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.

Armour Hills Home Sales Stats – Nov 2015

Posted on December 16, 2015 by Mary Hutchison

Good morning neighbors! Are you in the thick of holiday hoopla? Just imagine moving during this hectic season! We had a few homes close last month in Armour Hills, and prices continue to rise. Here are the details for single family home sales In Armour Hills in November 2015:

In November 2015, four homes sold with a median list price of $274,950 and a sales price of $276,000 with 70 days on market. Interestingly, three of the four homes sold were on East Winthrope.

In November 2014, six homes sold with a median list price of $264,950 and a median sales price of $259,500 with 67 days on the market.

You will notice that the median sales price was higher than the list price–that is because one of the homes probably had closing costs added to the list price. The other homes sold very close to list price.

Checking year-to-date figures:

From January through November 2015, 73 homes have sold with a median list and sales price of $265,000 with 34 days on market.

From January through November 2014, 61 homes sold with a median list and sales price of $239,950 and sales price of $239,950 with 31 days on market.

It is unusual to have the list and sales price be the same figure. However, buyers are paying top dollar to move into Armour Hills..when the property is priced correctly.

So far this year median sales prices are up over 10% compared to 2014 for Armour Hills. Next month I will have the usual December figures as well as a year to date comparison for the past few years. Currently there are 5 homes for sale, with a median list price of $249,500 and 88 days on market.

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

Kriskindl Markt in Brookside This Weekend

Posted on November 30, 2015 by Mary Hutchison

Have a beer. Shop for unique holiday gifts. Enjoy tasty German food. You call do all of those activities – -at the same time!! –this weekend (Dec 4 and 5, 2015) at the annual Kristkindl Markt at Brookside’s Country Club Congregational United Church of Christ, 205 W 65^th St.

This German food and beer festival is a tradition in Armour Hills, and all are welcome. Large tents are set up, filled with chairs and tables so you can dine on several kinds of German food and beer. And if you need to stretch your legs after filling your tummy…walk around the vendor booths, selling various homemade décor, crafts and gifts. Kids always love the gingerbread house making area—with donations going to Operation Breakthrough. Live music keeps the atmosphere festive!

If you plan to visit the Kristkindl Markt, remember the narrow residential streets around the church get very crowded with vehicles. Better to park a few blocks away and walk to the event. The festival is open Friday night from 5pm-9pm and Saturday from 10am-7pm.

New Pizza Joint Open in Waldo

Posted on November 23, 2015 by Mary Hutchison

Last week I stopped by the new Pizzeria Locale to check it out…then discovered this place has been open since late July! Have you tried it yet? Waldo’s newest pizza place is part of the Chipotle restaurant family and located right next door to the Waldo Chipotle location at 505 W 75th St.

Bridget Waliser (in red cap) and crew in front of the Pizzeria Locale oven and prosciutto slicer

Step inside and you will be greeted with a warm ‘hello and welcome!’ from a staff member. Everyone is friendly and patient as you figure out the menu. This eatery is another ‘fast casual’ restaurant, with an emphasis on very fresh ingredients and quick service. Each order is custom made and ready to serve in less than 5 minutes once ordered. The Neapolitan-style pizza has a very thin, blistered crust, with crumbled, fresh mozzarella and a large variety of topping options: capers, mushrooms, olives, peppers, pepperoni, sausage, basil, onions, etc. (Within a week, this location will begin serving four cheese and Hawaiian pizzas due to customer demand). You can order a ‘classic’ pizza with the toppings pre-determined ($5.75-$8.25) , or ‘build your own’ pie, starting with the crust (gluten-free available) and adding the sauce and toppings you prefer. The super-hot oven cooks each pie in just two minutes! So far, the Diavola and Supreme versions are the most popular with customers.

Four different types of salads are available, along with freshly sliced prosciutto and pork meatballs. Wine and local beers are served, along with bottled, cold Alchemy coffee from Lawrence KS. There is one specialty dessert available, a Budino, which is double shotglass sized portion of butterscotch pudding with a chocolate ganache and caramel topped with a layer of whipped cream. It’s the perfect sweet bite to end your meal — for just $1.50.

Manager Bridget Waliser says business has been brisk, with most diners stopping by in the evening. Seating is somewhat limited (although there are outdoor tables available during the warmer months), and it’s very easy to get all of their food ‘to go’. There is real value here too: a four slice 10″ pie with salad and drinks could feed two for lunch for under $18 including tax! Plus the food tastes good and fresh!

Pizzeria Locale is open every day from 11am-10pm in the heart of Waldo at 505 W. 75th St.

Armour Hills Home Sales Report Oct 2015

Posted on November 19, 2015 by Mary Hutchison

Autumn is the prettiest season in Armour Hills…soon all the colorful leaves will be gone, and we’ll see naked sticks outlining the sky. I also think the trees look the brightest when the skies are a dull gray color. We have a few new households arrive in our neighborhood last month…welcome! Here are details for single family home sales In Armour Hills as of last month:

In October 2015, four homes sold with a median list price of $244,475 and a sales price of $243,000 with 23 days on market.

In October 2014, six homes sold with a median list price of $231,950 and a median sales price of $219,750 with 30 days on the market.

Prices are up compared to last October, and sellers are getting very close to the list price for their homes.

Checking year-to-date figures:

From January through October 2015, 69 homes have sold with a median list price of $265,000 and a median sales price of $265,000 with 32 days on market.

From January through October 2014, 55 homes sold with a median list price of $239,950 and sales price of $239,950 with 28 days on market.

Did you notice the median list price and sales price are the same figure for both?? Buyers are paying top dollar to move into Armour Hills..when the property is priced correctly.

As you can see, we are still way ahead as far as number of homes sold and median sales price compared to 2014. Currently there are five homes for sale, with a median list price of $229,000 and 97 days on market.

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

Brookside Home Sales Report – October 2015

Posted on November 16, 2015 by Mary Hutchison

Brookside home sales continue to outpace last year! Prices are up, and the upper bracket ($500K+) homes are attracting buyers. Let’s look at the numbers – here are the single family home sales for October 2015 in the Brookside zip code of 64113:

In October 2015, 27 homes sold. The median list price was $397,950 and the median sales price was $383,500. Average days on market: 54. The lowest sales price was $203,500 and the highest was a cash sale at $1.145 million.

In October 2014, 25 homes sold. The median list price was $340,000 and the median sales price was $320,000. Average days on market: 41.

A couple of more homes sold as compared to a year ago, and the median price was much higher because eleven of the 27 sales closed were over $400,000, including that $1 million plus sale.

Checking year to date figures:

From January through October 2015, 294 homes sold with a median list price of $329,975 and a median sales price of $325,000 with 40 days on market.

From January through October 2014, 244 homes sold. The median list price was $320,000 and median sales price was $309,000 and 37 days on market.

We’ve had six sales above $1 million so far this year in zip 64113; last year at this time there were four $1 million+ sales. The higher priced sales push up the median price.

Currently there are 53 single family homes for sale in the Brookside zip code of 64113, with a median list price of $549,950 and 89 days on market. There are 31 homes priced over $500,000 in our area…the highest price home is $50 shy of $4 million.

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

Waldo Home Sales Report-October 2015

Posted on November 13, 2015 by Mary Hutchison

The home buying season is winding down now as we head into the cooler weather. Checking home sales for Waldo in October 2015, number of units is down slightly; prices holding steady compared to last year. Here are the home sales stats for Waldo, using the boundaries of State Line to Holmes, and Gregory to 85th:

In October 2015, 31 homes sold with a median list price of $144,900 and a median sales price of $139,000 and 38 days on market. The lowest closed sales price was $59,500 and the highest was $395,000.

In October 2014, 43 homes sold with a median list price of $144,900 and a median sales price of $140,000 with 49 days on market.

The median list price did not change, and the final sales price was virtually the same as last October. Days on market were less, meaning a house was listed about 38 days before going under contract.

Checking year to date figures:

From January through October 2015, 239 homes have sold with a median list price of $156,250 and a median sales price of $154,750 with 34 days on market.

From January through October 2014, 294 homes had sold with a median list price of $149,900 and a median sales price of $143,500 and 48 days on market.

Year to date, Waldo home prices are up 7.8% and selling quicker as well! Currently there are 38 homes for sale in this area with a median list price of $132,450 and 77 days on market.

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

Shop Brookside Thursday Evening for Early Holiday Specials

Posted on November 10, 2015 by Mary Hutchison

Now that the World Series hoopla has died down…it’s time to think about holiday shopping! That’s right, it is sneaking up on us quickly this year as we were all happily distracted for several weeks with our beloved Royals winning the World Series!

This Thursday Nov 12, 2015 is the annual event: Brookside’s Holiday Season Opener. From 5-9pm, Brookside merchants welcome all holiday shoppers with special deals, discounts in a very festive, friendly atmosphere. Several restaurants are offering food and drink specials; there will be live choir music in the park; enjoy complimentary Roasterie coffee and Santa will make an appearance as well! Brookside’s Holiday Season Opener is guaranteed to get you in the holiday spirit–as you know, most of the shops are locally owned and operated and offer excellent, personal customer service. Plus, the gift items you find in the Brookside shops are often unique to this area–just window shopping will fill your brain with several gift ideas for everyone on your list.

Also remember that Worlds Window is collecting new and gently used coats and sweaters for women and children at their shop; in exhange, you will receive a 20% off coupon.

Plan to spend Thursday evening with your neighbors in Brookside…and thanks for shopping local!

Free Jazz Concert in Brookside on Saturday Nov 7 2015

Posted on November 5, 2015 by Mary Hutchison

Just a quick blog today to mention the 2nd Annual Brookside Jazz Festival on Saturday November 7, 2015!

The Christ Community Church is hosting the event at 400 W 67th St. Four bands will be featured, led by John Brewer, Lisa Henry, Ryan J Lee Matthews. The Jazz Festival begins at 5pm, ends at 9pm. Here’s your opportunity to enjoy some great music with your neighbors this weekend!

Stylish, Updated Waldo Home for Sale – Just $119K!

Posted on November 2, 2015 by Mary Hutchison

Small houses are all the rage now…and my new listing in Waldo fits this trend! This is a two bedroom, one full bath home full of updates and style…for just $119,000. Check out at these pictures…it’s move in ready!

7605 Jefferson in Waldo

The front porch welcomes you into this ranch home with a full basement. There is a one car garage, shared drive and fenced yard in back with a deck.

An unusual feature for a home of this size is the separate dining room. As you enter the house, the living area is to the right and the dining room on the left. Notice the sparkly chandelier! Just beyond the dining room is the brand new kitchen.

Even if you don’t like to cook…you will love this kitchen! Brand new cabinets, floor, tile backsplash and granite counters. Notice the separate beer fridge!! Plenty of counter space for cooking prep and new appliances: dishwasher and gas stove.

There are hardwood floors throughout the house (excluding kitchen and bath.) Both bedroom closets have built in organizers and the master bedroom has a mounted TV that stays with the home.

Another nice feature is the daylight basement, with freshly painted walls and floor. It’s cable wired..so easy to add a little decor with rugs, a tv set, chairs, pool table..use your imagination for extra living space!

Of course one of the best features of this home is the location. It’s two blocks from the heart of Waldo at 75th and Wornall. An easy stroll to several restaurants, services, grocery store, bus stop and Trolley Track Trail. Priced at $119,000….why rent? You can own and have your payments build equity through the years! Contact me for a personal tour.

The Waffler Food Truck Parks In Brookside/Waldo This Weekend

Posted on October 30, 2015 by Mary Hutchison

Have you noticed a food truck hanging around Brookside/Waldo lately? I’m talking about The Waffler’s truck, serving Liege style waffles at the northeast corner of Gregory and Wornall in the parking lot. I haven’t tried one yet….but I recently spoke with the owner Russell Viers and I’m making my first trip tomorrow morning!

Russell Viers, The Waffler

If you love waffles like I do, the first thing to note is these are not your typical breakfast waffles. This delicacy is a Liege waffle, which Russell recreated after trying them in a Belgium train station. Developing his own recipe, he makes all the dough from scratch. He starts with a rich brioche bread dough, and adds large chunks of Belgium pearl sugar (this is a beet sugar, not cane) and his own special flavorings. Whereas the typical breakfast waffle relies on toppings to give them flavor, the Liege waffle has flavors baked in. The ‘classic’ flavor Russell serves is vanilla, along with a second choice–for example, maple bacon or fall spice. (He is currently developing a special limonchello waffle for a special event at Jasper’s). The waffle is crispy on the outside, with specks of caramelized sugar; inside is a tender bread texture with bursts of the pearl sugar. No utensils needed…your waffle is service in a handheld pouch for easy eatin’!

Russell’s ‘real’ job is a public speaker/consultant. His kids talked him into starting the food truck after he created the special ‘meggos’ (that’s the brand name for the product) for his daughter’s wedding earlier this year. He has parked the truck at First Fridays and the City Market, but gets the best response here in the Brookside/Waldo area and would like to make the Gregory and Wornall location permanent. Each waffle costs $5; however if you say the special phrase that changes daily, you’ll get $1 off. These phrases are usually quotes from old movies or TV shows (hint: Sunday’s quote relates to the Royals!). Russell is a friendly, outgoing guy who says he’s ‘never worked so hard’ getting this food truck going and although it’s not a regular source of income for him, he loves every minute he spends making the dough and chatting with customers. He especially likes to watch the reaction of someone who has taken that first bite–the taste and texture is such an unexpected delight!

Mmm…The Waffler’s Liege waffles!

Along with the waffles, Russell offers soft drinks, water and…free coffee! All ‘tips’ left are donated to a local charity which changes every month. He focuses on organizations that have low administrative costs. This month’s charity is the Kansas City Rescue Mission. He was inspired to donate after learning that 14 men staying at the shelter started running and participated in the Kansas City Marathon. He’s been amazed at how generous customers are after learning the tips go to charity.

So are you hungry for waffles now?? Stop by and see The Waffler on Halloween morning (8am-2pm) or November 1 (8am-1pm) at the Wornall and Gregory location. For that special discount phrase and to learn more about The Waffler, visit his Facebook page or website. Better stop by soon–Russell has plans to take off for Europe shortly on business. Oh…and The Waffler caters too!

Inside Brookside (And Waldo)

What's Happening In Brookside and Waldo (Kansas City, Missouri)

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