Updated Four Bedroom Home in Brookside!

Posted on May 21, 2013 by Mary Hutchison

438 E Gregory in Brookside

A four bedroom home can be hard to find in Brookside–especially under $300,000. This new listing not only offers four bedrooms–but many other features as well!

All updated, the first floor has a beautiful entry hall with columns, a large living room with fireplace and built-ins, dining room , and half bath. The kitchen offers plenty of cabinet space, a gas stove, refrigerator and a door leading to the deck. Very easy for entertaining!

Three spacious bedrooms on the second floor, plus a laundry room! The master suite also has a fireplace, double vanity, and walk in closet.

On the third floor, you’ll find the fourth bedroom, a bonus room that can be an office or media / playroom, plus a third full bath.

The backyard is fenced, and features a large deck plus a patio. There’s a two car garage with a private driveway.

The sellers have made so many improvements to this house–see a complete list inside the home. If you are looking for a updated, spacious four bedroom home in Brookside–this is it! 438 E Gregory Blvd, priced at $279,000. Contact me if you would like a tour, or visit my website for more photos and information.

Good Mexican Food–Chelly’s Cafe in Waldo

Posted on May 18, 2013 by Mary Hutchison

Just as I started to fix dinner on a recent Friday night, our neighbor calls. “Let’s go out for Mexican food!” he says. I picture a frosty margarita, a night off from cooking and immediately agree! So we head over to Chelly’s’ Cafe in Waldo.

Chelly’s Café in Waldo

Chelly’s is one of those restaurants I’ve passed many times, but haven’t tried. All these years I’ve been living in Brookside–and have never stopped at this nice little neighborhood dining spot! It’s a family owned restaurant, located in strip mall on 85th St just east of Wornall Road . Open for about eleven years, it’s the kind of place that gives you a lot of food for the price, with quick service.. I started off with a margarita in a large bowl glass that was just $5. It felt like two drinks for the price of one.

For dinner, I ordered the Steak Tacos ($8.50). They came in doubled shell corn tortillas, dressed with onion (raw, wish it had been grilled) and cilantro. On the side was fresh lettuce, a scoop of guacamole, rice, black beans and a lime wedge. I ate two tacos and had enough left over for lunch the next day. Very tasty. I don’t remember what the rest of our group ordered, probably because we were all talking, but everyone liked their food. Chelly’s has all of the usual selections you would expect in a Mexican restaurant, plus a hamburger and grilled chicken sandwich option . I also like the fact you can order many items a la carte. We enjoyed the fresh chips and salsa brought to the table soon after being seated. Service was friendly and quick–and the restaurant was very busy. A lovely woman sang songs in Spanish from the front of the room, but it didn’t look like too many folks were paying attention.

Chelly’s is open seven days a week, and serves breakfast on Saturday and Sunday. The breakfast nachos and breakfast burrito are especially popular .

I’m looking forward to going back to Chelly’s soon–I want to try their fajitas. Thank you for supporting our locally owned Brookside/Waldo businesses!

Home for Sale in Morningside Park, Brookside

Posted on May 14, 2013 by Mary Hutchison

Morningside Park is one of my favorite subdivisions in Brookside, and there’s a new listing to tell you about here at 5906 Oak St. This is a three+ bedroom, one and a half bath home (with a second full bath in the basement) priced at $203,000.

5906 Oak, Morningside Park in Brookside

The current owners have really taken good care of this home. The roof is five years old, and gutters are protected with gutter guards. The air conditioner was replaced last year, the furnace was installed in 2004. The chimney was rebuilt from the roof to the top in 2012, with a new liner for the furnace and hot water heater.

The kitchen has been freshly painted, including the cabinets, and there’s an eat in area by the corner windows. The refrigerator, washer and dryer stay! A mudroom off the kitchen offers a convenient spot for the recycle bins and snowy footwear!

Freshly painted kitchen

All the bedrooms are on the second floor, and the master bedroom is quite large. Every bedroom has plenty of windows for natural light.

One of my favorite features is the side screened porch. Relax on the porch swing with your favorite book, or enjoy a meal here–without bugs flying around your food. This side porch also leads to an outdoor deck.

The attached garage is in the basement, and there is space in back of the house for a second car. The location is so convenient–close to UMKC, Stowers Institute, Brookside amenities, the Trolley Track Trail, and on the bus route.

Side porch leads to outdoor deck

Contact me if you would like a personal tour!

Brookside Art Annual May 3-5, 2013

Posted on May 2, 2013 by Mary Hutchison

This weekend (May 3-5, 2013) is the Brookside Art Annual–one of the best events our local business association hosts each year. Always held the first weekend of May, the weather can be an issue but it doesn’t seen to stop art lovers from checking out what’s under the white tents at 63rd and Brookside Blvd. This year marks the 28th year for the event.

Hours are Friday 5pm-9pm; Saturday 10am-9pm and Sunday 11am-5pm. There are childrens’ activities on Saturday and Sunday, plus music in the evening. Please, do not bring pets into the tents! Also, if you spend over $250, you will get a free $10 gift card to use in Brookside–just bring your receipts to the information booth.

Brookside Art Annual 2013

A bit of history on the Art Annual: after seeing the success of the Plaza Art Fair (started in 1931) and the Westport Art Fair (started in 1979), Brookside wanted to host a similar event. According to The Brookside Story by LaDene Morton, merchants were against the idea. A compromise was reached, and the work of 30 local artists was displayed in retailer’s windows. Eventually, the Brookside Art Annual became a larger event in 1986, attracting national artists from all over the U.S. and is now recognized as one of the better art fairs in the country–partially due to the charming, friendly neighborhood atmosphere of the Brookside businesses and beautiful homes surrounding the area.

Every year the Art Annual has a unique logo/poster created to promote the event. This year’s graphic is unusual: it’s black and white, and features cars, buildings, an airplane and a giraffe..? Since Brookside is such a walkable neighborhood, and the Zoo isn’t close by, it seemed like an odd choice. I don’t think the graphic associates itself with the event at all, except perhaps the small striped awnings over the buildings. So many folks collect and frame the annual poster–to me, this year’s artwork is a disappointment.

So break out the warmer clothes, hopefully for the last time, and visit the Brookside Art Annual this weekend!

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.

Inside Brookside (And Waldo)

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

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