This is my first blog post in several days, and since then the Corona virus has taken over our everyday lives. I plan to continue to post home sales stats; as far as reporting on new businesses and events in the Brookside/Waldo area–that news is on hold, since most of it right now consists of shops and restaurants shutting down. I know our neighbors and residents will support our local businesses as much as possible as we get through this day to day. Please patronize CurbsideKC ! Here are the February home sales stats for Brookside, using the zip code 64113 for stats:
February 2020 February 2019
Median list price: $359,975 $374,999
Median sales price: $354,500 $355,000
No. of homes sold: 16 13
Days on market: 43 76
Closed sales prices were virtually unchanged from a year ago, and a few more homes sold. Now let’s compare year-to-date figures:
Jan-Feb 2020 Jan-Feb 2019
Median list price: $369,900 $374,999
Median sales price: $370,000 $355,000
No. of homes sold: 23 23
Days on market: 44 76
So far this year, sellers are getting very close to asking price — and we are still seeing multiple offers on some properties. That may change as the economy continues to slide downward. Currently there are 24 active single family homes for sale in Brookside, with a median list price of $527,500 and 37 days on market. Six homes are priced over one million dollars; half are over $500.,000.
In the upcoming weeks, the sales numbers will reflect any big changes in the market and I will report my thoughts as well!
(All stats taken from Heartland MLS; deemed reliable but not guaranteed.)
So here’s how it works: bring in your jar, bucket, bottle, whatever (you can also purchase them at the store or take from the donated containers basket) and browse the shop, filling up on what you need: there are cleansers for your face/ body, laundry, and home. Weigh the contents on the scale and pay by the ounce—you can purchase as little as one ounce of product just to give it a trial run at home, or stock up large jugs to last several months. All soaps have no artificial scents and many are allergen free. There is also a “house brand” line of products that are mixed in Springfield. Annie and Adam also carry several essential oils if you do want to scent the soaps you buy. Both are very customer service oriented and will walk you through the options as to what would work best for your specific cleaning needs. This shop is perfect for your own personal shopping or to purchase special, unique scented gifts for friends and family. And of course, it’s very environmentally friendly!
Anne says ” We firmly believe that what we are doing is making a difference. We just want to be a utility for those who are already trying to make less impact on the planet. In less than two years our three shops together have kept over 30,000 containers out of the landfills, waterways, and even recycling centers.”
First, a little background on the house: Richard Wornall purchased the 500 acres of farmland in 1843, stretching from State Line to Main St and 59th to 67th Streets, taking out a loan of $2500. (These days that amount isn’t even a down payment on a Brookside home!) He and his family first lived in a cabin on the homestead until the house was built. They farmed the land, selling grain and animals in Westport. Eventually, Richard and Judith’s sons, John and Thomas, inherited the property. Soldiers took over the house during the Civil War and used it as a field hospital as the Battle of Westport was taking place nearby (in present day Loose Park). Pieces of land were sold off through the years, and finally, John Wornall’s third wife, Roma, sold the remaining 150 acres to JC Nichols. In 1963, the property was purchased by the Jackson County Historical Society and is now a free standing, non profit entity in conjunction with the Alexander Majors House at 8201 State Line Road.
This long time, locally owned business was what Waldo was all about: area folks who started a business from scratch, grew into a respected institution and earned a well deserved reputation for excellent customer service. Dave and his wife Bette ran the shop at 7432 Wornall for over fifty years. Dave started out with a few lamps and a willingness to learn by doing. Slowly, the business grew and the store expanded, with local guys who liked to tinker with parts helped out the owners. Bette added home decor to the huge inventory of lampshades and bases. Dave could make a lamp out of just about anything –customers came by with sentimental pieces such as an old bottle, toy, a piece of sports equipment or musical instrument and Dave would get to work, fashioning a unique, workable table or floor lamp. If you just needed a part, or a lamp repair–Dave and Bette were there as well, ready to help and tackle the job. Through the years, both were active in the Waldo business association, participating in promotions and neighborhood events. 
Inside Brookside (And Waldo) 