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.

Brookside Home Sales Stats-Feb 2018

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It’s early in the year, however home buyers are out shopping–traffic during open houses is very heavy!  There still isn’t very much inventory in the highly sought after $200-$350K price range — and those that do pop on go under contract almost immediately.  Here are the February 2018 single family home sales stats for Brookside, using zip code 64113.

February 2018                                                       February 2017

Median List Price:    $349,950                           Median List Price:      $421,250

Median Sales Price:  $320,000                          Median Sales Price:   $402,000

No. of homes sold:        11                                  No. of homes sold:        14

Days on market:            9                                    Days on market:             43

Although the median sales price was much lower than last year, consider that in Feb 2017, more expensive homes sold, including a $1.2 million dollar property.  Here are year-to-date figures:

Jan-Feb 2018                                                               Jan-Feb 2017

Median List Price:     $399,900                              Median List Price:       $399,000

Median Sales Price:   $376,000                             Median Sales Price      $393,461

No. of homes sold:          27                                    No. of homes sold:         27

Days on market:             9                                       Days on market:             43

The highest sales we’ve had so far this year is $1.7 million in January.

Currently there are 32 homes listed in 64113, with a median sales price of $469,750 and 25 days on market. The lowest priced home is $259,950 and the highest is $2,890,000.  Just one half of the homes listed are under $450,000.  

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

Street Work Along Wornall–Never Ending!

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Last November I wrote a blog post about lane closures along Wornall, south of 75th St, due to gas lines being replaced.

Surprise!  Still happening this year!

I spoke with Mario Vasquez from the KCMO Public Works department recently–he explained that Spire Energy is still working on installing a new gas main line along Wornall.  The work will continue for the next few weeks as the company is also doing the roadway patching after the new line is in place.  

In addition to this work, there was a water main break recently at 7814 Wornall so the water department had to repair the leak and patch up the holes.  That break added to the street closures.

There is so much going on along the stretch of Wornall from 75th to 85th Streets that KCMO has created a new page on their website to keep the public updated:

www.kcmo.gov/wornall

Expect lane closures for the next several weeks and…just plan on taking an alternate route if possible to save yourself some traffic hassles!

Wornall and 85th Shopping Area Slated for Renovation

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Today’s blog will tell you about the planned renovation changes for the northwest corner of 85th and Wornall in Waldo—where the Price Chopper is located.  This shopping area (“Wornall Village Shopping Center”) has been looking a bit shabby and run down over the years, and I’m excited share the news about the renovation!

price chapper

truck entranceThe Tutera Group, along with Nolte and Associates are planning to refresh this strip mall and hope to make it more pedestrian friendly.  The biggest change sounds like it will be the remodeled Price Chopper store—a total inside renovation, plus moving the truck delivery area to the northwest corner of the building.  The entire front of the building will have new lettering, colors, masonry and framing.  New sidewalks will be installed along Wornall and W 84th St.   The Tutera Group wants to attract more retail businesses and ‘a better tenant mix’ for this area…hopefully some locally owned shops and restaurants.

strip mall

 

Now that the plans are drawn up, the next step is working with KCMO on the permit process and other details; if all runs according to plan, work will start in the fall of this year and be completed in Spring 2019.  According to the developers, this project is a ten million dollar investment for Waldo—and will definitely make this corner more attractive to residents and shoppers.  Price Chopper plans to remain open during the renovation.

Brookside St Pat’s Parade on Saturday

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brookside st patsThis Saturday, March 10, 2018 is the 38th Annual Brookside St. Patrick’s Warm-Up Parade!  Even if you are not Irish, join your neighbors and friends for this family friendly event, starting at 2pm.

The parade route is:

Starting from 65th St and Wornall Rd, north on Wornall to 63rd St; east on 63rd St to Main; south on Main St to Meyer; west on Meyer ending at Brookside Plaza.

Please arrive early!  If you are driving, park several blocks from the route and note that residential streets will be very congested.  Street closures will begin early afternoon.  Watch for pedestrians, strollers, lots of kids running around and huge, colorful floats!  Expect traffic delays and street closures in this area through late afternoon.

Be sure to stop in for lunch or refreshments at the nearby Brookside businesses–and check out some of the new shops in the area:  Skin, Lady Bye and Design in the City.

 

Waldo Home Sales Stats-Jan 2018

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Waldo homes did not last long when put up for sale last year–they generally went under contract in less than two weeks and median prices were up 5.6% over 2016. I think demand for Waldo homes will continue to be strong in 2018.  Below is the first report of home sales for this year, using the geographic area of Gregory to 85th St and State Line to Holmes:

 

January 2018                                                                     January 2017

Median list price:     $164,450                                       Median list price:      $159,950

Median sales price:    $160,750                                     Median sales price:  $159,000

No. of homes sold:        18                                              No. of homes sold:       27

Days on market:            24                                              Day on market:            36

The lowest closed sales price last month was $58,500 and the highest was $295,000. 

Currently there are just 12 single family homes for sale in Waldo, with a median list price of $227,500 and ten days on market. The lowest priced home is $70,000 and the highest is $399,900.

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

Armour Hills Home Sales Stats-Jan 2018

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As I write this blog, I am looking ahead wondering if Armour Hills will again be one of the most desirable neighborhoods for buyers in 2018. Last year the average days on market for a new listing in Armour Hills was just 7, and median home prices increased 14.9% over 2016. Those numbers say a lot about how strong this neighborhood is.

Let’s take a look at the stats for last month:

January 2018                                                                  January 2017

Median list price:     $289,975                                      Median list price:      $329,475

Median sales price:  $284,500                                      Median sales price:   $327,500

Days on market:            5                                                Days on market:            18

No. of homes sold:        4                                                No. of homes sold:          4

Although the median home sales price was much lower than 2017, that reflects the fact  lower prices homes sold last month.  Still, three of the four homes that sold were at or above list price. The highest sales price was $340,000 and the lowest was $185,000.  I believe Armour Hills will again be a strong destination for home buyers this year.

Currently there are five active listings in Armour Hills, with a median price of $345,000 and 71 days on market.  

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

Waldo Week Begins Tomorrow 2/24/18

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waldo week

Now in it’s third year, celebrate our wonderful neighborhood of Waldo with special discounts at many participating business!  Over 21 spots are offering some great deals February 24-March 2, 2018.  Here are a few examples:

25% off store wide at Coco Brookside

25% off dinner entrees at Boru Ramen Bar and Summit Grill

25% off Irish sweaters at Sheehan’s Irish Imports 

Other merchants with discounts include Family Bicycles, Neighborhood Cafe, The Well, Governor Stumpy’s, Avery’s Hair Design and Centered Spirit.  Also, be sure to stop by Eclectics at 7015 Oak St–they are re-opening Saturday Feb 24 with a new look and displays! 

Remember to mention Waldo Week when you stop in.  Find a complete list of participating Waldo businesses at www.waldokc.org.  Thank you for supporting locally owned businesses in Waldo!

 

Home For Sale in Brookside East

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Know anyone looking for a Brookside home?  This new listing of mine could be the one!

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This house features a bungalow floor plan, with two bedrooms on the main level and a spacious master suite on the second floor.  It’s updated and move in ready:  refinished hardwood floors, fresh interior paint featuring a formal living and dining room, plus cozy side screened porch.  All windows have been replaced as well!

 

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Check out this kitchen–newer cabinets, backsplash, solid surface counters and Hansgrohe faucet over the sink.  The back door leads to a yard with deck and one car garage.  

 

 

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You will love this huge master suite on the second floor!   Newer windows fill the bedroom with lots of natural light. The full bath offers a dual vanity, easy to clean Onyx shower, jetted tub and walk in closet!!!  

 

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Other improvements include a new roof, new sewer line, updated electrical work, radon system installed and refinished hardwoods.  Very desirable location near UMKC and a few blocks from the growing Brookside East area featuring several shops, restaurants, bakery and services.  Offered at $245,000.  This house has the charm and updates a Brookside buyer wants!  

Contact me for more information. Come home to Brookside!

 

Brookside Home Sales Stats-Jan 2018

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It’s the beginning of a new year and home buyers are out, ready to see fresh inventory in the housing market.  2017 was a strong year for Brookside home sales–median prices were up 10.2% over 2016.  Let’s see what the market did last month–I’m using the Brookside zip code of 64113 to check single family home sales.

January 2018                                                                     January 2017

Median list price:     $429,450                                       Median list price:     $395,000

Median sales price:  $416,250                                       Median sales price:  $388,500

Days on market:            37                                               Days on market:             36

No. of homes sold:        17                                               No. of homes sold:         13

 

The 2018 median sales price was far ahead of 2017; however more expensive homes sold last month–highest sale was $1.6 million and lowest was $185,000.

Because January is the first month of the year to track stats, there are no YTD comparisons yet…those figures will be reported next month.

Currently there are 25 active listings in Brookside, with a median price of $615,000 and 55 days on market. Note that only five homes are priced under $350K–the sweet spot for most Brookside homebuyers.  Six homes are priced over $1 million.

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

Crosswalk Changes Planned for Brookside Shops Area

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Fortunately we have many crosswalks in Brookside and most drivers are respectful of the pedestrians and runners we have on the streets and sidewalks.  However, you should know about the  changes planned for one of the most popular areas: the crosswalk on 63rd St between Michael Forbes Grill and Panera Bread.

photo west

This crosswalk will be eliminated within the next few months.

The plan is to eliminate the crosswalk at this intersection and improve the crosswalk to the  west that  connects the two parking lots (behind Midwest Bank on the north and the future Starbucks location on the south) across 63rd St.  A pedestrian signal will also be installed  with a flashing red stop for the traffic.  This west crosswalk isn’t very far from the stoplight at 63rd and Brookside Blvd.  So when the updated crosswalk work is complete, it sounds like there will be a second light signal, (the new pedestrian one), also stopping vehicles  less than a block away from the 63rd and Brookside stoplight.  It will be interesting to see how that works out from a traffic perspective.  I’m sure there will continue to be many people crossing 63rd St between Michael Forbes and Panera, even if the crosswalk there is eliminated.  If the changes keep the cars, trucks and buses moving at a slower pace–it’s well worth it.

photo east

Another view of the crosswalk scheduled to be removed on 63rd between Michael Forbes and Panera Bread.

 

This project was planned to be done before the St Pat’s Day parade but as with most City projects, will be delayed and hopefully completed before the Brookside Art Annual in May.

As a side note, Starbucks plans to open by the Art Annual.