Armour Hills 2015 Home Sales Report

Posted on January 21, 2016 by Mary Hutchison

As I was reporting monthly stats on Armour Hills homes throughout last year, I knew the trend was rising prices. We’ve had a big increase in our home values–that’s good news for both sellers and buyers! Let’s take a look at the specific numbers:

In 2015:

*79 homes sold

*Median list price: $269,500

*Median sales price: $265,000

*Average days on market: 34

The highest sales price in Armour Hills was $461,000; the lowest was $139,000.

In 2014:

*70 homes sold

*Median list price: $239,950

*Median sales price: $236,500

*Averages days on market: 32

The highest sales price in Armour Hills that year was $474,000; the lowest was $125,000.

A few more homes sold in 2015 than 2014, and the median sales price jumped 12%!

It’s good news for both buyers and sellers because…buyers want to purchase in an area where home values are going up (not down); and sellers want to continue to gain equity in their homes. I expect 2016 to be a strong year for Armour Hills homes sales as well. If you are thinking of buying or selling this year…contact me for an even more detailed analysis of our neighborhood home sales (mary.hutchison@kansascityhomes.com).

Brookside Home Prices Up Over 10% in 2015

Posted on January 18, 2016 by Mary Hutchison

Here we go, Brookside neighbors….a recap of 2015 home sales for our area. The good news? Prices are up. The bad news? Not much desireable inventory in the critical $225-325K price range. I am reporting closed single family home sales for the Brookside zip code of 64113:

In 2015:

* 342 homes sold.

* The median list price was $337,750; the median sales price was $309,475.

* Average days on market: 39.

*Seven homes sold for over $1 million. Highest sales price was a $1.8 million home on West Meyer Blvd.

*53 homes sold for over $500K.

In 2014:

*289 homes sold.

*The median list price was $307,000; median sales price was $295,000.

*Average days on market: 41

*Two homes sold over $1 million.

*42 homes sold for over $500K.

These number show us that prices are going up, and more homes are selling. The days on market are virtually the same (days on market is how long a home sits before going under contract). Upper bracket buyers (for homes $500K and up) were more active in 2015 than the previous year.

Now let’s look at a few more figures to show trending home prices. Below are the median sales prices for each year and how many units sold:

2013: $295,000 median sales price; 307 homes sold.

2012: $277,000 median sales price; 296 homes sold.

2011: $249,000 median sales price; 210 homes sold.

In 2015, prices increased in Brookside 11% over the previous year.

Since 2011, we’ve seen a 32% increase in prices in our neighborhood!!!

We continue to have a thriving, desirable location for buyers of all price ranges here in Brookside. For those sellers who maintain their properties, keep them updated and move in ready–expect to have a quick sale, especially in the $225-$300K price range. Lower priced homes that need a lot of updating and repair also go under contract quickly–they are ‘flipped’ by investors.

Need more detailed information about home sales in your area? Contact me at mary.hutchison@kansascityhomes.com.

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

Welcome Flatiron Blow Dry Bar to Waldo

Posted on January 12, 2016 by Mary Hutchison

Flatiron District Blow Dry Bar, 7108 Wornall in Waldo

Finally, Waldo and Brookside has its own blow dry bar! The Flatiron District Blow Dry Bar opened in a few months ago at 7108 Wornall. I recently stopped by to check out the shop and talk with the owner Jayme Brassell.

Blow dry bars are very popular on the east and west coasts. They are a throwback to the traditional ‘beauty shop’ in the 1950s and 60s. Women would come in once a week, get their hair ‘done’ for the week, chat with friends and neighbors and pamper themselves a bit! The Flatiron Blow Dry Bar has the same goal, but with an updated, more urban vibe. Here you can get a wash, blow dry and style that will last several days says Jayme. No more washing and styling every single day! The stylists use all organic shampoo and conditioner, and special styling techniques to keep your hair looking and feeling fresh for several days. The process takes about 45 minutes, and includes a glass of champagne or mimosa (this is a ‘bar’ after all!) and a mini massage. Waxing and make up services are also available. Prices vary depending on the hair style and special packages/memberships are available.

Stylist Karlye Buff, left and shop owner Jayme Brassell, right

Jayme moved to KC in an unusual way…she and her husband were living in New York City and she was pregnant with baby #3. They decided to get out of New York and googled ‘best places to raise a family’. Kansas City came out on top of that list–so they picked up and moved here, purchasing a home in old Leawood. That was five years ago. Jayme’s shop was initially in Overland Park, but the atmosphere wasn’t quite right. Waldo fits the neighborhood feel and urban vibe she wanted. The local neighbors are very supportive, business is good and she loves meeting all the eclectic people who wander in.

The decor in the shop reflects Jayme’s love of NYC–you’ll see a subway map, Playbill covers, and New York magazines among the shabby chic furnishings. She also offers a few items from Fishs Eddy (her favorite NYC shop) for purchase, and has handmade jewelry and some RenWalla accessories on consignment. . It’s a very comfortable and friendly atmosphere–you feel relaxed as soon as you walk in!

For an appointment at Flatiron District Blow Dry Bar, you can call or text 913 972 1400 or book directly at facebook.com/flatironinwaldo. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10am-6pm, #flatironinwaldo on Instagram.

Thank you for supporting locally owned businesses in Waldo and Brookside!

Coming Up-KC Restaurant Week 2016

Posted on January 6, 2016 by Mary Hutchison

January…for me, the most boring month of the year! However I do look forward to KC Restaurant Week! Beginning January 15 through 24, 2016–restaurants all over the metro area are offering special menus for lunch ($15) and dinner ($33) with a portion of the proceeds going to various local charities and foundations. Reservations fill up fast!!! You can reserve a table directly from the website.

Note that most of the restaurants participating are locally owned and operated. This is the perfect time to try out that new place you’ve heard about..or check out eateries outside your dining radius. Below is a list of the Brookside/Waldo restaurants that are offering special menus:

75th St Brewery, 520 W 75th St

Aixois, 251 E 55th St

Avenues Bistro, 338 W 63rd St

Charlie Hooper’s, 12 W 63rd St

District Pour House & Kitchen, 7122 Wornall

Lew’s Grill & Bar, 7539 Wornall

Louie’s Wine Dive, 7100 Wornall

Michael Forbes Bar and Grill, 128 W 63rd St

Summit Bar and Grill, 500 W 75th St

Waldo Pizza, 7433 Broadway

The Well Bar and Rooftop, 7421 Broadway

A portion of the money raised during the ten day event will go to Boys Grow, Children’s Center for the Visually Impaired and Cultivate Kansas City. Many restaurants have already posted their special menus at www.kcrestaurantweek.com; there is also an app you can download.

Gather up some friends and try a new locally owned restaurant during KC Restaurant Week!

Armour Hills Home Sales Report Oct 2015

Posted on November 19, 2015 by Mary Hutchison

Autumn is the prettiest season in Armour Hills…soon all the colorful leaves will be gone, and we’ll see naked sticks outlining the sky. I also think the trees look the brightest when the skies are a dull gray color. We have a few new households arrive in our neighborhood last month…welcome! Here are details for single family home sales In Armour Hills as of last month:

In October 2015, four homes sold with a median list price of $244,475 and a sales price of $243,000 with 23 days on market.

In October 2014, six homes sold with a median list price of $231,950 and a median sales price of $219,750 with 30 days on the market.

Prices are up compared to last October, and sellers are getting very close to the list price for their homes.

Checking year-to-date figures:

From January through October 2015, 69 homes have sold with a median list price of $265,000 and a median sales price of $265,000 with 32 days on market.

From January through October 2014, 55 homes sold with a median list price of $239,950 and sales price of $239,950 with 28 days on market.

Did you notice the median list price and sales price are the same figure for both?? Buyers are paying top dollar to move into Armour Hills..when the property is priced correctly.

As you can see, we are still way ahead as far as number of homes sold and median sales price compared to 2014. Currently there are five homes for sale, with a median list price of $229,000 and 97 days on market.

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

Brookside Home Sales Report – October 2015

Posted on November 16, 2015 by Mary Hutchison

Brookside home sales continue to outpace last year! Prices are up, and the upper bracket ($500K+) homes are attracting buyers. Let’s look at the numbers – here are the single family home sales for October 2015 in the Brookside zip code of 64113:

In October 2015, 27 homes sold. The median list price was $397,950 and the median sales price was $383,500. Average days on market: 54. The lowest sales price was $203,500 and the highest was a cash sale at $1.145 million.

In October 2014, 25 homes sold. The median list price was $340,000 and the median sales price was $320,000. Average days on market: 41.

A couple of more homes sold as compared to a year ago, and the median price was much higher because eleven of the 27 sales closed were over $400,000, including that $1 million plus sale.

Checking year to date figures:

From January through October 2015, 294 homes sold with a median list price of $329,975 and a median sales price of $325,000 with 40 days on market.

From January through October 2014, 244 homes sold. The median list price was $320,000 and median sales price was $309,000 and 37 days on market.

We’ve had six sales above $1 million so far this year in zip 64113; last year at this time there were four $1 million+ sales. The higher priced sales push up the median price.

Currently there are 53 single family homes for sale in the Brookside zip code of 64113, with a median list price of $549,950 and 89 days on market. There are 31 homes priced over $500,000 in our area…the highest price home is $50 shy of $4 million.

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

Armour Hills Home Sales Report – September 2015

Posted on October 27, 2015 by Mary Hutchison

Hello neighbors…time to report on September 2015 home sales in our Armour Hills subdivision in Brookside. Sales are slowing down as we move to the holiday season…and hopefully a WORLD SERIES WIN!! Here are details for single family home sales In Armour Hills as of last month:

In September 2015, three homes sold with a median list price of $269,500 and a sales price of $265,000 with 88 days on market.

In September 2014, six homes sold with a median list price of $275,000 and a median sales price of $272,700 and eleven days on the market.

The 88 days on market is much longer than we’ve been trending this year. That’s because the three houses that sold last month had all been on the market for almost ninety days before going under contract–the sales prices were also dropped from initial list price to market value.

Checking year-to-date figures:

From January through September 2015, 63 homes have sold with a median list price of $269,000 and a median sales price of $265,000 with 32 days on market.

From January through September 2014, 48 homes sold with a median list price of $249,500 and sales price of $246,000 with 29 days on market.

As you can see, we are still way ahead as far as number of homes sold and median sales price compared to 2014. Currently there are 14 homes for sale, with a median list price of $284,450 and 41 days on market. The lowest price home is $199,500 and the highest list price is $525,000.

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

Brookside Home Sales Report – September 2015

Posted on October 21, 2015 by Mary Hutchison

Royals mania continues in our metropolis — must see TV has cut into my work and blogging time! It’s all worth it though to again experience the excitement of the playoffs. Have you noticed–so many more homes in the area displaying Royals support paraphernalia! Okay, down to business….here are the single family home sales for last month in the Brookside zip code of 64113:

In September 2015, 22 homes sold. The median list price was $375,000 and the median sales price was $362,500. Average days on market: 34. Two homes sold over the $500K mark. The lowest sales price was $224,500 and the highest was $650K.

In September 2014, 32 homes sold. The median list price was $302,000 and the median sales price was $289,975. Average days on market: 45. The lowest sales price was $164,950 and the highest was $2.727 million.

Fewer homes sold this September than last, however days on market are fewer and median sales price is up–a consistent trend this year.

Checking year to date figures:

From January through September 2015, 268 homes sold with a median list price of $326,777 and a median sales price of $325,000 with 38 days on market.

From January through September 2014, 219 homes sold. The median list price was $320,000 and median sales price was $306,000 and 37 days on market.

More homes are selling in Brookside this year, and sellers are getting very close to list price. The last three months of the year are usually slower for home sales…we’ll see how much of a drop off we experience or if closed sales will outpace last year.

Currently there are 58 single family homes for sale in the Brookside zip code of 64113, with a median list price of $539,950 and 68 days on market. Fourteen homes are priced over $1million–so if that is your price range, there is a lot to chose from!

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

Meyer Fest This Weekend in Brookside – Oct 9-10, 2015

Posted on October 5, 2015 by Mary Hutchison

The most beautiful season in Kansas City? Many people would say Autumn because of the warm days, cool nights and brilliant fall colors on the trees. And one of the most welcoming, friendly communities in Brookside is St Peter’s Parish. Fall and festivals go together, so this weekend you are invited to the St. Peter’s Meyer Fest, now in it’s second year. In the past, the church held a parish “fiesta” on the school grounds geared towards parishioners and school families. Meyer Fest is an expanded street party and carnival , welcome to anyone in the area who wants to join in the fun!

Here’s a brief schedule of events:

Friday October 9, 2015

6pm-10pm– Tailgate and Chili Cook-Off at KC Bier Co, 310 W. 79th St in Waldo

Saturday October 10, 2015

9am-3pm — Carnival at St Peter’s, 815 E Meyer, with games, crafts and activities for kids.

10:30am and noon — Performances from the Starlight Theater STARS of Tomorrow.

1:00pm — Battle of the Bands!

6pm-10:30pm — Live music from The Bryan Hicks Quartet, The Rainmakers and Boogie Wonderland, plus dancing and food trucks.

Ticket prices range from $5-$20, depending on activity and can be purchased online with NO additional fees! Proceeds from Meyer Fest benefit the St Peter’s Food Pantry and their sister parish in El Salvador.

Volunteers are needed, so if you want to get involved, visit the website for details. Thanks, St. Peter’s, for hosting another community event for Brookside/Waldo neighbors!

It’s A Sellers’ Market for Armour Hills Homes in Brookside

Posted on September 28, 2015 by Mary Hutchison

No bargaining regarding home prices last month in Armour Hills…the four properties that sold were at or over list price! It’s a sellers’ market in my neighborhood–the well-priced, move in ready homes can have multiple offers or sell at asking price. Here are the the details for single family home sales In Armour Hills (Brookside) for August 2015:

In August 2015,four homes sold with a median list price $277,500 and a sales price of $280,000 with 11 days on market. Two homes were sold over the list price, two homes sold at asking price.

In August 2014, two homes sold with a median list price of $244,925; a median sales price of $243,475 and four days on the market.

Checking year-to-date figures:

From January through August 2015, 61 homes have sold with a median list and sales price of $265,000 and 29 days on market.

From January through August 2014, 43 homes sold with a median list and sales price of $239,950 and 31 days on market.

We’ve had fifteen homes sell in Armour Hills at or over $300K; last year at this time, ten had sold at or over $300K. The lowest sales price this year was $142,500 and the highest is $461,000K.

Currently there are 12 homes for sales in Armour Hills; the median list price is $239,475 and 38 days on market.