Category Archives: Brookside Community News

Brookside Author to Discuss “Pilate’s Cross” at Plaza Library Feb 23!

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What’s the best part about reading a non-fiction book?  For me, it’s the escape into another world.  At the end of the day, I look forward to surrounding myself with different folks, in another city, with various relationship dramas and situations to deal with.  Living with a good book for a few weeks is a joy, and sharing the experience with someone else is one reason why book clubs are so popular.  Having the chance to talk with the author of a favorite book—a thrilling meeting of the minds!

Alex Greenwood

Award-winning Brookside author J. Alexander Greenwood, who wrote Pilate’s Cross will speak at the Plaza location of the Kansas City Public Library on February 23 at 6:30 p.m. (Please click here to RSVP.) This crime thriller is based on a true story that happened in Peru, Nebraska. In the book, John Pilate and his new friend Kate investigate the unsolved mystery of the murdered president of Cross College. Greenwood gained access to actual police records, crime scene photos and news reports in researching the book. (Full disclosure, Alex is a friend of mine, thus this post to help promote this event.  But I did read the book and really enjoyed it–more so, I think, because I know the author!)

Thoroughly engrossing, the characters the author created will prompt your escape into this novel.  John is someone who is generally minding his own business and suddenly forced to take action because of particular circumstances.  How he gets through this ‘mystery situation’ will keep you turning the pages in this book!

They say ‘write what you know’, and Alex based John somewhat on himself.  Sexy and attractive Kate is a composite of women he’s known, including perhaps a particular girl he met in Nebraska. When asked about his favorite part of the book, Greenwood is particularly proud of the snappy dialogue between John Pilate and the sheriff.

“My grandfather, an accomplished author in his lifetime, instilled in me the value of having characters which are relatable to the reader,” Alex said. “You can have the greatest mystery plot around, but if the characters are cardboard, it won’t work.”

Alex said he was first inspired to write during numerous childhood talks about storytelling with his grandfather, Robert E. Trevathan. He fondly remembers seeing Trevathan–an award-winning author of dozens of Western and historical fiction novels–sitting alone at a card table outside a Waldenbooks store patiently waiting to sign a few books and talk about writing at an “author event” . “Ah, the glamorous life of the author!” Alex said. “I was hooked.”

“Pilate’s Cross” has been well received with several hundred fans–many who asked that Greenwood write a sequel.  That sequel was released this month.  Pilate’s Key sends John on another adventure, this time in Key West, Florida.  When I first met Alex, he was still writing the book–and now there is the sequel.  I so admire his determination to get his words out in front of book readers.  Self publishing his work through the web has brought him success much faster than trying to go the traditional publishing route.  He’s an inspirational example of what hard work, determination, and a lot of charisma can do to help achieve your personal artistic and creative goals.

For more info about the book, links to retailers and to watch the book trailer video, click here (or paste the link below into your browser):

http://www.pitchengine.com/pilatescross/mystery-thriller-sparked-by-1950-college-murders-spawns-second-book

If you are in a book club, Alex is happy to drop in for a discussion of the book (in person or even via Skype)!

“Pilate’s Cross” is available as an e-book through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords and most other ebook retailers.  You can buy hard copies at the library event or by special order through Lulu, Rainy Day Books, I Love a Mystery, Barnes & Noble or other local bookstores.  Be sure to check out the Pilate’s Cross/Key Facebook page for special offers and updates.

Hope to see you at the Plaza library February 23!

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Pilates-John-Pilate-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B006XKH01S/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_3

Lulu (paperback): http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/pilates-key/18843028?productTrackingContext=search_results%2Fsearch_shelf%2Fcenter%2F1

Free Home Security Check from KCMO Police Department

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Last week I had KCMO police officer John Trainor come to my home for a free security check.  This is a complimentary service for homeowners–and so very useful!  It took about thirty minutes, and was easy to schedule on-line by directly emailing John (john.trainor@kcpd.org) to set up a date.

Many of his suggestions and comments were common sense:  don’t leave ladders near your home; keep windows locked, keep storm doors locked, don’t keep purses, laptops and other items of value visible near windows (to prevent a ‘smash and grab’ burglary).  He also recommends keeping bushes trimmed (can be a hiding area) and plenty of lights outside the home–near the garage, between homes, and in front and back areas.  Bars on basement windows help, but according to John, many thieves (50%)  enter through the front door:  they will knock, if no answer–they  kick the door in.  There are many safety devices you can install on doors to reinforce them:  jambraces, 1″ deadbolts with a reinforcing collar, strikeplates with longer nails — all available at your local hardware store.  John also left a helpful brochure “Burglary Prevention for Homes” with references and details on other suggestions for improving home security.  I highly recommend scheduling one of these visits to your home–then take the time to implement the suggestions discussed.

Having two daughters, I also asked John about self-defense for women.  He suggested the girls and I attend one of the free self-defense seminars operated by the department.  This is a four hour class that includes hands-on demonstration and lecture.  Go to www.kcpd.org and click on W in the A to Z headline for more info.

It’s a terrible, personal violation to experience a home burglary or assault.  And it’s easy to say you don’t have time to follow through on preventative measures.  But just by reading this blog, it’s on your mind!  So put ‘improve home security’ on your to-do list.  It’s worth it!

Armour Hills Home Sales Statistics – 2011

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As an Armour Hills resident, I don’t like to see home values decreasing…unfortunately, that’s what these statistics show.  However, a new listing across the street from me that  needs a total rehab, received a contract in just over a week.  Armour Hills is still a desirable neighborhood and I hope to see home values on the rise as we go through 2012.

Below are home sales stats for Armour Hills in 2011, and stats for 2010 for comparison:

In 2011, 58 homes sold in Armour Hills. The average list price was $220,044; average sales price was $211,611. Average days on market:  119.  Lowest sales price was $98,000; highest was $350,000.

In 2010, 57 homes sold in Armour Hills.  The average list price was $218,418; average sales price was $213,517.  Average days on market:  88.  Lowest sales price was $90,000; highest was $350,000.

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

Commentary: short sales and foreclosures bring average sales prices down; also homes that have a sales price too high for the current market–they take too long to sell and bring up the average days on market.  Many Armour Hills homes have quirky floor plans, they aren’t updated or well maintained–these are the homes that just sit on the market as buyers are very choosy these days. Also keep in mind that in 2010, there was an $8000 tax incentive for buyers–that incentive not available in 2011. 

As we head into the busy Spring buying and selling season, we may see sales prices on the rise.  Hopefully as the economy gets better, more buyers will enter the market.  In our office, we’ve seen a big  jump in sales since the first of the year–positive news!

Armour Hills Board Meeting–Jan 2012

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Hi neighbors, here’s a brief recap of our first meeting of 2012 of the Armour Hills Homes Association.  It was held January 17 at the Country Club Congregational Church:

*All board members were re-elected to their postions.

*President David Pucci reported that many goals we set for 2011 were accomplished; one of the major goals was bidding out the upkeep and landscaping work for the park and islands, one of our largest expenses.  With the new contracts in place, we are saving money over previous years.

*One important goal for 2012 is requesting proposals for upgraded communication with homeowners.  This included management of the Clarion newsletter, Facebook page and website.

*Several homeowners from E 69th St were present to discuss what can be done about increasing crime in Armour Hills.  They plan to form a separate group to study the issue and offer suggestions to residents.  They would like to have homeowner dues raised to pay for regular securityy patrol of the neighborhood.

*We need an activites chairperson for 2012–no volunteers have stepped up so we divided  up the major social events and board members will organize accordingly.

*Our PIAC funds request are still under consideration, a decision is expected this Spring.

This is not all of the topics that were discussed, but the highlights.  Armour Hills residents are welcome to come to any board meeting.  The next one is at 7pm on Feb 21, same location.

Brookside Home Sales Statistics–2011

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Now that 2011 is over…just how did home sales for Brookside (Kansas City, MO) compare to 2010? Are we still in a slow housing market, with homes loosing value? Let’s check with a year-to-year comparison. I’m using home sales from the main Brookside zip code of 64113 for these figures:

2011

210 single family homes sold. Average list price was $322,188; average sales price was $303,602. Average days on market: 140. Lowest sales price in the area was $78,000; highest was $1.6 million.

2010

215 single family homes sold. Average list price was $317,672; average sales price was $301,727. Average days on market: 122. Lowest sales price in the area was $90,000; highest was $1.5 million.

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

Overall, good news for Brookside! Average list and sales prices were up, although average days on market was up by several days. This higher pricing trend should continue into the busy Spring buying season, as interest rates are still low and the economy has been slowly improving. Brookside is still a desirable area for buyers, especially if the home has been well-maintained and updated.  Check back for my monthly blog post about Brookside home sales in 2012..they are usually posted mid-month.

If you would like sales statistics for your neighborhood, email me for the details.

Brookside Home Sales Stats December 2011

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I say…good riddance to another poor housing sales year and let’s look ahead to a much better 2012!

Looking at single family home sales stats for zip code 64113 in Brookside, December 2011:

14 homes sold.  Average list price:  $245,904.  Average sales price:  $231,032.  Average days on market:  111.

Compare those figures to December 2010:

22 homes sold.  Average list price:  $335,930.  Average sales price:  $307,853.  Average days on market:  106.

Why the much higher average sales price in 2010?  Part of the reason is a $1.5 million dollar home sold in 2010.  In 2011, the highest price home sold was $515,000.  The drop in the number of units sold in 2011 can be attributed to the $8000 tax credit for buyers that was in effect for 2010…this tax credit encouraged buyers to make purchases that year.   Days on market were virtually the same.

In the next blog entry I will compare Armour Hills sales stats for December 2010 to 2011, plus will do a year end comparison before the end of the month. Thank you for reading my blog!

(Note:  all stats taken from Heartland MLS; deemed reliable but not guaranteed)

 

Holiday Gift Ideas from Brookside!

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What makes the best holiday gifts?  To me, it’s receiving something that’s a bit of a splurge that I wouldn’t normally  buy for myself.  Most everyone is more conservative with spending these days, so a little luxury type  gift that lifts spirits is so appreciated.  On my splurge list:  top quality coffee, a beautiful Christmas serving dish, fragrant soaps and lotions, pretty patterned leather gloves, a pedicure, hand made earrings.  As you are rushing around this week looking for those last minute presents, keep the splurge gift idea in mind.  And of course…shop Brookside!  Lots of splurge  —  and practical — gifts here.  Plus, the service is so much better than a cranky generic mall clerk and many shops offer free holiday wrap.  Read on for a few last minute gift suggestions from my neighborhood:

For Mom:  A night off from cooking!  Pick up a gift card from Carmen’s Cafe , Bella Napoli or Cosentino’s.

Jewelry  — or just about anything–from Stuff

Christmas decor from The Fiddly Fig

For Dad:   A massage from Massage Point, haircut from Brookside Barber Shop, services from Rydell Tailor.

For Grandma:  Scarf, jewelry or scented soaps from Worlds Window

Glass dishes from Shop Beautful

Scented candles from 5B Candlemaker

For Gen X and Y:  Gift card to Julian or The Roasterie

For kids:            Books from Reading Reptile

Card Games from Brookside Toy and Science

Bunch of hair ribbons from The New Dime Store

Gift card from Baskin Robbins/Topsy’s

I hope you find these suggestions helpful.  Shopping in Brookside isn’t a dreaded chore–you’ll find just about everything you need right here, with your dollars staying in the local economy.  Happy holidays and I hope your stocking is stuffed with a splurge gift for you!

Protect Your Brookside Home from Burglaries

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Last night I attended a Brookside/Waldo networking event at the Metro Patrol division of the KCMO Police Dept at 7601 Prospect.  The first bit of news I heard on arrival was that the cops had caught the guy who robbed McClain’s Bakery–twice!  They were waiting for him on the second event and picked up the perp the same day.  Thank you, officers, for your diligent policing of Brookside and our neighborhood shops.

I also talked to office John Trainor, who runs the Residential Surveys program for the department. This is a complimentary service, where John comes to your home and spends thirty minutes or so surveying your property from a security perspective. He will offer suggestions on ways to discourage burglars from making your house a target.  Usually these appointments are scheduled Monday through Friday, 11am-2pm, contact John via email to schedule a visit:  john.trainor@kcpd.org.

Another interesting fact I learned last night about break-ins:  50% of burglars go through the front door!  First they knock to see if anyone is home–if no answer, they will kick in the front door.  I asked about these thick, old Brookside doors–John said they are relatively easy to kick in, especially if the deadbolt is less than one inch long.  Also, most burglaries occur during the day rather than at night–I thought just the opposite.  Finally, approximately twenty cars per day are broken into in Kansas City MO.  Lock your car and don’t leave anything inside of value!

I hope this information is helpful to you–I’m going to schedule a visit with John at my own home.  Be proactive about protecting the contents of your home and vehicles–it just takes a little extra effort!

Why Old Brookside is Still Trendy

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A couple of days ago the New York Times ran an editorial titled “The Death of the Fringe Suburb”.  You can read it (link below)  for a few days; I am not shortening the link so  if it doesn’t connect  you can search for it on the New York Times website:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/26/opinion/the-death-of-the-fringe-suburb.html?emc=eta1

The author, Christopher Bleinberger, makes several points that are relevant to our local housing market in the metro area and specifically Brookside.  Much of the housing boom in the late 90s through 2006 was high-end housing in outer ring suburbs (think of all the development near 159th and Metcalf,  Platte County, western Shawnee).  Since the crash, much of this housing is sitting empty–as the middle class lost jobs and gas prices outpace inflation, buyers (what few there are now) re-thought buying a home 20-30 miles from city amenities and office locations.

And who is today’s buyer?  The National Association of Realtors says one half of the total population now are baby boomers (born between 1946 – 1964) and Millenials (born between 1979 – 1996).  These buyers want urban downtown areas and suburban town centers (places like Prairie Village, Brookside, the Plaza area, Leawood). They want to walk to shops and restaurants, bike ride to amenities, use public transportation and not spend lots of time in the car. Mr. Bleinberger stresses that governments must give money to what’s known as ‘alternative transportation’ – buses, light rail, bike lanes–rather than only funding freeways and outer roads to nowhere.

I see this buying pattern with my own clients.  I am working with Millenials and Boomers, and both want the same thing:  updated homes in a neighborhood within a 15 minute drive of the office and walking distance of a grocery store, coffee shop, parks and other everyday city amenities.  They do not want the cookie cutter homes of the far-flung suburbs, which are generally built with cheaper materials than older homes.

That brings us to Brookside…and why this area (as well as Leawood, Plaza, Prairie Village, etc) will always be a desirable place to live.  For those homeowners who keep their properties updated and well-maintained, there will always be buyers waiting to make an offer.  Since 1920, homeowners have valued a Brookside address…and they will continue to do so for the next hundred years. What will the fringe suburbs look like 10 to 50 years from now??

Thanksgiving 2011–Community Events near Brookside

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Happy Thanksgiving weekend!  It will be over before you know it.  Take some time with your family to visit one of these big community events over the next few days.  Yes, there will be crowds..but as the years pass, it’s these activities you do with family and friends that make such great memories!

Country Club Plaza Lighting Ceremony, tonight 6-7pm.  Erin Stonestreet from “Modern Family” will flip the switch this evening. The mild weather will bring out larger crowds.  Don’t try to park on the Plaza–leave the car along one of the residential streets nearby and walk over to the ceremony.  Or stop by later this evening after dinner…the walk feels especially good after a big meal.

The Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting at Crown Center, Friday at 5:30.  Crown Center is stunning lit up for the holidays!  Remember the Ice Terrace is open as well.  Parking is trickier in this area–arrive very early or park along the street and walk to Crown Center Square.

Luminary Walk at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Friday 5-9pm.  This is my personal favorite outing over the holiday weekend.  Such a simple idea–placing luminaries along the walk–produces a magical scene visible from the streets as you drive by.   It’s a leisurely walk, and you usually see someone you know on the path.  Again, park on one of the residential side streets to avoid the frustrations of trying to park in the garage.

And what about Brookside??  The lighting of the Brookside Christmas Tree is Thursday, December 1 from6-8pm.  Refreshments, prizes and a choir will really get you in the holiday mood.  Near 63rd Street and Brookside Blvd.

Have a safe and happy weekend!