Brookside Home Sales Stats – Jan 2015

Posted on February 23, 2015 by Mary Hutchison

It’s a brand new year for home sales in Brookside! In 2014, 291 single family homes sold in our Brookside zip code of 64113. That’s about 24 per month. We are getting off to a slower start in 2015–that’s because there is a lack of desirable inventory in the $200-$350K price range. Let’s look at the numbers:

In January 2015, eight homes sold in the Brookside area. The median list price was $279,500 and the median sales price was $275,000. Average days on market: 23.

In January 2014, thirteen homes sold. The median list price was $299,950 and the median sales price was $295,000. Average days on market: 38.

Bonus numbers! Note the wide range of prices in our zip code:

Highest closed sales price in 2014 was $1.445 million; lowest was $160,100.

Highest closed sales price in January 2015 was $930,000 and lowest was $170,000.

Although we are behind compared to one year ago, I’m not concerned. January is typically a slow month for home sales, and inventory is still low. The busy spring buying season is just around the corner so these numbers will go up as we head into warmer weather.

Currently there are 60 single family homes for sale in Brookside (zip 64113) with a median price of $409,000 and 123 days on market. That higher median sales price reflects the lack of lower priced inventory–those homes get snapped up quickly and the higher priced homes sit on the market longer. The lowest price listed home is $$210K; the highest is $4.450 million.

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

New Brookside Senior Housing – Already Sold Out!

Posted on February 20, 2015 by Mary Hutchison

Brookside Senior Residence apartment kitchen

I visited the Brookside Senior Residences at Rockhill Greens recently–what a nice place for seniors to live! I was excited when I read about this project several years ago, as there is a huge demand for moderately priced senior housing in our neighborhood. Located at 6700 Troost, this building offers 37 one bedroom ($485/month) and 9 two bedroom ($575/month) apartments with complete kitchens, including the appliances. Residents must be 55 years of age or older, and meet income restrictions (one person, $29,081; two persons $35,520). The apartments are wheelchair accessible. Each floor offers laundry facilities, and residents can enjoy the outdoor patio, multi-purpose room, media room and exercise room. This is a non smoking building, no pets and the 46 parking spaces are not assigned.

Ella McDaniel, Property Manager at Brookside Senior Residences

Ella McDaniel used to be with the KCMO Housing Authority, and is now the on site Property Manager at Brookside Senior Residences. “I love it here!” she says, “I love my residents and I’ve always enjoyed working with older adults. The average age here is 70, and most everyone is very active.” Ella explained that all of the residents moved here from homes in the immediate area–they didn’t want the maintenance of a home any longer. They are forming new friendships, check in on each other and enjoy their new surroundings. Ella is working on establishing partnerships with the nearby YMCA, Share a Fare and other services for her tenants.

Multi-purpose room–not yet decorated!

Brookside Senior Residences opened in mid December and currently has no vacancies–they do have a waiting list of 57 people! The owners are planning a phase two nearby. I don’t know of any other age-restricted apartment buildings specificially for seniors in the Brookside/Waldo area. There are several independent living facilities, like Armour Oaks or Kingswood, but those places have higher monthly fees, extensive meal service and more amenities. For those with a more limited monthly income–apartments like Brookside Senior Residences will always be in demand as the population ages. For more information, contact Ella McDaniel at 816 361 0313. (They do not have a website at this time).

Who Built That House at 63rd and Oak?

Posted on January 26, 2015 by Mary Hutchison

Last week I stopped by the house that was recently built at 63rd and Oak, across from the 7-11. Many area residents have watched this corner over the past several months, wondering what the house would look like when finished. Fortunately the owners, Stephanie and Bill Kalaherka, designed the outside features to blend in as much as possible with the neighborhood. The family moved in last fall, about four months later than planned (as is typical for a new build job, rarely are they finished on time).

Stephanie and Bill chose to buy this lot to build their ‘forever’ home. They have family in the area and love Brookside. Although they looked at a few resale homes, ultimately they decided they could get exactly what they wanted by starting from scratch. Plus, Bill knew he could install energy-saving features in the new home. Taking advantage of federal and local tax credits, this home has solar panels on the south facing roof, a geo-thermal heating system and thick insulation on the exterior walls in the basement. Although they haven’t lived in the house an entire year to examine the overall cost-effectiveness, Stephanie says it cost about as much to heat this house (3700 SF) during the coldest weeks of winter as it did to heat their old rental home that was much smaller. Inside, the two story house features four bedrooms and three full baths (one bedroom and full bath on the first floor for guests), an office, finished basement with storage area and the popular open floor plan on the first floor. Each of the children’s rooms has a loft above the bedroom and yes, there is a two story stainless steel play slide. There isn’t much of a backyard area, but the owners plan to install a small patio behind the garage. Stephanie is looking forward to spending time on the front porch when the warm weather arrives.

Many shopkeepers from across the street have stopped by to welcome the family to the area. They want to meet as many local residents as they can…so stop by and say hello! The Kalaherkas are settling in and look forward raising their kids…and growing old…inside their brand new Brookside house!

It’s Here–KC Restaurant Week Jan 16-25 2015

Posted on January 15, 2015 by Mary Hutchison

January…the most boring month of the year! The weather is cold, trees are barren and everything outside looks gray and dingy..except for the bright, soft focus sunsets! Hard to muster up the energy to go out after you are settled in at home….

That’s why January is the perfect time for Kansas City Restaurant Week! From Jan 16-25, we have ten days of bargain priced meals at many of KC’s finest restaurants. This is the time to try the pricier spot you may have heard about for the low price of $33 for a three course dinner ($15 for a two course lunch). Many of the eateries are locally owned and and operated; and there are all kinds of cuisine offered–from pizza to boar meat!

All of the participating restaurants donate a portion of their profits to these three organizations: Boys Grow, Children’s Center for the Visually Impaired and Cultivate KC.

Below is a list of the Brookside/Waldo spots offering special menus during the week. You can go to www.kcrestaurantweek.com to see individual restaurant menus, make reservations and see a complete list of all the places throughout the metro area offering the prix fix deals.

75th St Brewery Louie’s Wine Dive

District Pour House and Kitchen Michael Forbes Bar and Grill

Julian Waldo Pizza

Lew’s Grill and Bar The Well

Thank you for supporting KC Restaurant Week! Reservations fill up fast so make yours today!

Heirloom Bakery Plans March 2015 Opening

Posted on January 12, 2015 by Mary Hutchison

Happy 2015! I took a vacation from blogging over the past few weeks…just relaxed and enjoyed the holidays with family and friends. Saw some movies, baked a lot, indulged in those special treats you feast on once a year, and indulged in a few post Christmas sales. I hope your holidays were a special time as well. Speaking of baking….

Heirloom Hearth and Bakery, under construction at 63rd and Brookside

Heirloom Bakery and Hearth, under construction at 63rd and Brookside

The topic for my first blog of 2015 was going to be an interview with the owners of Heirloom Bakery and Hearth, at the corner of Oak and 63rd St (401 E 63rd). For a while there was a sign on the corner, announcing a Fall 2014 opening…but you know how these things can get delayed! I contacted owners Kate and Scott inviting them for a chat, and they suggested I get back in touch in several weeks–they now hope to open in March. Brookside neighbors are really looking forward to this place–and I’m also excited this corner is turning into an attractive retail shop after years of being an eyesore!

In the meantime, you can buy their delicious homemade breads and sweets nearby at Season and Square, 6205 Oak, or Thou Mayest Coffee Roasters, 419 E 18th St. Contact Kate and Scott Meinke at the website.

Blogs coming up within the next two weeks include a recap of Brookside/Waldo housing stats for 2014 and information on KC’s Restaurant Week!

Armour Hills (Brookside) November 2014 Home Sales Stats

Posted on December 18, 2014 by Mary Hutchison

We are just about at the end of the year and I am very curious about how our Armour Hills home sales will finish out compared to 2013. As for the November 2014 stats, there is a drop in median sales price compared to a year ago. However–that’s the housing market: some months strong, other months are slow. No need to worry–overall, our neighborhood is thriving. So let’s look at the Armour Hills home sales (in Brookside, Kansas City MO) for November 2014, with comparisons to one year ago:

In November 2014, six homes sold with a median sales price of $235,000 and 40 days on market. The median list price was $239,900. The lowest sale was $190,000 and the highest was $370,000.

In November 2013, four homes sold with a median sales price of $253,950 and 27 days on market. The median list price was $258,000.

The November drop in median sales price is a repeat of October 2014 stats as well. Although more homes closed this year compared to 2013, there was a $398,000 home sale last year that brings the median price up significantly. Overall, the $235K price is more typical for Armour Hills.

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

For the first eleven months of 2014, 61 homes sold with a median price of $239,950 and 31 days on market.

For the first eleven months of 2013, 75 homes sold with a median price of $255,000 and 20 days on the market.

The numbers are lower from a year ago but when I post 2014 stats next month, I will compare final numbers and the last few years as well to see the trend. There may be a drop in overall median price from 2013 to 2014. We have 11 active listings in Armour Hills right now, with a median price of $269,900 and 66 days on market. The longer days on market, compared to the average, tells us these homes may be overpriced, or in need of some updating–that’s why they are still for sale. Buyers are out there, and they want to live in Brookside–most of them want move-in ready, updated homes.

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

Brookside Home Sales – November 2014

Posted on December 15, 2014 by Mary Hutchison

For the November Brookside homes sales report…fewer than half the number of homes sold last month as compared to October 2013. However, not an unusual stat for this time of year! Let’s examine Brookside single family home sales for the month of November 2014 with a comparison to last year, as well as year-to-date figures. I am using sales from the main Brookside zip code of 64113:

In November 2014, 9 homes sold (compared to 25 in October). Median list price was $299,950, and median sales price was $287,000 with an average of 34 days on market. The lowest priced home sold was $117,000 and the highest was $635,000.

In November 2013, 14 homes sold. The median list price was $235,000 and the median sales price was $228,000 with 35 days on market.

Fewer homes sold, but median price was way up. This tells us more expensive homes closed–which coincides with the lack of inventory for the buyers in the $200-$250 price range.

Looking at year to date figures:

From Jan – November 2014, 263 homes have sold at a median sales price of $306,000 and 39 days on market.

From Jan – November 2013, 270 homes sold at a median sales price of $300,000 and 42 days on market.

This year is trending to be similar to 2013 home sales, with about the same number of homes sold but a higher sales price. Good news for homeowners–and, yes, buyers as well. They know they are investing in a neighborhood that has an upward trend of home equity growth!

Currently there are 68 single family homes for sale in the Brookside zip code of 64113 with a median list price of $379,950 and 105 days on market. The lowest priced home is at $170,000 and the highest price is the house at 5650 Ward Parkway, built for Tom Pendergast, at $4.45 million. (All figures taken from Heartland MLS and deemed reliable but not guaranteed).

Armour Hills Home Sales Stats–October 2014

Posted on December 1, 2014 by Mary Hutchison

Home sales are slowing down in Armour Hills, and average sales prices are falling as well. This is reflective of the time of year–traditionally, fewer homes are sold in the latter part of the year. Let’s look at the statistics–below I am checking figures for the Armour Hills subdivision in Brookside, Kansas City MO:

In October 2014, six homes sold with a median sales price of $214,000 and 26 days on market. The median list price was $229,000 with 26 average days on market. The lowest sales price was $158,000 and the highest was $306,000.

In October 2013, nine homes sold with a median sales price of $258,950 and 32 days on market. The median list price was $259,950.

Although there wasn’t a significant change in the average days on market, the median sales price dropped 20%. Three homes sold in 2013 above $300K; in 2014, just one sold over that figure.

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

For the first ten months of 2014, 55 homes sold with a median price of $239,950 and 28 days on market.

For the first ten months of 2013, 71 homes sold with a median price of $255,000 and 24 days on the market.

Last year was a very strong year for Armour Hills home sales, and it looks like this year may see a dip in home values. There are still a significant number of buyers for our area–what is lacking right now is well priced, updated inventory. We have had several homes sell for over $350K in the past two years–higher than usual for the neighborhood. It wil be interesting to see how 2014 finishes overall compared to 2013 home sales.

Currently there are 16 homes for sale in Armour Hills, with a median list price of $269,900 and 47 days on market.

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

Brookside Home Sales Report-Oct 2014

Posted on November 20, 2014 by Mary Hutchison

Home sales in Brookside continue to slow down, as is usual this time of year. As we get into colder weather and the holiday season, buyers have other things on their minds. It’s very difficult to look at homes when darkness falls at 5pm! Here are the home sales stats for the Brookside zip of 64113 from October 2014:

In October 2014, 25 homes sold. Median list sales price was $340,000, and median sales price was $320,000 with an average of 41 days on market. The lowest priced home sold was $158,000 in Armour Hills and the highest was $615,000 in Romanelli Gardens.

In October 2013, 23 homes sold. The median list and sales price were the same: $279,000 and 35 days on market.

Virtually the same number of homes sold compared to a year ago, but the sales price was higher.

Looking at year to date figures:

From Jan – October 2014, 244 homes have sold at a median sales price of $307,000 and 37 days on market.

From Jan – October 2013, 271 homes sold at a median sales price of $298,000 and 46 days on market.

So far this year, the trend has been fewer homes sold and prices are up. There is still a lack of updated, well maintained homes in the $200-$225K price range in Brookside. It is encouraging that home values continue to rise, so we continue to make up equity lost during the housing crash during the recession.

Currently there are 81 single family homes for sale in the Brookside zip code of 64113 with a median list price of $384,950 and 80 days on market. Of the 81 homes for sale, 24 are priced over $500K and 9 are priced over $1 million. (All figures taken from Heartland MLS and deemed reliable but not guaranteed).

Welcome a New Salon in Brookside – Bona Terra

Posted on November 16, 2014 by Mary Hutchison

Bona Terra Salon, 414 E 63rd St

“Gotta get a haircut.” How you feel when that time comes? Do you prefer to stop by a chop shop and get in, get out? Or do you like to take the time to enjoy the experience, relax and enjoy a head massage, discuss new style options, pamper yourself a bit?

You may have noticed a new salon in Brookside called Bona Terra (the name means ‘good earth’ in Latin), located at 414 E 63rd St (in the old Blockbuster building). I stopped in recently and talked with Kate Aguilera about her new business. She is so enthusiastic and excited about having her own shop. You definitely feel a fresh, sophisticated yet comfortable vibe when you walk in the store: this is an Aveda ‘concept’ salon, meaning only Aveda products are used and sold here. In the lobby, you’ll find shampoos, conditioners, skin care items and some very cute holiday gift packages– all organic products in recycled packages. And a very friendly staff to help you!

Kate is a K State grad who worked for many years in the advertising and communications industry. Throughout her high school and college days, she styled hair and make-up for her friends. Growing up, her mother was a great influence: she was always very conscious of how she presented herself as a woman to the world–professional and fashion conscious. When Kate and her husband decided to move back to KC from Topeka, they wanted to live in Brookside and send their daughter to St Peter’s School. Her parents bought the building and Kate opened the salon as manager.

Kate Aguilera, Salon Manager

So what makes this shop different? Kate sets a high bar for her stylists: all must attend Aveda training classes, dress well, and maintain a superior level of customer service and knowledge. Every client has a consultation before the service, and after each haircut–a complimentary make-up touch up. You won’t find loud music and gossip in this salon–Kate wants you to have a total lifestyle experience, not just a haircut. She wants each customer to leave feeling refreshed and confident about the way they look. Prices are competitive with other salons in the area. Bona Terra offers nail and make up services as well, with other body treatments coming in the near future.

Stop in and check out Bona Terra at 414 E 63rd St. Welcome Kate and her staff to Brookside. Browse the Aveda products for gift ideas–or pick up a gift certificate for holiday gift-giving. Also, mark your calendar for their Grand Opening Celebration from noon-5 on December 7. Thankfully the eyesore of that vacant Blockbuster building is gone..and we have a new business in Brookside!

Inside Brookside (And Waldo)

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

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