Brookside Author to Discuss “Pilate’s Cross” at Plaza Library Feb 23!

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What’s the best part about reading a non-fiction book?  For me, it’s the escape into another world.  At the end of the day, I look forward to surrounding myself with different folks, in another city, with various relationship dramas and situations to deal with.  Living with a good book for a few weeks is a joy, and sharing the experience with someone else is one reason why book clubs are so popular.  Having the chance to talk with the author of a favorite book—a thrilling meeting of the minds!

Alex Greenwood

Award-winning Brookside author J. Alexander Greenwood, who wrote Pilate’s Cross will speak at the Plaza location of the Kansas City Public Library on February 23 at 6:30 p.m. (Please click here to RSVP.) This crime thriller is based on a true story that happened in Peru, Nebraska. In the book, John Pilate and his new friend Kate investigate the unsolved mystery of the murdered president of Cross College. Greenwood gained access to actual police records, crime scene photos and news reports in researching the book. (Full disclosure, Alex is a friend of mine, thus this post to help promote this event.  But I did read the book and really enjoyed it–more so, I think, because I know the author!)

Thoroughly engrossing, the characters the author created will prompt your escape into this novel.  John is someone who is generally minding his own business and suddenly forced to take action because of particular circumstances.  How he gets through this ‘mystery situation’ will keep you turning the pages in this book!

They say ‘write what you know’, and Alex based John somewhat on himself.  Sexy and attractive Kate is a composite of women he’s known, including perhaps a particular girl he met in Nebraska. When asked about his favorite part of the book, Greenwood is particularly proud of the snappy dialogue between John Pilate and the sheriff.

“My grandfather, an accomplished author in his lifetime, instilled in me the value of having characters which are relatable to the reader,” Alex said. “You can have the greatest mystery plot around, but if the characters are cardboard, it won’t work.”

Alex said he was first inspired to write during numerous childhood talks about storytelling with his grandfather, Robert E. Trevathan. He fondly remembers seeing Trevathan–an award-winning author of dozens of Western and historical fiction novels–sitting alone at a card table outside a Waldenbooks store patiently waiting to sign a few books and talk about writing at an “author event” . “Ah, the glamorous life of the author!” Alex said. “I was hooked.”

“Pilate’s Cross” has been well received with several hundred fans–many who asked that Greenwood write a sequel.  That sequel was released this month.  Pilate’s Key sends John on another adventure, this time in Key West, Florida.  When I first met Alex, he was still writing the book–and now there is the sequel.  I so admire his determination to get his words out in front of book readers.  Self publishing his work through the web has brought him success much faster than trying to go the traditional publishing route.  He’s an inspirational example of what hard work, determination, and a lot of charisma can do to help achieve your personal artistic and creative goals.

For more info about the book, links to retailers and to watch the book trailer video, click here (or paste the link below into your browser):

http://www.pitchengine.com/pilatescross/mystery-thriller-sparked-by-1950-college-murders-spawns-second-book

If you are in a book club, Alex is happy to drop in for a discussion of the book (in person or even via Skype)!

“Pilate’s Cross” is available as an e-book through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords and most other ebook retailers.  You can buy hard copies at the library event or by special order through Lulu, Rainy Day Books, I Love a Mystery, Barnes & Noble or other local bookstores.  Be sure to check out the Pilate’s Cross/Key Facebook page for special offers and updates.

Hope to see you at the Plaza library February 23!

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Pilates-John-Pilate-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B006XKH01S/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_3

Lulu (paperback): http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/pilates-key/18843028?productTrackingContext=search_results%2Fsearch_shelf%2Fcenter%2F1

Remodeled Brookside Home for Sale!

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Just had to share this listing with you!  While on tour earlier this week, I thought this was one of the prettiest Brookside homes for sale right now.  It’s updated and move in ready–which is what most buyers want right now.

It’s a two story floor plan with four bedrooms and two and a half baths…with an attached two car garage and second floor laundry (rare for this area!)  In the kitchen, there’s a cozy eat in area and a black tile floor–usually don’t see that either but it works because it hides the dirt!  The roof is newer, it has zoned HVAC and new windows.  There is a lovely sitting room in the master bedroom.   Really, nothing to do except decide where to put your furniture!

Great location too, within walking distance to the Brookside shops and Trolley Track Trail.  It’s listed at $375,000.  I predict it will sell quickly!

Note that this is not my listing, but I would be happy to give you more information on it. Just email me!

Free Home Security Check from KCMO Police Department

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Last week I had KCMO police officer John Trainor come to my home for a free security check.  This is a complimentary service for homeowners–and so very useful!  It took about thirty minutes, and was easy to schedule on-line by directly emailing John (john.trainor@kcpd.org) to set up a date.

Many of his suggestions and comments were common sense:  don’t leave ladders near your home; keep windows locked, keep storm doors locked, don’t keep purses, laptops and other items of value visible near windows (to prevent a ‘smash and grab’ burglary).  He also recommends keeping bushes trimmed (can be a hiding area) and plenty of lights outside the home–near the garage, between homes, and in front and back areas.  Bars on basement windows help, but according to John, many thieves (50%)  enter through the front door:  they will knock, if no answer–they  kick the door in.  There are many safety devices you can install on doors to reinforce them:  jambraces, 1″ deadbolts with a reinforcing collar, strikeplates with longer nails — all available at your local hardware store.  John also left a helpful brochure “Burglary Prevention for Homes” with references and details on other suggestions for improving home security.  I highly recommend scheduling one of these visits to your home–then take the time to implement the suggestions discussed.

Having two daughters, I also asked John about self-defense for women.  He suggested the girls and I attend one of the free self-defense seminars operated by the department.  This is a four hour class that includes hands-on demonstration and lecture.  Go to www.kcpd.org and click on W in the A to Z headline for more info.

It’s a terrible, personal violation to experience a home burglary or assault.  And it’s easy to say you don’t have time to follow through on preventative measures.  But just by reading this blog, it’s on your mind!  So put ‘improve home security’ on your to-do list.  It’s worth it!

This Feels Strange

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Of course I’m talking about this weather!  As I look out the front window while I type, I see bare trees but blue skies and kids in tee shirts!

Dinner with neighbors Feb 1 2011 snowstormLast year at this time, I distinctly remember posting photos of various snowy sites around Brookside.  This winter, not even an inch of snow yet–not in this part of town anyway.  Now there are many people very happy about this warmer weather–myself included, to a point.  It’s been great for showing buyers homes in the area–no cutting cold winds or crunching down snow to make it to the front door of the house.  Don’t have to have the heat cranked up to keep the house warm.  We’ve been grilling on the  patio just about every weekend!  But in another way..I miss the normal winter weather…

January 2011 in Brookside

It’s fun for the kids to have that unexpected snow day…seeing them watch the crawl on TV, anxiously looking for their school name to pop up on the screen.  I love looking out the windows at night, seeing a ‘freshly fallen silent shroud of snow’ (thank you Simon and Garfunkel, for that lovely phrase).  Last year when we were snowed in, we had a pot luck dinner with our neighbors–no one was driving anywhere, everyone was home early from work and we threw together a tasty feast for our two families. Bundling up to go out and shovel snow–good exercise!  Watching the Brookside youngsters sled down Suicide Hill is a joy.  I like throwing on the flannel pj’s  and  burrowing under the down comforter to watch a movie while sipping hot chocolate, enjoying  the blissful cocoon of security inside while Mother Nature storms outside. Will any of that happen before spring 2012 hits?

Experiencing the very distinct change of seasons is one reason I couldn’t move out of the midwest. It would be boring to me, always having the same weather year round. So while I am grateful for this warm spell, I am hoping for a real midwest snowstorm soon, before the lilacs start blooming outside my kitchen window!

(Thanks to my daughter Siena for inspiring this post!)

Armour Hills Home Sales Statistics – 2011

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As an Armour Hills resident, I don’t like to see home values decreasing…unfortunately, that’s what these statistics show.  However, a new listing across the street from me that  needs a total rehab, received a contract in just over a week.  Armour Hills is still a desirable neighborhood and I hope to see home values on the rise as we go through 2012.

Below are home sales stats for Armour Hills in 2011, and stats for 2010 for comparison:

In 2011, 58 homes sold in Armour Hills. The average list price was $220,044; average sales price was $211,611. Average days on market:  119.  Lowest sales price was $98,000; highest was $350,000.

In 2010, 57 homes sold in Armour Hills.  The average list price was $218,418; average sales price was $213,517.  Average days on market:  88.  Lowest sales price was $90,000; highest was $350,000.

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

Commentary: short sales and foreclosures bring average sales prices down; also homes that have a sales price too high for the current market–they take too long to sell and bring up the average days on market.  Many Armour Hills homes have quirky floor plans, they aren’t updated or well maintained–these are the homes that just sit on the market as buyers are very choosy these days. Also keep in mind that in 2010, there was an $8000 tax incentive for buyers–that incentive not available in 2011. 

As we head into the busy Spring buying and selling season, we may see sales prices on the rise.  Hopefully as the economy gets better, more buyers will enter the market.  In our office, we’ve seen a big  jump in sales since the first of the year–positive news!

Armour Hills Board Meeting–Jan 2012

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Hi neighbors, here’s a brief recap of our first meeting of 2012 of the Armour Hills Homes Association.  It was held January 17 at the Country Club Congregational Church:

*All board members were re-elected to their postions.

*President David Pucci reported that many goals we set for 2011 were accomplished; one of the major goals was bidding out the upkeep and landscaping work for the park and islands, one of our largest expenses.  With the new contracts in place, we are saving money over previous years.

*One important goal for 2012 is requesting proposals for upgraded communication with homeowners.  This included management of the Clarion newsletter, Facebook page and website.

*Several homeowners from E 69th St were present to discuss what can be done about increasing crime in Armour Hills.  They plan to form a separate group to study the issue and offer suggestions to residents.  They would like to have homeowner dues raised to pay for regular securityy patrol of the neighborhood.

*We need an activites chairperson for 2012–no volunteers have stepped up so we divided  up the major social events and board members will organize accordingly.

*Our PIAC funds request are still under consideration, a decision is expected this Spring.

This is not all of the topics that were discussed, but the highlights.  Armour Hills residents are welcome to come to any board meeting.  The next one is at 7pm on Feb 21, same location.

Brookside Home Sales Statistics–2011

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Now that 2011 is over…just how did home sales for Brookside (Kansas City, MO) compare to 2010? Are we still in a slow housing market, with homes loosing value? Let’s check with a year-to-year comparison. I’m using home sales from the main Brookside zip code of 64113 for these figures:

2011

210 single family homes sold. Average list price was $322,188; average sales price was $303,602. Average days on market: 140. Lowest sales price in the area was $78,000; highest was $1.6 million.

2010

215 single family homes sold. Average list price was $317,672; average sales price was $301,727. Average days on market: 122. Lowest sales price in the area was $90,000; highest was $1.5 million.

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

Overall, good news for Brookside! Average list and sales prices were up, although average days on market was up by several days. This higher pricing trend should continue into the busy Spring buying season, as interest rates are still low and the economy has been slowly improving. Brookside is still a desirable area for buyers, especially if the home has been well-maintained and updated.  Check back for my monthly blog post about Brookside home sales in 2012..they are usually posted mid-month.

If you would like sales statistics for your neighborhood, email me for the details.

Brookside Home Sales Stats December 2011

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I say…good riddance to another poor housing sales year and let’s look ahead to a much better 2012!

Looking at single family home sales stats for zip code 64113 in Brookside, December 2011:

14 homes sold.  Average list price:  $245,904.  Average sales price:  $231,032.  Average days on market:  111.

Compare those figures to December 2010:

22 homes sold.  Average list price:  $335,930.  Average sales price:  $307,853.  Average days on market:  106.

Why the much higher average sales price in 2010?  Part of the reason is a $1.5 million dollar home sold in 2010.  In 2011, the highest price home sold was $515,000.  The drop in the number of units sold in 2011 can be attributed to the $8000 tax credit for buyers that was in effect for 2010…this tax credit encouraged buyers to make purchases that year.   Days on market were virtually the same.

In the next blog entry I will compare Armour Hills sales stats for December 2010 to 2011, plus will do a year end comparison before the end of the month. Thank you for reading my blog!

(Note:  all stats taken from Heartland MLS; deemed reliable but not guaranteed)

 

Welcome 2012!

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This is the time of year for reflection, goal setting, remembering the good times and not-so-good times of the past year.  For me, I try to always take a positive attitude.  Even though the nation as a whole isn’t at its best right now, as individuals we have so much to appreciate every day.

Being a real estate agent, at the end of the year I always look back and reflect on each deal completed.  It’s especially fun to think about all the new people I meet through this business, many who become friends.  For example, I had dinner this week with  clients: the husband was the Sargent at Arms for the Senate and the wife is working on a new initiative with Michelle Obama on post-tramatic stress syndrome that will be announced later this month.  Fascinating stories to share!  How lucky I am that real estate brought me these wonderful new friends!

This past twelve months  I enjoyed getting to know Stephen and Tamara, Anna and Dave, Lisa and Keith, Diann and Jeff, Ron and his family..Bryant and Ruth welcomed their first baby and Brad bought another fixer-upper to work on.  Christina is at the UMKC dental school and Chris saved his first life as an ER doctor.  Think for a moment about the new people you met in 2011–some join your regular circle of friends, some are more acquaintances.  Everyone different, everyone contributes somehow to your daily life. It reminds me of the lyrics to “Seasons of Love” from the musical Rent:

“Five hundred twenty five thousand six hundred minutes, how do you measure, measure a year?  In daylight, in sunsets, in midnights, in cups of coffee…”

I measure my year by the fun times with family and friends, the quirky cultural events everyone talks about, holidays spent in overcoats and shorts, vacation days and Facebook updates, memorable books and movies,  new music heard and meals shared… and the new friendships I’ve made.  I know 2012 will be just as memorable…a surprise of some sort every day, and thankful for it!

The Way We Were

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Original Art Deco light fixture

Just had to write a quick blog about this Brookside area listing in Brownwood Park!  What a fantastic example of the way we were…this home built during the Art Deco craze of the 1930s…

Brookside area Art Deco home

There is original tilework, so well preserved, in the kitchen and bath of this home.  Brillant colors, original cabinets, the built in cutting board…

Brookside area Art Deco home

Also, check out the crown molding at the ceiling…

The living room features the original fireplace as well.

Brookside area Art Deco fireplace

Now for many buyers, all this deco would be a turn-off.  They would see this house as ‘too much work’–ripping out the tile and replacing it, updating the kitchen and bath cabinets, the sinks, the flooring.  But there is someone out there who will buy this house specificically for the original art deco charm. 

Brookside area Art Deco bath

The craftsmanship that built this home…gone forever, I’m afraid.  Still, after decades of various owners and home style changes, the deco decor is still so easy to appreciate. What is the classic home style decor today that will still look so cool 80 years from now??