Welcome Flatiron Blow Dry Bar to Waldo

Posted on January 12, 2016 by Mary Hutchison

Flatiron District Blow Dry Bar, 7108 Wornall in Waldo

Finally, Waldo and Brookside has its own blow dry bar! The Flatiron District Blow Dry Bar opened in a few months ago at 7108 Wornall. I recently stopped by to check out the shop and talk with the owner Jayme Brassell.

Blow dry bars are very popular on the east and west coasts. They are a throwback to the traditional ‘beauty shop’ in the 1950s and 60s. Women would come in once a week, get their hair ‘done’ for the week, chat with friends and neighbors and pamper themselves a bit! The Flatiron Blow Dry Bar has the same goal, but with an updated, more urban vibe. Here you can get a wash, blow dry and style that will last several days says Jayme. No more washing and styling every single day! The stylists use all organic shampoo and conditioner, and special styling techniques to keep your hair looking and feeling fresh for several days. The process takes about 45 minutes, and includes a glass of champagne or mimosa (this is a ‘bar’ after all!) and a mini massage. Waxing and make up services are also available. Prices vary depending on the hair style and special packages/memberships are available.

Stylist Karlye Buff, left and shop owner Jayme Brassell, right

Jayme moved to KC in an unusual way…she and her husband were living in New York City and she was pregnant with baby #3. They decided to get out of New York and googled ‘best places to raise a family’. Kansas City came out on top of that list–so they picked up and moved here, purchasing a home in old Leawood. That was five years ago. Jayme’s shop was initially in Overland Park, but the atmosphere wasn’t quite right. Waldo fits the neighborhood feel and urban vibe she wanted. The local neighbors are very supportive, business is good and she loves meeting all the eclectic people who wander in.

The decor in the shop reflects Jayme’s love of NYC–you’ll see a subway map, Playbill covers, and New York magazines among the shabby chic furnishings. She also offers a few items from Fishs Eddy (her favorite NYC shop) for purchase, and has handmade jewelry and some RenWalla accessories on consignment. . It’s a very comfortable and friendly atmosphere–you feel relaxed as soon as you walk in!

For an appointment at Flatiron District Blow Dry Bar, you can call or text 913 972 1400 or book directly at facebook.com/flatironinwaldo. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10am-6pm, #flatironinwaldo on Instagram.

Thank you for supporting locally owned businesses in Waldo and Brookside!

Waldo Home Sales Report-Nov 2015

Posted on December 29, 2015 by Mary Hutchison

It’s almost the end of 2015…time for one more blog reporting home sales for Waldo. Higher sales prices and more units sold…that’s what’s been happening all year in Wonderful Waldo. Let’s check the specific single family home sales in the area of State Line to Holmes, and Gregory to 85th St:

In November 2015, 14 homes sold. The median list price was $147,500 and the median sales price was $150,500 with 34 days on market. The lowest closed sales price was $68,000 and the highest was $285,000.

In November 2014, 25 homes sold. The median list price was $125,000 and the median sales price was $140,000 with 49 days on market.

Note the sold price was a little higher than list price. Sellers are getting very close to their asking price; and buyers could be adding closing costs to the price of the home.

Checking year to date figures:

From January through November 2015, 374 homes have sold with a median list price of $154,950 and a median sales price of $152,000 with 34 days on market.

From January through November 2014, 343 homes had sold with a median list price of $145,000 and a median sales price of $142,000 and 49 days on market.

We’ve already surpassed number of units sold over last year, and prices are trending higher.

Currently, there are 52 active listings in Waldo, with an average sales price of $123,450 and 71 days on market. Next month I will report total 2015 sales for Waldo…it has been a good year!

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

New Businesses Coming to Brookside/Waldo

Posted on March 9, 2015 by Mary Hutchison

A brief blog today with information on two new businesses coming to Brookside and Waldo….

Future Site of BKS Nails

The former James Hallmark shop at 6245 Brookside Blvd, vacant for over two years now, will soon house BKS Nails, a salon offering manicures, pedicures and waxing services. Owners of this shop also own and operate Plaza Nails (on the Country Club Plaza) and Oak Nails (across from the UMKC admin building). Look for this shop to open next month.

Do you remember PIzza Manifesto? That short-lived pizza joint opened last year next to the Chipotle at 75th and Washington, just west of Wornall. It was recently announced that Pizzeria Locale will be going into that space at 505 W 75th St. This ‘fast casual’ restaurant will offer built your own 11” Neapolitan-style pizzas, along with a few salads and sides options. Pizzeria Locale started in with locations in Denver and Boulder, then formed a partnership with Chipotle. The KC location will be the first outside of Colorado.

No word yet on an official opening date for the eagerly awaited Heirloom Bakery and Hearth at the corner of 63rd St and Oak…

Waldo Home Prices Rise – Jan 2015

Posted on March 4, 2015 by Mary Hutchison

Although the cold winter weather that won’t seem to leave… house hunters are out, snatching up homes in the Waldo area. In 2014, Waldo home prices rose 2.89%–to a median sales price of $144,000 with 46 days on market, and 330 homes changed ownership. Let’s look at the January 2015 home sales stats for Waldo–I am using the street boundaries of State Line east to Holmes, and Gregory south to 85th St:

In January 2015, 15 homes sold with a median list price of $147,500 and a median sales price of $151,000 with 46 days on market.

In January 2014, 15 homes sold with a median list price of $132,500 and a median sales price of $129,500 with 87 days on market.

Why was the sales price higher than the list price ? A few reasons: there could have been multiple offers on the property; the buyer may have financed some closing costs into the loan by adding to the list price; or some other type of negotiation regarding repairs following inspections. The takeaway here is that buyers are willing to pay the initial list price–or very close to it–for the best homes that come on the market. Comparing the numbers, home values up 11% over last year.

Overall, Waldo homes sales are off to a strong start in 2015! Currently there are 29 single family homes for sale in Waldo (the boundaries I described above) with a median list price of $144,900 and 41 days on market.

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

ReStart Inc Sponsoring New Apartments in Waldo

Posted on February 10, 2015 by Mary Hutchison

ReStart Inc, is an organization dedicated to helping homeless men, women and families in need, helping them transition to an independent lifestyle. Using funds supplied by HUD and others, they are building a small apartment complex in Waldo at 76th and Washington.

Fourteen one bedroom apartments will be available to young adults, aged 18-24, who have aged out of the foster care system. There will be a live in, on site resident manager. ReStart wanted a central location for this project, the first of it’s kind in Kansas City, so the tenants would be close to businesses for services and job opportunities, plus easy access to bus service. Some Waldo homeowners are concerned about the effect this building may have on their property values.

A meeting to discuss the project is scheduled for March 14 at 10am at the Waldo public library.

Waldo Home Values Rise in 2014

Posted on January 29, 2015 by Mary Hutchison

Wonderful Waldo! Overall, home prices rose in this area last year. Waldo has always been a popular place to live, and I think even more so lately as we’ve had so many locally owned new businesses move into Waldo. Let’s look at single family home sales for Waldo, comparing 2013 to 2014; and we’ll start with stats for December. The boundaries I’m using are State Line east to Holmes, and Gregory south to 85th St.

In December 2014, 23 homes sold with a median sales price of $170,000 and 30 days on market.

In December 2013, 28 homes sold with a median sales price of $148,000 and 39 days on market.

Comparing these two months, prices were way up in December 2014 compared to the previous year. Now we will compare 2014 to 2014 single family home sales:

In 2014, 330 homes have sold with a median price of $144,000 and 46 days on market. The lowest home sales price was $23,000 and the highest was $430,000.

In 2013, 332 homes sold with a median price of $139,500 and 50 days on market. The lowest home sales price was $15,000 and the highest was $372,000.

So, average sales prices in Waldo rose 2.89% in 2014, with about the same number of homes selling in six weeks’ time. Waldo homeowners continue to gain equity lost during the recession, and there is a wide range of prices for homebuyers interested in this area.

Currently there are 36 active single family listings Waldo area, with a median list price of $136,000 and 78 days on market.

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

Who Built That House at 63rd and Oak?

Posted on January 26, 2015 by Mary Hutchison

Last week I stopped by the house that was recently built at 63rd and Oak, across from the 7-11. Many area residents have watched this corner over the past several months, wondering what the house would look like when finished. Fortunately the owners, Stephanie and Bill Kalaherka, designed the outside features to blend in as much as possible with the neighborhood. The family moved in last fall, about four months later than planned (as is typical for a new build job, rarely are they finished on time).

Stephanie and Bill chose to buy this lot to build their ‘forever’ home. They have family in the area and love Brookside. Although they looked at a few resale homes, ultimately they decided they could get exactly what they wanted by starting from scratch. Plus, Bill knew he could install energy-saving features in the new home. Taking advantage of federal and local tax credits, this home has solar panels on the south facing roof, a geo-thermal heating system and thick insulation on the exterior walls in the basement. Although they haven’t lived in the house an entire year to examine the overall cost-effectiveness, Stephanie says it cost about as much to heat this house (3700 SF) during the coldest weeks of winter as it did to heat their old rental home that was much smaller. Inside, the two story house features four bedrooms and three full baths (one bedroom and full bath on the first floor for guests), an office, finished basement with storage area and the popular open floor plan on the first floor. Each of the children’s rooms has a loft above the bedroom and yes, there is a two story stainless steel play slide. There isn’t much of a backyard area, but the owners plan to install a small patio behind the garage. Stephanie is looking forward to spending time on the front porch when the warm weather arrives.

Many shopkeepers from across the street have stopped by to welcome the family to the area. They want to meet as many local residents as they can…so stop by and say hello! The Kalaherkas are settling in and look forward raising their kids…and growing old…inside their brand new Brookside house!

It’s Here–KC Restaurant Week Jan 16-25 2015

Posted on January 15, 2015 by Mary Hutchison

January…the most boring month of the year! The weather is cold, trees are barren and everything outside looks gray and dingy..except for the bright, soft focus sunsets! Hard to muster up the energy to go out after you are settled in at home….

That’s why January is the perfect time for Kansas City Restaurant Week! From Jan 16-25, we have ten days of bargain priced meals at many of KC’s finest restaurants. This is the time to try the pricier spot you may have heard about for the low price of $33 for a three course dinner ($15 for a two course lunch). Many of the eateries are locally owned and and operated; and there are all kinds of cuisine offered–from pizza to boar meat!

All of the participating restaurants donate a portion of their profits to these three organizations: Boys Grow, Children’s Center for the Visually Impaired and Cultivate KC.

Below is a list of the Brookside/Waldo spots offering special menus during the week. You can go to www.kcrestaurantweek.com to see individual restaurant menus, make reservations and see a complete list of all the places throughout the metro area offering the prix fix deals.

75th St Brewery Louie’s Wine Dive

District Pour House and Kitchen Michael Forbes Bar and Grill

Julian Waldo Pizza

Lew’s Grill and Bar The Well

Thank you for supporting KC Restaurant Week! Reservations fill up fast so make yours today!

Heirloom Bakery Plans March 2015 Opening

Posted on January 12, 2015 by Mary Hutchison

Happy 2015! I took a vacation from blogging over the past few weeks…just relaxed and enjoyed the holidays with family and friends. Saw some movies, baked a lot, indulged in those special treats you feast on once a year, and indulged in a few post Christmas sales. I hope your holidays were a special time as well. Speaking of baking….

Heirloom Hearth and Bakery, under construction at 63rd and Brookside

Heirloom Bakery and Hearth, under construction at 63rd and Brookside

The topic for my first blog of 2015 was going to be an interview with the owners of Heirloom Bakery and Hearth, at the corner of Oak and 63rd St (401 E 63rd). For a while there was a sign on the corner, announcing a Fall 2014 opening…but you know how these things can get delayed! I contacted owners Kate and Scott inviting them for a chat, and they suggested I get back in touch in several weeks–they now hope to open in March. Brookside neighbors are really looking forward to this place–and I’m also excited this corner is turning into an attractive retail shop after years of being an eyesore!

In the meantime, you can buy their delicious homemade breads and sweets nearby at Season and Square, 6205 Oak, or Thou Mayest Coffee Roasters, 419 E 18th St. Contact Kate and Scott Meinke at the website.

Blogs coming up within the next two weeks include a recap of Brookside/Waldo housing stats for 2014 and information on KC’s Restaurant Week!

Waldo November 2014 Home Sales Report

Posted on December 23, 2014 by Mary Hutchison

As we head towards the end of the year, Waldo home sales have remained very consistent with last year–and prices are up! Let’s look at the stats for Waldo single family home sales for November 2014, along with a comparison to last year: The area I am focusing on is single family home sales between State Line east to Holmes, and Gregory south to 85th St.

In November 2014, 22 homes sold with a median list price of $125,000 and a sales price of $124,950 with 36 days on market. The lowest home sale price was $41,000 and the highest was $235,000.

In November 2013, 21 homes sold with a median list price of $129,000 and a sales price of $125,000 with 58 days on market. The lowest home sale was $32,000 and the highest was $247,500.

Comparing these two months, the numbers are virtually the same. Homes sold almost two weeks faster this year than last. Here are the year-to-date figures:

From January – November 2014, 308 homes have sold with a median price of $143,000 and 48 days on market.

From January – November 2013, 301 homes sold with a median price of $133,800 and 50 days on market.

Average sales prices are up in Waldo, and about the same number of homes are selling. This is great news as the housing market continues to regain some of the value lost during the housing crash. Currently there are 42 single family homes for sale in this Waldo area, with a median list price of $144,900 and 76 days on market. Next month I will compare December figures and the important year end report. Happy Holidays to everyone!