Chitownproperty

Two bedroom in Bucktown

Price: $285,000 + 15K parking
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Wonderfully bright two bedroom, one and a half bathroom Bucktown home. This 5th floor corner unit in a newer Bucktown elevator building faces east and north providing great light and views. The floor plan has a nice flow with a welcoming foyer, wide living/dining room and big bedrooms. The kitchen is open to the living space and has wood cabinets and granite countertops. The master suite has nice closet space and a beautiful marble bathroom. Additional features include a balcony off the living room, gas fireplace, hardwood floors, in-unit laundry and central air. One parking space for $15K must be sold with the unit! Walk to the el & all this fantastic neighborhood has to offer.

Seven New Rules for the First-Time Home Buyer – NYTimes.com

The New York Times posted this useful checklist of things first time home buyers should think about before taking the plunge on a home. One of the more interesting points is that the old adage about stretching your budget to buy a first home–presumably because the appreciation in value would pay off in the future–isn’t always a good idea now that we’ve all learned home values can in fact decline, and rather quickly. The piece also includes helpful tips for planning expenses and adjusting expectations about your future income.

Tired of paying utility bills? You could build a net zero house–one that generates as much energy as it consumes–like this Ravenswood home. Designed by renowned green architects Farr Associates, it features solar panels, a gray water system for recycling waste water, a geothermal heating system, and carefully placed windows, nooks, and crannies that keep the house cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Not satisfied with slapping an ugly array of solar panels on the roof, the architects designed it to incorporate all these features seamlessly in a beautiful modern design.

Of course, these green features added 10 to 15 percent to the upfront cost of building the home. The final price tag was $1.6 million for the 2,675-square foot home, putting it out of reach for most buyers. However, its design, and skillful use of green features and materials, give a glimpse of what’s to come in green living.

Spacious two-bedroom in Wicker Park

Price: $359,800
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This light-filled top floor 2 bedroom, 2 bath unit boasts cathedral ceilings with skylights in both the living room and master bedroom. The large entryway, spacious enough for an office nook, leads into the living area complete with a wood-burning fireplace. The open kitchen is finished with maple cabinets, granite countertops and has an island that is great for entertaining. The master suite includes a marble bathroom, oversized Jacuzzi tub and dual vanity. The second bedroom is large with wonderful closet space. Enjoy the big deck off the hallway with skyline views. With custom paint, hardwood floors throughout and in-unit washer/dryer, this home is the whole package. Garage parking and extra storage is included in the price. This primo location is just steps from Division Street’s fantastic shops, restaurants and “el” stop.