Waldo Farmers Market Opens May 1, 2013

Posted on April 30, 2013 by Mary Hutchison

Waldo Farmers Market

Now in it’s third year, the Waldo’s Farmers’ Market is preparing to open for the season this week: Wednesday May 1, 2013. It’s located one block east of 79th and Wornall next to Habitat ReStore and the hours are 3pm-7pm every Wednesday.

I view the Waldo Farmers’ Market as the little sibling of the Brookside Farmers’ Market–a bit smaller, grungier and casual then it’s neighbor to the north. Here you will find the usual organic and sustainably grown vegetables, meat, eggs, cheese, jams, honey, flowers, body products and herbs. However, the Waldo market offers a couple of unique items: this year you can buy H and C handcrafted ice cream or try organic barbecue from Smokin’ Fresh Streetside BBQ–including vegan options (that sounds interesting!). One stop at this market on the way home from work and you can pick up ingredients for a delicious dinner in just a few minutes.

Check out the Waldo Farmers Market website for more info, or look for their Facebook page. A portion of the vendor fees go to Habitat ReStore. Remember to bring a bag for your purchases, cash for easy transactions and pets are ok if they are on a leash. Thank you for supporting Waldo!

Home for Sale in Waldo–Oh So Cute and Move In Ready!

Posted on April 29, 2013 by Mary Hutchison

7734 Oak in Waldo

I sell homes in all sorts of price ranges…and this new listing at 7734 Oak in Waldo is a real value for the price. At $115,000–you can own this home and built equity in stead of paying someone else’s house payment through renting!

Located in the heart of Waldo, the home has been very well maintained. It’s a 1.5 story floor plan, with two bedrooms and a full bath on the first floor; and a bedroom, plus a bonus room and half bath on the second level. Both baths are updated; fresh colors throughout the interior.

Note the large living room and separate dining area just off the kitchen. Classic white cabinets and plenty of counter space make cooking a pleasure here! The laundry area is conveniently located on the main level.

Living room area

There’s a spacious deck in the backyard, which is surrounded by a privacy fence. Other features you will appreciate: thermal windows, newer furnace and heat pump; gutter guards, lots of closet space; new carpet throughout the home; security system and private driveway.

Desireable location close to Ward Parkway Shopping Center, Brookside, the Trolley Track Trail and on a bus route.

This home is ideal for a first time buyer or someone who wants one level living. Contact me if you know someone looking for an updated Waldo home at an affordable price!

Kitchen

Back Deck

Brookside Home Sales Statistics March 2013

Posted on April 24, 2013 by Mary Hutchison

Brookside !

Fellow Brooksiders, our home values continue to rise this year! Average sales price is up about 5% from 2012. Let’s check the numbers for March 2013 single family home sales in the main Brookside zip code of 64113:

In March 2013, 32 homes sold. The average list price was $361,795 and the average sales price was $343,247. Average days on market: 108.

In March 2012, 20 homes sold. The average list price was $315,270 and the average sales price was $302,685. Average days on market: 113.

The average sales price jumped quite a bit compared to last year; also, more homes sold. Days on market were relatively the same.

Let’s compare year-to-date figures:

In the first three months of 2013, 62 homes sold with an average sales price of $324,979 and 86 days on market.

In the first three months of 2012, 40 homes sold with an average sales price of $310,709 and 105 days on market.

More homes are selling, at a higher average price, and in a shorter amount of time.

Currently there are 70 single family homes for sale in zip 64113, with an average price of $720,069 and 95 days on market. The average list price is high because 31 homes are priced over $500K, and ten of the 31 are priced over $1million. The highest priced home for sale right now is at 5550 Ward Parkway at $5.195 million. These figures show us that the moderately priced homes are selling quicker, while the more expensive homes tend to sit on the market longer. Having so many high priced homes for sale pushes up the average sales price.

If you would like specific sales numbers for your neighborhood, email me for a report tailored to your area!

(All figures taken from Heartland MLS and deemed reliable but not guaranteed.)

Armour Hills Home Sales Stats-March 2013

Posted on April 22, 2013 by Mary Hutchison

Armour Hills Homes in Brookside

These home sales statistics for March 2013 show just how hot the real estate market is for Brookside right now! I am reporting Armour Hills stats today, and will write about the Brookside zip of 64113 within the next couple of days. The figures below show a big jump in average sales prices:

In March 2013, six homes sold. Average list price was $275,625 and average sales price was $268,167. Average days on market was 167 days. Two homes sold for over $300K.

In March 2012, four homes sold at an average price of $181,325 and 92 days on the market.

Now let’s compare to year-to-date figures:

In 2013, twelve homes have sold (January through March) at an average price of $264,058 and 114 days on market.

In 2012, seven homes sold the first three months of the year at an average price of $192,900 and 71 days on market.

More homes are selling this year over last. Average prices are way up and will continue to rise as inventory is low, pushing prices higher. The average price of an Armour Hills home in March 2012 was unusually low–this can be attributed to more foreclosures selling last year, and some lower priced, fixxer-upper priced homes going under contract. Although the average days on market is trending longer this year than last–this isn’t something to be alarmed about. The houses that sit are the ones that need lots of work, or are in a foreclosure/short sale situation. I’ve seen several Armour Hills homes go under contract this spring within a few days of being listed.

Rising home prices are good news for sellers and buyers. Buyers can feel confident they are purchasing a home in an area with increasing home values. Our subdivision continues to be a favorite destination for those who want to live in Brookside!

(All figures taken from Heartland MLS and deemed reliable but not guaranteed).

Brookside Farmers’ Market Opens This Saturday!

Posted on April 17, 2013 by Mary Hutchison

A sure sign Spring is finally here…the opening of the Brookside Farmers’ Market! First day of the season this year is Saturday April 20, 2013; hours are 8am-1pm at 63rd and Wornall Road, behind Border Star School.

(The Waldo Farmers Market will open May 1).

Brookside Farmers’ Market in Kansas City

The Brookside Farmers’ Market was started in 2003 and has grown every year. The vendors are local to the Kansas City area, and all the produce is organic. You’ll find vegetables, fruit, herbs, plants; grass fed, organic beef; home made products for your body and whole grain breads and baked goods, with some gluten free offerings. Although we are early in the season, there will be a variety of lettuces, kale, spinach and snow peas at the market this spring.

Farmers and vendors here encourage shoppers to talk about what they are purchasing: where goods are coming from, how they are grown, the various varieties for sale, cooking tips, etc. It’s a friendly, comfortable atmosphere and if you live in Brookside–you will probably run into neighbors shopping at the same time!

Special events this year include Chef Demos on the second Saturday of each month and a Home Gardening Festival on May 11.

More information on vendors can be found at the website. Remember to bring a bag for your goodies and cash is always appreciated for a faster transaction. Thank you for supporting Brookside!

One School Closing, Another School Opens

Posted on April 15, 2013 by Mary Hutchison

I was sad to learn that Christ the King elementary school in Waldo is closing at the end of the school year. Located at 85th and Wornall Road, this school has been an anchor for the neighborhood for almost 70 years. Student enrollment has steadily declined over the past few years and it is no longer financially possible to keep the school open. Fewer than 100 students had enrolled for the 2013-2014 school year.

On a positive note, Hale Cook Elementary is pushing forward with its plans to open in August. Although the first year the school will operate at Hartman Elementary, the Hale Cook building at 73rd and Pennsylvania will be used in the 2014-2015 school year. Hale Cook is a public school, operated by the Kansas City MO school district. It is reopening after ten years not due to the efforts of the school district, but because of community volunteers, lead by Brookside resident Ashley Hand. Ashley and her group realize the importance of having a well managed and education focused school within the neighborhood to serve the families who live nearby. This school will succeed because of strong parent involvement and support.

According to the US Census, 77% of school age children in the 64112 and 64113 zip codes attend private schools. This means their parents or guardians spend thousands of dollars each year on tuition. Having another public elementary school option (besides Border Star) will encourage residents to stay in our area. Currently, many families move to Kansas (or pay for private school) because the KCMO public schools are not accredited.

I don’t think any of the Christ the King school kids will be able to switch to Hale Cook–as Hale Cook is starting with kindergarten classes at first. These parents will be scrambling to find a spot for their young ones next year; there are some options. Christ the King school will be missed in Waldo–just as the opening of Hale Cook is welcome.

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.

Brookside Home Sales Report Feb 2013

Posted on April 8, 2013 by Mary Hutchison

The busy spring home buying season is here, and are very strong so far in 2013. Our Brookside neighborhood is experiencing fast sales and higher average sales prices. Here are the home sales stats for February 2013 and a year-to-date comparison with 2012 for the main Brookside zip code of 64113:

In February 2013, 14 homes sold. The average list price was $368,032 and the average sales price was $356,910. Average days on market: 135.

In February 2012, 11 homes sold. The average list price was $315,286 and the average sales price was $296,289. Average days on market: 144.

Average sales price from one year ago is 20% higher! Days on market is slightly less. This is great news for sellers–home values are increasing, which means your home has more equity.

Let’s compare year-to-date figures:

In the first two months of 2013, thirty homes sold with an average sales price of $305,493 and 102 days on market.

In the first two months of 2012, twenty homes sold with an average sales price of $318,734 and 134 days on market.

Note that the average price for 2013 is a bit less. The reason? More expensive homes sold in 2012 and fewer homes sold, pushing the average price up. In 2013 we’ve had more units sold and fewer days on market–that is the right direction for a healthy market.

Currently there are 80 single family homes for sale in zip 64113, with an average price of $682,126 and 157 days on market. The average list price is very high; usually it is in the lower to mid $300,000 range. However, 30 of the 80 homes currently for sale are priced over $500,000 and ten of the 30 are priced over $1,000,000. There are many ‘upper bracket’ homes for sale which pushes up the average sales price.

If you would like specific sales numbers for your neighborhood, email me for a report tailored to your area!

(All figures taken from Heartland MLS and deemed reliable but not guaranteed.)

Armour Hills Feb 2013 Home Sales Stats

Posted on April 1, 2013 by Mary Hutchison

Armour Hills Homes in Brookside

Home prices are on the rise in Armour Hills! Although it’s officially April, I am just now publishing the February 2013 home sales stats for our neighborhood. It’s good news worth waiting for as average home sales prices are way up:

In February 2013, four homes sold. Average list price was $261,238 and average sales price was $257,375. Average days on market was 79.

In February 2012, one home sold at a price of $195,000 and seven days on the market.

Now let’s compare to year-to-date figures:

For 2013, six homes have sold at an average price of $245,250 and 62 days on market.

In 2012, three homes sold the first two months of the year at an average price of $208,333 and 43 days on market.

These figures represent a big jump in average sales price and number of homes sold–and we are not even into the heavy buying months of April and May. Buyers are out early this year, snapping up the well maintained, updated homes in our area and paying higher prices. I expect this trend to continue the next several months.

Currently there are ten homes for sale in Armour Hills, with an average list price of $245,760 and just 36 days on market. I know of at least three Armour Hills homes that were recently listed and sold within two days! There is a lack of inventory right now, partially due, I think, to the two huge snow storms and spring break vacations.

The housing slump is over!

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

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.

Inside Brookside (And Waldo)

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