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 – May 2017

Posted on June 14, 2017 by Mary Hutchison

It’s crazy out there if you want to buy a home in Brookside for under $400K! I’m sure you’ve heard the stories from your home buyer friends–or seller friends, who receive multiple offers within a day of listing their home. Here are the May 2017 single family home sales stats for Brookside, using zip code 64113:

May 2017

Median List Price: $330,000

Median Sales Price: $339,500

Number of Homes Sold: 39

Days on Market: 4

The lowest closed price was $170K; the highest was a home near 55th and Ward Parkway–$3.2 million cash. You are reading those numbers correctly–median sales price is almost $40K over asking price. Out of the 39 homes that closed last month, 24 were at or above list price. I’ve seen closed prices as much as $25K over list price! Now let’s look at same period last year:

May 2016

Median List Price: $364,500

Median Sale Price: $360,500

Number of Homes Sold: 37

Days on Market: 43

The number of homes sold was about the same. Last year, median price was higher because more expensive homes closed in May 2106. Days on market was longer–that is typical for higher priced homes. The demand in Brookside right now is for homes priced $225K-$400K. Here are YTD figures:

Jan-May 2017

Median List Price: $374,947

Median Sales Price: $360,000

Number of Homes Sold: 118

Days on Market: 18

Jan-May 2016

Median List Price: $373,750

Median Sales Price: $367,950

Number of Homes Sold: 124

Days on Market: 41

As you can see, year to date the median sales price is well below median list price–but again, when the higher priced homes sell, there is usually more bargaining in the offer. It is the $350K and under homes that generally sell for at or over list price.

Currently there are 40 homes for sale in Brookside, with a median list price of $695,000. Thirty four of the 40 are listed over $400K.

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

Brookside/Waldo Farmers Markets Are Open for the Season

Posted on June 7, 2017 by Mary Hutchison

farmer

Summertime and fresh produce from the area farmers’ markets–just can’t beat the taste of freshly picked berries, tomatoes, herbs and veggies. Fortunately we have two farmers’ markets in the neighborhood so you can stock up twice a week!

The Brookside Farmers Market is open each Saturday at 63rd and Wornall Road. This market features local (less than 100 miles away) vendors that sell ‘organic and non-GMO food’. Besides fresh produce, you’ll find eggs, meat, herbs, flowers, baked goods and homemade items like soaps and crafts. Hours are 8am-1pm on Saturdays.

The Waldo Farmers Market is also open for the season at 303 W 79th St, just east of 79th and Wornall next to Habitat ReStore. Although smaller than the Brookside market, it offers a great selection of ‘local, certified organic and non-certified sustainably produced’ products, ranging from vegetables and herbs to snacks and ice cream. Offerings can change weekly. This market is open every Wednesday from 3-7pm–which is so convenient if you need inspiration for a quick weeknight dinner!

Remember to bring a bag to the market to tote your goodies back home, plus cash in small bills, and watch for pedestrians while parking. Thank you for supporting area farmers and merchants!

Pamper Your Body-Visit SKIN in Brookside

Posted on May 31, 2017 by Mary Hutchison

There is a new Brookside shop to check out—especially if you like to pamper yourself! SKIN opened last week at 6247 Brookside Blvd, on the same block as Foos and Shopgirls.

Owner Stephanie Simkins is a native of Kansas City, and started out as a nutritionist and wellnesss coach. She progressed into skin care, doing consultations for her clients. Eventually she started making her own products and selling them online. She had retail stores in San Francisco and on the Country Club Plaza; currently the Broookside shop is the flagship operation.

SKIN products are formulated in Overland Park and are ‘created with healing in mind’, according to Stephanie. Everything is made with organic ingredients and oils, with a specific healing component in mind. For example, there is the Seaberry Anti-Aging Face Cream and Apricot Berry Clay Face Mask. If you are planning a trip to the beach, try the After Sun Aloe and Coconut Body Lotion. Other items include soothing lip balms, soaps and bath products, make up lines and a special section for men’s grooming. There is also a large ‘lazy susan’ tray with samples of most products to try before you buy. Stephanie emphasizes that she operates a vegetarian, gluten free, certified green company, registered with EWG and PETA.

Like so many Brookside shops, Stephanie offers friendly, personal service to every customer who walks in. She encourages browsing and can tell you about all products displayed. In addition, she does special events at the store: yoga workshops, designer trunk shows and a once a month special promotion only offered to clients on her email list.

Stephanie chose Brookside as a location for this shop as she feels “it’s a good fit. There aren’t many walkable neighborhoods in Kansas City. “ Current hours are 11-5 Monday through Saturday and noon-5 on Sunday. She hopes to expand to evening hours as well.

SKIN products make great gifts—everyone appreciates special products that are locally made without chemicals, even the guys you know! Stop by SKIN, 6247 Brookside Blvd and find something for yourself—and a special someone!

Waldo Home Sales Report-April 2017

Posted on May 23, 2017 by Mary Hutchison

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. Those first two sentences exactly what I wrote for the March 2017 stats report. It’s a trend!!! These figures are for Waldo single family home sales, using the boundaries of State Line to Holmes and Gregory to 85th:

April 2017

Number of homes sold: 43

Median list price: $165,000

Median sales price: $170,000

Average days on market: 4

April 2016

Number of homes sold: 29

Median list price: $169,900

Median sales price: $169,000

Average days on market: 12

The highest price sale in Waldo last month was $468,500 and the lowest was $54,000. Note the sales price was higher than list price–because 32 of the homes that closed were at or over the asking price.

Here are year-to-date comparisons:

Jan-April 2017

Number of homes sold: 120

Median list price: $165,000

Median sales price: $170,200

Average days on market: 31

Jan-April 2016

Number of homes sold: 100

Median list price: $169,450

Median sales price $169,450

Average days on market: 40

Prices are up, homes are selling very fast and sellers are getting sticker price. Waldo is a a very desireable location for homebuyers! Currently in Waldo, there are just 13 active single family homes for sale at a median list price of $142,000 and 14 days on market.

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

It’s Bike to Waldo Week Through Saturday

Posted on May 18, 2017 by Mary Hutchison

Family Bicycles in Waldo

We’ve had some beautiful Spring days that are perfect for bike riding–this week you can celebrate bicycle-friendly Waldo during Bike to Waldo Week, now through Saturday May 20, 2017.

Bike to various Waldo businesses and receive special discounts on food, beverages and services. Participating retailers include Family Bicycles (of course!), One More Cup, KC Bier Co, Betty Raes, Crows Coffee and CoWork Waldo. If you post a photo with the hashtag #biketowaldo, you will be entered into a special $50 drawing!

More details at www.facebook.com/EverythingWaldo/. If you are in a vehicle driving around Waldo this week, please be extra considerate of bikers and give them a friendly wave! Thank you for supporting locally owned Waldo businesses!

Brookside Home Sales Report – April 2017

Posted on May 16, 2017 by Mary Hutchison

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

Posted on May 10, 2017 by Mary Hutchison

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

Posted on May 8, 2017 by Mary Hutchison

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

Posted on May 4, 2017 by Mary Hutchison

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

Posted on May 1, 2017 by Mary Hutchison

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.