BERWYN CLOSINGS

[Bru67]

Images of the last three properties mentioned. Can't do anything about the picture of 1317 Oak Park; maybe "as is" means you get your own forest . . .

(FYI these photos are dated 2000, so who knows what adjustments etc have been made since then. Indeed, that image of 3523 Highland sure doesn't look like an eight-room tri-level.)

I've never heard of houses referenced in terms of "rooms" until now.  In listings I saw through Gloor and Koenig & Strey when I was looking, a bungalow would be described as a Chicago bungalow with a large living room, dining room, kitchen, 1 bathroom and two bedrooms.  Apparently some other realtors describe the same home as a "6-Room bungalow."  I wonder why that is.  Tony?   

[tony la]

Bru,

The amount of rooms is not a realtor option.  When we list a home or describe a home we follow the format that is given to us from the Multiple Listing Service of Northern Illinois of which the aforementioned real estate offices a members.

There are heavy fines that are levied to realtors for not reporting pertinant information on their listing sheets.

In fact with the new format.  The system will not even accept a listing that does not have amount of rooms.

I started this thread and I mentioned that I was not trying to offend anyone.  I hope you do not have a problem with me putting rooms on the description.

[Bru67]

No, I don't have a problem with it.  Just an interesting local custom I've noted is all. You're right, the MLS listings do have a space for the total number of rooms, but there's no requirement that this fact be highlighted. I've just noted in Berwyn and Cicero in particular (and I'm sure in other communities), the total number of rooms seem to be virtually always listed as a key selling point. For example, this $1.8 million listing in Riverwoods has 10 total rooms.  This fact would be a major selling point here but is not even noted in the "Remarks" section of that ad. Instead, the focus is on the amenities the house has (flooring, fireplace, ceiling height, heated garage, and the like):

http://www.ksgmac.com/homes/Detail.cfm?PropertyID=1361162710

Whereas in many Berwyn (and Cicero) listings, the focus in most of the descriptions is on the number of bedrooms or possible bedrooms, such as:

http://www.harmonhomes.com/browse/homes-for-sale/Illinois/Berwyn/results/detail/12992264

http://www.harmonhomes.com/browse/homes-for-sale/Illinois/Berwyn/results/detail/12900372

http://www.harmonhomes.com/browse/homes-for-sale/Illinois/Berwyn/results/detail/8659588

I was just curious to hear why from a local realtor. I suppose if I had to guess, the ads are appropriately geared towards the market, with the typical Berwyn buyer being most concerned about the number of rooms and the typical Riverwoods buyer being concerned about hardwood floors, high end appliances and walk in closets. No big deal one way or other so long as people are complying with the law.

[tony la]

2712 S. KENILWORTH                   3 BEDROOM 2 BATH        BRICK BUNGALOW            $251,900

1933 S. KENILWORTH                    BRICK 3 FLAT    8 BEDROOMS 3 BATHS                  $424,900

[tony la]

1521 S. GUNDERSON            3 BEDROOM  2.5 BATH      BRICK BUNGALOW         $313,000.00
1336 S. ELMWOOD              3 BEDROOM  1 BATH         BRICK BUNGALOW         $247,000.00

[joe]

the bungalow prices are going  up huh?

[Boris]

yeah...bungalow prices are going up. We refinanced and I couldn't afford to buy my house now! Over a 100K jump in a year and a half.

[Robert Pauly]

Got parts of town where bungalows have closed for +$400K.

[TyRy]

Now if only the frame bungalows would jump like that

[tony la]

I know alot of people are happy with the prices.  I for one am not. The housing inventory in Berwyn is superior to any area with homes built from 1920-1929.

There are better areas sure.  But when I see prices 20-30% higher with worse school districts, it just gets me a little upset.

Berwyn time is coming.

[tony la]

3120 S. HOME               6 BEDROOM 1.5 BATH   FARMHOUSE  DISRESSED            $280,000.00

[markberwyn]

Wonder where the distress is . . .

[tony la]

1313 S. WESLEY              3 BEDROOM 1.5 BATH  BRICK ENGLISH TUDOR           $220,000.00
1845 S. GUNDERSON       12 ROOM 4 BEDROOM 2 BATH BRICK TWO FLAT          $323,000.00

[tony la]

1640 S. KENILWORTH             9 ROOM 3 BEDROOM 1.5 BATH BRICK GEORGIAN         $263,000.00
1426 S. EAST AVE.               11 ROOM 4 BEFROOM 2 BATH FRAME TWO FLAT          $289,000.00

[tony la]

3117 S. MAPLE         9 ROOM  4 BEDROOM 1 BATH VICTORIAN            $341,000.00

2734 S. WESLEY       7 ROOM 4 BEDROOM  2 BATH BRICK BUNGALOW  $287,000.00

[tony la]

3421 S. WENONAH    11 ROOM 4 BEDROOM 1.5 BATH  AMERICAN 4-SQUAIR      $410,000.00

[tony la]

1224 S. WESLEY      7RM.  2BR. 2BA. BRICK BUNGALOW                          $237,500

2636 S. CLINTON     6RM. 3BR. 1.5BA. BRICK BUNGALOW                        $245,000

[tony la]

6337 W. ROOSEVELT          5RM. 2BR. 1.5BA.  CONDO                                     $174,400             


6206 W. 35TH ST.              5RM. 2BR. 1BA     BRICK RAISED RANCH                   $228,000.00

[TAL]

Hey Tony La,
You are selling a house on my block, and I can't find the list price. It's a ranch on the alley corner of the 3500 block of Maple. Just wondering.

[tony la]

TAL,

Thanks for asking.  That is a 2 bedroom ranch with expandable attic.  Full finished basement. Hardwood flooring thruout. Full formal dining room. 2 full bathrooms.  About 1300 square feet.
(pretty big for a two bedroom).

It is priced at $310,000.00