Annual Christmas Event in Brookside

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Another family event tonight in Brookside–Christmas in the Park happens Thursday, December 6, at 6pm in the park at 63rd St and Brookside Plaza.

Christmas in the Park, Brookside

Christmas in the Park, Brookside

Plan on stopping by and enjoying some light refreshments as we sing holiday carols and visit with Santa!  Visitors in period costume from the John Wornall House will be there, and don’t forget to enter the drawing for local gift certificates!   You can plan on shopping that evening as well–many merchants will be open and offering special 20% discounts.

Please think of Brookside as you plan your holiday shopping and support our locally owned shops and businesses.   More information at the Brookside website, www.brooksidekc.org

Weatherizing Your Brookside Home–With a Free Energy Audit

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We Brooksiders love our neighborhood, but dislike our non-energy efficient homes.  I’ve read so many articles on how making just a few changes in your older house can make a big difference.  This year I helped energy-conscious Matt and his wife buy a home just off Gregory.  Matt is in the process of an energy audit, and we thought it would be good to write about his experience in the blog. The best thing about this energy audit is  there are two programs that essentially pay for upgrades to weatherize the house!

Matt’s home recently went through  a free energy analysis  with Jon  of Community Energy Heating and Cooling.  (sometimes links don’t work via this blog, irritating!  The site is www.communityehc.com) This process took a few hours and was conducted on a Sunday morning.  Part of this audit resembles a home inspection:  Jon first did a walk around of the exterior of the home, looking for grading at the foundation and leak points.  He measured all  rooms, and then creates a ‘footprint’ of the house using special software so he knows how much cubic square feet he’s working with.  This helps determine the return on investment for the suggested improvements.  Inside the house, John looks for safety issues and pointed out various places where heating/cooling can escape (through the floor joists, attic space, vents, fireplace, etc).  He also did a blower test of the entire house, which pinpoints where the air is leaking out of the structure.  In Matt’s home, the primary air leakage is in the basement on the east wall. Also, his daughter’s room has too large of a return with the vent going into the attic.  A new attic hatch will also keep warm (and cool) air inside the main part of the house.

Currently there are two sources of funding for the energy audit programs available to KCMO residents.  Kansas City Power and Light along with Missouri Gas Energy sponsor the Home Performance with Energy Star program.  This plan will pay $400 for the audit, up to $500 for insulation and up to $400 for air sealant and window upgrade incentives.  The homeowner doesn’t receive cash–the money comes in the form of credit on your gas and electric bills. 

The other fund is handled by EnergyWorks KC. This is a city funded program which expires March 31 next year.  Once the homeowner can verify a 15% drop in energy usage, s/he receives up to $1000 in cash; and another $1000 if there is a 30% energy use savings.  Matt plans to take advantage of both programs. 

The next step in the process for Matt is to wait for the written energy analysis.  After reviewing the document and suggested improvements, he will have one year to make some energy saving improvements to be eligible for credits through the Home Performance with Energy Star program.  Since the EnergyWorks KC program ends in March, he has less time to prove increased energy efficiency for a cash reimbursement. Part Two of this blog will outline the suggested improvements from the audit, what improvements were made and how the energy savings will be measured.  I’m also scheduling an audit of my own home so I can report first hand about the experience.

It may sound unusual to read about essentially ‘free money’ to upgrade your home, but it’s out there.  Some research and paperwork is involved, but it’s well worth the time to save money on your heating and cooling bills..especially since KCP&L is asking for a rate hike!

Annual Kris Krindl Markt in Brookside This Weekend

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Celebrate the holiday season as the Germans do!  Visit the 20th Annual Kriskindl Markt this Friday and Saturday at the Country Club Congregational Church, 205 W 65th St in Armour Hills.

Country Club Congregational Church in Brookside

I really enjoy this event for several reasons:  it’s a smaller, neighborhood gathering;  the homemade crafts make great holiday gifts; and there’s lots of holiday craft activities for the kids.  It can get pretty crowded, but that is part of the charm.  If you live in Brookside, chances are you will see some of your neighbors here!

The Kriskindle Markt is full of crafts and gifts, authentic German food, live entertainment and a craft room to keep the kids busy.  Free admission! 

I’ll be walking over to attend this treasured Brookside event over the weekend–make note of the hours: Friday Nov 30 from 5-9pm and Saturday Dec 1 from 10am-8pm.

Donate Used Cellphones/Food Drive at Boozefish

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My friend and client Maija owns and operates Boozefish Wine Bar in Westport–a casual, friendly, welcoming bar (also serving food) at 1511 Westport Road.  Maija also makes a point to give back to the community that supports her small business–by collecting donations for two community service organizations in KC.

Neighbor 2Neighbor provides meals and other daily needs to the homeless and nearly homeless in the Westport area.  Boxed and canned food donations are always needed.

Hope House provides shelter and other services for victims of domestic violence.  They can utilize used cell phones for those women who use their services.

If you get a new cell phone as a gift–or plan on giving one–don’t just toss the old one in the trash.  It’s easy to recycle through Hope House!  And at the next grocery store run–spend an extra $10 or so to pick up some food for Neighbor2Neighbor.  You can drop off the old cellphones and food items at Boozefish during November and December any Tuesday through Saturday evening.  Maija will get your donation to the charities.

So many people  get together over the holidays to have a drink, celebrate the season, catch up with old friends.  Boozefish is a great bar for these occasions, offering a large wine selection, tasty food and a comfortable atmosphere where you can have a conversation without shouting!  Think of Boozefish when looking for a place to meet for the evening–and bring in your used cellphones and  some food items to help those less fortunate.

Home for Sale in Armour Hills

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21 W 66th St in Armour Hills

I just listed this home in Armour Hills and…it’s a real bargain!  Located at 21 W 66 St, this is a wonderful block of tight-knit neighbors that host a couple of block parties each year and look out for one another.  Many of them have lived on the street for decades.

This is one of the smaller homes on the block, it’s a two-story home about 1500 square feet.  The current owner has made many improvements:  a new concrete porch and walkway, new windows, updates in the bathrooms, freshly painted interior and updated electrical work.

Dining room with original
built-ins

The first floor features a large living room with fireplace; dining room with the original built-in cabinets, and a kitchen with half bath.  Upstairs there are three bedrooms (one is non-conforming); a full and a half bath, and several closets.  There are hardwood floors on both levels; a private driveway, and a stone foundation.

Bedroom

One of the best features of this house is the location:  just steps away from Arbor Villa Park (a tennis court, playground and kiddie pool), the Brookside shops and grocery, and the Trolley Track Trail.

Priced at $164,900…this home is sure to sell fast!  Contact me for more information.

Brookside Home Sales Stats October 2012

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Brookside home values continue to climb over last year–good news for sellers AND buyers.  Sellers are getting more money for their properties and buyers know they are purchasing in a desirable, valuable area.  Here are the home sales stats for October 2012 in the main Brookside zip code of 64113:

In October 2012, 29 single family homes sold.  The average list price was $482,245 and the average sales price as $429,287.  Average days on market: 159.

In October 2011, 12 single family homes sold.  The average list price was $397,096 and the average sales price was $372,371.  Average days on market:  238.

Checking year-to-date figures:

From January-October 2012, 255 single family homes sold with an average sales price of $331,777 and 111 days on market.

From January-October 2011, 174 single family homes sold with an average sales price of $302,428 and 138 days on market.

Although we’ve seen consistently higher averages sales prices this year, the Oct 2012  figures  show a large jump.  Part of the reason is there were two multi-million dollar homes sold in October that pushed up the average sales price.

As we get into the holiday season and winter weather, sales will slow down.  Still, I think this year Brookside has seen a full recovery from the bottom of the housing crash.  Interest rates should stay low, and I expect Spring of 2013 will be very strong for sales in our area.

If you would like detailed information on sales in your area, email me anytime! 

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

The T-Shirt Deli in Brookside

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Last week on one of the warm autumn days I finally walked into the T-Shirt Deli in Brookside. I had heard about this new shop that opened over the summer, but didn’t have a chance to visit until recently.  Located at 116 W 63rd in the former Pickleman’s spot, this place has a fun, laid back atmosphere and a clever marketing concept–the personalized tee shirt delivered like a  deli sandwich!

The T-Shirt Deli in Brookside

Started by a woman who grew up in Brookside, this is the third T-Shirt Deli location–the other two are in the Chicago area, where the owner lives.  There is a lot to choose from here–several ‘menu’ books of various decals and phrases that can be imprinted on the shirts. Or, you can make up your own copy at $1 per letter–different fonts and colors are available. The shirt you chose is one cost, and the personalization is an additional price. They can print just about anything except trademarked and sports logos. Some of the biggest sellers are those that play on words, like “Chillin’ With My Peeps” (with chicks) or “Hanging With My Gnomies” (picture of gnomes).  The BKS logo is popular as well.

The T-Shirt Deli uses American Apparal clothing, and there are other offerings besides tee shirts–some zip fleeces, long sleeve shirts, infant sizes and even a dog shirt too.  Don’t expect to walk in, chose a design and walk out a few minutes later with your shirt–it takes a couple of hours to create.  You can order in advance online through their website.  Once your order is ready–it’s packed in butcher paper and served to you with a bag of chips.

T-Shirt Deli Counter

The T-Shirt Deli is open Monday through Saturday, and it’s a great place to buy a unique gift for someone.  My husband used their services for his Halloween costume last month that displayed a political saying. I can see this place being very busy for the upcoming holiday season.

Shop local–support Brookside’s newest business, the T-Shirt Deli!

Armour Hills Home Sales Stats October 2012

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Finishing up the tenth month of the year…home sales in Armour Hills continue to outperform 2011, however in October there was a lower average sales price.  Let’s check the stats:

In  October  2012, 5 homes sold.  The average list price was $211,780 and the average sales price was $201,720. Average days on market:  61.

In October 2011, 4  homes sold.  The average list price was $233,175and the average sales price was $223,525.  Average days on market:  93.

The average sales price for October 2012 is lower than what’s been trending this year, but last month  there was one sale at $80,000, which is unusually low for our area.  This  sale  brought the average price down.  Still, comparing to 2011, one more home sold  and days on market are down by 30 days over last year!

Year to date, 67 homes have sold in Armour Hills, at an average sales price of $218,202 and  76  days on market.  From January–October 2011, 48 homes sold at an average price of $212,643 and 119 days on market.  We are experiencing lower days on market and an average sales price that’s higher than last year.  This trend has been consistent since January.

I think we are past the bottom of the housing market in Armour Hills, and on an upward trend that should continue…if interest rates stay low and the economy stays on the  recovery track.

Interested in home prices and sales trends in your area?  Email me and I’ll provide  the information.  In a few days I will post home sales stats for the Brookside zip code of 64113–also showing better sales activity than last year.

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

An Interview with Gunnar Hand, Candidate for KCMO School Board

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I don’t usually address  politics on my  blog, but decided to write about each candidate running for the open seat on the Kansas City MO school board:  Gunnar Hand and Stephen Himes.  Full disclosure up front–I know Gunnar as I serve with him on the Armour Hills Homes Assn board, and Stephen Himes teaches at St Teresa’s Academy, where my daughter attends  school. I am not endorsing one candidate over the other.  My approach to this blog was to ask each candidate the same four questions, and write the answers as spoken.

A short background regarding this election:  When former board member Derrick Ritchie moved to Nashville, a special election was needed to fill his position.  The term of this new board member will end in 2014.  There are nine members of the Kansas City School Board, and this seat represents the 2cd subdistrict.  The rough boundaries are Troost, 85th St, State Line Rd and Brush Creek.  It is not a paid  position.  Two days ago I published the interview with Stephen, today’s post is about Gunnar.

Gunnar Hand and family

Gunnar Hand grew up in Kansas City, attending  parochial schools. He lives in Armour Hills and has his own design/consulting firm, MOCK Studio. His wife Ashley is the chair of Friends of Hale Cook, a local organization dedicating to reopening Hale Cook Elementary.  You can read more about Gunnar’s background here.  This interview took place on Oct 24, 2012. Continue reading →