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-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.)

 

 

 

 

 

Brookside Home Sales Report-Feb 2017

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Home sales typically start off slow every year..there isn’t much inventory, winter weather keeps people inside and motivated sellers are getting their houses primped and ready to list in the warmer months.  Still, prices are up for those homes that are selling. Here is the February 2017 Brookside single family home sales report, using stats from zip code 64113:

February 2017

Median list price:        $421,250

Median sales price:    $402,000

Number of homes sold:    14

Days on market:               43

The lowest closed price was $205,000 and the highest was $1.225 million.  Most of the homes sold were over $400K.

February 2016

Median list price:        $409,000

Median sales price:    $399,000

Number of homes sold:   15

Days on market:               89

Checking year-to-date figures:

Jan-Feb 2017

Median list price:        $399,000

Median sales price:    $393,461

Number of homes sold:   27

Days on market:               43

Jan-Feb 2016

Median list price:         $389,950

Median sales price:     $382,000

Number of homes sold:    23

Days on market:                 57

So far, median prices are up 3% over last year and homes are selling faster. There is still very strong demand for Brookside homes, especially those priced between $250-$400K.  Currently there are 28 single family homes for sale in Brookside, with a median list price of $797,500 and 60 days on market.  Twenty one of these homes are priced over $500K; eight of those are over $1million.  These stats show the demand is for homes priced under $500K–more expensive homes sit on the market longer.

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

New Ramen Bar Now Open in Waldo

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boru

The much anticipated ramen bar, Boru, is now open in Waldo at 500 W75th St.  I haven’t eaten there yet–but everyone I know wants to try it! I hear it’s very busy during typical lunch and dinner hours. Another hot spot for Brookside/Waldo diners!

A little background:  Owners Andy Lock and Domhall Molloy also own the successful Summit Grill, just west of Boru.  The culinary director, Po Wang, is a native of Taiwan.

Boru’s  website offers menu details and a very helpful glossary for those folks not familiar with this type of cuisine.  Featured options include steamed baos (buns stuffed with goodies); several salads (including  cold noodle and crispy Brussel sprout ), ramen bowls with ‘add on’ options (egg, pork belly, tofu), plus a kids’ menu, full bar (with sake of course!) and happy hour specials. It all sounds delicious and so different from the usual Waldo bar food and restaurant spots.

Boru (it means bowl in Japanese) is open seven days a week at the corner of 75th and Washington– and accepts reservations through Open Table. Thank you for supporting our locally owned businesses!

 

Brookside St Pat’s Parade Sat March 18, 2017

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st patsTomorrow is the day for the 37th Annual Brookside St Patrick’s Day Warm Up Parade!  Rescheduled from last week (due to weather), the forecast for tomorrow is for a high around 60 degrees–much better!

The parade begins at 2pm at 65th St and Wornall Road, and continues along Meyer, Main and Brookside Road.  It should end around 4pm. The complete route is at www.brooksidekc.org.  Expect street closures to start in early afternoon. 

Please be extra aware of pedestrians, bicycles, scooters, and heavy auto parking on the residential streets around the parade route.  Enjoy this family friendly event and thank you for supporting our locally owned Brookside businesses and services!

Centered Spirit-Now Open in Waldo

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With all the current chatter about health insurance, premiums, who’s covered, rising costs–it can be just another source of stress to our already fast paced lives. If you want to investigate a different style of taking care of your mind and physical body, consider a visit to Centered Spirit, a new Cultural and Holistic Center in Waldo.

massage roomCentered Spirit believes in “the body’s innate wisdom and natural ability to find health and achieve balance”. Alex Jackson has been practicing traditional Mayan medicine for fourteen years, first in a Brookside office location. He and his wife Emilie opened Centered Spirit in January 2017. Alex works with patients regarding digestive disorders, muscle pains, anxiety, female health issues, depleted energy and offers several types of traditional therapies, such as Maya Abdominal Massage, cupping, holistic counseling, acupuncture and herbal remedies.  Alex explains that “different life events can trigger physical changes in your body as well as emotional stress.”  He takes the time to “assess, connect and heal” with the goal of solutions that will work for each unique person for the long term.

teas

Their expanded facility at 8131 Wornall has four treatment rooms plus an infrared sauna as well as a larger community area for classes and teaching. To celebrate Emilie’s native country of France, they have opened a French tea room in the building which Emilie operates, featuring several imported teas from France (also sold by the ounce). Emilie recently wrote about the health benefits of tea for Evolving in Kansas City.   Both Alex and Emilie love promoting different cultures — they have travelled extensively to places like Belize, Mexico and Guatemala. Artwork they have purchased while roaming the Earth hangs throughout the building, and the couple loves sharing their passion for other cultures through food, art and healing traditions.  Centered Spirit also offers workshops for the public; the next one is April 1-2, 2017 titled “Life On Purpose”.

a and e

 

Centered Spirit is located at 8131 Wornall–that is the southeast corner of 81st Terrace and Wornall. If you would like to find out more about their services–stop by for a cup of tea! Or contact Alex Jackson at 816 225 9393. The Centered Spirit blog, with their event listings, is posted at www.centeredspiritblog.wordpress.com.