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 Report-June 2017

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Just two years ago, the median price of a Waldo home was 16% lower than it is today.  Home owners are gaining so much equity in this popular area in a relatively short amount of time.  Let’s examine the stats:  here are the single family home sales for Waldo (State Line-Holmes; Gregory to 85th St) for June 2017 and a comparison to last year.

June 2017

Median list price:      $177,000

Median sales price:   $184,500

Days on market:            3

No. of homes sold:       46

The lowest closed price was $97,000 and the highest was $345,000.

June 2016

Median list price:         $183,900

Median sales price:      $178,000

Days on market:               7

No. of homes sold:          37

This year, homes continue to sell over list price and in a very short amount of time.  Checking year to date figures:

Jan-June 2017

Median list price:       $175,000

Median sales price:    $177,500

Days on market:             22

No. of homes sold:         209

Jan-June 2016

Median list price:        $167,888

Median sales price:     $168,500

Days on market:              22

No. of homes sold:          179

Many sellers continue to get offers over the list price as buyers make multiple offers.  Waldo is a super hot market right now for homebuyers!  Currently there are 22 active homes for sale, with a median list price of $234,700 and 19 days on market.

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

Armour Hills Home Sales Report-June 2017

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Armour Hills continues to be one of the most desirable neighborhoods for Brookside home buyers–most listings do not stay on the market very long.  The stats back that up–so here’s the June 2017 home sales report for Armour Hills, with comparisons to last year.

June 2017

Median list price:       $294,950

Median sales price:    $306,000

Days on market:              34

No. of homes sold:          17

Out of the 17 homes that closed last month, 12 were sold at or above the list price.  One house sold for $15K over asking price.  Lowest sales price was $168,500 and the highest price was $450,000.

June 2016

Median list price:        $279,475

Median sales price:     $284,500

Days on market:                3

No. of homes sold:           12

You can see that even last year, many homes were selling for over the list price. Now let’s check year-to-date stats.

Jan-June 1017

Median list price:       $317,250

Median sales price:    $313,500

Days on market:             6

No. of homes sold:        54

Jan-June 2017

Median list price:        $279,000

Median sales price:     $275,000

Days on market:              16

No. of homes sold:         40

Median sales prices in Armour Hills are up 14% year to date.  Most home sales occur in the first six months of the year–we will see how the second half of the year shakes out.  There is still strong demand for well maintained, updated homes in our neighborhood.  Usually the market slows down in August through mid September–I’ll be watching to see if that is the pattern for 2017!

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

 

 

 

 

Brookside Home Sales Report-June 2017

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Here we are, midway through the year, and Brookside homes are still in strong demand for homebuyers, especially those under $500,000.  Let’s look at single family home sales in the Brookside zip code of 64113 for  the month of June 2017:

June 2017

Median list price:            $372,000

Median sales price:        $367,500

No. of homes sold:             40

Days on market:                 20

The lowest sales price was $168,500 and there were two sales over $1,000,000.  Checking last year stats:

June 2016

Median list price:            $344,250

Median sales price:         $342,000

No. of homes sold:              42

Days on market:                 37

Now let’s look at year to date figures:

Jan-June 2017

Median list price:             $375,000

Median sales price:          $360,000

No. of homes sold:             159

Days on market:                 18

Jan-June 2016

Median list price:            $369,000

Median sales price:         $364,500

No. of  homes sold:            166

Days on market:                 41

Technically, the year to date figures show a slight decrease in the median price compared to one year ago but that hasn’t been the usual pattern this year. Prices are generally higher than 2016.  Note the June comparisons show a 7.4% price increase compared to same time last year.  The demand is for homes priced below $500K, especially the $250-$400 range.

Currently there are 42 homes for sale in the Brookside zip code of 64113. However, the median list price is $612,450.  Over half – 25 homes – are priced over $500,000.  The higher priced homes sit on the market longer and push up the median price. The lowest priced home is $210,000 and the highest is $2.5 million.

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

 

 

Brookside East Welcomes Grab & Go Food Spot

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bite verticle

Brookside East continues to gain more tenants, and one of the newest is Can I Have A Bite, the grab and go food store that moved to 633 E 63rd St in late March from a Wornall location in Waldo. Owner Kathy Hale focuses on healthy food, prepared on site, using locally sourced and organic ingredients when possible, with a menu that changes weekly.

 

 

bite food

Cashew meatloaf, sweet potatoes with chili pepper, basil roasted Brussel sprouts and rosemary balsamic beets

For busy professionals and those with food allergies, Can I Have A Bite can be a regular stop for specialty lunches and dinners. Kathy offers frozen entrees you heat up yourself—or she will have it hot and ready if you call ahead. There is an array of salads, soups, energy bites and full meals you can choose from. With this expanded location, she’s added some new options: a “Create Your Own Entrée”—you choose an animal or vegetarian protein, two sides and a sauce or cheese topping. There is also a “Healthy Belly Bar” with balsamic, bitters and tincture ingredients to create beverages for specific digestions; and a few fresh mocktail options. Plus, Kathy has added sandwiches featuring Gabrianna Bakery breads and fresh French pastries on Saturdays.   Local art, available for purchase, is showcased on the walls and there is  seating if you want to dine in.

 

bite KathyPersonal service thrives here–Kathy takes so much pride and care into creating these special, tasty options for her customers. She really understands how different folks have various food limitations (or dietary preferences) and tailors to her clients. This new location also offers much easier parking options, just outside the front door.

 

Can I Have A Bite is located at 633 E 63rd St, next to Golden and Pine. Hours are Monday – Thursday 10am-7pm; Friday 10-5 and Saturdays 11am-5pm. Check the Facebook page for menu updates—call ahead with your order at 816 381 9101.

Brookside/Armour Hills Home for Sale

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This home is why Brookside is such a popular location for homebuyers…

jeff front

Look at that gorgeous curb appeal!  The exterior is brick and stucco, with a stamped concrete walkway and two car garage with private drive.  Built in the 1930s, this home retains so much of it’s original architectural detail and charm.

jeff dining room

Check out that coved ceiling with the detailed crown molding and wood wainscoting; original plaster medallion over pendant light and the arched entry. 

 

 

jeff living room

Both living room and dining room have hardwood floors.  The mantel and fireplace detail is original and the newer sliding door leads to the backyard and deck.  Off this room is an enclosed sunroom with heating and cooling.

 

jeff kit

I wanted to include a shot of this cozy breakfast room adjacent to the kitchen.  You can see the cherry cabinets, granite counters, plantation shutters–plus a half bath and office behind the kitchen area.

 

jeff yard

Other features of this home include three bedrooms, two and a half baths and a finished basement, offered at $429,000.  Location is perfect–just a short walk to Brookside shops, the Trolley Track Trail and bus service.  Plus, very friendly neighbors ready to welcome you!

More information and photos on my website http://www.maryhutchison.org. Please pass this blog link along to anyone you  may know looking for a Brookside home!

Brookside Sidewalk Sale Through Sunday

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bookside-sidewalk-sale

It’s time for the annual Brookside Sidewalk Sale–Thursday July 6 through Sunday July 10, 2017!

Various merchants will set up tables on the sidewalks on 63rd St east of Wornall.  You will find all sorts of bargains here:  jewelry, clothes, decor, small gifts and household goods, and some surprises–“oh, I could use one of those!”.  Plus, it’s always nice to chat with shop owners and neighbors that are browsing at the same time.  Make a day of it and stop for a snack, coffee or lunch at one of Brookside’s local eateries!

Also, the annual Shred Event is Saturday July 8 from 8am-11am in the parking lot between Commerce Bank and the tennis courts (Meyer and Brookside Road).  There is a limit on how much you can bring to shred:  two standart file sized boxes or grocery sacks.

Thank you for supporting locally owned businesses in Brookside!

Waldo Home Sales Stats – May 2017

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Home prices are up again in Waldo–a trend that has been consistent this year.  There is a lot of demand and not enough inventory.   These figures are for Waldo single family home sales, using the boundaries of State Line to Holmes and Gregory to 85th:

May 2017

Number of homes sold:    42

Median list price:              $189,900

Median sales price:          $192,000

Average days on market:    13

May 2016

Number of homes sold:      48

Median list price:              $168,700

Median sales price:          $168,000

Average days on market:    10

The highest price sale in Waldo last month was $365,500 and the lowest was $84,900. Note the sales price was higher than list price–because many of the homes that closed were at or over the asking price.

Here are year-to-date comparisons:

Jan-May  2017

Number of homes sold:   165

Median list price:            $175,000

Median sales price:        $177,500

Average days on market:  26

Jan-May 2016

Number of homes sold:    152

Median list price:             $165,500

Median sales price           $164,475

Average days on market:   25

Year to date, Waldo home prices are up 7.9% over last year. Currently there are 14  active single family homes in Waldo, with a median list price of $175,000  and  ten   days on market.

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

 

 

 

 

Armour Hills Home Sales Stats – May 2017

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Armour Hills in Brookside — a hot location for homebuyers this spring.  Almost one half of the total homes sold this year so far in Armour Hills closed last month. And as you will see…prices continue to rise as compared to last year.  Here are the May 2017 home sales for Armour Hills, and a comparison to last year.

May 2017 

Median list price:      $325,000                          

Median sales price:  $329,225                          

Number of homes sold:  16  

Days on market:              3       

May 2016    

Median list price:       $289,900

Median sales price:   $291,000     

Number of homes sold:   9  

Days on market:              33

The lowest sales price in May 2017 was $209,500 and the highest was $407,000.  Of all the homes that sold, 13 were at or above list price, sometimes by several thousand dollars.      

Now let’s look at year to date:

Jan-May 2017

Median list price:      $322,500

Median sales price:  $323,750

Number of homes sold:  36

Days on market:             4    

Jan-May 2016

Median list price:        $269,900

Median sales price:    $267,000

Number of homes sold:  27

Days on market:             33

There has been a 21% increase in median sales price compared to last year in Armour Hills.  Are we headed for another housing bubble??   Currently in Armour Hills there are just three homes for sale, with a median list price of $389,000 and 47 days on market. 

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

Brookside Home Sales Stats – May 2017

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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

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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.

 

waldo marketThe 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!