Kansas City Home and Garden Show March 22-24, 2013

Posted on March 22, 2013 by Mary Hutchison

Here we are at the end of March and there is a winter storm warning posted for this weekend. Ugh, again?! If you are tired of cold, snowy weather and need some color in your life–check out the Greater Kansas City Home Show/Flower, Lawn and Garden Show this weekend at Bartle Hall.

I enjoy this event as there is so much to see and learn about your home. If you are thinking of some home improvement projects, there are a lot of ideas here–especially regarding outdoor spaces and gardens. The speakers are always interesting, and there’s a Kids Korner if you are bringing the young ones. Plus, you will find interesting home decor for sale–things you won’t find anywhere else.

Some of the highlights of this year’s show include:

*Information on ‘aging in place’ regarding mobility and accessibility for seniors.

*Sarah Susanka, author of “The Not So Big House” will speak Saturday morning.

*The “Wall Wizard” will teach you painting, wallpaper, and wall repair tips.

*Useful info from the Kansas City Parks and Recreation Department.

Exhibit booths include everything from patios, plumbing, pest control, waterproofing your home; renewable energy sources and gardening seminars.

You can get tickets on line or at the door. On Sunday you can buy 2 for 1 tickets with a donation to Harvesters. Read details here. The show is open tonight until 8pm, Saturday 10am-8pm and Sunday 10am-6pm. This is the 65th Annual Home Show–I wonder if they will have any photos from years past? Now that would be an interesting exhibit to see!

New Business in Waldo–“CoWork Waldo”

Posted on March 20, 2013 by Mary Hutchison

Do you work from home? Occasionally miss a little interaction with others during the day? Or do you need a temporary office desk from time to time? A new business, CoWork Waldo , could be the answer.

CoWork Waldo work space

CoWork Waldo is a fixed workspace at 7449 Broadway (second floor), where you can drop in anytime you need fully equipped office space on a temporary basis. Just bring your laptop and plug in–it’s that easy. Everything you want is here: wifi or hard wired internet service, access to a printer/copier/scanner; desk space, and complimentary coffee! The space is comfortable and welcoming, modern and spacious. Various membership options are available–you can reserve a dedicated desk by the month to call your own, or just drop in and use the space for a day ($20 fee). No contracts. Currently, the hours are 8:30am-5pm, Monday through Friday but owner Melissa Saubers is working on an after hours access code for users.

Melissa did quite a bit of research before opening CoWaldo. She hatched the idea after her associates kept coming to her personal home for meetings. Trying to work from a coffee shop is fine for a while–but the tables are small, the space can get noisy and it’s not conducive to small business meetings. Knowing there was a growing demand for this service, she opened CoWaldo on February 1 this year. She purchased furniture from a company specializing in cowork environments and toured other temporary office set ups for inspiration. Melissa believes the open office concept fosters collaboration between those who use the space on a regular basis. She already has several regular customers who visit on a daily basis. There is, however, cowork etiquette to be aware of: put your phone on vibrate; step outside the room for phone conversations; and if you have one earbud in and one out–that’s a signal it’s OK to interrupt.

Large conference room

Besides the desk space, CoWork Waldo offers two conference rooms, one small room and another larger room with a hi def TV connected to a computer and whiteboard. Rental for these two spaces is by the hour. There’s also a small ‘collaboration corner’ in one area of the room with big comfy swivel chairs and a wall mounted whiteboard.

Ready to try out CoWork Waldo? Drop in anytime for a tour. And remember to support locally owned Brookside and Waldo businesses!

Why There Is A Shortage of Homes For Sale

Posted on March 18, 2013 by Mary Hutchison

Many readers of this blog know that I am a real estate agent, and often post home sales statistics here for the Brookside area. TodayI am writing a post about why there are so few homes for sale on the market in our area. I was showing some buyers homes for sale this weekend, and they seemed puzzled, saying ‘we are ready to buy, why aren’t there more homes for us to see?” It’s true! Inventory is very low…it’s a big topic of conversation among agents. Here are four reasons why:

1) Sellers don’t have enough equity in their homes. If a home was purchased during the peak buying frenzied years of 2005 – early 2008 with little or no down payment, chances are the owner could owe more than the home is worth since the market crashed in late 2008. Unless sellers have made substantial improvements, the housing market crash has created many homes worth less than what is owed. It will take a few more years of payments to make up the loss. Homeowners do not want to sell at a loss, so they don’t sell.

2) Many sellers have decided to “stay put”. The recession affected everyone in the U.S., even those that didn’t lose a job. People are much more careful about spending and borrowing. Many homeowners are thinking twice about ‘moving up’ to a larger home–they feel they can ‘make do’ where they are, perhaps updating the interior or building an addition on their current house. A larger home means more expenses regarding utilities, upkeep, and maintenance. Not moving can mean more money for travel, college costs, retirement, etc. A lack of move up buyers means less inventory.

3) Now that home prices are rising, some sellers may wait for ‘top dollar’ pricing. When potential sellers hear stories of homes going under contract in one or two days, sometimes with multiple offers, they know this causes an uptick in home prices. They may be inclined to wait until the market shows several months of rising prices before they decide to jump in and sell.

4) The good ones go fast. I’ve seen inventory move quicker this spring than in the past three years. Well maintained, updated homes in Brookside, Waldo (and Prairie Village) that are priced well sell within days. If a buyer thinks they can get away with a lowball offer on a newly listed, beautifully updated home in a great location–they will lose out. In this busy spring market, buyers have to be ready to write an GOOD offer when the house they want hits the market, or someone else will snatch it up.

It’s encouraging to see home prices on the rise and buyers are confident about purchasing. As we get past spring break travel and the Easter holiday, more homes for sale will hit the market. This is going to be a great homebuying season, with buyers and sellers feeling much more confident about home values and purchases. Be ready!

2013 Brookside St Patrick’s Warm Up Parade

Posted on March 8, 2013 by Mary Hutchison

March 16, 2013: Brookside St Pat’s Warm Up Parade

It’s almost here…the 33rd Annual Brookside St Patrick’s Day Warm-Up Parade! The date is Saturday March 16, starting at 2:00pm. Here’s the route:
Starting at 65th and Wornall, the parade marches north on Wornall, turns east on 63rd St, turns south on Main, turns west on Meyer to end along Brookside Road.
This is a fun, family event with local shops, churches, organizations and schools participating. Viewers sit on the street curbs or brings chairs to the sidewalks–it’s easy to get close to the action and watch all the colorful floats and crazy cars going by. It usually lasts a good two hours from start to finish.

And if you’ve ever wondered how the parade got started…it was way back in the 1970s when patrons of Hogerty’s Tavern went out into the streets for an impromptu parade around the shopping district. In 1981, the parade became official, capitalizing on the popular downtown St Pat’s parade. The ‘warm up’ designation made Brookside the official kick off party to the City’s celebration. In the beginning, it was a pretty small affair, with mostly kids and school groups participating. Gradually it grew, attracted media coverage and a Grand Marshall was named to lead the festivities. Thousands turn out to see this event, especially if the weather cooperates, and it’s the second largest event for Brookside, behind the annual Art Fair.

Even if you don’t live in Brookside, this is a great day to visit the area. Bring the kids, a couple of chairs and enjoy the afternoon with us on March 16!

Brookside Home Sales Report Jan 2013

Posted on February 26, 2013 by Mary Hutchison

Everyone is snowed in today in Brookside! Luckily, my house still has power, many of my neighbors do not. Back to work now after shoveling the driveway and sidewalk! Let’s review the January 2013 single family home sales in the main Brookside zip code of 64113:

In January 2013, 16 homes sold. The average list price was $278,488 and the average sales price was $260,503. Average days on market: 73.

In January 2012, 8 homes sold. The average list price was $357,933 and the average sales price was $346,167. Average days on market: 123.

Don’t be alarmed that the 2013 list/sales price was so much lower. Although there were twice as many sales in January 2013 than 2012, in 2012 five of the eight homes sold over $300K. In 2013, five homes sold over $300K but the rest of the homes sold at a much lower price, therefore bringing down the average sales price. The market continues to improve over last year as homes are selling much faster–73 days on the market vs 123 in 2012.

Figuring the percentages, home sales were up in Brookside 50% in January 2013 from 2012, and homes were selling about 50% faster than the previous year! Good news all around.

Currently there are 65 single family homes for sale in zip 64113, with an average price of $734,581 and 201 days on market. The average list price is much higher than usual because about half (30) of the 65 homes for sale are priced over $500K, and 11 of the 30 are priced over $1 million. The more expensive homes take longer to sell; thus the higher days on market. Overall, the Brookside housing market has recovered from the housing crash and I think sales will be very strong during the busy spring buying season, even beating last year’s strong numbers.

Thoughts During a Winter’s Day in Brookside

Posted on February 21, 2013 by Mary Hutchison

Monty shoveling snow in front of our Brookside home.

We’re all snowed in. There is a state of emergency in Kansas City. In the past few hours, I estimate we’ve had at least 6″ of snow fall, and it hasn’t stopped yet. My husband is out with the snowblower–and it’s so cold and windy!

I love snow days. This is the first big one of this winter season. I am working from home, at my desk with a window that overlooks the street. In the past two hours, I’ve seen one pick up truck drive by. It’s warm and wonderful.

This has been a rough week for Kansas City. On Monday night, JJ’s Restaurant on the Plaza blew up due to a gas line break, injuring several employees and killing one server. JJ’s was a locally owned restaurant (I sold a house last year to the co-owner’s daughter) that served excellent food in an elegant but simple atmosphere with friendly service and an extensive wine list. I enjoyed many fine meals there. And today, our city is shut down due to the storm. The airport is closed, bus service has been suspended and the KC Mayor is asking everyone to stay home.

And in the face of these two events that have personally touched so many, we KC folks have put others ahead of ourselves and reached out to help those directly affected by the JJ’s fire and snowstorm. There are numerous stories of other locally owned restaurants and wait staff reaching out to JJ’s employees, offering food and work shifts to get them by. Neighbors are taking in those stranded by stuck vehicles and check on older residents, bringing by necessities and shoveling snow. Social media and newscasts are spreading the word about the kindness of strangers to one another. Our Mayor has asked followers to tweet these stories using the hashtag #LOVEKC.

Some people will complain endlessly about the inconveniences that a snowstorm brings; some are pointing fingers at who exactly is responsible for the explosion at JJ’s. But most of us are out there helping one another, one person at a time, comforting those in need through random acts of kindness. We do what we can, in small ways, to turn a negative into a positive. That’s the attitude to have in order to get through events like this.

Armour Hills Home Sales Stats January 2013

Posted on February 18, 2013 by Mary Hutchison

Armour Hills, a Brookside area subdivsion

You’ve heard it in the media…now read about it in your own neighborhood. Home prices are up! Let’s check the January home sales stats for Armour Hills:

In January 2013, two homes sold. Average list price was $235,000 and average sales price was $221,000. Average days on market…just 26 days!

Now let’s compare to Jan 2012 and Jan 2011:

In January 2012, two homes sold. Average list price was $224,500 and average sales price was $215,000. Average days on market…43 days.

In January 2011, one home sold. The list price was $145,000 and the sales price was $146,777. Average days on market for the one sale was 158 days.

There is no doubt that home prices are on the rise in Armour Hills. I track the sales every month, and 2012 finished with more homes sold than 2011, a higher average sales price and less time on the market. I expect this trend to continue in 2013.

Currently there are nine homes for sale in Armour Hills, with an average price of $235,089, Overall, there is a lack of good inventory in the Brookside area. If you’ve been waiting for the market to change in the seller’s favor…now is the time to list your home! If it’s been well maintained, priced correctly and updated, you may have competing offers.

Contact me if you would like more details on the current state of the home sales market in Brookside.

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

Brookside Home Sales Report for 2012

Posted on January 24, 2013 by Mary Hutchison

Brookside’s $2.5 mil home sold in 2012

You’ve probably heard recent national news reports on how much better the housing market did in 2012 over 2011. Figures for the Kansas City area are up as well. This blog will focus on sales stats for the Brookside area, zip code 64113. Good news all around!

In 2012, 296 single family homes sold. The average list price was $354,974 and the average sales price was $337,524. Average days on market: 114.

In 2011, 211 single family homes sold. The average list price was $321,574 and the average sales price was $303,076. Average days on market: 139.

It’s worth noting six homes sold for over $1,000,000, in 2012, with the highest sales price at $2.5 million. The lowest sold home price was $72,000. In 2011, four homes over $1 million sold, with the highest sales price being $1.6 million.

Figuring the percentages, home sales were up in Brookside 30% over 2011, and the average sales price was up 10%.

The higher priced home sales push up the average price, and it’s encouraging to see so many more homes sold. Brookside is back on the upward curve for increasing home values! This is important for sellers as well as buyers. Sellers are recouping more of the equity lost in the housing crash, and buyers can be confident they are purchasing a home in a desirable area with increasing home values.

Brookside’s $70K home sold in 2012

There is a lack of inventory right now, and buyers are actively searching for properties. If you are thinking of selling your Brookside home…prepare it now for the busy spring market!

And if you would like detailed information on sales in your area, contact me (mary.hutchison@kansascityhomes.com) for a personalized report.

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

Armour Hills 2012 Home Sales Market Report

Posted on January 21, 2013 by Mary Hutchison

Now that we are a few weeks into the new year, it’s time to look back at 2012 home sales statistics for Armour Hills. When I checked the stats each month last year, the trend was more homes sold and at a higher average price than 2011. I think the worst of the housing crisis is over for our Brookside neighborhood!

Armour Hills Homes in Brookside

Here are the figures for 2012 single family home sales in Armour Hills:

In 2012, 78 homes sold. The average list price was $225,465 and the average sales price was $219,338. Average days on market: 83.

In 2011, 59 homes sold. The average list price was $220,551 and the average sales price was $212,088. Average days on market: 119.

In summary, 25% more Armour Hills homes sold in 2012 than 2011, and with a higher average sales price of almost 5%–very healthy numbers!

Something else I want to point out: the lowest sold price in 2012 was an $80,000 short sale. However, we had two homes sell over $400K–one at $485,000 and another at $417K. The highest sales price in 2011 was $350K. Both of these higher priced homes were total rehabs. This shows our neighborhood is desirable for more affluent buyers and we have a good area for rehabber /homeowner improvement investing. Finally, with the average home price in the $220s, Armour Hills is still very affordable for most first time buyers, despite the two over $400K sales.

I’ll continue to track monthly sales for 2013 in this blog. The upward trend in number of homes sold and increasing average sales prices should continue this year.

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)

All Aboard for Bier Station in Brookside!

Posted on January 14, 2013 by Mary Hutchison

I love Bier Station. I don’t like beer. But I will support this new local business in Armour Hills by drinking a brew there every so often…and my husband will be a frequent visitor! When we stopped by on New Year’s Eve to check it out, the bartender poured me a beer sample that I actually liked, after I told him I wasn’t a beer drinker. Now that’s customer service!

John Couture (left) and beer manager Brad Isch

All of Brookside is welcoming this new bar at 120 E Gregory. Business has been great, especially on the weekends. Local owner (and Rockhill Gardens resident) John Couture is very excited about his new beer crib and so thankful for the enthusiastic reception from the neighborhood. It’s not a huge bar, but that works to it’s advantage–just the right size to mingle with those you don’t know, strike up new friendships and talk about the ever-changing beer product. I think eventually it will be like Target–every time you stop in, you see someone you know!

This is a craft beer/tasting bar/bottle shop operation where the big attraction is the rotating inventory. Sign up for their updates on Twitter and Facebook to stay on top of what’s new and fresh–it changes daily, several times a day. The bar offers 21 taps, including a ‘wild’ tap that specializes in sours and wild ales. John has hired people who know the product and you might recognize their faces: employees from SRO Video and Waldo Pizza. Sitting at the bar, you’ll see many style of glasses, each one suited for the individual beer’s character, so it’s served in the correct glass for maximum flavor. Brad Isch is the full-time beer manager.

There are a couple of things I really appreciate about Bier Station–and I suppose this comes from my female perspective. The first is the place isn’t overrun with televisions. There are two posted on either end of the bar–enough to keep up with the game, not too distracting. In the upstairs beer garden–no TVs! Just long picnic tables with a relaxed feeling, perfect for conversation (check out the wall mural–it’s a photo of the Heim Brewery in Electric Park, in KC’s East Bottoms, circa 1900). During the warmer months, John will open up the large windows, creating an open air second story patio. And the second thing I like is the vibe: John or his staff greets everyone, asks patrons for their opinions, children are welcome before 8pm (yep, he stocks juice boxes!) and it has that true neighborhood small bar feel…almost like a corner pub in England or Chicago. You’ll find beer drinkers of all ages here–John says he sees customers range in age from 25-65, and all fit in.

Upstairs beer garden with mural

A few other quick notes: local business Farm to Market supplies the fresh pretzels — they are delicious! Customers can create their own 4 or 6 pack of beer to go from the huge cooler that takes up a full wall–allow plenty of time to check out the selection before you buy.

Welcome Bier Station, to Brookside! Another home-grown, local business we look forward to supporting!

Inside Brookside (And Waldo)

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

Category Archives: Brookside Community News