Ho ho ho, Santa Claus is planning to visit Brookside twice before Christmas!
The New Dime Store
You can visit the big guy at The New Dime Store on December 20 from 5-7pm and December 22 from 6-8pm.
Remember, shop local for your holiday gifts. If there’s someone on your list that’s difficult to buy for, I bet you’ll find just the right present in Brookside!
Regular readers of this blog know I am a real estate agent and one of my specialty markets is the Brookside/Waldo area. My former company, Prudential Kansas City Real Estate, changed last week to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate-Kansas City Homes (yep, that’s a mouthful!). Soon you will start seeing Better Homes and Gardens signs in homes for sale around the metro area.
Why the change? Last year, the national Prudential company sold off the real estate division. Eventually, all Prudential Real Estate franchises will change names. We are still locally owned and operated, and our owners wanted to brand with a franchise that wasn’t already in the marketplace. They feel BHG Real Estate, very successful in other US cities, has the tech tools and marketing support to make our local company even more successful.
So basically, this is a branding change for us. It will take many months for the metro area to become familiar with the name, logo, and new marketing features. Just know we still have the same professional, dedicated agents, the same owners, the same office locations and phone numbers.
Now I have to get back to work updating my online profile and marketing materials. If you would like to check out the national Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate website, click here. My new business email address is: mary.hutchison@kansascityhomes.com
Thank you to all of my customers and clients for their loyal support during this change!
Another family event tonight in Brookside–Christmas in the Park happens Thursday, December 6, at 6pm in the park at 63rd St and Brookside Plaza.
Christmas in the Park, Brookside
Plan on stopping by and enjoying some light refreshments as we sing holiday carols and visit with Santa! Visitors in period costume from the John Wornall House will be there, and don’t forget to enter the drawing for local gift certificates! You can plan on shopping that evening as well–many merchants will be open and offering special 20% discounts.
Please think of Brookside as you plan your holiday shopping and support our locally owned shops and businesses. More information at the Brookside website, www.brooksidekc.org
We Brooksiders love our neighborhood, but dislike our non-energy efficient homes. I’ve read so many articles on how making just a few changes in your older house can make a big difference. This year I helped energy-conscious Matt and his wife buy a home just off Gregory. Matt is in the process of an energy audit, and we thought it would be good to write about his experience in the blog. The best thing about this energy audit is there are two programs that essentially pay for upgrades to weatherize the house!
Matt’s home recently went through a free energy analysis with Jon of Community Energy Heating and Cooling. (sometimes links don’t work via this blog, irritating! The site is www.communityehc.com) This process took a few hours and was conducted on a Sunday morning. Part of this audit resembles a home inspection: Jon first did a walk around of the exterior of the home, looking for grading at the foundation and leak points. He measured all rooms, and then creates a ‘footprint’ of the house using special software so he knows how much cubic square feet he’s working with. This helps determine the return on investment for the suggested improvements. Inside the house, John looks for safety issues and pointed out various places where heating/cooling can escape (through the floor joists, attic space, vents, fireplace, etc). He also did a blower test of the entire house, which pinpoints where the air is leaking out of the structure. In Matt’s home, the primary air leakage is in the basement on the east wall. Also, his daughter’s room has too large of a return with the vent going into the attic. A new attic hatch will also keep warm (and cool) air inside the main part of the house.
Currently there are two sources of funding for the energy audit programs available to KCMO residents. Kansas City Power and Light along with Missouri Gas Energy sponsor the Home Performance with Energy Star program. This plan will pay $400 for the audit, up to $500 for insulation and up to $400 for air sealant and window upgrade incentives. The homeowner doesn’t receive cash–the money comes in the form of credit on your gas and electric bills.
The other fund is handled by EnergyWorks KC. This is a city funded program which expires March 31 next year. Once the homeowner can verify a 15% drop in energy usage, s/he receives up to $1000 in cash; and another $1000 if there is a 30% energy use savings. Matt plans to take advantage of both programs.
The next step in the process for Matt is to wait for the written energy analysis. After reviewing the document and suggested improvements, he will have one year to make some energy saving improvements to be eligible for credits through the Home Performance with Energy Star program. Since the EnergyWorks KC program ends in March, he has less time to prove increased energy efficiency for a cash reimbursement. Part Two of this blog will outline the suggested improvements from the audit, what improvements were made and how the energy savings will be measured. I’m also scheduling an audit of my own home so I can report first hand about the experience.
It may sound unusual to read about essentially ‘free money’ to upgrade your home, but it’s out there. Some research and paperwork is involved, but it’s well worth the time to save money on your heating and cooling bills..especially since KCP&L is asking for a rate hike!
Celebrate the holiday season as the Germans do! Visit the 20th Annual Kriskindl Markt this Friday and Saturday at the Country Club Congregational Church, 205 W 65th St in Armour Hills.
Country Club Congregational Church in Brookside
I really enjoy this event for several reasons: it’s a smaller, neighborhood gathering; the homemade crafts make great holiday gifts; and there’s lots of holiday craft activities for the kids. It can get pretty crowded, but that is part of the charm. If you live in Brookside, chances are you will see some of your neighbors here!
The Kriskindle Markt is full of crafts and gifts, authentic German food, live entertainment and a craft room to keep the kids busy. Free admission!
I’ll be walking over to attend this treasured Brookside event over the weekend–make note of the hours: Friday Nov 30 from 5-9pm and Saturday Dec 1 from 10am-8pm.
Last week on one of the warm autumn days I finally walked into the T-Shirt Deli in Brookside. I had heard about this new shop that opened over the summer, but didn’t have a chance to visit until recently. Located at 116 W 63rd in the former Pickleman’s spot, this place has a fun, laid back atmosphere and a clever marketing concept–the personalized tee shirt delivered like a deli sandwich!
The T-Shirt Deli in Brookside
Started by a woman who grew up in Brookside, this is the third T-Shirt Deli location–the other two are in the Chicago area, where the owner lives. There is a lot to choose from here–several ‘menu’ books of various decals and phrases that can be imprinted on the shirts. Or, you can make up your own copy at $1 per letter–different fonts and colors are available. The shirt you chose is one cost, and the personalization is an additional price. They can print just about anything except trademarked and sports logos. Some of the biggest sellers are those that play on words, like “Chillin’ With My Peeps” (with chicks) or “Hanging With My Gnomies” (picture of gnomes). The BKS logo is popular as well.
The T-Shirt Deli uses American Apparal clothing, and there are other offerings besides tee shirts–some zip fleeces, long sleeve shirts, infant sizes and even a dog shirt too. Don’t expect to walk in, chose a design and walk out a few minutes later with your shirt–it takes a couple of hours to create. You can order in advance online through their website. Once your order is ready–it’s packed in butcher paper and served to you with a bag of chips.
T-Shirt Deli Counter
The T-Shirt Deli is open Monday through Saturday, and it’s a great place to buy a unique gift for someone. My husband used their services for his Halloween costume last month that displayed a political saying. I can see this place being very busy for the upcoming holiday season.
Shop local–support Brookside’s newest business, the T-Shirt Deli!
Finishing up the tenth month of the year…home sales in Armour Hills continue to outperform 2011, however in October there was a lower average sales price. Let’s check the stats:
In October 2012, 5 homes sold. The average list price was $211,780 and the average sales price was $201,720. Average days on market: 61.
In October 2011, 4 homes sold. The average list price was $233,175and the average sales price was $223,525. Average days on market: 93.
The average sales price for October 2012 is lower than what’s been trending this year, but last month there was one sale at $80,000, which is unusually low for our area. This sale brought the average price down. Still, comparing to 2011, one more home sold and days on market are down by 30 days over last year!
Year to date, 67 homes have sold in Armour Hills, at an average sales price of $218,202 and 76 days on market. From January–October 2011, 48 homes sold at an average price of $212,643 and 119 days on market. We are experiencing lower days on market and an average sales price that’s higher than last year. This trend has been consistent since January.
I think we are past the bottom of the housing market in Armour Hills, and on an upward trend that should continue…if interest rates stay low and the economy stays on the recovery track.
Interested in home prices and sales trends in your area? Email me and I’ll provide the information. In a few days I will post home sales stats for the Brookside zip code of 64113–also showing better sales activity than last year.
(All statistics taken from Heartland MLS; deemed reliable but not guaranteed)
I don’t usually address politics on my blog, but decided to write about each candidate running for the open seat on the Kansas City MO school board: Gunnar Hand and Stephen Himes. Full disclosure up front–I know Gunnar as I serve with him on the Armour Hills Homes Assn board, and Stephen Himes teaches at St Teresa’s Academy, where my daughter attends school. I am not endorsing one candidate over the other. My approach to this blog was to ask each candidate the same four questions, and write the answers as spoken.
A short background regarding this election: When former board member Derrick Ritchie moved to Nashville, a special election was needed to fill his position. The term of this new board member will end in 2014. There are nine members of the Kansas City School Board, and this seat represents the 2cd subdistrict. The rough boundaries are Troost, 85th St, State Line Rd and Brush Creek. It is not a paid position. Two days ago I published the interview with Stephen, today’s post is about Gunnar.
Gunnar Hand and family
Gunnar Hand grew up in Kansas City, attending parochial schools. He lives in Armour Hills and has his own design/consulting firm, MOCK Studio. His wife Ashley is the chair of Friends of Hale Cook, a local organization dedicating to reopening Hale Cook Elementary. You can read more about Gunnar’s background here. This interview took place on Oct 24, 2012. Continue reading
I don’t usually address politics on the blog, but decided to write about each candidate running for the open seat on the Kansas City MO school board: Gunnar Hand and Stephen Himes. Full disclosure up front–I know Gunnar as I serve with him on the Armour Hills Homes Assn board, and Stephen Himes teaches at St Teresa’s Academy, where my daughter attends school. I am not endorsing one candidate over the other. My approach to this topic was to ask each candidate the same four questions, and write the answers as spoken.
A short background regarding this election: When former board member Derrick Ritchie moved to Nashville, a special election was needed to fill his position. The term of this new board member will end in 2014. There are nine members of the Kansas City School Board, and this seat represents the 2cd subdistrict (which includes Brookside). The rough boundaries are Troost, 85th St, State Line Rd and Brush Creek. It is not a paid position.
Stephen Himes
Today, I’m writing about my conversation with Stephen Himes. He is at St Teresa’s Academy, is an attorney and a doctoral candidate in the Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis program at the University of Missouri. He is from Clinton, MO and lives with his wife in Waldo. I am not endorsing one candidate over the other. We talked recently at Axios in Brookside, after he finished his school day. Continue reading
Today’s blog is a quick reminder of some upcoming events in Brookside — make note in your calendar!
*Monthly networking event is this Wednesday, Oct 24 from 8-9am at St Elizabeth’s Church, 2 E 75th St. Beverages provided–come network with local businesses and residents.
*Annual Brookside Trick or Treat Street, Oct 31 from 4-6pm along 63rd St between Wornall and Main. Hundreds of kids will be walking along these blocks–be extra careful when travelling through the area.
Watch for trick or treaters in Brookside!
*E Waste Recycling, Saturday Nov 2 from 9am-1pm at the UMKC parking lot, 51st and Oak. Drop off your electronic waste (computers, TVs, VCRs, cellphones, microwave, etc) for recycling.
Need more information on Brookside? Email me!
Inside Brookside (And Waldo) 