Tag Archives: brookside homes for sale

Brookside Home Sales Report for 2012

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Brookside home

Brookside’s $2.5 mil home sold in 2012

You’ve probably heard recent national news reports on how much better the housing market did in 2012 over 2011.  Figures for the Kansas City area are up as well.  This blog will focus on sales stats for the Brookside area, zip code  64113.  Good news all around!

In 2012, 296 single family homes sold.  The average list price was $354,974 and the average sales price was $337,524.  Average days on market: 114.

In 2011, 211 single family homes sold.  The average list price was $321,574 and the average sales price was $303,076.  Average days on market:  139.

It’s worth noting six homes sold for over $1,000,000, in 2012, with the highest sales price at $2.5 million.  The lowest sold home price was $72,000. In 2011, four homes over $1 million sold, with the highest sales price being $1.6  million.

Figuring the percentages, home sales were up in Brookside 30% over 2011, and the average sales price was up 10%.

The higher priced home sales push up the average price, and it’s encouraging to see so many more homes sold.  Brookside is back on the upward curve for increasing home values!  This is important for sellers as well as buyers.  Sellers are recouping more of the equity lost in the housing crash, and buyers can be confident they are purchasing a home in a desirable area with increasing home values.

Brookside's $70K home sold in 2012

Brookside’s $70K home sold in 2012

There is a lack of inventory right now, and buyers are actively searching for properties.  If you are thinking of selling your Brookside home…prepare it now for the busy spring market!

And if you would like detailed information on sales in your area, contact me (mary.hutchison@kansascityhomes.com) for a personalized report.

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

Five Real Estate Trends For 2013

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I’ve been thinking about writing on this topic for the past couple of weeks as I look ahead to 2013 business.  As a real estate agent, I see some real trends emerging with clients.  All real estate is local, and here are the five consistant features I hear buyers talk about on a regular basis:

1.  Buyers want a home within walking distance of amenities.  Younger couples and empty nesters are constantly telling me they want to be able to walk and/or bike to shops, restaurants, a grocery store and park area.  Gas prices are rising; walking is a pleasurable exercise and having nearby, locally owned stores give a neighborhood a cozy, friendly vibe.  Check the pricing:  homes within an easy walking distance of services generally have a higher list price. 

2. Empty nest buyers want two master suites on the main level.  Retiring baby boomers are generally very active–they want to downsize from the current 3500 SF house to something smaller and more manageable.  At the same time, these boomers have aging parents who do not want to live in  typical senior independent or assisted living housing.  By having two master suites on the main level, boomers can age in place and have their older parents (often in their 80s or 90s) also living in the home if necessary. 

3.  Buyers want nicely updated, well maintained homes.  Today’s first time buyers are often spending thousands of dollars in their down payment just to get into a house; they don’t have an extra $10-20K to update the home’s interior or replace a roof, remodel a kitchen, etc.  The same applies to downsizing boomers: they want to sell their current larger home and pay cash for the new, smaller home, with perhaps some leftover equity going towards decor or simple updates. A well-priced, nicely furnished and decorated home with newer mechanicals will always sell faster than one that needs a new roof, HVAC, bath remodel, etc.

4. Everyone wants an open floor plan in an older neighborhood. Older neighborhoods remain desirable because the homes tend to be well built with charming architectural details and close, easy access to services and amenities. However, most older homes are not ‘opened up’, with a large kitchen attached to a family room (like all suburban homes are).  Those older homes that have been modified with a more spacious feel for an easy entertaining flow and oversized modern kitchen sell fast.  Everybody congregates in the kitchen anyway, right?

5.  Buyers want a backyard with room for a garden.  The popular trend of growing your own vegetables, fruits and herbs won’t go away anytime soon.  Having a bit of space in the yard for a few vegetable plants, berry bushes and an herb garden  is a practical and  enjoyable  benefit to homeowners.  You save on groceries and have a pretty , topical feature to compliment the home!

These are a few of the items on the ‘wish list’ of buyers I’ve been working with.  If you are a buyer, do any of these features appeal to you?  Your comments are welcome!

Reflecting Back on 2012 Clients–Grateful for New Friends!

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Although we’re just into 2013, I want to take a few minutes to look  back at 2012 from a business point of view.  I’m proud to say that 2012 was my most successful year in real estate so far!  I attribute that to my hard work and love of the job, a somewhat better economy, and motivated, educated clients who understand the current market we’re in.

As I look back on last year’s business, one of my favorite things to do is think about all the new fun friends I’ve made as a result of helping them buy or sell a home.  Through many shared conversations about topics other than the business at hand, friendships have formed and will last long after the deal is done.  It is by far the best benefit of being a real estate agent! 

Pictured below are a few of the homes I’ve sold with a little bit of information about the owners, and what I appreciate about each of them:

Dave and Anna's Armour Hills Gardens home

Dave and Anna’s Armour Hills Gardens home

Dave and Anna bought their first home in Armour Hills Gardens almost a year ago.  I knew when I saw this home pop on the market that it was a house they would like.  Anna appreciates modern, clean design and it shows in her decorating.  Dave is a musician on the side, and the finished basement is perfect for his hobby.

Carrie and Matt's Brookside home

Carrie and Matt’s Brookside home

Matt and Carrie found me through the internet.  They moved here with their 3 year old daughter from Detroit.  They were not very familiar with Kansas City and fell in love with Brookside.  Their larger home is perfect for visiting family and they love walking to Brookside shops and restaurants.  Carrie and Matt are especially appreciative of their new friendly neighbors!

Matt and Leila's Waldo home

Matt and Leila’s Waldo home

Have you heard about the trend toward smaller homes?  Matt and Leila bought this smaller home in Waldo because of the lower price, energy-saving features and walking distance to Waldo services.  Matt recently finished an energy audit of his home and is installing even more upgrades to lower his monthly utility bills.

Lisa and Keith's Leawood home

Lisa and Keith’s Leawood home

Lisa and Keith almost bought the wrong house.  We searched for a long time and thought we had found ‘the one’ — but after careful consideration, they decided against it.  I’m glad–I had a gut feeling it wasn’t the right house for them.  Then this beautiful Leawood home came on the market and they snapped it up.  It’s a house they plan to live in for many, many years, and a perfect house for raising a family.

Jim and Kelly's home on Central

Jim and Kelly’s home on Central

Jim and Kelly have lived in the Middle East, and I enjoy hearing stories about their world travels.  Now they’ve settled in Kansas City as Jim accepted a job teaching at Rockhurst University and Kelly sells medical equipment.  Jim bikes to work or takes his scooter.  Kelly is taking full advantage of that welcoming front porch with warm, inviting decor!

Jeff and Diann's home in Overland Park

Jeff and Diann’s home in Overland Park

I had kept in touch with Jeff and Diann for about two years before they finally made the move to Kansas City from Wichita.  They bought a patio home in Overland Park close to the Town Center shopping area. Diann has done a fantastic job remodelling the kitchen/hearth room–I should write a blog on that transformation alone!  Jeff was transferred to the local office of his law firm, and both are enjoying being closer to family in the area.  Diann and I never seem to run out of things to talk about when we meet for lunch.

This blog would be way too long for me to list all of the other people I worked with in 2012.  Charlie and Pim, Chris and Erin,  Jeff and Michelle, Peter and Allison, Adam and Liana, Brandi and Anthony and so many  more–all wonderful folks that I loved working with and look forward to staying in touch with as the years go on. And who are the new friends I’ll be blogging about in 2014 at this time?  I’m looking forward to meeting you soon!

Brookside Home Sales Stats November 2012

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I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season!  Some folks will be celebrating Christmas in new locations next year–I’ve sold three homes in the past month, thank you Santa.  The market for Brookside homes continues to climb as you can see from the November 2012 home sales statistics.  Below I have recapped last month’s sales for the main Brookside zip code of 64113, along  with a comparison to one year ago and year -to-date figures:

In November 2012, 23 single family homes sold.  The average list price was $474,961 and the average sales price as $448,991.  Average days on market: 159.

In November  2011, 22 single family homes sold.  The average list price was $383,625 and the average sales price was $344,813.  Average days on market:  176

That’s a large jump in the average sales price–almost $100,000!  However, when  more expensive homes sell (over $500K), the average price jumps.  These pricey  homes are not lingering on the market as long as they once were–they are selling faster.

Checking year-to-date figures:

From January-November  2012, 278 single family homes sold with an average sales price of $341,475 and 115 days on market.

From January-November  2011, 196 single family homes sold with an average sales price of $307,185 and 143 days on market.

Again we see the average sales price much higher this year, which has been consistent for the past several months.  I think final 2012 unit sales and average price will surpass 2011  by almost 10%.  Spring buyers won’t be able to bargain  substantial dollars off the list price with higher comparable priced sold properties. And if you are a seller…get ready to take advantage of the upcoming busy spring market!

If you would like detailed information on sales in your area, contact me for a personalized report.

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

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Enters KC Market

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Regular readers of this blog know I am a real estate agent and one of my specialty markets is the Brookside/Waldo area.  My former company, Prudential Kansas City Real Estate, changed last week to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate-Kansas City Homes (yep, that’s a mouthful!). Soon you will start seeing Better Homes and Gardens signs in homes for sale around the metro area.

Why the change?  Last year, the national Prudential company sold off the real estate division. Eventually, all Prudential Real Estate franchises will change names.  We are still locally owned and operated, and our owners wanted to brand with a franchise that wasn’t already in the marketplace.  They feel BHG Real Estate, very successful in other US cities, has the tech tools and marketing support to make our local company even more successful.

So basically, this is a branding change for us.  It will take many months for the metro area to become familiar with the name, logo, and new marketing features.  Just know we still have the same professional, dedicated agents, the same owners, the same office locations and phone numbers. 

Now I have to get back to work updating my online profile and marketing materials.  If you would like to check out the national Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate website, click here.  My new business email address is:  mary.hutchison@kansascityhomes.com

Thank you to all of my customers and clients for their loyal support during this change!

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.

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)

The Stone House at 63rd and Brookside

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The Stone House

The Stone House in Brookside

How many times have you seen this house in Brookside and wondered…what’s the story behind this stone house?  Now that it’s for sale, I thought I would share a bit of history regarding this landmark home. Continue reading →

Brookside Home Sales Continue Upward Trend

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Housing sales continue to be strong in Brookside!  This is positive trend that we have experienced all year. Here are the home sales statistics for August  2012, plus year-to-date figures.  I am using the main Brookside zip code of 64113 for this report on single family home sales:
In  August  2012, 31 homes sold.  The average list price was $375,358 and the average sales price was $357,238. Average days on market:  95.

In August  2011, 21  homes sold.  The average list price was $304,262 and the average sales price was $295,040.  Average days on market:  78.

These stats show the housing market in Brookside continues to outperform last year.  More units are selling this year, and at higher prices.  There was a huge jump in average price over last year –28%–for the month of August!  Some of the increase can be attributed to more higher priced homes selling this year.

Year to date, 200 homes have sold in zip code 64113,  at an average sales price of $321,320, with 109 average days on market.  From January-August  2011, 142 homes sold at an average price of $304,125 and 130 days on market.

These year to date figures reflect the same monthly trends we’ve seen:  more homes sold at a higher price, with less days on market before going under contract.

Typically, home sales are slower in the last four months of the year.  We’ll see if Brookside continues to outperform 2011 sales as we head into the cooler months. There are fewer listings coming on the market, so buyers will have less to choose from, and the attractive, updated homes should sell even quicker.

Interested in home prices and sales trends in your area?  Email me for the information!

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