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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.

Armour Hills Home Sales Report-March 2020

Oh I am late posting these stats for Armour Hills!  When I’m not going to the office every day and working from home…easy to get distracted!!  In a couple of weeks I’ll have home sales reports for April.  In the meantime….here’s the information for Armour Hills in Brookside, for March 2020:

March 2020                                                             March 2019

Median list price:      $349,900                             Median list price:     $339,900

Median sales price:   $337,500                             Median sales price:   $327,000

No. of homes sold:      3                                         No. of homes sold:      7

Days on market:         10                                         Days on market:         69

So prices are up since last March, fewer homes sold in a shorter amount of time.  Let’s look at year-to-date numbers:

Jan-March 2020                                                         Jan-March 2019

Median list price:     $339,950                                 Median list price:     $339,900

Median sales price:    $337,500                               Median sales price:    $327,000

No. of homes sold:         7                                        No. of homes sold:     13

Days on market:          44                                         Days on market:        81

The list prices were virtually the same; we did see gain in the final sales price and fewer homes sold.  Currently there are six active listings in Armour Hills, with a median list price of $346,950 and 24 days on market.  

(All stats taken from Heartland MLS; deemed reliable but not guaranteed.)

Waldo Home Sales Report-March 2020

So how is everyone holding up?  Grateful that we have a beautiful Spring blooming in our neighborhood!  I’m still seeing new listings pop on the market in the Brookside/Waldo area–and selling quickly.  As the year goes on, there will probably be a slowdown as many sellers have decided to stay put for now.  In the meantime, here are the home sales stats for the Waldo area (State Line to Holmes; Gregory to 85th St) for last month. Keep in mind that these homes went under contract prior to the pandemic.

March 2020                                                                   March 2019

Median list price:    $229,000                                     Median list price:     $230,950

Median sales price:  $233,750                                    Median sales price:   $227,450

No. of homes sold:       32                                           No. of homes sold:       28

Days on market:          32                                              Days on market:         14

Sold prices increased over same period last year, and a few more homes sold.  The year-to-date numbers show a decrease in prices:

Jan-March 2020                                                              Jan-March 2019

Median list price:    $210,000                                      Median list price:     $225,000

Median sales price:   $210,750                                  Median sales price:    $219,900

No. of homes sold:         64                                          No. of homes sold:          61

Days on market:            28                                             Days on market:            20

Technically, home prices are down about 4% YTD, however sellers getting list

price or a little above.  There is still strong demand, and not as many sellers are listing due to COVID 19.  Currently there are just 11 homes for sale in Waldo, with a median list price of $212,500 and 44 days on market.

(All stats taken from Heartland MLS; deemed reliable but not guaranteed.)

 

 

Brookside Home Sales Report-March 2020

As I reviewed these stats, I noticed home sales were lagging behind 2019 during the same period.  Normally, April through June is very strong for home purchases–with the pandemic going on, I think we will see a slowdown in the coming weeks.  For now, here’s the single family home sales report for Brookside, using the zip code of 64113:

March 2020                                                             March 2019

Median list price:       $347,450                              $399,950

Median sales price:    $338,750                              $380,000

No. of homes sold:       15                                            29

Days on market:            12                                           69

About half as many homes sold last month than March 2019, but sellers were getting within 2% of list price. There were several homes that closed over $500K same time last year as compared to last month.  Below are the year-to-date numbers:

Jan-March 2020                                                      Jan-March 2019

Median list price:       $359,475                            Median list price:     $382,000

Median sales price:     $358,000                           Median sales price:    $368,375

No. of homes sold:        38                                     No. of homes sold:     52

Days on market:            40                                     Days on market:        75

Home prices down a bit this year, fewer sales, but sellers getting within 1% of list price.  I see homes still selling fast in Brookside if they are priced under $400K–will see how all of this shakes out over the next several months.

Currently there are 24 active listings in Brookside, with a median list price of $520,000 and 45 days on market. Prices range from $264,950 to over $7 million.  Over half the homes are priced over $500K.

(All stats taken from Heartland MLS; deemed reliable but not guaranteed.)

 

 

Brookside Farmers Market Open Saturday 4/11/20

Another sure sign of Spring…the Brookside Farmers Market opens for the season this Saturday at 8am!  Of course you will need to be aware of social distance guidelines while you shop.  Booths will be spaced out.  There will be some hand sanitizer for sale –it will probably sell out fast.  

farmer

 

 

Every vendor at the market respects the Vendor Pledge, outlining specific rules for selling at the market.  Everything sold comes from within a 125 mile radius and contains no GMO or synthetic preservatives, among other restrictions. Every Saturday you can find the usual fresh produce, herbs, flowers, meat, eggs, baked goods to buy–and then a surprise or two with a home made craft, snack or jam.  You usually always run into someone you know!

Remember that cash is usually preferred for for quick sales, however, everyone is very conscious of transferring germs on money, plastic, etc.  If possible, bring your own wipes to use on cash, credit cards, etc.  Do bring your own bags. The Brookside Farmers Market happens each Saturday from 8am-1pm at the SE corner of 63rd St and Wornall Road.  You can get more details here at the website.

 

Armour Hills Home Sales Report-Feb 2020

My apologies for posting this blog a little late…the entire country is not in the usual routine!  I’m going to keep posting home sales stats as usual, as I am curious how the pandemic will affect home buying and selling.   We’ll see the effect within the next 60 – 90 days.  In the meantime, here are the February home sales stats for the Armour Hills subdivision in the Brookside neighborhood of Kansas City:

February 2020                                                    February 2019

Median list price:      $339,900                            $362,499

Median sales price:   $332,000                            $341,438

No. of homes sold:       3                                           4

Days on market:           49                                        87

Although median sales price lower this February compared to last year, home values are up YTD:

Jan-Feb 2020                                                         Jan-Feb 2019

Median list price:       $339,225                            $324,975

Median sales price:    $338,000                            $321,000

No. of homes sold:          4                                           6

Days on market:             46                                          84

Although fewer homes sold than over the same time period last year, prices are up 5.2%–that’s a bit higher than Brookside as a whole, which is up just over 4% YTD.  Currently there are four active listings in Armour Hills, with a median list price of $372,475 and 19 days on market.

(all stats taken from Heartland MLS; deemed reliable but not guaranteed)

 

 

Waldo Home Sales Report-Feb 2020

How’s everybody doing?  Trying to stay positive?  I’m continuing to work, rarely go into the office anymore (and I miss it!!) but still servicing my buyers and sellers.  I continue to see homes in the Brookside/Waldo area go under contract…and some are just sitting.  Let’s take a look at the February stats for single family home sales in Waldo:

February 2020                                                         February 2019

Median list price:    $204,000                                  $230,000                

Median sales price:  $210,250                                 $231,500

No. of homes sold:     14                                               12

Days on market:         16                                                41

And here are the YTD comparisons….

Jan-Feb 2020                                                            Jan-Feb 2019

Median list price:    $205,000                                   $219,900

Median sales price:  $206,000                                 $215,000

No. of homes sold:     31                                                33

Days on market:         22                                                 21

It’s interesting that median sales prices dropped in both categories.  Traditionally the first couple of months of the year aren’t as strong for sales as the warmer spring and summer months.  Waldo home values had huge gains last year. We’ll see how that changes with the current pandemic crisis.  I see new listings popping on, and many houses that were under contract are now back active–some buyers may have lost jobs, and/or decided to put off big purchases.

Currently there are 21 active single family homes listed in Waldo, with a median list price of $269,950 and 32 days on market.  That list number is skewing high as there are three homes listed over $400K, and one of them is $525K (that one for sale since last Fall) which is on the more expensive side for Waldo.  

I’ll keep reporting home sales on the blog but since I’m staying in as much as possible, no other Brookside/Waldo news to report on at this time.  Please try and support the our local restaurants as much as possible during this difficult time..!

(All stats taken from Heartland MLS; deemed reliable but not guaranteed.)

 

Brookside Home Sales Report-Feb 2020

This is my first blog post in several days, and since then the Corona virus has taken over our everyday lives.  I plan to continue to post home sales stats; as far as reporting on new businesses and events in the Brookside/Waldo area–that news is on hold, since most of it right now consists of shops and restaurants shutting down.  I know our neighbors and residents will support our local businesses as much as possible as we get through this day to day.  Please patronize CurbsideKC !  Here are the February home sales stats for Brookside, using the zip code 64113 for stats:

February 2020                                                  February 2019

Median list price:       $359,975                        $374,999

Median sales price:   $354,500                         $355,000

No. of homes sold:             16                                 13

Days on market:                 43                                 76

Closed sales prices were virtually unchanged from a year ago, and a few more homes sold.  Now let’s compare year-to-date figures:

Jan-Feb 2020                                                         Jan-Feb 2019

Median list price:          $369,900                          $374,999

Median sales price:      $370,000                           $355,000

No. of homes sold:          23                                         23

Days on market:             44                                          76

So far this year, sellers are getting very close to asking price — and we are still seeing multiple offers on some properties.  That may change as the economy continues to slide downward.  Currently there are 24 active single family homes for sale in Brookside, with a median list price of $527,500 and 37 days on market. Six homes are priced over one million dollars; half are over $500.,000.

In the upcoming weeks, the sales numbers will reflect any big changes in the market and I will report my thoughts as well!

(All stats taken from Heartland MLS; deemed reliable but not guaranteed.)

Fiddly Fig Closing in Brookside, Moving to South KC

fig

For the past 25 years, The Fiddly Fig has been a fixture in Brookside, located at 22 W 63rd St.  This historic brick building was a police/fire station back in the early days of our neighborhood.  Owner Sheryl White and her father purchased the building in an auction in 1995 and have been there every since.

Recently, White sold the building to local businessman Joe Zwillenberg.  She wasn’t thinking of selling, but he made her an irresistible offer.  The Fiddly Fig will move to it’s new location at 9716 Holmes on March 20.  Right now, everything is on sale at the store.

I stopped in last week to use a gift certificate I had won in a raffle.  I always enjoyed shopping there.  In addition to the beautiful fresh flowers, there was always an assortment of unique gifts and accessories, jewelry, baby gift items, candles and table decor.  During the holidays, the shelves were stocked with unusual ornaments, decorating items and gifts, all attractively displayed in the back rooms of the shop.  It was another locally owned boutique, with excellent friendly service. 

No word yet on what will house the new space. Zwillenberg owns a lot of buildings in Brookside, including the one across the street where Mike’s Liquors and Jimmy Johns are located.  Hopefully another unique shop or service will take over the space.  I’ll be watching for updates!  Thank you,Fiddly Fig, for your many years of being a treasured Brookside shopping destination!

Brookside St Pat’s Parade-This Sat 3/14/20

UPDATE 3/12/20

THE BROOKSIDE PARADE HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

 

Come out and celebrate with your friends and neighbors…at the annual St Patrick’s Warm-Up Parade this Saturday, March 14.  This is the 40th year for the parade!

2020-parade-map

As of this writing, the parade is still going forward, despite the unfavorable weather forecast.  Sponsored by the Brookside Business Association, this event is geared towards families and is a great way to kick off the Spring season.  The parade starts at 2pm and lasts at least two hours; it’s full of floats, Irish dancers, marching bands, huge puppets, stylish cars and just about anything else! 

Please be award that on Saturday, many streets will be blocked off early and residential streets will be clogged with parked cars. Watch for extra pedestrians, strollers, kids, pets, etc. around the route. Come early and have lunch in one of the many Brookside eateries–make a day of it!  Thank you for supporting Brookside and our locally owned businesses.

 

Soap Refill Station Opens in Waldo

There are already so many local small business owners in Waldo that I feature on this blog…and here’s another one:  Soap Refill Station, at 7441 Broadway, a few steps south of Waldo Pizza.  Soap Refill Station just opened late last month.

Soap refill Station

The concept for this business is simple and timely:  bring your own container to the shop and refill with one of their natural soaps and cleaners.  The motto is “If you clean it, we have something eco-friendly to clean it with”.  Anne Dezort, who owns the shop with her boyfriend Adam McKay, explained that many other countries have a similar type of business, and they regularly used one while living in California.  Anne and Adam opened the first Soap Refill Station in Springfield, MO and it became very popular—people from Kansas City would drive to Springfield specifically to refill their bottles and jars! There is a second location Sante Fe, New Mexico and this is their third store.  Waldo was chosen as the site after much research and consultation with area residents and  the Waldo CID, which was “very helpful”.

Soap CenterSo here’s how it works:  bring in your jar, bucket, bottle, whatever  (you can also purchase them at the store or take from the donated containers basket) and browse the shop, filling up on what you need:  there are cleansers for your face/ body, laundry, and home.  Weigh the contents on the scale and pay by the ounce—you can purchase as little as one ounce of product just to give it a trial run at home, or stock up large jugs to last several months.  All soaps have no artificial scents and many are allergen free.  There is also a “house brand” line of products that are mixed in Springfield.  Annie and Adam also carry several essential oils if you do want to scent the soaps you buy.   Both are very customer service oriented and will walk you through the options as to what would work best for your specific cleaning needs. This shop is perfect for your own personal shopping or to purchase special, unique scented gifts for friends and family. And of course, it’s very environmentally friendly!

Soap AnneAnne says ” We firmly believe that what we are doing is making a difference. We just want to be a utility for those who are already trying to make less impact on the planet. In less than two years our three shops together have kept over 30,000 containers out of the landfills, waterways, and even recycling centers.”

  Soap Refill Station is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am-6pm; hours may expand in the future. The shop is just south of Waldo Pizza at 7441 Broadway.  Please stop in and welcome Adam and Annie to the Waldo community!

Soap jugs