Category Archives: Uncategorized

Waldo Home Sales Report-Oct 2020

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Hello neighbors! It’s a typical gray November day as I write this blog…still, much to be thankful for this week of Thanksgiving 2020. Waldo home sellers continue to experience fast sales on their properties, often with multiple offers. Here are the stats for single family homes in Waldo last month, using the boundaries of Gregory to 85th; State Line to Holmes:

October 2020October 2019
Median list price: $225,000$179,900
Median sales price: $237,500$178,950
No. of homes sold: 29 30
Days on market: 2 15

So, the number of homes changing owners remains steady; prices are up! Last month, 19 of the 29 homes that closed were at or over list price. Here are the year-to-date numbers:

Jan-Oct 2020Jan-Oct 2019
Median list price: $224,950 $220,000
Median sales price: $230,000 $217,500
No. of homes sold: 315 299
Days on market: 4 9

Home values are up almost 6% YTD for Waldo–and homes are going under contract very fast. Despite the pandemic, buyers are snapping up homes not just in Kansas City, but all over the US. So much demand, not enough inventory. Currently, there are 18 active listings in Waldo, with a median list price of $250,000.

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

Brookside Home Sales Report-Oct 2020

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Brookside had several high priced homes close last month! One of the charms of this area is there are a wide range of home prices and sizes. You can purchase a 5000 SF home or one under 1500 SF. Of course, most buyers want a more moderately priced property and there just isn’t enough of those to meet demand. Let’s look at the numbers; I am showing figures for single family home sales in the main Brookside zip code of 64113:

October 2020October 2019
Median list price: $489,000 $357,450
Median sales price: $492,450$346,500
No. of homes sold: 34 20
Days on market: 22 24

That is quite an increase in the median sales price over last October–up 42%! However, as I mentioned, many higher priced homes closed last month. Almost half sold at over $500K, including four homes over one million dollars. The highest closed price was just over $1.6 million cash. That’s unusual for our area–so many upper end properties closing in the same month. Year-to date numbers show a healthy increase over last year:

Jan-Oct 2020Jan-Oct 2019
Median list price: $412,500$385,000
Median sales price: $410,000$376,000
No. of homes sold: 264 255
Days on market: 8 21

Home values are up 9% compared to last year; a few more houses have sold and in a shorter amount of time. The lowest sales price so far this year is $198,500 and the highest is $2.6 million. Currently there are 26 single family homes for sale in Brookside, with a median list price of $712,000. Over half of the homes listed are priced over $500K; eight are over $1 million dollars.

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

Brookside’s Holiday Season Opener Starts Tonight!

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The holidays will go on! Let Brookside get you in the spirit–you are invited to the Holiday Season Opener tonight, Nov 12, 2020 and running through Sunday Nov. 15.

The festivities start at 5:30 tonight with a music performance by the Holiday Trombones at Bank Midwest Plaza, on 63rd St just east of Brookside Blvd. At 6:30, watch the tree lighting in the same spot. Then–start your shopping early by stopping in various stores, checking out the sales and holiday themed merchandise and gifts. Just strolling along 63rd looking at the decorative windows is always a treat! And remember–many restaurants will have food and drink specials so you can make an evening of it.

The Holiday Season Opener continues through the weekend: Friday and Saturday 10am-6pm; Sunday noon – 5. Please remember to wear a mask and comply with each individual business’ COVID practices. THANK YOU for supporting our locally owned Brookside merchants…it is especially important this year that we spend in our community.

New Westport Listing-Remodeled and Ready!

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Today I wanted to share my new listing in Westport! If you know anyone trying to purchase a home at this time–you may have heard stories of multiple offers and the lack of inventory. I think this one will sell quickly as it’s move in ready–plus a great location!

The house features sturdy stone trim and a welcoming front porch:

Inside, you’ll find an open floorplan–living room and dining room flow into the remodeled kitchen:

The kitchen has new butcher block counters, gas stove, open shelving and wall tile. There’s a half bath off the kitchen plumbed for stackable laundry and a mud room leading to the backyard.

Upstairs: two bedrooms and a fully remodeled bath. The larger bedroom features a vaulted ceiling!

This new deck is perfect for outdoor socializing and cookouts-and the yard is fenced. Two off street parking spaces are on the north side of the deck.

Also of note: refinished hardwood floors, new furnace, new roof, fresh interior paint. Just around the corner from many of Westport’s restaurants, services and shops; less than one mile from KU Medical Center.

Know someone who may be interested? Contact me at 816 510 1262. The address is 4325 State Line Road, offered at $219,000.

Listed by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, Kansas City Homes.

Harvest Days Happening in Brookside This Weekend

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Although Trick or Treat Street had to be cancelled this year, our local merchants are sponsoring a new promotion for the neighborbood: Harvest Days, starting today and running through Sunday, Oct 22-24, 2020

Many many shops and restaurants are participating: Worlds Window, COCOs in Brookside, Brookside Toy and Science, Michael Forbes..a compete list can be found here. In addition to special promotions and discounts, the young ones can join in a scavenger hunt!

Thank you for shopping and supporting local businesses in Brookside!

Brookside Home Sales Report-Sept 2020

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Hi neighbors! Interesting stats to report regarding Brookside home sales last month. In September, prices were way up compared to Sept 2019; however, the year to date numbers are holding steady. Here are the numbers for Brookside single family home sales, using the zip code 64113:

September 2020September 2019
Median list price: $417,499$347,500
Median sales price: $409,000$350,000
No. of homes sold: 38 18
Days on market: 7 4

One reason the median sales price was so high compared to last September was we had two million dollar plus closings last month. And the lowest closed price was $267,000. More than twice as many homes sold as well. Here are the TYD numbers:

Jan-Sept 2020 Jan-Sept 2019
Median list price: $395,000 $389,000
Median sales price: $400,500$380,000
No. of homes sold: 228235
Days on market: 8 21

Overall, home values are up 1.5% compared to last year at this time. The homes that are on the market are selling quicker though; approximately the same amount of turnover. Currently there are 27 active single family homes for sale in Brookside, with a median list price of $450,000 and 25 days on market. The lowest home price is $250,000 and the highest is $7.29 million. There are eight homes for sale in Brookside over the $1million mark. If you would like additional information regarding Brookside residential real estate–contact me! Happy to help.

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

New Food Truck: Strips Chicken-Now in Waldo

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You’ve probably heard that many of us are craving good old comfort food these days, as we change our patterns and habits due to the pandemic.  Little things you can look forward to—like trying a new eatery—can lift your spirits and provide a happy diversion to your day.  And especially as the cooler weather sets in, indulging in comfort food is a treat for yourself!

Make plans to stop in and try Strip’s Chicken, a food truck parked at the southwest corner of 85th and Wornall, next to the Price Chopper. Owner Todd Johnson opened the original location of Strip’s four years ago at 1110 Sante Fe in Olathe.  Based on the success of that restaurant, he started looking for another spot in Waldo.  Right now he’s operating out of the food truck; next month he’ll open in the adjacent former KFC/Long John Silver’s building.  Todd grew up on a farm in Kansas and has a degree from Kansas State in Agronomy.  He started out as an agricultural banker; owned a microbrewery and started food consulting; eventually he moved to Kansas City to focus solely on consulting.  He even consulted Real Housewives star Lisa Vanderpump on her Bravo show “Vanderpump Rules”.   After repeatedly tinkering with recipes and coming up with his own special seasonings and cooking methods, he decided to open his own place again focusing on chicken. 

Todd Johnson, Owner of Strip’s Chicken

What’s unusual about Strip’s Chicken is this: it’s basically a scratch kitchen.  Todd and his staff hand cut all the chicken breasts to the same thickness for quick, uniform cooking.  They make all of the sauces and breading; they grind the pork for the pork burgers and make the white chili from scratch; everything is cooked to order.  A few other notes about the breading: the strips are coated in a zesty batter, then a pretzel breading (he even grinds the pretzels!).  Todd also offers chicken nuggets that are gluten free, specially fried in a dedicated fryer with its own filtration system.  The nuggets are “honey kissed” for a slight sweetness and the breading is made from sorghum that’s grown and milled by Kansas farmers.  No MSG is used in anything he cooks.  “We serve generous portions here” says Todd, “and having signature items is incredibly important to me.  My customers can taste the difference”.  Chicken strips are the most popular menu item, along with the strawberry BBQ dipping sauce and his own “secret sauce” recipe.  Other offerings include onion strings, fries, mac and cheese, and donuts—and a “family feast” .

Next time you are craving comfort food, stop in Strip’s Chicken at 85th and Wornall.  Hours are 11am-8pm, Monday through Saturday. 

Waldo Home Sales Report-Aug 2020

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Waldo home sales are remarkably steady comparing the year-to-date figures…but in August, sold prices were way up! Here are the stats, using the street boundaries of Gregory to 85th St and State Line to Holmes, single family homes:

August 2020August 2019
Median list price: $241,200$222,400
Median sales price: $252,000$217,750
No. of homes sold: 34 38
Days on market; 5 5

In August of this year, sold prices were up over 4% of list price and 15% more than in August 2019. Homes are going under contract very quickly. Here are the year-to-date numbers:

Jan-Aug 2020Jan-Aug 2019
Median list price: $224,475$228,450
Median sales price: $229,950$228,000
No. of homes sold: 252 254
Days on market: 4 8

You can see that the median sales price is just about the same as last year, as is the number of homes sold. The highest closed price so far this year in Waldo is $520,000 and the lowest is $42,000. Currently there are 31 active listings in Waldo, with a median list price of $225,000 and 24 days on market.

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

Waldo Home Sales Report-July 2020

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Ah…I am a bit late in posting these stats, my apologies! When the days can all seem the same….my schedule isn’t as rigid! As for the report, can the Waldo market get any tighter for buyers?!?! It is frustrating, having to bid against several other buyers for new listings. Prices continue to rise due to lack of inventory and high demand.

July 2020July 2019
Median list price: $199,950$234,000
Median sales price: $214,000$241,000
No. of homes sold: 46 37
Days on market: 2 3

As you can see from the days on market number, homes are going under contract within 48 hours of listing. Although the median price is 11% lower than last July, the closed price is way above the list price. Below are the YTD figures:

Jan-July 2020Jan-July 2019
Median list price: $215,000$228,450
Median sales price: $225,500$228,000
No. of homes sold: 210 206
Days on market: 4 8

Prices are down YTD from 2019, just a bit, it’s still very much a sellers’ market. Buyers need to get into new listings the day they hit the market to take a look, because there are just not homes for sale to meet demand. Currently, there are 11 single family homes for sale in Waldo, with a median list price of $215,000 and 29 days on market.

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

Brookside Home Sales Report-July 2020

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We are in the dog days of summer, my friends, and I’m still busy helping buyers and sellers with residential real estate! Usually, mid August to mid September is a slow period, with late summer vacations, back to school preparations, the Labor Day holiday. But this is not a normal year and so many homes in our area continue to go under contract within a few days of listing. Here’s the stats for July 2020 for single family homes in Brookside, and a year-to-date comparison:

July 2020 July 2019
Median list price: $425,000$377,500
Median sales price: $425,000$370,000
No. of homes sold: 33 36
Days on market: 5 20

Last month, a buyer paid over asking price for a $1million+ home! Usually the more expensive properties sit for several weeks; this one went for $115K over asking price! As you can see, sellers were getting at or above asking price for their homes.

And here’s where we are YTD:

Jan-July 2020Jan-July 2019
Median list price: $387,475$389,950
Median sales price: $393,750$382,500
No. of homes sold: 152 190
Days on market: 8 24

Although fewer homes have sold so far this year (partly due to the pandemic, I’m sure–sellers deciding not to move); homes are selling faster and running about 1.6% over list price compared to last July. We’ve had two $1million+ homes close this year, and overall, prices are up almost 3%.

Currently there are 22 homes for sale in Brookside, with an average list price of $974,000 and 65 days on market. That average price is so high because half of the homes for sale are priced at over one million dollars.

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