Author Archives: Mary Hutchison

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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.

Waldo Home Sales Stats-April 2019

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We are in the middle of the peak Spring home buying season…yet sales are down in Waldo.  Prices are up, though.  Is the slowdown a lack of inventory, lack of demand or is Waldo following the national trend of fewer home sales?  Time will tell. Here are the stats for single family  home sales in Waldo, using the boundaries of State Line to Holmes and Gregory to 85th St:

April 2019                                                            April 2018

Median list price:        $239,000                      Median list price:      $209,975

Median sales price:    $220,000                     Median sales price:    $212,500

No. of homes sold:      31                                  No. of homes sold:       44

Days on market:         9                                      Days on market:         30

The lowest closed price last month was $95,000 and the highest was $382,000-highest sold price this year so far.  Below are year-to-date figures:

Jan-April 2019                                                      Jan-April 2018                                                   

Median list price:        $222,500                        Median list price:     $189,950

Median sales price:      $217,700                      Median sales price:    $193,000

No. of homes sold:         92                                 No. of homes sold:       120

Days on market:            16                                  Days on market:          16

Home prices are higher 12.8% compared to same time last year, even though fewer homes have sold.  Demand is still high for the well maintained, updated and move in ready homes.  Currently there are 23 single family homes for sale in Waldo, with a median list price of $255,000 and 14 days on market.

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

Armour Hills Home Sales Report-April 2019

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Armour Hills continues it’s upward climb in home values again last month, with values way up YTD.  Let’s take a look at the numbers in this large Brookside subdivision of just under 1000 homes:

April 2019                                                             April 2018

Median list price:      $358,700                            Median list price:      $318,500

Median sales price:    $366,250                          Median sales price:    $339,500

No. of homes sold:     10                                       No. of homes sold:        8

Days on market:          2                                       Days on market:              6

Nine out of the ten homes that closed last month sold at or above list price.  And here are the year-to-date figures:

Jan-April 2019                                                             Jan-April 2018

Median list price:      $347,500                                   Median list price:     $300,000

Median sales price:   $350,000                                  Median sales price:   $304,500

No. of homes sold:       23                                           No. of homes sold:        22

Days on market:           31                                           Days on market:            6

So far this year, home values up 14.9% in Armour Hills!  The sellers’ market continues for this neighborhood.  Currently there are ten homes listed, with a median price of $366,975 and 24 days on market.

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

Brookside Home Sales Report-April 2019

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Home sales and values continue to surge in Brookside during the traditional strong spring home buying season.  Here are the stats for single family home sales last month in Brookside, using the zip code of 64113:

April 2019                                                                       April 2018

Median list price:       $425,000                                     Median list price:     $389,450

Median sales price:    $420,000                                   Median sales price:   $388,500

No. of homes sold:         31                                            No. of homes sold:       22

Days on market:             9                                               Days on market:          5

The lowest closed sales price last month was $241,000 and the highest was $1.6 million. Three homes sold in April over the $1 million mark.  

Here are year-to-date comparisons:

Jan-April 2019                                                                  Jan-April 2018

Median list price:     $395,000                                    Median list price:       $387,450

Median sales price:   $390,000                                   Median sales price:    $378,000

No. of homes sold:      83                                             No. of homes sold:     74

Days on market:          38                                             Days on market:         12

Although days on market was longer, prices are up 3.3% compared to 2018.  The strongest demand, as usual, is for homes priced under $400,000.  Currently there are 51 active listings, with a median list price of $464,950 and 45 days on market.  Eight homes are priced over $1 million.

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

 

Rockhill Gardens Home For Sale!

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Check out my new listing in Rockhill Gardens–one of the most popular subdivisions in the Brookside/Waldo area!

RG front

Built in 1939, this house has so many of the original charming architectural features: Stone front, hardwood floors, arched doorways and original doorknobs and doorplates.  The living room flows easily into the dining room–which features French doors leading to a large patio! 

RG dirRG liv rm 

This bonus room off the living room can be used as a media room, office or playroom.

RG bonus

 

Here’s another special feature:  current owners turned the breakfast room into a convenient first floor laundry.

RG kit

RG laundry

 

Upstairs:  three large bedrooms and several closets for extra storage. The basement is semi-finished.  The backyard is fenced, plus the shed (wired with electricity) stays with the property. The large patio is perfect for cookouts and friends and family gatherings.

RG yard

Know someone who may be interested in this home?  Contact me for details!  The address is 643 E 73rd Terrace in Kansas City MO, offered at $289,000.

 

Happy Bottoms Moves To Waldo

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You may have noticed a new occupant in the former Habitat ReStore space at 303 W 79th St. It’s not a business that is open to the public, however it does provide an important community service. Happy Bottoms is a diaper bank, getting families in need diapers through several social service agencies in the six county area.

diaper stacks

Stacks of diapers at Happy Bottoms, and their van

Current Executive Director Jill Gaikowski is the founder of Happy Bottoms. In the fall of 2009, a friend alerted her to the urgent need for donated diapers to help families in the area. Jill started a diaper drive and eventually collected 16,636  diapers, stacking up in her basement! Having found her calling, she opened a non profit organization dedicated to collecting and distributing diapers to those in need. The original warehouse location was in Lenexa; Happy Bottoms recently moved to the Waldo location for more space.  Currently they are renting the building but hope to purchase it at some point.

Beth

Business and Communications Manager Beth Canipe

Business & Communications Manager Beth Canipe explained how the non profit works: the diapers are acquired through purchases (at reduced rates) and donations. The diapers are distributed through 37 area social service agencies  (government programs such as WIC and SNAP do not allow diapers to be purchased under federal programs).  Those families who qualify can get  50 diapers per month. Happy Bottoms also provides potty training education for parents and potty training kits.

As with most non profit programs, volunteers are always welcome! You can volunteer to help as an individual or through a “corporate engagement” program—Happy Bottoms will come to your office and set up wrapping stations to bundle up the diapers for distribution.  Monetary donations are always needed. I especially like the suggestion of donating to Happy Bottoms in honor of Mother’s Day coming up this weekend!

Find out more information on Happy Bottoms and how to donate or volunteer at their website.

Diaper bundle stations

Diaper Bundle Stations at Happy Bottoms

Brookside Art Fair This Weekend 5/3-5 2019

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It’s time once again for the Brookside Art Annual!  Still going strong in it’s 34th year!

BKS.AA2019.Poster.03b

Centered around 63rd St and Brookside Blvd, this event features traditional and unusual art from makers around the country.  You’ll see everything from pottery to photography; scrap sculpture to clothing; jewelry to watercolor paintings.  Hours are 5-9pm Friday, 10am-9pm Saturday and 11am-5pm on Sunday.  Saturday and Sunday afternoon feature activities for the kids; during all art fair hours, enjoy food and drink from Brookside eateries including Charlie Hoopers, Avenues Bistro and Cosintino’s Market.

Be extra careful if you are driving to the event; best to park a few blocks away and walk to the Art Annual.  And remember to please leave pets at home.  

Armour Hills Home Sales Report-March 2019

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Regular readers of this blog will know how much the home values in the Armour Hills subdivision of Brookside have risen over the past few years. So far in 2019, Armour Hills is beating Brookside as a whole for the increase.  See stats below!

March 2019                                                        March 2018

Median list price:     $339,900                        Median list price:     $269,500

Median sales price:   $327,000                       Median sales price:  $265,500

No. of homes sold:        7                                  No. of homes sold:      14

Days on market:          69                                   Days on market:           6

Here are YTD figures:

Jan-March 2019                                               Jan-March 2018

Median list price:     $339,900                      Median list price:     $289,475

Median sales price:   $327,000                     Median sales price:  $287,000

No. of homes sold:        13                              No. of homes sold:     16

Days on market:             81                             Days on market:        14     

Prices are up 13.9% YTD whereas the entire Brookside neighborhood (using zip 64113)   dropped just over 1% same period. However, the Armour Hills sample is much smaller and there is such a huge range of home prices in Brookside (from the $200s into the millions) that this could just be a fluke. We are just now into the busy spring buying season–and I know the demand is strongest for homes priced under $400K–which is just where Armour Hills prices fall.  The numbers should even out more as the year goes on.

Currently there are 11 homes for sale in Armour Hills, with a median list price of $360,000 and 17 days on market.

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

                   

Waldo Home Sales Stats – March 2019

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Up, up, up–Waldo housing values continue to climb as first time buyers (and investors) continue to snap up moderately priced homes in this hot neighborhood.  Here are the single family home sales for March and YTD figures, using the Waldo street boundaries of State Line to Holmes and Gregory to 85th St:

March 2019                                                                 March 2018

Median list price:     $234,900                                  Median list price:       $200,000

Median sales price:  $234,900                                  Median sales price:    $206,250

No. of homes sold:      29                                          No. of homes sold:       32

Days on market:          17                                           Days on market:            3

Sellers control the pricing in this busy spring buying market–there is very little negotiation off the list price and often multiple offers are received for well maintained, updated new listings.  Here are the YTD numbers:

Jan-March 2019                                                       Jan-March 2018

Median list price:     $222,500                              Median list price:       $179,000

Median sales price:   $217,450                             Median sales price:     $178,000

No. of homes sold:      62                                        No. of homes sold:      79

Days on market:        19                                          Days on market:           15

Home values are  up 22% over the same period last year–a huge jump! As more inventory comes on the market during the busy spring season, prices may continue to grow according to demand.  Last month saw the highest and lowest sales of the year so far:  $372,000 and $42,000 respectively.

Currently there are 22 active single family home listings in Waldo, with a median list price of $282,450 and 22 days on market.

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

 

World’s Window Needs Your Clothes!

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worlds windowOne of Brookside’s favorite shops, World’s Window, is hosting it’s Fabulous Flipping Favorites event again next month to benefit the Rose Brooks Center (you may recall they host a coat drive in the fall)

From now through May 6, 2019, bring new or gently worn clean women’s clothing (on hangars) to World’s Window at 332 W 63rd St.  You will receive a ‘golden ticket’ in exchange, good for advance admission to their sale on Thurs May 9 from 5-6pm.  During the sale that evening, you can shop the entire store at 20% off –and 10% will be donated to Rose Brooks.

Now is the time to clean out your closet–and donate the clothes for others to use and enjoy!  You can drop off donations during their regular business hours.  Thank you World’s Window, for helping Rose Brooks help women and children in Kansas City.

Brookside Home Sales Report-March 2019

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Spring is finally here!  You have probably noticed more and more ‘for sale’ signs popping up in your neighborhood.  More homes should close every month for the next 3=6 months; but checking the stats, Brookside home values are behind in 2019.  Let’s look at the numbers, using the main Brookside zip code of 64113:

March 2019                                                     March 2018

Median list price:     $399,950                      Median list price:    $429,000

Median sales price:  $380,000                     Median sales price:  394,000

No. of homes sold:      29                              No. of homes sold:      23

Days on market:          68                              Days on market:         14

The lowest closed price last month was $241,000 and the highest was $1.1 million.  More homes sold, but many of them sat on the market longer than the previous year.

Checking year-to-date numbers:

Jan-March 2019                                                    Jan-March 2018

Median list price:     $382,000                            Median list price:     $387,450

Median sales price:   $368,375                           Median sales price:  $373,000

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

Days on market:          75                                    Days on market:        25

Closed sales prices dropped 1.2% YTD compared to 2018.  That’s not a huge hit. However, prices have been rising the past few years (2016 was $382,000; 2017 was $394,230) during the same period.  Possible reasons could include the harsh winter we had this year, keeping buyers out of the market until later, and houses that don’t sell right away often reduce the price as the weeks go on with no offers.  A better picture will emerge as I report the stats for the very busy April/May/June home closings.

Currently there are 48 active single family home listings in Brookside, ranging in price from $224,000 to just shy of $4 million. The median list price is $399,950 and 38 days on market.