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 Report – April 2017

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Home prices continue to rise in Brookside.  Due to a shortage of inventory, prices are going up, multiple offers are common–especially for homes priced under $400K.  Plus, Brookside homes look extra beautiful during Spring!  Here is the April 2017 Brookside single family home sales report, using stats from zip code 64113:

April 2017

Median list price:        $399,000

Median sales price:    $360,000

Number of homes sold:    29

Days on market:               17

The lowest closed price was $237,500 and the highest was $1.5 million.  

April 2016

Median list price:        $375,000

Median sales price:    $371,500

Number of homes sold:   30

Days on market:                41

Checking year-to-date figures:

Jan-Apr 2017

Median list price:        $399,000

Median sales price:    $394,230

Number of homes sold:  78

Days on market:               35

Jan-Apr  2016

Median list price:         $379,000

Median sales price:     $375,000

Number of homes sold:   87

Days on market:                35

So far, median prices are up 5.1% this year compared to same time period in 2016. Fewer homes are selling…because there are fewer homes for sale. There is still a strong demand for Brookside properties priced from $200-$350K.  Currently there are 38 single family homes for sale in zip 64113, with a median list price of $612,425.  Over one half of the homes on the market are $500K or higher.

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

Worlds Window Annual Benefit Event on Thursday

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worlds window

For the past month, Worlds Window in Brookside has been collecting new and gently used women’s clothing for their annual fundraiser to benefit Rose Brooks.  It’s your opportunity to shop for ‘new’ clothes of all styles while supporting a local non-profit organization.

On Thursday May 11, 2017, stop into Worlds Window from 5-8pm.  There is a $10 admission fee.  Shop the donated clothes, neatly displayed on hangers, conveniently priced at $10 per item.  In addition, Worlds Window will offer treats, special discounts on regular merchandise and special prizes during the shopping event.

Worlds Window is located in the heart of Brookside at 332 W 63rd St.  Remember, other Brookside shops are open late on Thursdays as well!  Thank you for supporting locally owned Brookside businesses and Rose Brooks!

Waldo Home Sales Stats-March 2017

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Waldo continues to be a hot spot for homebuyers this year!  As prices keep climbing in the 64113 zip code to the north, those who want to buy on a more modest budget look south to 64114.  These figures are for single family home sales, using the boundaries of State Line to Holmes and Gregory to 85th:

March 2017

Number of homes sold:    35

Median list price:              $175,000

Median sales price:          $175,000

Average days on market:    39

March 2016

Number of homes sold:      31

Median list price:              $134,900

Median sales price:          $135,000

Average days on market:    31

The highest price sale in Waldo in March was $480,000 and the lowest was $105,000.

Here are year-to-date comparisons:

Jan-March 2017

Number of homes sold:    85

Median list price:            $172,900

Median sales price:        $170,400

Average days on market:  33

Jan-March 2016

Number of homes sold:    63

Median list price:             $149,950

Median sales price           $149,950

Average days on market:   41

Median prices are up 13.6% this year as compared to the first quarter in 2016. More homes are selling and in a shorter amount of time. And sellers are getting offers at or very close to the asking price…this has been happening for several months now!

Currently in Waldo, there are 11 single family homes for sale at a median list price of $224,900 and 24 days on market.

 

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

Brookside Art Annual This Weekend

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art-annual-poster

It is one of the best art fairs in Kansas City–the Brookside Art Annual, happening this weekend, May 5-7, 2017 at 63rd St and Brookside Blvd. What makes this one special? Not as crowded as the Plaza Art Fair and the art is more affordable.  It has a more neighborhood vibe…

Artists from around the US will display their unique creations:  jewelry, painting, sculpture, photography, clothing, leather goods and pottery.  Free children’s’ activities take play during the day on Saturday and Sunday; there are also food booths for snacks and meals.  Saturday morning from 8:30-10:30am, enjoy a pancake breakfast from Chris Cakes–$5 per person, cash only.

 

Hours for the Art Annual are Friday 5-9pm, Saturday 10-9 and Sunday 11-5. PLEASE NO PETS in the tents. Be extra aware of foot traffic in the area–best to park a few blocks away on one of the lovely residential streets and walk to the festivities.

Thank you for supporting local artists and businesses in Brookside!

Armour Hills Home Sales Stats-March 2017

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Not a lot of activity in Armour Hills in March regarding  sold homes–however, that is normal as the first couple of months of the year are not popular times to list homes due to traditionally cold weather.  Still, there was an increase in median sales price!  Let’s look at the March 2017 home sales for Armour Hills, and a comparison to last year.

March 2017

Median list price:      $325,000

Median sales price:  $325,000

Number of homes sold:  5

Days on market:             6

March 2016

Median list price:       $234,975

Median sales price:   $229,475

Number of homes sold:  6

Days on market:             39

Four of the five homes that sold last month in Armour Hills were over $300K, pushing the median sales price up. Notice it was only a few days before the new listings went under contract.

Now let’s look at year to date:

Jan-March 2017

Median list price:      $395,000

Median sales price:  $395,000

Number of homes sold:  50

Days on market:             37

The lowest sales price so far this year $205,000 and the highest was $440,000.

Jan-March 2016

Median list price:        $389,500

Median sales price:    $382,000

Number of homes sold:   57

Days on market:              34

So far, prices are up 29% over first quarter 2016.  However, most of the increase is due to more expensive homes selling this year over same period one year ago.  Currently in Armour Hills there are four homes for sale, with a median price of $312,000 and 18 days on market.

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

Brookside Home Sales Stats-March 2017

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We are all in  the typically strong Spring home buying season and inventory is still pretty low compared to demand.  However, I know sellers are busy getting their homes ready to list and the next couple of months will bring even more houses for sale.  Here is the March 2017 Brookside single family home sales report, using stats from zip code 64113:

March 2017

Median list price:        $395,000

Median sales price:    $395,000

Number of homes sold:    34

Days on market:               28

The lowest closed price was $200,000 and the highest was $803,000.

March 2016

Median list price:        $384,250

Median sales price:    $379,500

Number of homes sold:   34

Days on market:              28

Checking year-to-date figures:

Jan-Mar 2017

Median list price:        $394,230

Median sales price:    $397,000

Number of homes sold:  50

Days on market:             37

Jan-Mar 2016

Median list price:         $389,000

Median sales price:     $382,000

Number of homes sold:   57

Days on market:              34

So far, median prices are up 3.2% the first quarter of 2017 compared to first quarter 2016.  Fewer homes for sale means less for buyers to chose from and prices get pushed up.  There is still a strong demand for Brookside properties priced from $200-$350K.  Currently there are 34 active single family home listings in Brookside, with a median price of $772,000.  Most of the active listings-21 homes-are $500K and more; 9 properties are priced over $1million.

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

What is “Uniting At Southwest”?

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sw yard sign

You’ve probably seen these yard signs popping up about Uniting at Southwest. What’s the story? A parent-led proposal is underway to reopen the unused Southwest High School as a project-based, public high school with a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) program by 2019.

 

At one time, Southwest was one of the most well regarded and respected high schools in the Kansas City public school system. The school closed in 2016, and KCPS has no plans to sell or lease it. Uniting at Southwest has the support of hundreds of local residents, former students and prospective SW school families who want to see the school reopened with this highly desirable type of curriculum. Parents have signed up over 1000 potential students via the Support Survey at the website.

 

sw schoolThe organizers behind Uniting at Southwest have funding behind them as well: several of Kansas City’s largest foundations, including Bloch and Stowers, have pledged support for the planning and renovations needed to reopen. They envision a neighborhood high school that would offer another school choice to nearby Brookside and Waldo residents, and be open to students living within the KCPS footprint. Other schools with the STEAM program have been very successful, and organizers cite High Tech High in San Diego and P-Tech in Brooklyn as models.

Local parent and enthusiastic supporter John Couture, owner of the Bier Station, says: “We have an opportunity to all come together–charter, parochial and district folks, to create something truly spectacular for our kids. It would be KC’s first project based high school.  In addition to a rigorous education, these programs provide students with the skills they’ll need to thrive in the modern economy–things like innovation, collaboration and grit”.

The next steps for Uniting at Southwest include building even more city-wide community support, and then (hopefully) working with KC Public Schools to make the vision a reality. For more information on Uniting at Southwest, please visit their website. There is also a quick survey on the site that you can complete—they welcome your support and input whether you have children or not. You are also welcome to stop by Bier Station tomorrow night (4/19/2017) between 5-9pm, 120 E Gregory,  to meet local supporters and learn more details.

As a local real estate agent and Brookside resident, I could write another blog entirely devoted to the importance of local  schools on home values and for relocating families. Providing nearby, neighborhood K-12 public schools that are diverse and high quality will be a huge benefit for our area. Reopening Southwest as a STEAM school, operated as an autonomous program under the KCPS umbrella, would be extremely beneficial for Brookside and Waldo and Kansas City in general. Please visit the Uniting at Southwest website and share your comments!

Coco – A New Shop Now Open in Brookside

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coc sign

 

We have another unique, new shop in Brookside to check out! It’s called Coco, a women’s clothing store located at 6209 Oak. Coco is next to Itsy Bitsy Bums, and owned by the same person, Abby Flores. The grand opening was April 1.

 

coc girlsLike so many locally owned Brookside businesses, Coco makes you feel welcome the moment you walk in. Abi Wagner, Manager, Enabler and Empowerment Queen (yes that is her official title!) –greets you with a big smile, ready to help you navigate around all the pretty and practical goodies on display. Abi is on the left in the photo, and Abby Flores is on the right.

 

coco shoesAbi explained the store’s concept to me: “It’s minimalist but not basic. We have brands that fit all body types—from small to 3XL. And our prices are very reasonable. Most items fall in the $30-$50 price range”. Browsing the racks you’ll find tops, pants (including ‘magic denim’ Judy Blue jeans for $39), dresses, bralets, jewelry, purses and some gift items. The tag line for the store is “style, community and empowerment” and the clothes are selected so that the wearer will feel “amazing in your own skin, no matter what your body type” per Abby. To fulfill their commitment to the community, Abby and Abi host classes for women with options that include calligraphy, weaving, making your own bath bombs, and plans are in the works for a book club.

 

coc braletsOwner Abby Flores has a masters in art history and worked in merchandising for the Target corporation. She has a keen visual eye as her shop is serene, color coordinated, comfortable and attractive. Although she opened Itsy Bitsy Buns in 2010, it was always her goal to have a women’s clothing store as well. And like the shop next door, this one is very customer focused and on trend with what buyers are looking for now.

Coco is open Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri and Saturdays from 11am – 7pm, just north on Oak at 63rd St.  Stop in and browse sometime–you’ll probably find something you like!

 

 

Armour Hills Feb 2017 Home Sales Stats

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Not a lot of activity in Armour Hills in February regarding number of sold homes–however, that is normal as the first couple of months of the year are not popular times to list  due to traditionally cold weather.  Still, there was an increase in median sales price!  Let’s look at the February 2017 home sales for Armour Hills, and a comparison to last year.

Feb 2017                                                 

Median list price:      $314,500                          

Median sales price:  $314,500                          

Number of homes sold:  5                                 

Feb 2016        

Median list price:       $249,500

Median sales price:   $247,000     

Number of homes sold:  3    

That’s quite a jump in the median price for one year–however, larger and more expensive homes closed this year as compared to last.  Note that sellers are getting virtually their asking price.                   

Now let’s look at year to date:

Jan-Feb 2017                                                   

Median list price:      $314,500                                    

Median sales price:  $314,500                         

Number of homes sold:  9                                 

Days on market:             36

The lowest sales price so far this year $205,000 and the highest was $440,000.

Jan-Feb 2016

Median list price:        $249,950

Median sales price:    $252,500

Number of homes sold: 5

Days on market:            50

We are off to a good start this year–prices are up, and more homes are selling!  Currently in Armour Hills there are five active listings with a median price of $312,000 and five days on market.      

                               

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

Waldo Home Sales Stats – Feb 2017

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Waldo continues to be one of the hottest neighborhoods for home sales!  Every month I check the stats and prices keep rising…more units are selling.  This is going to be a very strong spring/summer for home sellers in this area:  Gregory to 85th; State Line to Gregory.  As usual, buyers want to purchase updated, well maintained homes–those sell very fast, often for over asking price.  Let’s look at activity for last month and year-to-date numbers as well.

February 2017

Median list price:       $184,700

Median sale price:     $180,000

Number of homes sold:   27

Days on market:               30

February 2016

Median list price:        $171,450

Median sales price:     $165,750

Number of homes sold:    16

Days on market:                 34

Checking year-to-date comparison:

Jan-Feb 2017

Median list price:      $169,800

Median sales price:   $165,000

Number of homes sold:    53

Days on market:                 33

Jan-Feb 2016

Median list price:      $163,950

Median sales price:   $163,950

Number of homes sold:   37

Days on market:               59

Prices are up almost 1% over last year; more homes are selling and sellers are getting very close to list price–not much bargaining room for buyers.  Currently there are just 12 homes for sale in Waldo, with a median price of $138,700 and 69 days on market.   

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