This is going to be a quick blog, as I start 2020 reporting home stats. I will just be posting January numbers with comparisons to 2019–as there is no YTD figures until next month.
So, here are the figures for single family home sales in Brookside, using the zip code of 64113:
January 2020 January 2019
Median list price: $415,000 $350,000
Median sales price: $400,000 $339,000
No. of homes sold: 7 10
Days on market: 44 31
Prices took a significant jump but with so few homes selling, I think the more expensive homes went under contract last month. Fewer homes did close compared to last January, and they sat on the market longer. As we get into the warmer weather, more listings will come on –and more sales will follow!
Currently there are 22 active listings, with a median list price of $519,450 and 87 days on market. Prices range from $289,000 to $7.7 million. Half of the homes for sale are at $500,000 or higher; six priced over $1 million.
(All stats taken from Heartland MLS; deemed reliable but not guaranteed.)
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. 
Although this can be the most boring time of year……there’s always 
