Brookside Shops Host Summer Sale Today Through Saturday

Posted on August 20, 2020 by Mary Hutchison

It’s a bonus sale! You may remember that Brookside hosted it’s annual Sidewalk Sale last month–starting today, there is another sale you can take advantage of: the Brookside Summer Sale!

Beginning today, Aug 20, 2020 through Saturday–many shops and restaurants are offering special discounts, clearance items and some dining deals. Participating stores include COCO, LEOPOLD Gallery, LadyBye, Brookside Toy and Science, Brookside Party Warehouse, The Roasterie and Michael Forbes. Check www.brooksidekc.org for a complete list, and details on the coloring contest.

Remember to wear your mask and respect each store’s social distancing policy. Thank you for supporting our locally owned Brookside and Waldo businesses!

South of Summit Taco Joint (has been) Open in Waldo

Posted on August 13, 2020 by Mary Hutchison

One of my favorite Waldo restaurants is Summit Grill. In the Before Times, I would often take clients there for lunch, or meet friends for happy hour. They have an extensive menu, prepare their own salad dressings on site (very important to me!) and have the best French Dip sandwich I’ve tasted in KC. The food is always fresh and the service is good. Hubby and I went there recently for an early dinner.

Anyway, I was excited to hear the same owners opened up South of Summit Taqueria and Tequila right next door, in the former Summit Grill events space. I visited this new taco spot in early March, all ready to post a blog about it–then BAM, the Shutdown. Posting it now!

South of Summit is a smaller space than Summit Grill, with an open and casual vibe. The servers wear tee shirts that state Viva Waldo! printed on the back–gotta love the Waldo pride! After examining the menu, there are a couple of things to point out: all tacos are priced under $4, and sides are just $2-$4. The taco shells are made fresh in house, and can include a crispy melted cheese, grilled on the flat top. There are larger main dish items as well, including an enchilada and burrito. I appreciate the smaller portions–so you can have just one taco and a side–as well as a larger, full meal. If you are a tequila lover– South of Summit has a huge selection ! Happy hour happens every day from 3-6, featuring $4 house margaritas, $3 beers and a several half price appetizers plus discounted tacos. Dine in service is back; there is also a shaded outdoor patio. And you can order online for pick up.

South of Summit is open seven days a week, at 516 W 75th St, just west of 75th and Wornall.

summit patio

Armour Hills Home Sales Report-June 2020

Posted on August 6, 2020 by Mary Hutchison

I am a bit late posting the June stats for Armour Hills homes sales…it’s already August! Still, time is moving slowly these days…but home sales are still very strong in Brookside. Here’s the report:

June 2020	June 2019
Median list price: $334,900	$329,000
Median sales price: $347,750	$329,000
No. of homes sold: 8	9
Days on market: 22	24

Five homes closed at or over asking price in June 2020. One home sold —for $35,000 over the list price!!! Another sold for $22,600 over ask price. It’s an out of control bidding war at times in Brookside and Waldo these days. Now let’s look at year-to-date numbers:

Jan-June 2020	Jan-June 2019
Median list price: $349,900	$343,700
Median sales price: $342,500	$343,325
No. of homes sold: 37	44
Days on market: 10	24

Median sales price is running just a smidge behind where we were last year at this

time. The number of homes sold is lower; homes going under contract quicker. There is still a lot of demand, despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Will home sales fall as we get into the colder months of the year as they usually do? I think so; it will be interesting to see if prices are lower as well. So much depends on the condition of the home, no matter what time of year.

Currently there are seven active listings in Armour Hills, with a median list price of $359,900 and 13 days on market. Contact me if I can help you with any real estate needs!

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

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Waldo Home Sales Report-June 2020

Posted on July 29, 2020 by Mary Hutchison

Demand for single family homes in the Waldo area is not slowing down…even with a pandemic going on! Prices keep rising; buyers often pay over list price for homes. Here are the stats for June, using the closed sales in the street boundaries of State Line to Holmes and Gregory to 85th St:

June 2020	June 2019
Median list price: $230,000	$217,500
Median sales price: $244,000	$215,000
No. of homes sold: 43	40
Days on market: 2	7

Buyers are paying over list price; an average of 6% ! And as you can see, most homes are going under contract within 48 hours of hitting the market. WOW. Let’s see what the year-to-date trend is:

Jan-June 2020	Jan-June 2019
Median list price: $222,500	$222,500
Median sales price: $228,200	$219,500
No. of homes sold: 167	176
Days on market: 5	10

YTD, Waldo home prices are up about 4% compared to 2019, and are going under contract quickly. Currently there are 21 active single family homes listed, with a median price of $325,000 and ten days on market. Prices range from $195,000 to $555,000.

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

Brookside Home Sales Report-June 2020

Posted on July 21, 2020 by Mary Hutchison

We are halfway through 2020, and despite the ongoing pandemic, Brookside home values are up–and down. Looking at monthly comparison (June 2020 to June 2019), prices are higher. There was a dip in the YTD figures. Here are the details, checking single family home sales in the main Brookside zip code of 64113:

June 2020	June 2019
Median list price: $424,900	$369,000
Median sales price: $420,000	$370,000
No. of homes sold: 27	31
Days on market: 8	11

Last month, prices were up 13.5% over June 2019. Eleven homes listed at over $500,000 closed, and just a few less homes sold this year. Let’s take a look at the year-to-date numbers:

Jan-June 2020	Jan-June 2019
Median list price: $379,000	$395,000
Median sales price: $378,000	$389,807
No. of homes sold: 119	154
Days on market: 10	28

Home values are down 3% compared to 2019. Note, however, during the first half of 20919 there were seven $1million+ homes that closed; this year just one so far. Also, 22% fewer homes sold but I think that’s because of COVID 19. Many sellers decided to delay, or not list during the usually busy spring season. We are seeing more homes hit the market now. Interest rates are so low –below 3%!–that I think sales in the $500K and under category could be very strong for the next few months.

Currently there are 30 active single family homes for sale in Brookside; 13 of those are priced over $1,000,000.

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

New Shop “Homesong Market” Now Open in Brookside

Posted on July 15, 2020 by Mary Hutchison

Brookside is known for browsing…leisurely walks through the shopping district, stopping here and there to check out the unique clothing, jewelry, art and everyday necessities. And we have a new store to tell you about today: Homesong Market , at 6213 Oak St.

Owner Amanda Waters is promoting not just products here, but a lifestyle: her philosophy states that “homemaking is heartshaping” – as you create and nurture your home and family, you can realize a simpler and more sustainable lifestyle by using well made, earth friendly and natural products. This shop is full of items you use everyday: laundry baskets, linens, produce bags, candles, stylish dog collars/leashes, incense, kitchen and gardening tools and much more. Best sellers include the baskets, Noah bells, and cleaning products. Amanda personally knows all the brands she sources, both overseas and domestic companies.

How did Homesong come about? Like so many small businesses—at the dining room table! Amanda is a blogger, and writes about homemaking. “I’ve always had a passion about homemaking; about creating a nurturing environment for our family. “ She decided to sell some of the products she uses in her own home as readers would ask about them. She started a website, filling orders and shipping from the family compound (Amanda is a mother of four) and finally decided she wanted her own space. At Homesong Market, just about all of the products on her website are on display in the store and for sale; it’s also used as a staging spot for shipping (she will ship overseas); and there is room in the back for upcoming (when possible) special events and workshops for the public on candle making, crafts for kids, whatever creative idea she comes up with! Another unique thing about the store is all of the actual displays (tables, shelves, chairs, etc) are second hand finds and most are available for purchase. She also hosts a flea market online sale on the first Friday of every month.

Homesong Market is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am-5pm at 6213 Oak, just south of the new Brookside Barkery location. Stop in for a browse soon!

Brookside Sidewalk Sale/Shred Event July 9-11, 2020

Posted on July 8, 2020 by Mary Hutchison

Supporting our local merchants is more important than ever at this time…please considering checking out the annual Brookside Sidewalk Sale this weekend! Many shops will be offering special discounts and sales–some eateries as well–starting Thursday July 9 through Saturday July 11. A partial list of participants include 5B&Co Candlemakers, Tuesday Morning, Lady Bye, COCO Brookside and Charlie Hooper’s.

Also on Saturday is the annual Brookside Shred Event. A paper shredding truck will be stationed in the parking lot behind Jalapeno’s starting at 8am. Limit of two boxes of paper per household for shredding.

Thank you for supporting our local businesses and remember to WEAR A MASK when shopping!

Waldo Home Sales Report-May 2020

Posted on June 30, 2020 by Mary Hutchison

The pandemic has not slowed down Waldo home sales or prices! There is still a lot of demand from buyers looking in this area. Homes are selling fast too, often with multiple offers. Here are the stats, using the Waldo area from State Line to Holmes/Gregory to 85th St:

May 2020 May 2019

Median list price: $269,900 $232,500

Median sales price: $257,500 $232,500

No. of homes sold: 37 40

Days on market: 5 5

That’s a hefty 10.5% increase from a year ago regarding sales price; however looking at the YTD numbers will tell us more. Overall, neighboring Brookside prices are slipping compared to a year ago but in Waldo, still on the upward trend:

Jan-May 2020 Jan-May 2019

Median list price: $219,950 $229,950

Median sales price: $226,000 $222,897

No. of homes sold: 125 132

Days on market: 12 13

So far this year, many sellers are getting an average of 2.75% over asking price for their Waldo homes; and houses are under contract within two weeks. Currently there are 14 single family homes for sale in Waldo, with an average list price of $339,925 and 16 days on market. One reason for the high average list price is the four brand new homes under construction on the 7700 block of Kenwood–all priced over $350K.

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

Armour Hills Home Sales Report-May 2020

Posted on June 24, 2020 by Mary Hutchison

Interesting report here neighbors, for Armour Hills homes sales last month. Prices are down, but buyers are still offering list price-or above! Here are the details:

May 2020 May 2019

Median list price: $352,500 Median list price: $365,000

Median sales price: $352,500 Median sales price: $359,000

No. of homes sold: 19 No. of homes sold: 12

Days on market: 4 Days on market: 8

With the list and sales price being the same–you know most sellers are getting asking price. Three homes that sold in Armour Hills last month closed at $20,000 over list price-wow! Here are the year-to-date numbers:

Jan-May 2020 Jan-May 2019

Median list price: $349,900 Median list price: $357,500

Median sales price: $342,500 Median sales price: $355,500

No. of homes sold: 29 No. of homes sold: 34

Days on market: 10 Days on market: 24

Values are down almost 4% compared to last year; fewer homes sold, in a shorter amount of time. Our highest closed price in 2020 is $486,000 and lowest is $260,000. Currently there are just two homes listed in Armour Hills, with a median price of $317,475 and 80 days on market.

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

Geo’s Cheese Now Open in Waldo

Posted on June 17, 2020 by Mary Hutchison

Geo’s Cheese in Waldo 221 E Gregory

During these warm, humid summer nights, it’s just too hot to cook. It’s easy to make a light meal of cheese, fresh bread, salami and wine..does that sound tasty? One of our new neighborhood shops is ready to help—Geo’s Cheese has opened at 221 E Gregory Blvd!

Owner Spencer Woodard is a wholesaler by trade, owning Geo’s Foods. He’s been in the cheese business for fifteen years, was born and raise in Kansas City, and lives in Waldo. Spencer says he’s always wanted to open a gourmet cheese place in Kansas City, and after looking at a few other locations, decided on this spot at the corner of McGee and Gregory. “The word ‘cheese’ draws so many people” he explained. “ I always thought Kansas City needed a cheese shop. We love the neighborhood and being here, everyone is so supportive.”

Geo's cheese display

There are SO many kinds of cheese here. Spencer says what sets this store apart is the unique assortment, including aged cheddar from 1-15 years, and the competitive prices. I even saw chocolate cheese displayed (!?), cheese curds, and imported cheeses from France, Brazil, Spain and Bulgaria. The shop is full of other goodies too: crackers, specialty mustards and nut mixes, summer sausages, olives, salsas and jellies, chocolate. Within the next several weeks, Spencer plans to add wine for sale and host wine tasting events. Geo’s Facebook page hosts special cheese cooking challenges that have become quite popular!

As with just about every other locally owned Brookside/Waldo retail shop, there is an emphasis on personal service here. Chances are Spencer’s longtime friend Gary Seabaugh will greet you at the door and offer his assistance. If you call ahead, Geo’s will put together a special gift bag of cheeses, crackers, etc you can pick up ready to go. Or just stop in and browse—bring something special home for that last minute meal on a warm night!

Geo’s Cheese is open Monday through Saturday, 10:30am-6pm, at the SW corner of Gregory and McGee.

Inside Brookside (And Waldo)

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

Brookside Shops Host Summer Sale Today Through Saturday

South of Summit Taco Joint (has been) Open in Waldo

Armour Hills Home Sales Report-June 2020

Thank you for your response. ✨

Waldo Home Sales Report-June 2020

Brookside Home Sales Report-June 2020

New Shop “Homesong Market” Now Open in Brookside

Brookside Sidewalk Sale/Shred Event July 9-11, 2020

Waldo Home Sales Report-May 2020

Armour Hills Home Sales Report-May 2020

Geo’s Cheese Now Open in Waldo