Zillow: Two-bed duplex-down condo, Chicago, Illinois
One of our real evaluations, from real listings, reproduced word for word.
Zillow: Two-bed duplex-down condo · Chicago, Illinois · US$424,500
For Sale: Two-bed condo, Chicago, Illinois
This is a well-appointed duplex-down condo in a 1920s brick building with a private terrace and parking, but as a condo purchase, financing hinges on the building association's financial health and litigation status, none of which is disclosed, and the building's age warrants a close look at wiring and plumbing before waiving any inspection contingencies.
Pros
- The unit includes a private terrace and one owned parking space, both valuable additions in a dense urban setting.
- Interior finishes described include hardwood floors, exposed brick, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and marble bathrooms.
- The relatively low disclosed HOA fee of $240 per month is a modest ongoing cost compared to many condo buildings.
Cons
- The building dates to 1920, meaning original-era wiring or plumbing may still be present behind updated finishes, which can affect insurability and financing.
- As a condo, financing approval depends on the building association's financial health, litigation status, and owner-occupancy ratio, none of which is disclosed here.
- No days-on-market or price history is available, so there's no way to gauge whether the price reflects a motivated seller or has room for negotiation.
Property and condition
This is a 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom duplex-down condo unit in a brick masonry building dating to 1920, with roughly 1,550 square feet of living space. The description points to a well-appointed interior: exposed brick, hardwood floors, a gas fireplace, granite counters, stainless appliances, and marble bathrooms with a Jacuzzi tub in the primary suite. A private terrace and one owned parking space are notable additions in a dense city neighborhood where off-street parking is often scarce and separately priced. Given the building's 1920 construction, original-era wiring or plumbing (such as knob-and-tube wiring or galvanized plumbing) may still be present behind renovated finishes (inferred from the build year). Interior updates like fresh paint or new countertops don't necessarily mean the underlying systems have been replaced. An insurer may require evidence of updated wiring or plumbing before issuing a policy, and without insurance a lender won't close, so this is worth establishing early through the inspection and an insurance quote before waiving contingencies.
HOA and running costs
The monthly HOA fee is disclosed at $240, which is relatively low for a condo of this size and vintage, so it's worth understanding exactly what it covers (building insurance, exterior maintenance, water, etc.) and whether it's adequate given the building's age. Because this is a condo in a shared building, financing approval depends heavily on factors no listing field discloses: the building's owner-occupancy ratio, whether the association is involved in any litigation, how well-funded its reserves are, and whether any special assessments are pending. A lender can decline to finance a unit purely because of the building's financials, regardless of the unit's own condition, so this should be resolved before an offer is finalized. The disclosed property tax rate is 1.99%; buyers should confirm the actual annual tax bill directly with the county assessor or the listing agent rather than estimating it.
Listing status
The property is listed as actively for sale through a listing agent, with no indication of foreclosure, bank-ownership, or FSBO complications. No days-on-market or price history data is available here, so no read on pricing momentum or negotiating leverage can be made.
Description
The seller's description leans heavily into lifestyle language ('perfectly positioned,' 'ideal blend of character,' 'this home truly has it all') and emphasizes proximity to East Village, Noble Square, and Wicker Park, along with the Blue Line, expressways, and nightlife. These are the seller's claims about location convenience and should be independently verified by the buyer, particularly actual walking distance to transit. The mention of a 'freshly painted' first floor is presented as a highlight but could also suggest recent cosmetic work; buyers should ask whether this coincided with any repair or remediation work rather than assume it's purely aesthetic.
Zoning and development
No zoning, historic district, or development information is disclosed. Given the building's age and neighborhood, if the buyer intends any exterior alterations (like modifying the terrace or windows), they should verify with the city and, separately, confirm what architectural controls the HOA imposes.
💬 Ask the agent
- Since this is a condominium, can you provide the HOA's most recent financial statements and reserve fund study, along with disclosure of any pending or recent special assessments?
- What is the current owner-occupancy percentage in the building, and is the association involved in any pending litigation?
- Given the building was constructed in 1920, has the electrical and plumbing infrastructure been updated, and can this be verified through inspection records or permits?
- What does the $240 monthly HOA fee specifically cover?
- How long has this unit been on the market, and has the price been adjusted at any point?
- Was the recent painting of the first floor cosmetic, or was it done in connection with any repair, water intrusion, or other remediation work?
🔗 Useful checks
- Flood map — FEMA flood zone by address (US)
- School ratings — Independent school ratings
- Crime stats — Local crime data
- Walk Score — Walkability and transit scores
- Air quality — EPA air quality by zip code
- EV charging — Nearby charge points
- Find your reps — Local elected officials
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