookcountypropertyinfo.com, evanston real estate, foreclosure-to-rental initiative, tim pareti | Leave a Comment »

Evanston accepting bids for a miniature golf course

Posted on February 15, 2012 by Tm Pareti

Evanston accepting bids for a miniature golf course

Evanston Council gives reluctant backing for technology incubator

Illinois is third highest state with the most foreclosures

CitiGroup to pay $15.3 million in mortgage settlement

3.8% Tax Is Not a Transfer Tax on Real Estate

NAR Cautions Against MID Changes

Home Owners More Attractive Than Renters, Singles Say

Obama Budget Calls for $6B in Home Energy Retrofits

Save a Home by Turning It Into a Billboard?

Banks to Pay Military Members for Foreclosure Errors

HUD Grants $1.8 Billion to Enhance Affordable Housing

Fed Chair Says ‘Normal Lending’ Key to Recovery

Could the Mortgage Deal Lead to a Jump in Foreclosures?

Banks Offer More Cash Incentives for Short Sales

American dream home turns green

Homebuilder optimism rises for fifth straight month

New Consumer Bureau to unveil monthly mortgage prototype

Filed under: News | Tagged: Brainiacs From Mars, cash for caulkers, Citigroup, evanston real estate, home energy retrofits, home star, Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, Technology Innovation Center, tim pareti, U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau | Leave a Comment »

Bank sues Mike Adamle over foreclosed Evanston home

Posted on February 9, 2012 by Tm Pareti

826 Lincoln

Bank sues Mike Adamle over foreclosed Evanston home

Apartment development in Evanston breaks ground

Downtown Evanston population grows, fewer in other neighborhoods

Evanston workshop for condo owners set for March

States, banks reach $25 billion settlement

Boy raises $10,500 to save grandmother’s home from foreclosure

Fannie Starts Accepting Online Offers for Properties

Major Foreclosure Servicer Charged With Forgery

Infamous Texas Squatter Finally Gets Evicted

For Renters, Market Likely to Get Pricier

‘HARP 2.0’ Could Help 6.7 Million More Borrowers

Filed under: News | Tagged: 826 lincoln, AMLI residential, DocX, Lakeside Community Development Corporation, mike adamle, Noah Lamaide, PrivateBank & Trust | Leave a Comment »

Evanston Giordano’s Dance Studio building under contract

Posted on February 5, 2012 by Tm Pareti

614 Davis under contract

A downtown Evanston building that housed Giordano’s Jazz Dance Studio for a half century is under contract.

The landmark building at 614 Davis was listed at $1,990,000 when it went under contract last week. The original list price was $2,599,000 and it was on the market for 313 days. Built in 1905, the three-story building has 17,430 square feet.

A city-hired consultant identified the building as the most ideal location for a performing ats center in downtown Evanston. The report released by consultant Kennedy Smith last August indicated the Giordano’s building could qualify for a tax credit and rely on other funding from a tax increment district.

In other news, a single-family home that is expected to be converted into a bed and breakfast by billionnaire James Pritzker has sold.

The lakefront home, at 300 Church, sold for $2,250,000 on Jan. 24. The original list price was $2,599,000 and it went under contract the same day it went on the market. The home, built in 1899, sits on a 12,700 square-foot lot and has lake views. The 4,458 square foot home has six bedrooms and 4.5 baths. There is also a renovated coachhouse.