House Hunters

A Young Married Couple Disagree About What Style of Condo to Buy in Chicago (39x3)

: 10, 2009

Kurt and Kelly Schnakenberg are a young married couple living in an apartment that's in the same building as Kurt's family's store. They want to buy their first place and get a little separation from the family business. They are looking for condos in their same popular Chicago neighborhood, Lakeview. They want a place that has room for a home office, a spacious kitchen and a parking spot. Their budget is $325,000 to $400,000. The only thing they don't agree on is style. Kelly wants a vintage condo with lots of charm, and Kurt prefers the open Loft-style look. The first place their real estate agent Eric Rojas takes them to see is a 1200 square foot, 2 bedroom, 2 bath loft style condo that's listed for $415,000. Kurt likes the brick walls and exposed ducts, but Kelly's not crazy about the open kitchen and small living room. She's also not crazy about the balcony being off the 2nd bedroom. The second place they see is listed for $355,000. It's a 2 bed, 1 bath, 1300 square foot vintage style condo. Kelly is thrilled with the vintage charm, the large dining room, separate kitchen and re-done bathroom. Kurt is happy there is a space for his home office but he's not in love with the traditional look. The third home is a 2-story loft style townhouse. It's priced at $400,000 and has 2 bedrooms and 2 baths in 1100 square feet. Kurt likes the high ceilings and that you get alot for your money, but Kelly's not crazy about the small open kitchen and the outdated bathrooms. After touring all three homes, Kurt and Kelly have to come to an agreement on which style-condo is best for them. So which one will they choose?