The Road Ahead, published in 1995, Bill Gates said the following about finding homes for sale on the Internet:

“If you put your home on the market, you will be able to describe it fully and include photographs, video, floor plans, tax records, utility and repair bills, even a little mood music. The chances that a potential buyer for your house will see your ad are improved because the information highway will make it easy for anyone to look it up. The whole system of real estate agencies and commissions may be changed by the principals having direct access to so much information.

At first on-line classified ads won’t be very attractive, because not many people will be using them. But then word of mouth by a few satisfied customers will entice more and more users to the service.

There will be a positive feedback loop created as more sellers attract more buyers and vice versa. When a critical mass is achieved, which might be only a year or two after the service is first offered, the information highway’s classified advertising service will be transformed from a curiosity to the primary way private sellers and buyers get together.” (pg 173)

The Shoemaker Lofts are a truly unique find on the North Side of Chicago. Dubin Residential has created a wonderful pre-construction value to one of the hottest up-and-coming neighborhoods in the city with this construction. This building is located in Avondale on the corner of Belmont and Pulaski. The Shoemaker Lofts are located in the historic Florsheim Shoe Factory and provide residents with a combination of location, value, and luxury in one convenient package.

The Shoemaker Lofts are the picture of sophistication from the wall-to-wall 9 foot windows to the warm wood and brick interiors. The 11-foot veilings, exposed ductwork, and other authentic loft features make these units historic while still being attractive and efficient. The services of a doorman, a lovely gym, and a party room are only an elevator-ride away when you live in these lofts.

Interested in more information about this building? Or a tour? Contact us today!

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The Lancaster is located at 201 North Westshore Drive and is the first high-rise built in the Lakeshore East Development. The light-colored concrete and glass treated façade was created as a collaboration between Skidmore Owings, and Merrill and Loewenberg + Associates. The 30 stories of the building are provide residents with partially recessed balconies that boast amazing views of the city and parks. The 264 units in The Lancaster range in price from $700K to $750K.

The shimmering, curved glass exterior makes The Lancaster one of the most striking buildings in the area. Residences have the opportunity to explore the Lakeshore East Park and botanical garden, which is directly outside the entrance to the building. One fun feature of the building is an outdoor elevator that allows residents easy access to Harbor Drive!

Want more information about this building? Contact us!

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The Park Millennium is situated in one of the hottest neighborhoods gaining popularity in Chicago: the New East Side. Residents of this soaring building enjoy great view of Millennium Park and the Chicago skyline. Transportation is a breeze, but Park Millennium is also steps from the Pedway that connects this building to Macy’s, the El, and more. Given its name, it’s no surprise that Park Millennium is only minutes from famous Millennium Park, as well as the Art Institute, and all the luxuries of Michigan Avenue.

Amenities in this excellently-maintained building include a 24-hour gym, lap pool, huge Jacuzzi, and party room for entertaining. If you’re looking for an expansive outdoor space, look no further—right outside of the pool you have access to a tree-lined sundeck that boasts seating and 2 grills that are perfect for parties.

Interested in more information or a tour of this building? Contact us today!

And learn how you can save thousands when you use CondoDomain!

1645 W. Ogden

The West Loop is still hot even in a cool economy, and folks are continuing to discover the charms of the area. Add 1645 W. Ogden to the list of intriguing buildings in the booming area.

Located just steps from the United Center, Greektown, the University of Illinois at Chicago, Little Italy, and Maxwell Street, this building offers tremendous views of Chicago’s great skyline, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, high ceilings, balconies, and fireplaces.

That’s not to mention the easy access to Chicago’s Loop, public transportation, and several major expressways. Both the Chicago Bulls and 2010 Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks play in the United Center, and that makes the area a major draw. So do the major musical acts that play concerts in the building.

There are plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants nearby, and there is plenty of retail in the area. Prices in the 207-unit, eight-floor building range from $100K to $500K.

Once an industrial area, the West Loop is full of buildings that have been converted to lofts and condos. The area is rapidly changing, and the proximity to downtown and some of Chicago’s greatest neighborhoods make it very attractive.

Check out 1645 W. Ogden today!

1349 S. Wabash

The South Loop continues to offer luxurious places to live, and 1349 S. Wabash is no different.

This 15-story, 78-unit building in the South Loop offers amenities like Italian cabinets, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, floor-to-ceiling windows, and corner balconies.

Prices run from $200K to $700K, with studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units. One-bedroom units start around $200,000, with two-bedroom units starting around $37,500.

Aside from the buildings’ amenities, the neighborhood offers plenty of attractions, such as fine dining, night clubs, bars, and upscale retail.

On top of that, the neighborhood offers easy access to the Loop, Lake Michigan, Soldier Field, the Museum Campus, and the Near South Side. Several large universities–Columbia, DePaul, and Roosevelt–have campuses close by, as well.

Developed by Wabash Properties, this building also has Asian design influences that are sure to add to its appeal.

If living in a hot neighborhood that’s always active appeals to you, then this might be the right building for you.

Take a look at 1349 S. Wabash today!

Chicago-area homeownership at 8-year low [chicagorealestatedaily.com]

Homeownership in the Chicago area has plummeted in the first quarter to its lowest level in almost 8 years, which has prompted the chairman of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to express doubts about a rebound in homeownership. Sheila Barr has called for an overhaul in the nation’s housing policy and advocates a focus on affordable rental housing rather than encouraging homeownership.

The percentage of people who own their own homes fell to 67.4% in the first quarter, which has fallen from 69.0% in the fourth quarter according to a quarterly survey by the U.S. Census Bureau. Factors such as high unemployment, lower household incomes and the persisting trend of foreclosure activity may be at the route of the latest slump in homeownership. For more on this story visit chicagorealestatedaily.com.

Other Top Stories:

Luxury Condo Sales Picking Up [Chicago Condo Directory]

Flood Waters Frustrate Chicago Residents [WBKO]

Luxury Apartment Rentals Are Hot Again [rentedspaces.com]

Downtown office vacancy highest since 2005 [chicagorealestatedaily.com]

Chicago Condo Lifestyle: Proximity to the Best Perks [Magellan Realty LLC]

Trump Tower delivers the service and amenities found in the world’s finest Five Star hotels, with the benefit that you never have to leave! When you live in this lavish building you enjoy a 24-hour white glove doorman, full concierge service, 24-hour room service, dry cleaning and laundry valet, housekeeping, and other luxury hotel services. Residents of Trump Tower are also provided with indoor owner designated parking, and access to the world-class Trump Spa and Health Club. What better way to spend a freezing winter afternoon than lounging by your indoor pool?

The 486 residences of the Residences in Trump Tower also feature stainless steel Miele and Wolf appliances, sleek Italian cabinetry, marble and hardwood floors, and granite countertops. Trump Tower features homes that range from studios to five bedrooms, and 580 sq. ft. to 14.260 sq. ft. Kohler fixtures, and oversized air-jet and whirlpool bathtubs complete the beautiful bathrooms in every residence. 

If you ever feel the need to leave your luxurious pad, the chic neighborhood of River North Chicago will meet all needs! River North is an affluent and stylish neighborhood that boasts exquisite dining, fantastic cultural and entertainment opportunities, and lavish shopping. Trump Tower provides private, residential living in the heart of downtown that features luxury, comfort and extraordinary style to all residents.

Contact us today for more information on the magnificent homes in Trump Tower!

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Walton on the Park is a new luxury construction located in Chicago’s historic Gold Coast neighborhood that is slated to open this summer. This fresh and airy building is amidst some of the oldest and most unique architecture in the city and only steps from the Magnificent Mile. Inhabitants of Walton Park are close to upscale shopping, a high concentration of quality restaurants and bars, art galleries, and museums.

All condos in Walton on the Park have variable layouts, and they each include a master suite, den, workstation, and balcony. The also include floor to ceiling glass windows, hardwood floors, spacious closets, Viking kitchens, Franke sinks and Hansgrohe faucets. The luxury penthouses in Walton on the Park offer 2450-3400 sq ft. oversized living-dining rooms, guest suites and more.

Amenities include a lushly landscaped sun deck with swimming pool, an outdoor cooking station, and a meditation garden. Residents of Walton on the Park can also relax at the state-of-the-art fitness facility and spa. Secure, indoor deeded parking is also available.

Interested in this brand new building? Contact us today for more information or a tour! Or visit the developer’s website.

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Aquilo

East Lakeview is the place to be if you want high-rise living at affordable prices, and Aquilo can help accommodate that goal.

Offering units priced between $200K and $400K, Aquilo offers such amenities as views of the city and Lake Michigan, retail shops on the first floor, garage parking, 24-hour security, a fitness center, a rooftop deck, available upgrade packages, hardwood flooring, in-unit washer and dryer hook-ups, new appliances, and floor to ceiling windows.

The location is prime, too. Located in the heart of East Lakeview, near busy Belmont Avenue, Aquilo offers easy access to retail and nightlife. It’s near the lake, near the trendy Lincoln Park neighborhood, and not very far from historic Wrigley Field.

Getting downtown or to other neighborhoods is a breeze, as well, due to the proximity to several public transit stops, including the busy Belmont stop.

Park land is just steps away–Lincoln Park isn’t far to the south. Whether it’s the zoo, the softball fields, or the nature museum, there are plenty of appealing things to do.

Looking for a place in Lakeview? Then take a peek at Aquilo before it’s too late!

Hello from New York City. I just wanted to send out a short message this morning and give you a quick update on our website and blogs.  First off our blogs have been fully restored and we are up and running at 100%.  So blog followers, readers and admirers – comment away!

Secondly the framework of our core website (CondoDomain.com) has been restored and successful moved to a brand new server environment.  In hopes to eliminate all of the bugs, errors and downtime we were experiencing, the new site is lightning fast giving you all a much better consumer experience.  Search 10X faster today!

Left to be done over the next week.

1.  Reinstall our core MLS search functionality on Boston, Chicago, DC, Baltimore & NYC

2.  Prepare MLS installations on the remaining 15 new markets.

3. Install our new “Condo Forum” and more features we have to surprise you!

On behalf of CondoDomain I would like to apologize for anyone who has experienced technical issues or website performance over the past few weeks.  I can assure you the problems are behind us now and we look forward to providing an even better experience, starting today!

Any questions – as always – contact your City Vice President and of course feel free to drop me a line as well!

Sincerely,

Tony Longo
CondoDomain/CEO
ajl [at] CondoDomain.com

Grand Orleans

One semi-hidden part of River North is the rapidly developing area that lies west of LaSalle Street. For condo shoppers looking to be slightly off but still very near the beaten path, 318 West Grand might be worth a look.

Also known as Grand Orleans, this Robin Construction building offers 21 stories with units priced from $200k to $540K.

Grand Orleans is still under development, so it’s hard to say what amenities will be offered, but a sample floor plan shows a three-bedroom, two-balcony, two-and-a-half bathroom set-up with a walk-in closet. Since the building is new, expect state of the art features and creature comforts.

The location is a known factor, and it’s a great one. River North is one of Chicago’s hottest nightlife areas, and in addition to the surrounding bars and clubs, there are also plenty of restaurants, art galleries, upscale retail stores, and more.

Not to mention the access to downtown, the Magnificent Mile, Rush and Division, the lake, the Chicago River, and to major highways and public transportation.

So if you’re looking for new luxury in one of Chicago’s best neighborhoods, the Grand Orleans might just be your ticket.

Check it out today!