Spring Events in the Brookside/Waldo Area

Posted on April 11, 2013 by Mary Hutchison

As we get into the warmer weather, the calendar fills up with happenings in the Brookside/Waldo area! I’ve listed the upcoming major events here for reference:

Brookside Farmers’ Market

Opening day this year is April 20, 8:00am-1:00pm at 63rd and Wornall, Border Star School. The market is open every Saturday.

Waldo Farmers Market

Opening day is May 1, 3:00pm-7:00pm on 79th St, one block east of Wornall next to Habitat ReStore. This market is open every Wednesday.

25th Annual Trolley Run

April 28 at 7:45am, starts 75th and Wornall and ends on the Plaza. Major Brookside roads will be closed that morning north to the Plaza; expect traffic delays.

Brookside Art Fair

May 3-5, hours vary each day, at Brookside Blvd and 63rd St. Please, no rain!

I’ll write more details about each activity in upcoming blogs. I am especially looking forward to the opening of the farmers markets! Thank you for supporting our neighborhood Brookside/Waldo events.

New FHA Loan Requirements Begin April 1, 2013

Posted on March 25, 2013 by Mary Hutchison

As a real estate agent, today’s blog relates to Brookside/Waldo home buyers who plan to use FHA financing. Many buyers often use FHA loans to finance their purchases. Two reasons why: FHA requires the least amount for a down payment: 3.5% of the purchase price of the home, vs 5% for a conventional loan; and it’s easier to get pre-approved for a loan if your credit score is less than what a conventional loan requires. However, starting April 1, 2013, the MIP fee (“‘mortgage insurance premium”) associated with an FHA loan is going up so buyers will be paying more to finance a home purchase using this method. Here are the details:

Currently the MIP fee is 1.25% of the loan amount, and this fee is dropped once 22% equity is gained and the homeowners have paid 5 years on the loan. After April 1, the fee will be 1.35% and this fee is permanent. For example, a $200,000 loan amount today would have a $208 per month MIP fee. These changes mean that after April 1, the fee will be $225 per month, for the life of the loan.

This is a big change for buyers. It means increased monthly payments , regardless of how much equity is earned during ownership. A homeowner can refinance at some point to drop the MIP fee, but this is still a major change for buyers who want to use FHA financing.

Why the increase? FHA is paying millions more regarding loans that have defaulted due to the housing crash. By law, the agency must maintain a certain level of funds–and the balance sheet is way short of what’s needed. So –guess who gets to make up the shortfall because the agency didn’t follow their own guidelines? Homebuyers, mostly first time buyers, just trying to get their piece of the American Dream by purchasing a home. (Yes, I had to make a personal comment here!)

If you are planning a spring home purchase using an FHA loan, contact your lender now for specifics on what this change means for your particular situation. You may want to get under contract before April 1, 2013 if possible to avoid these new fees.

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!

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!

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.)

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!

New Year’s Eve 2012 in Brookside/Waldo

Posted on December 28, 2012 by Mary Hutchison

If you plan to go out on the town to celebrate New Year’s Eve, there are so many places to choose from this year–starting at the River Market, stretching all the way south through Waldo. I find that as I get older, I prefer a smaller, more relaxed gathering. Years ago when I worked at the Hyatt Regency Crown Center, every employee worked the huge New Year’s Eve party. It was a very long but fun evening, looking at all the dressed up guests and crazy dancing. I saw some wild behavior on those nights!

Back to what’s happening in the Brookside/Waldo area. Here’s a few options to consider:

Julian is serving dinner at 5,7 and 9pm with a pre-set menu. Call for reservations.
Avenues Bistro has a special menu, reservations recommended.
Charlie Hooper’s is a good spot to stop in for a casual bite to eat and New Year’s toast. If you live in Brookside, you’ll probaby run into someone you know while you are there!

Bier Station will be open! First night of service is December 29, so no special packages are planned for December 31. Be one of the first to check out this new, locally owned specialty beer bar.

The hot new restaurant Louie’s Wine Dive features live music and appetizers for $20 per person. The Well will be packed with partiers; for $20, dance to three DJ’s and enjoy a champagne toast at midnight.

Finally, everyone is welcome to watch the ball drop at the Waldo monument, 75th and Wornall. Meet there just before midnight and ring in the new year with your Waldo/Brookside nieghbors!

If you do plan to party on Monday night…be safe!

Holiday Gift Ideas from the Brookside Shops

Posted on December 17, 2012 by Mary Hutchison

It’s one week before Christmas and you may be looking at your list, in a panic, wondering what you can give that someone who is ‘difficult to buy for’. Don’t spend hours wandering around a mall–so stressful, crowded, generic and often poor service. Shop Brookside…it’s so easy and there is something for everyone within walking distance of a few blocks.

The Brookside shops along 63rd St

The weather is mild so park the car and walk to all the shops and services. To get you started, I’ve compiled a shortlist of gift ideas to inspire you! Most Brookside shops are locally owned and operated, many offer free gift wrap and all will give you friendly service.

For the women in your life, you can’t go wrong with something from Stuff, World’s Window, Fiddly Fig, 5B&Co. Candlemakers. Unique jewelry, a pretty scarf, scented soaps and lotions, special holiday dishes, towels or home decor, fragrant candles–all this and more in any of these shops. At Element, pamper her with a massage, facial, yoga class or other wellness services.

For the guys…usually a little harder to buy for. A sample of various beers or wines from Berbiglia might do the trick, or some specialty foods from Bella Napoli. World’s Window sells men’s clothing, or you might find something at Tuesday Morning. Perhaps a special blend of coffee or a gift card from The Roasterie? It seems like many men don’t like to buy for themselves, so splurging on something they don’t expect (but appreciate) is fun.

Buying gifts for kids gets you in the spirit of the season! I love the travel, board and card games at Brookside Toy and Science, and the massive book selection at Reading Reptile. How about stuffing several art and craft supplies in a plastic bin as a gift? Stop in The New Dime Store for markers, poster board, glitter, glue, paper,clay, etc.

If there’s a baby on your list..or one on the way, Lauren Alexander stocks upscale keepsakes, bedding and clothing for the youngest ones. And remember Brookside Barkery and Bath, for the pets in the family.

Finally, what person doesn’t like a gift card to a restaurant? We all tire of cooking and long for someone else to wait on us occasionally! Avenues Bistro, Carmen’s Cafe, Blue Grotto, Charlie Hoopers, Michael Forbes Grill, Julian–these are just a few of the casual dining options in Brookside that offer gift cards. Or Cosentino’s offers tasty hot meals for take out every night.

The Brookside Story

If you know someone who just moved to Brookside, or has moved away, I suggest a Brookside Art Fair tee shirt or banner, or a copy of The Brookside Story. These items can be purchased at Southtown Council, 6814 Troost–just a short drive from the Brookside shops on 6rd St.

Talking about all these great shops and restaurants makes me want to go out shopping for myself! Spend some time shopping in Brookside this week..you’ll find great gifts and have a good time browsing along the streets. Happy holidays!

Inside Brookside (And Waldo)

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

Category Archives: Waldo Community News