Brookside Home Sales Report – May 2016

Posted on June 17, 2016 by Mary Hutchison

We are in the peak of Spring home buying season…demand is still very strong for our Brookside neighborhood. Here are the single family home sales stats for Brookside (zip code 64113) for last month, and comparisons to last year:

May 2016

Median list price: $364,500

Median sales price: $360,500

Average days on market: 43

Number of homes sold: 37

(Lowest sales price was $182,000; highest sales price was $1.275 million.)

May 2015:

Median list price: $322,500

Median sales price: $312,500

Average days on market: 29

Number of homes sold: 46

Now let’s check year to date figures:

2016

Median list price: $373,750

Median sales price: $367,950

124 homes sold; average 41 days on market

2015

Median list price: $325,000

Median sales price: $319,250

118 homes sold; average 41 days on market

Comparing the year to date median sales prices, Brookside homes are selling for 15% more than last year. Wow. Do keep in mind that the numbers can be skewered somewhat each month depending if more lower priced homes sell (under $500K) or higher (over $500K and over $1,000,000). Our zip code has a wide range of home prices, depending on size, location, updating. However, the important point is that homes are gaining value, and buyers know that Brookside is a desirable place to live!

Currently, there are 46 active single family home listings in the Brookside zip code of 64113. The median list price is $687,000..because just seventeen of those homes are priced under $500K; ten are priced over $1 million. (All figures taken from Heartland MLS; deemed reliable but not guaranteed)

New Ice Cream Shop in Waldo – Betty Rae’s

Posted on June 13, 2016 by Mary Hutchison

It’s ice cream season! And our neighborhood is buzzing about Waldo’s newest ice cream shop, Betty Rae’s Ice Cream. So far, business has exceeded owner David Friesen’s expectations. He is serving such a high quality product–you will probably be making several trips there this summer as well!

Betty Rae’s Ice Cream offers fresh, cool treats, made with real flavors right in the shop!

Yep, it’s all homemade right here in the shop: all the sauces (fudge, peanut butter, marshmallow, etc); the cakes, brownies and cookies (David has an extensive baking background) ; the waffle cones and of course the ice cream itself. Twenty four delicious flavors, ranging from the usual vanilla bean to the more exotic lavender honey (a flavor David created with his wife). Friesen uses real flavors, not extracts or oils. For example — the lavender honey flavor starts with David using real flowers, steeped in hot cream. The root beer flavor uses the actual raw ingredients to create the root beer flavor. He is meticulous about quality control — and you can really taste the difference. He makes up to 7 batches of ice cream per day, five gallons each batch. Most of his 12-16 hour days are spent doing prep work preparing the ingredients — once in the special superfast machine, the product freezes in 5-10 minutes. There are a couple of non-dairy and vegan options available as well and coming this summer: cocktail size shakes with liquor!

David Friesen, owner Betty Rae’s Ice Cream

This is David’s first small business, and I asked him what has surprised him most since he opened. He said “after all the years of planning, getting the place ready, developing the flavors and product–now that we are open, it all works properly!”. He is grateful for the strong response from the area: so many families and kids walking in the neighborhood, stopping in for treats. All of his hard work is paying off as business has been terrific so far.

Try Betty Rae’s Ice Cream soon–it’s located at 7140 Wornall. Hours are 11am-8pm, Sunday through Thursday; open until 10:00pm Friday and Saturday.

Waldo Crawldo Happens Sat 6/11/16

Posted on June 8, 2016 by Mary Hutchison

It’s time for that crazy and fun annual event, the Waldo Crawldo! It’s happening this Saturday June 11, 2016 in the heart of Waldo from 8pm-midnight.

This year’s theme is Superheroes and Villains–so do dress up! Prizes will be awarded in various categories. Of course there are drink specials at each spot–ten bars are participating, including Lew’s Bar and Grill, Quinton’s Waldo Bar, Tanner’s Bar and Grill and the Waldo Pizza Tap Room. Thank you, locally owned businesses, for hosting this event!

Please drink responsibly and remember, bars are within walking distance! Tickets in advance are less than at the door…here’s the info page: www.waldocrawldo.com

New Patio Open at Bier Station

Posted on May 9, 2016 by Mary Hutchison

New Patio at Bier Station in Brookside

The new expanded patio is open at Bier Station!

I remember back in December 2012 when John Couture opened Bier Station in Armour Hills at 120 E Gregory . He was one of the pioneers of the specialty brew shop–and now there are almost too many to count in the KC area. Bier Station is Brookside’s “Cheers” bar…friendly staff who know who you are and love talking about the beer offerings they have for sale.

New Food Options at Bier Station

There are some other changes at Bier Station besides the patio: more food on the menu, including smoked wings, sliders, flatbreads, soups, and new sandwiches. John and his kitchen staff are currently testing new items such as seasonal salads and vegetables, and a few sweet treats. Whatever goes over well with the customers (they want feedback!) will make it to the menu.

Also coming soon is a new ordering app called “Meagan”, which will allow customers to order food and beer from their tables in the bar that will be delivered by bar staff.

More about the patio…it will feature a rain proof awning, electric heat lamps, more seating and more dog hooks. A perfect place for sipping a brew, noshing on tasty food and visiting with friends. Stop by and enjoy one of our warm spring evenings on the new Bier Station patio!

Brookside Farmers’ Market Opens Saturday 4/16/16

Posted on April 11, 2016 by Mary Hutchison

Mother Nature and our local farmers are preparing for another spring and summer full of fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs. I’m getting hungry just writing about it! The Brookside Farmers’ Market focuses on organic produce, dairy and meats, as well as homemade baked goods, with some crafts, soaps,and other items for sale. The atmosphere is family friendly, festive and often features live music. The market opens at 8am on Saturday April 16, at 63rd St and Wornall Road.

The Waldo’s Farmer’s Market at 303 W 79th St , now in it’s sixth year, will open May 4 from 3-7pm. Here you will find fresh veggies, herbs, baked goods, ice cream, nuts and many other interesting locally produced items for sale. Both market accept SNAP dollars.

Remember to bring bags to carry your purchases!

Golden and Pine Grand Opening Saturday in Brookside East

Posted on March 17, 2016 by Mary Hutchison

Let’s welcome a new business to the growing Brookside East neighborhood…Golden and Pine. This is a handmade home and garden goods store, having it’s Grand Opening Saturday March 19, 2016 from 1-5pm at 633 E 63rd St (south side of E 63rd, across from the new apartment construction).

Stephanie Agne, Owner Golden and Pine

Owner Stephanie Agne was a dietician for several years yet home decor was her passion. She worked for a while at a home store boutique in Maine, and when she and her husband moved back to hometown Kansas City, it was time to open her own place. After looking at various KC locations, she decided on Brookside East. She wanted a place with ‘good light’ and was excited about what was happening in the area. She found Butch Rigby’s vision ‘inspiring’ and signed a lease in one of his recently purchased buildings.

Golden and Pine has a warm and modern feel, with products made of natural materials like wood, cork and cotton. Stephanie knows the origin of each product she sells; most are unique to her shop and almost all are hand made. (You’ll find a story card beside each product.) Items for sale include some furniture, pillows, candles, soap, lotions, garden items, napkins, books–the perfect place to browse and find something to freshen up your home!

If you can’t stop by the Grand Opening on Saturday–come by during her regular business hours of Tuesday through Saturday, 10am-6pm. I’m excited about yet another unique, locally owned business opening in Brookside!

Brookside Home Sales Report – Feb 2016

Posted on March 14, 2016 by Mary Hutchison

What a beautiful day as I write this blog! The trees are flowering all over Brookside–hope we don’t get a cold snap…we are now accustomed used to 60 and 70 degree days!

Checking Brookside home sales for February 2016, I am going to write up the stats in a different format this time–thought it would be easier to read. Take a look:

February 2016

Median list price: $409,000

Median sales price: $399,000

Average days on market: 89

Number of homes sold: 15

(lowest sales price was $213,000; highest sales price was $822,000)

February 2015:

Median list price: $422,000

Median sales price: $397,500

Average days on market: 88

Number of homes sold: 13

(Note the number of homes sold and median sales price are very similar to 2015.)

Now let’s check year to date figures:

2016: 2015:

Median list price: $389,950 Median list price: $374,975

Median sales price: $382,000 Median sales price: $367,500

Average days on market: 57 Average days on market: 84

Number of homes sold: 23 Number of homes sold: 22

The big difference in the YTD figures is the median sales price jumped up–yet virtually the same number of homes sold. Also, homes went under contract faster. There is not much inventory this year in the critical $200-$400K price range and so, prices are up.

Currently, there are 46 active listings in the Brookside zip code of 64113. The median list price is $537,000. That figure is high because 1) the lower priced listed homes sell very fast and 2) 25 of the 46 homes are priced over $500K; 10 of those are over $1,000,000.

It’s going to be a strong season for home buying in Brookside this Spring!

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

Two Big Events in Brookside This Week

Posted on March 8, 2016 by Mary Hutchison

Two big events happening this week in Brookside…

First, Reading Reptile is closing it’s doors. This unique, treasured children’s bookstore has been a landmark shop on 63rd St for years. Even if you didn’t have kids…you just have to walk in that colorful, art filled store after the welcoming storefront window display caught your eye. Owners Pete Cowdin and Deb Pettid are focusing their time and talents on their newest project, The Rabbit Hole (hard to describe this venture–just click on the link!). All books in the store are now half off, and they are taking bids on fixtures, furniture, art and everything else until 5pm on Friday March 11, 2016. You are welcome to come by Saturday March 12 for the closing party from 10am-3pm. We will all miss Reading Reptile–it was truly a one of a kind, charming and inviting Brookside shop.

Also Saturday–the 36th Annual Brookside St Patrick’s Day Warm Up Parade! Street traffic will be rerouted from the parade route most of the afternoon: Wornall from 65th to 63rd; Meyer and 63rd from Wornall to Main; and Brookside Road from Gregory to Meyer. The parade begins at 2pm and runs for approximately 90 minutes. I’ll be there…walking with my fellow real estate agents with the Better Homes and Gardens float! Please be extra cautious driving around Brookside Saturday afternoon–watch for kids, bikes, foot traffic and avoid the parade area.

A Conversation with Sean Ackerson, Southtown Council’s New Exec Director

Posted on March 3, 2016 by Mary Hutchison

Marti Lee

After 29 years leading the Southtown Council organization, Marti Lee retired last year. This is my favorite picture of her–one I took while we were helping with traffic control at the Brookside Halloween Trick or Treat in 2013.

A new executive director, Sean Ackerson, joined Southtown Council earlier this year. He has an extensive planning and economic development background, most recently working for the City of Parkville. A graduate of Oklahoma State University,

Sean Ackerson, Executive Director of Southtown Council

Sean and his family live in Rockhill Gardens. I stopped by his office recently and we chatted about what the Southtown Council is working on.

Do you have any goals you want to accomplish this year?

The Southtown Council overseas seven organizations: the Southtown Council, the Southtown Council Foundation, the Brookside Business Assn and it’s CID; the Waldo Business Assn and it’s CID and the Troost Ave CID. My goals are to continue doing what we do well and evaluate what we can do better. What should we be doing that we aren’t doing? This is a strategic planning year. We want to end the year with a series of priorities for these seven organizations by looking at where we are and where we need to be.

Are there any current specific priorities?

We are working on more parking for Brookside; improving the entryway to Waldo, and improving the image of Troost Ave. We are also working on an art installation for the intersection of 85th and Wornall, the 75th and Wornall fountain improvements, and promoting the districts through public infrastructure improvements, not just through special events.

We are actively now working on the marketing aspect of the Troost Avenue district: most properties along 63rd St from Rockhill Road to Pener Plaza, and on Troost south from Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd. We are trying to overcome the negative perception of the area you see on news reports. There are more businesses moving in and the areas along 63rd and Troost provide comparable opportunities to Westport and the Crossroads, but are currently more affordable. There are some really great storefronts and buildings with great bones, all within walking distance of housing, two universities and on a major transportation corridor.

Can you address the situation with the panhandlers at 85th and Wornall?

Each CID has private security that patrol the areas–they make in store visits, walk along the sidewalks and watch the intersections. They look for maintenance issues, places that are being made into shelters and they reach out to panhandlers asking them to move along. Panhandling is a concern for personal safety, and at 85th and Wornall, because of the stoplights and islands, it’s easy to get close to the vehicles. We work through our private security and the police department to minimize panhandling.

Do you feel KCMO City Hall supports the efforts of Southtown Council?

It’s my understanding City Hall has been a good partner. We have always actively engaged with City Hall regarding infrastructure improvements, like the new stoplights at Wornall and 63rd/Meyer. Another example is Waldo partnered with the City on a study of the 75th and Wornall intersection. There are a number of issues in that area: the offset intersection, conflicts between pedestrian and vehicle traffic, and the gap in the Trolley Trail. A three day workshop held in 2015 considered alternatives for improvements, and a plan was selected for putting 75th St on a ‘road diet’ . This plan would reconfigure the parking between 74th and 75th streets and connect the Trolley Trail along the east side of Wornall while reducing the number of lanes on 75th St from 4 to 3. Right now we are finalizing engineering plans and pursuing financing and grants. If all goes as planned, the project could begin in 2017.

I’m very grateful to Sean for taking the time to talk to me for this blog! Southtown Council is a great organization for our area–if you want to know more about how they work, attend one of their monthly lunches, become a member, or just stop by their office at 6814 Troost. For a very small office (Sean and three staff people) — they accomplish a lot for Brookside/Waldo/Troost businesses.

Armour Hills Jan 2016 Home Sales Report

Posted on February 18, 2016 by Mary Hutchison

Hello Armour Hills neighbors…not much to report regarding January 2016 home sales in our subdivision, so this blog will be short! Here are last month’s home sales for Armour Hills in Brookside:

In January 2016, two homes sold in Armour Hills. The median list price was $264,475 and the median sales price was $269,155. Average days on market: 39.

You’ll notice the median sales price was higher than the list price. This is because one of the two homes sold for $12,550 over the list price. There could have been a bidding war for the property.

In January 2015, four homes sold. The median list price was $232,277 and the median sales price was $232,000. Average days on market: 24.

(as a side note, the $400K house listed on W 70th Terr this month was under contract in less than 48 hours)

Currently there are 4 active listings in Armour Hills, with a median price of $237,475 and 89 days on market.

If you are thinking of selling…or buying a home in Armour Hills, contact me for more detailed information on neighborhood sales!

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

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