Washers and dryers are often stacked in condos & co-op apartments
Filtering out condos and co-ops for sale lacking a washer and dryer isn’t a function that most online Chicago home searching systems provide. Part of that has to do with the fact that our multiple listing system (MLS) lets listing agents specify in-unit laundry in different ways. Washers and dryers are included as appliances while an in-unit laundry hook-up is an internal feature. Some listing agents will use one, but not the other, so I usually create 2 separate searches.
Assuming that a high price range will guarantee a unit has in-laundry doesn’t always work either. Some of the affluent don’t find their own washer and dryer necessary since they hire someone to do their laundry. Last week I toured a luxury condo in 1040 N Lake Shore Drive – The Carlyle where the owner had removed the laundry area and replaced it with a butler’s pantry and wine cooler. He has someone else do his laundry. Some luxury vintage buildings also don’t have the plumbing required to support in-unit laundry.
Perhaps you know someone in a building who has a washer and dryer in their home. That doesn’t mean that all other units in the condo or co-op have or can install in-unit laundry. In 505 N Lake Shore Drive it depends which floor the unit is on as to whether a laundry-hook-up can be installed. At 400 E Randolph some units installed a washer and dryer and were grandfathered in, but additional laundry installations are prohibited.
To learn more about buildings and whether their units have washers and dryers see DOWNTOWN HOMES FOR SALE in the right column.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Fran Bailey shows, previews and tracks downtown Chicago homes for sale. Fran has been quoted in numerous Chicago and national publications. To schedule showings regardless of broker or to contact Fran email her at fran.bailey@bairdwarner.com or call 773.793.4516. Learn More
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“Part of that has to do with the fact that our multiple listing system (MLS) lets listing agents specify in-unit laundry in different ways. … Some listing agents will use one, but not the other, so I usually create 2 separate searches.”
Since the market has slowed down a tad
couldn’t you realtors get together and agree to be consistent? I recall that it use to be hard to figure out if the fireplace worked or not until agents finally started using terms like “decorative” or “ornamental” only.
Hi Icarus,
As a Reator who works primarily with buyers I would love it, if listing agents would enter listing data completely. Any unit having a washer and dryer obviously has a laundry hook-up, so both should be included in the listing. However, there’s no rule forcing listing agents to fill out the information completely (and accurately), We woud all benefit, if there were.
well one way would be to design the listing input form to require this information. Code it so that a home cannot be listed without this information. This would incent (and probably infuriate) seller agents to provide the info.
Hi Icarus,
You can require information, but unless someone else checks it, you can’t know if it’s correct or not.
True, for instance. you require an email address to post a comment here. someone could use a fake one of the form somebody @ somwhere.something. But I would think with the MLS and it being in the agents best interest not to garner a reputation for providing inaccurate info, it would be easier just to check the box that says laundry hook-up and W/D.
Icarus,
You would think so, but that just isn’t the case. I find errors in listings (some in required fields such as zip code!) almost every week for the listings I preview or show. In my opinion, a review of a listing by another Realtor or the Realtor’s broker should be required before a listing goes live. If an error is found after the listing goes live, both the Realtor and the reviewer should be fined. If this industry wants to be more respected we can start by producing more accurate data not only for sales, but for analysis.
Off my soapbox now!
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