With the onset of the holiday season, many homebuyers and sellers take a pause from real estate to focus on other activities. But a December market surge is actually fairly common thanks to some of the most motivated sellers and buyers of the year. In some cases, sellers are looking to get their homes on the market ahead of the spring rush. Buyers also might be trying to get a jump on the competition, especially with today’s historically low inventory. And some have the added incentive of a year-end bonus or a job relocation.
Following are several Chicagoland listings at a variety of price points that hit the market during the last week in November. There’s a good chance many of them will be sold before the end of the year.
This sprawling, custom-built estate features so many indoor amenities, a new owner would happily hunker down all winter. In addition to five bedrooms, seven full bathrooms, and two half baths, this 14,242-square-foot home boasts a theatre, game room, bar, wine cellar, exercise studio, and indoor hot tub and lap pool. During the summer months, residents will enjoy an expansive deck, pergola, paver patio, and sport court. On the market for just a week, this is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece for the most discerning buyer.
Located in Oak Park’s Frank Lloyd Wright District, this Queen Anne Victorian offers the best of both worlds: the exquisite charm of a historic home with modern upgrades throughout. Vintage elements in the front rooms, including an original wood staircase and moldings, pocket and French doors, and a stained-glass transom, give way to a more contemporary feel in the back. The fully rehabbed kitchen features an oversized butcher-block island, custom cabinetry, full-height subway tile, herringbone tile floors, and stainless-steel appliances. The four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath home features a finished attic with over 1,000 square feet of bonus living space, as well as a private balcony overlooking the backyard. The basement is fully framed for two additional bedrooms, a family room, and a full bath.
For the renter who’s had enough of inflation in 2022, this two-bedroom, two-bath condo in Streeterville provides an entrée to homeownership that offers both a compelling price and eye-catching urban style. One of the stand-out rehabs in this well-run building, this spacious 1,200-square-foot condo has been completely updated with stellar design and finishes, including sleek, earth-toned kitchen cabinets, white granite countertops, a custom backsplash, and stainless-steel appliances. The home features double bay windows with views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. Building amenities include a fitness center, indoor pool, hot tub, and sauna for all-season enjoyment. And with an incomparable location off Michigan Avenue, the building is just down the street from the lake and bike path – perfect for when the weather breaks.
Located in a sought-after, maintenance-free gated community of attached homes, this newer four-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath residence offers buyers all the conveniences of the North Shore, including proximity to shopping, dining, and local schools. The kitchen features bright white cabinets, countertops and backsplash, stainless steel appliances, and a bay window providing an abundance of natural light. A vaulted ceiling in the living room adds to an expansive main floor. With a coveted first-floor primary suite, this listing is a competitively priced find delivering a hassle-free lifestyle. Well-maintained and spacious, this home is perfect for a buyer looking to make their way to the Northern suburbs.
In what has been a
record-breaking year for luxury home sales in Chicago – especially along the North Shore – this flawless, move-in-ready gem is likely to add to that tally. Overlooking Lake Michigan, this blufftop Cape Cod is one of the only residences on the North Shore designed by Chicago architect Marvin Herman, known for his attention to detail and opulence. In addition to its five bedrooms, six full bathrooms, and two half baths, the 9,000-square-foot home has a coach house, six-stall heated garage, elevator, and private access to 175 feet of beachfront. The bluff was reengineered in 2022 with space to accommodate a new outdoor entertaining area and infinity pool. A Nantucket-inspired rarity, this meticulous beauty features custom moldings, stone detail, wide plank chestnut floors, built-ins, designer tiles, and picture windows throughout.
