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About Mary Hutchison

Every day I'm driving around my cherished neighborhood of Brookside (and Waldo)...observing what's going on, watching new businesses move in and out, and touring homes (I'm a Realtor with Weichert Realtors). Starting this blog about Brookside/Waldo is a way I thought I could promote the area and spark some discussion about what's happening here...and what's going to happen. Your comments are welcome.

Welcome Daren Teghtmeyer to Waldo!

Let’s be honest…the task of securing property insurance…doesn’t sound like much fun, right?  Yet you must have it.  The thought of calling around to agencies, deciding how much coverage to buy, what’s the right amount, how much will it cost, what the difference between agencies..it’s easy to put off that phone call. But it doesn’t have to be an unpleasant and boring task.

Daren Teghtmeyer, American Family Insurance Agent

Meet Daren Teghtmeyer, a  new American Family agent in Becky Beck’s office at 8043 Wornall. He’s here to make the entire process easy, quick, and understandable.   I met Daren at a Brookside networking event recently.  What impressed me most was his easygoing demeanor and obvious love of the job.  Daren wanted a career where he could be his own boss and give customers the high level of service they expect along with a quality product.  And that’s exactly what he’s doing.

There are differences in insurance companies, and getting ‘the cheapest rate’ is not necessarily the best way to go. When you have a major investment such as a car or a home, it needs proper protection–for those unexpected accidents that always seem to happen at the worst time. When you need to make a claim, you want to talk to a human who will be with you at every step. You want to talk to an agent who will be there at 2am or 2pm.  I think of those folks in Joplin who suffered through the massive tornado in May.  After the shock of the catastrophe, who do you think the homeowner called?  The insurance agent.  And hopefully it wasn’t some faceless call center agent at the other end of an 800 number.

That’s how Daren runs his business.  He’s all about getting you the information you want, helping you make a sound decision, and following up on a regular basis.  He takes a personal interest in his customers.  And his customers like him:  he’s athletic, likes playing outdoors, is newly married and dedicated to his work.  He’s easy to talk to and will take the time to explain, in detail, the various insurance options you should consider.  Some important questions to ask as you consider insurance options:  How available is the agent to you? How, exactly, are claims handled? What extra coverage do you offer that X company doesn’t ?  How much insurance do I need and why?  Why should I choose you and your company–what makes you different?

Speaking of Joplin, Daren related an interesting story to me the reinforces the American Family Insurance company values.  Four days after the tornado hit, he connected with other AF agents and headed to the site with some four wheelers.  They drove around the city and stopped to help out those individuals who needed it–clearing debris, cutting trees, etc.  He wasn’t in a trailer, handling claims–he was out with the still-in-shock residents, offering his help on a one to one basis.  Daren says this showed him the spirit and the mindset of his company–how they care about their customers in more ways than just following the insurance policy.

Contact Daren (dteghtme@amfam.com)  if you need insurance or are thinking of switching companies.  After discussing your needs, he’ll work up a free, no obligation quote for you.   He’s happy to meet you at his office or at your home, at a time that is convenient for you.  Daren, we know you are another asset to our  Waldo community.  Office location:  8043 Wornall Road, in the Becky Beck agency,  816 694 3217

Back to School Dates – Please Drive Cautiously in Brookside!

You drive the same route every day…but the next couple of weeks will be different!  The school calendar is showing start dates for area grade and high schools. Here in Brookside,  please note the dates below when children will be heading back to school that first day:

Monday, August 15:  Southwest Charter, 6512  Wornall          

                                                University Academy, 6801 Holmes         

Tuesday, August 16:  St Peter’s School, 6415 Holmes

Thursday, August 18:  St Teresa’s Academy, 5600 Main

Wednesday, August 24: Academie Layfayette, 6903 Oak

As you drive to your destination in the morning, please be aware of kids walking and riding bikes to school, and crossing the streets.  Be aware of increased auto and bus traffic for drop offs near these addresses. 

Thank you!

 

Mary

Brookside Armour Hills Home for Sale!

This sweet little home needs a new owner!  Located in desirable Armour Hills, it has a great location near the Trolley Track Trail..Classic Cookie…a bank…Mexican restaurant…hair salon and more!

Inside this three bedroom, one and a half bath home you’ll find a living room, dining room, breakfast room/office, updated kitchen and concrete patio in the fenced back yard.  There is a full basement, newer windows, and an attached garage with private drive.

For $169,500…it’s a bargain!  Armour Hills is a very active homes association with several annual events for the neighbors and a park with tennis courts nearby.

Take advantage of the low, low interest rates and check out this house  if you are looking for a Brookside home. We can be neighbors!

This home is located at 220 W 70th Terrace, just north of Gregory.

 

Brookside Business Assn Meeting Aug 5

I attended my first Brookside Business Association meeting this morning at JULIAN.  These folks know how to run a meeting:  the agenda was followed, business was discussed and we were finished in one hour!  Here are a few things I learned at the meeting to share with you:

*There is a petition going around to business owners along 63rd St to change the parking from a two hour limit Monday-Friday to a two hour limit seven days a week.  This would prevent outside food vendors from parking for an unlimited amount of time, which takes  away from local Brookside eateries.

*New construction work will begin on the Commerce Bank location in September. 

*The new principal of Southwest was at the meeting, Ed Richardson (not sure if that is correct, could not hear the pronounciation).  (And I tried to find his name and info on the KCMO school district website–no luck). I plan to interview him for a future blog post. He is from Yuma, AZ.

A short post today but informative! Thanks for reading.

Who Trims the Trees Near Power Lines in Kansas City?

This is a common question for the older housing areas in Kansas City..who’s responsible for trimming the trees near power lines?  A recent newsletter from the Homes Association of Kansas City clarified this question.  Read on for a summary:

The National Electric Safety Code requires that local utility companies trim or remove trees that may disrupt service. The
question of who’s responsible for exactly what trees is the nagging question. 
Kansas City Power and Light is responsible for trimming the pole to pole lines. As a homeowner, if you see a dangling limb that could endanger the line, call KCP&L to report it.  Someone will come out to take a look and assess the  situation.  

The homeowner is responsible for maintaining the pole to meter line–that’s the one that delivers electricity from the pole to your home. If there are limbs, vine growth and other vegetation on this line, contact a reputable tree trimmer to coordinate with KCP&L
to get it cleared up–the cost is borne by the homeowner. 

There is another scenerio to be aware of:  What if there is a tree that needs to be removed  near a pole to pole power line? I see this all the time in backyards–large trees, heavy with limbs  that could be dead or dying, with branches and growth near or on the pole.  In that case, contact the KCPL Vegetation Management Center and a representative will inspect the line (free of charge) and determine if KCP&L needs to trim the tree before it’s removed.

One final tip:  when you contact KCP&L, whether it’s online or via phone, keep a log of the date/time you contacted them, who you spoke with, who answered you and when you can expect a response.  It’s common to be shuffled around a few times and have your
request go down the black hole.  By keeping good notes, you can stay on top of who is responsible for getting back to  you.

The Kansas City Power and Light website for reference:  www.kcpl.com.  Click on the Customer Service tab, then scroll down to “Tree Trimming”.

Thank you for reading this blog..your comments are welcome. 

Oh So Cute Waldo House–Under $200K!

Wonderful Waldo…the curb appeal alone will sell this house!  Out on  the Realtor tour today, this was the best house I saw under $200K. 

 

A 1920s bungalow, it features three bedrooms and two full baths–the upstairs is a spacious master suite.  One car garage, private drive,  custom plantation shutters, large eat in kitchen, formal dining room, move in ready, excellent Waldo location..this home is a real beauty that won’t last long.  Love this front porch!   It is not my listing–email me if you’d like me to send you more info.  It’s priced at $185,000.

Other nice homes I saw today include a cozy  3 bedroom,  two bath home in Astor Place (just off Oak) for $184,950.  If you are looking for something large, open, and with lots of the original woodwork, there is a 3 story, 4 bedroom, 2 full and 2 half bath home on 59th St for $375,000.   Finally, a three bedroom, one full bath bungalow on Locust near UMKC for $155,950.  Needs some updating, but good location.

The bargains out there for buyers these days…incredible!  So much inventory to look it…if you are thinking of buying a home, you are like a kid in a candy store!!

Armour Hills Homes Association–July 2011 Monthly Meeting

Hello neighbors and friends, today’s blog is a brief recap of some of the items discussed at the July 19 board meeting of the Armour Hills Homes Association:

*Advertising rates have been established for ads in the Clarion and should begin in the fall issue.

*The memorial bench for Pete Egan should be installed in August.  It will be placed on the east side of the tennis courts between two trees.

*Gunnar is submitting letters to the City requesting PIAC funding for our area.  If approved, funds would apply towards tennis court improvements and tree trimming.  We will know in February 2012 if our request was approved.

*The Ice Cream Social date is September 9 from 4:30-7:30 in Arbor Villa Park.

*Working with ATA, we are working on getting the speed bumps along Main St repainted.

All residents are welcome at our meetings.  We do not meet in August–our next scheduled meeting is September 20, 7pm at Country Club Congregational Church.  See you at the Ice Cream Social!

Rain Barrel Workshop for Brookside/Waldo Residents July 25

Rescheduled from the rain out last month…you are welcome to attend the rain barrel workshop at Hale Cook Elementary this Saturday July 25.  There are two sessions:  9am and 11am.  The $65 fee includes the rainbarrel itself–you’ll also  learn how to set it up and get the most out of using this enviornmentally friendly device.  Meet at Hale Cook School, 74th and Pennsylvania.

More info?  Contact Gunnar Hand, workshop coordinator, gunnar@mockstudio.com

Support Community Theater–See Oklahoma! at Visitation

Looking for some fun family entertainment this weekend?  Make plans to see Oklahoma!, this year’s  Theatre at Viz summer youth musical.

Showtimes are:

Thurs July 21, 7pm

Friday July 22, 7pm

Saturday, July 23, 7pm

Sunday, July 24, 1pm

Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for kids.  This will be a great performance –local kids from all ages are in the show and  there is a live orchestra , plus plenty of air conditioning!  You can buy tickets at the door.  Visitation School is located at 5134 Baltimore but  it’s easiest to access the parking lot at 5141 Main St and follow the crowds.

Join your Brookside neighbors this weekend at Oklahoma!  I’ll be volunteering at the concession stand on Saturday night and you can see my daughter Siena in the chorus 🙂

Which Brookside Home Would You Buy?

Today on the Tuesday realtor tour, I looked at three homes in a similar price range in the Ward Park subdivision–this is the area south of 71st, north of 75th between State Line and Ward Parkway.  It’s a  lovely neighborhood: mature trees, every house different, conveniently located to amenities, shopping, grocery.  As I walked through them I thought, which house here is the best buy?

All three homes had the traditional center hall plan, a two car garage, and curb appeal.  House #1, priced at $259,950 features a large new kitchen, front porch, fenced yard with deck, original leaded glass windows, a master bath with a walk in shower and tub.  This three bedroom, 1.5 bath home has 1726 SF according to tax records.  House #2, just across the street, is priced at $287,500.  It’s a bit larger at 1935 SF, no deck in back but a very small patio, a large bonus/breakfast room, walk in closet, updated kitchen and first floor laundry, three bedrooms and 2.1 baths. .  House #3 is $279,900 and offers a smaller kitchen, not as updated, with a main floor laundry, 3 bedrooms,  2. 1 baths, a master suite and looked rather cluttered, 1924 SF.

There is about a $30K spread in these house prices. A typical buyer considering these homes would be in the $260-$280 price range. If you were the buyer, what would be most important to you?  Would you be willing to spend less and have only one full bath but a large, updated kitchen?  Would you like two full baths and a smaller updated  kitchen, no back deck but a first floor laundry?  Or how about the one with a kitchen that hasn’t been updated for several years but offers a walk in closet and main floor laundry?

Does this sound like an episode of HGTV’s “House Hunters”?  That’s exactly what it’s like for a buyer–and particularly  for buyers in the Brookside area. You have to decide, ‘what features are most important to me?’  because the house you buy probably won’t be perfect.  That’s when your agent can give you some good advice and ask lots of questions to help you decide:  is it better for your budget to go with the least expensive home?  do you love to cook and must have the large kitchen–a second bath can be added  later? Having that first floor laundry–more important than the newer windows?  One sentence I hear over and over with buyers goes something like:  “I wish I could put that kitchen in this house!” or “I want that large master bath next to this home’s bedroom!”.  Think about your day to day lifestyle–what features are most important, what rooms will you use most often, how  much do you entertain,  what can you live with now and perhaps change later?

As you tour homes, make detailed notes about what you like and don’t like about each house–especially if you go back a second time.  Once you’ve found the location you like, it’s all about the individual features of a house.  Talk it out honestly  with your agent and discuss the pros and cons of each– you’ll pick the right one!