Say you've got a single family home, a condo or a three flat that you're ready to flip but you'd rather collect the money that would otherwise go to a broker for selling the property for you. You're savvy and know how to use a camera — how hard is it really to sell your own home? While many homeowners may skip out on the middleman and sell their home on their own without issue, others may go months or even years before they finally find a buyer. Take these five homes for example. They're different types of residences and are all in different areas of the city, but the one thing they all have in common is that they've been up for grabs for over 1,000 days. There's a variety of reasons as to why these homes just can't seem to find a new owner. Perhaps the sellers aren't too motivated to sell, or perhaps they're just too unrealistic about their asking price. Either way, these homes aren't likely to change hands anytime soon.
↑ 1205 W Sherwin Ave
Size: 1 bed, 1 bath (700 square feet)
Price: $199,000
Days on the market: 1,239 days
The pitch: "This is a spacious condo with lake and tree views. It has great ventilation so it is cool in summer, but heating so warm in winter. It has a light and airy feel and is a beautiful place to live. Quiet but close to the train and buses. The bathroom has a large bath and new cabinet. The vintage building has storage for bikes and kayaks and provides basic cable. And a large ballroom for parties. The private beach has BBQ facilities and a deck on which to eat in summer. This building was a private hotel back in the 20s and has lots of style and elegance. And it is a very friendly building and cats and small dogs are allowed. There are beautiful beach walks nearby, great coffee shops and it is a fun place to live. Evanston is a short walk north from here and the city is only 40 mins away by train or bus."
Additional notes: While there are a decent amount of photos in the listing, only a few of them appear to be of the actual unit itself — and these photos really don't offer much to the viewer.
↑ 7325 N Oakley Ave
Size: 3 bed, 2 bath (1,720 square feet)
Price: $274,500
Days on the market: 1,161
The pitch: "Stellar newer condo on a block of single family homes is top of the line beautiful! Appointed with all of today's desired amenities, rooms filled with natural sunlight, and a very desirable 16 x 10 back balcony cooled by Lake Michigan breezes. Garage parking, wood burning fireplace & non congested location. This spacious unit offers an oasis in the city for the most discerning buyers. Chef's kitchen features premium KitchenAid appliances together with solid granite, multi-level counters and backsplash(s). 3 bedrooms. 2 baths and a large in-unit storage area. In unit Washer/Dryer. Building is FHA approved."
Additional notes: The asking price has been going up and down on this unit since it was first listed in 2012. At its lowest, the seller was asking $239,700 in June 2013, but the price started climbing in the following months.
↑ 1517 W Jonquil Terrace
Size: 2 bed, 1 bath (1,100 square feet)
Price: $182,500
Days on the market: 1,094
The pitch: "NE Rogers Park, Beautiful top floor unit! Stainless steel appliances, exposed brick, hardwood floors throughout, A private back deck, Jacuzzi tub, 2 blocks to Lake Michigan, 3 blocks to L Train. Slate flooring in kitchen, washer/dryer, gas fireplace, pet friendly building --"Heated garage"-- w/ separate large storage room, EZ to show. Currently Rented with tenant in place till April 30, 2015, great investment income, will sell with tenant in place with existing Chicago lease."
Additional notes: First time homebuyers looking for a place to live are likely going to skip out on one that already has a tenant in it.
↑ 1061 W 16th Street
Size: 1 bed, 1 bath (620 square feet)
Price: $184,900
Days on the market: 1,876
The pitch: The pitch is way too long and written in all caps, but to sum it up... The unit is near UIC's campus, has 12 foot timber ceilings and includes underground parking.
Additional notes: The unit is located right next to a giant stretch of rail lines, but is also very close to schools and the heart of Pilsen. 1,876 days on the market translates to over five years.
↑ 3821 S Parnell Ave
Size: 6 bed, 3 bath (square footage unlisted)
Price: $359,000
Days on the market: 1,849
The pitch: "Legal brick three flat. Great location on a quiet neighborhood block in Bridgeport. A short walk to U. S. Cellular Field and a short commute downtown which makes renting very easy. All units feature 2 bedrooms and have their own laundry facilities. The rents are similar for each unit- $950/$850/$850. All three units are rented. There is a backyard and parking pad for two vehicles- street parking is very easy."
Additional notes: This three flat is being marketed as an investment property with tenants in all three units.
Similar to the last property, this one has been on the market for well over five years. ·Here Are 10 Homes That Have Been Listed for Over 700 Days [Curbed Chicago]
·Languishing on the Market archives [Curbed Chicago]