The Asian longhorned beetle took its toll on trees in the historic eastern slice of Ravenswood beginning in the late ’90s. The recent storms also took their toll there, and in Lake View, to the south.

The large tree that used to stand in this spot might not have helped the greystone at 3632 N Paulina sell, but it certainly wouldn’t have hurt. And the sheared trunk, which has not yet been cleared, probably won’t help. Sales agents who swear that the scent of freshly baked cookies and clever staging can make a world of difference in marketing a home grow uneasy at the potential psychological impact of this sort of act of God greeting prospective buyers at the curb.

The two-flat was stripped down to the exterior walls for conversion to a single-family in what has become a common trend in many neighborhoods – preserving the classic greystone exterior by combining it with what’s essentially a brand new house once you’re past the front door. This one has four bedrooms, 3.5 baths, a two-car garage and a two-story brick addition on the rear. It’s priced at $1.425 million.