Tag Archives: brookside homes for sale

Brookside Home Sales — August 2015 Report

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This blog may give you a feeling of deja vu.. once again I am reporting strong home sales for Brookside in August 2015…as I have been all year.  Prices are up, inventory is down, and many homes are selling within days of being listed.  Here are the single family home sales for last month in the Brookside zip code of 64113:

In August 2015, 30 homes sold.  The median list price was $382,000 and the median sales price was $363,750.  Average days on market: 27. Twelve homes sold over the $400K mark.

In August 2014, 23 homes sold.  The median list price was $375,000 and the median sales price was $357,000.  Average days on  market: 53.

The lowest sale price last month was $142,500 and the highest was $1,257,500 for a Sunset Hills home on W. 56th St. Note the days on market were fewer –this August it was less than 30 days before a house was under contract on average.       

Checking year to date figures:

From January through August  2015, 246 homes sold with a median list and sales price of $325,000 and 38 days on market.   

From January through August 2014, 187 homes sold. The median list price was $320,000 and median sales price was $311,000 and 36 days on market.

Currently there are 57 single family homes for sale in the Brookside zip code of 64113, with a median list price of $539,900 and 80 days on market.  The lowest listing is priced at $199,500 and the highest is just under $4 million. Over half the homes (40) are priced over $500,000, which ramps up the median listing price.

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

New Pre School Opens September 2015 in Brookside/Waldo Area

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Brookside/Waldo families now have another preschool option: Rhyme&Reason Preschool of the Arts at 7100 Main St, inside the New Reform Temple, opens this month! (Note: the school is renting space, there is no religious affiliation).   This is a wonderful addition to our neighborhood, and the two sisters operating the school are so very excited to show off their new space to prospective children, their parents, and the community.

Rhyme&Reason has a unique focus as well–their mission is to ‘encourage, inspire and guide every child through a school based on community, experience and learning through the arts”. All types of art will be introduced to kids at the school, and incorporated into their everyday activities.

Ashley Held and Brittany Margolies

Ashley Held and Brittany Margolies

The twin sisters in charge, Ashley Held and Brittany Margolies, have worked in preschools for the past ten years. Both have a BFA in Visual Arts and Design from KU, and Brittany earned her master’s degree in education from UMKC. Ashley and Brittany believe they are offering a ‘fresh take on preschool’ , combining their passion for art, design and children. They were inspired by another pre-school focusing on the arts: Sweet Pea Cottage in Seattle.

Rhyme&Reason classroom

Rhyme&Reason classroom

When I met with Ashley and Brittany, they explained what makes the school different: the classrooms are mixed ages (from 2-5, no potty training required) and every week there is a different ‘theme’ to focus on . For example, one theme could be the human body. Teachers and students would discuss the body in circle time; a nurse would be brought in as a guest speaker; the kids would examine different medical equipment and how it’s used, etc. In addition, each month the school will feature a different artist and incorporate him or her in various activities. If Rauschenberg was the featured artist, various types of collage work would be incorporated into activities during the month.

rhyme classroom blueRhyme&Reason offers two light-filled classrooms featuring games, puzzles, a sensory table, pretend play area and various toys and books. There is a garden to explore just outside the front door. It is a nut-free campus and the school provides a daily snack; students bring a sack lunch. There is also video surveillance and secured entry to the building. The school year runs from September through May, and for this Fall, offers a morning session only from 8:30-12:30. They hope to add an afternoon session in February.   Rhyme&Reason is community focused: they will teach the kids about volunteering, and want to bring in community leaders like a local chef to help the young ones with cooking classes (there is a  full kitchen) or a high school teacher to help with science experiments. Volunteers are welcome here!

If you, or someone you know, is searching for a pre-school in the Brookside/Waldo area, check out Rhyme&Reason Preschool of the Arts. You can reach Ashley or Brittany at teacher@rhymeandreasonschool.com.

Brookside Soon to Have Two ‘Spice’ Shops – Season+Square Expanding Its Focus

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Hello Brookside neighbors! You’ve probably noticed we are getting a national, corporate spice shop at 6245 Brookside Blvd (site of a former Hallmark Gold Crown store) called Savory Spice Shop. The store expects to open sometime this month.

When I heard about this new place, I immediately thought “Brookside already has a spice shop” – do we need two of them? Because the Brookside shops on the north side of 63rd from Wornall to Main were recently sold to First Washington Realty out of Maryland, we may  see more national brand stores moving in and fewer local store operators in the future.  Still, we Brookside residents love to ‘shop local’ – that’s what makes our area so special – and our locally owned Season+Square shop will now face competition from a 34 chain store operation a few blocks away.

Andrea Joseph, Owner of Season+Square

Andrea Joseph, Owner of Season+Square

Last week I stopped by to chat with Andrea Joseph, owner of Season+Square at 6205 Oak.   Andrea’s shop, opened in February 2014,  is successful, catering to casual home cooks and professional chefs from around the metro. Customer service and product knowledge, so extremely important in any store, is outstanding here. Gradually, Andrea has been transitioning to more of a ‘lifestyle’ shop, offering much more than spices and assorted food products. Besides the huge selection of spices and salts here, you’ll find unique cocktail products (bitters, syrups, mixers); plus oils, vinegars, teas, jellies, cookie mix, exclusive laundry products, soy candles, organic bath products, napkins,cookbooks, fresh Ibis bread (on Saturdays), specialty chocolate and candies. Soon the shop will also sell locally made jewelry and art.  Andrea focuses on working with vendors that give back to their communities in some way, and she knows the story behind every product sold in the shop.

Food sample from Plate-served during their fundraiser.

Food sample from Plate-served during their fundraiser.

Another exciting development here is “Plate”—the modern Italian restaurant she is opening next to her store. Focusing on local, fresh food and ingredients, Plate has hired an experienced Kansas City chef, and local architect HIVE is designing the interior. There will be a full bar, seating for 60 and happy hour Tuesdays-Saturdays from 3-6pm. The goal is to open by the end of the year.

Changes are always happening in Brookside and Waldo; shops and restaurants come and go. There surely is enough business for everyone, as customers visit various establishments and experience the differences between them.  What are the differences between the new corporate spice store and locally owned Season+Square?  Visit both and find out for yourself!

Armour Hills Home Sales Report – June 2015

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Armour Hills homeowners continue to gain equity as prices are up and buyers know  our neighborhood as a desirable place to live.  Let’s check the June 2015 home sales for Armour Hills (Brookside-Kansas City MO), followed by comparisons to last year:

In June 2015, eleven homes sold with a median list price of $285,000; a median sales price of $283,000 and …just five days on market!   

In June 2014, seven homes sold with a median list price of $230,000; a median sales price of $228,000 and 7 days on the market.  

We had our highest priced home sale so far this year; it was the beautiful  house at the northwest corner of W 65th Terrace and Main that sold for $461,000.  The lowest sales price last month was $206,000.

Checking year-to-date figures:

From January through June 2015, 46 homes have sold with a median sales price of $262,000 and 29 days on market.

From January through June  2014, 34 homes sold with a median sales price of $239,950 and 28 days on market.   

More homes are selling this year, very close to asking price, and most sell within 30 days of listing. 

Currently there are seven homes for sales in Armour Hills; the lowest list price is $149,999 and the highest is $315,000 with 64 days on market.

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

Armour Hills Home Values Up Over 7% YTD-May 2015 Stats

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PrintGood morning neighbors!  I have positive news to report again about home values in our Armour Hills subdivision.  Prices are up–some sellers are getting over the asking list price!  As a Realtor, I do not advocate offering a price that is significantly over the posted price.  (it is happening very often this spring in the Prairie Village homes priced from $225-$300K).  Still, it’s all about what the house is worth to a particular buyer….and the appraiser of course!  Here are the home sales stats for Armour Hills in Brookside, Kansas City MO for the month of May, 2015:

In May 2015, eleven homes sold with a median list price of $256,900 median sales price of $262,000 and 36 days on market.  

In May 2014, nine homes sold with a median list price of $259,000; median sales price of $252,000 and 76 days on the market.  

The median sales price was higher than list price in May because: one home sold for $8500 over list price; another home sold $7000 over list price and a third sold $3000 over list price. When you take those three homes out of the equation, the median list price was $256,900; sales price $255,000–very close to asking price.

Checking year-to-date figures:

From January through May 2015, 35 homes have sold with a median sales price of $262,000 and 36 days on market.

From January through May 2014, 27 homes sold with a median sales price of $243,000 and 34 days on market.   

Generally, homes are going under contract within one month of listing.  Median prices are 7.5% over the same period in 2014.  Currently we have 8 homes for sale in Armour Hills, with a median list price of $269,000.  The lowest priced home is $174,900 and the highest is $300,000.

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

Brookside Betty’s Celebrates One Year Anniversary

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Brookside Betty’s, the retro style dress shop at 6215 Oak is celebrating it’s one year anniversary this week with a themed event: Enchantment Under the Sea. Never heard of Brookside Betty’s? Well, here’s a bit of background on this cute, locally owned shop at the bustling corner of 63rd and Oak.  If you like comfortable, mid century modern type dresses–this is the shop for you! 

Jacqui Brewer, owner of Brookside Betty's

Jacqui Brewer, owner of Brookside Betty’s

Owner Jacqui  Brewer was a world history and government teacher at St Teresa’s Academy. Working in retail throughout her student years, she kept thinking about the need for a dress shop in the neighborhood. Every day she would drive along Oak St towards STA and noticed the vacant store front. Every day she thought about opening the dress shop. Finally, she decided to quit her teaching job and made plans to have her own store.   dress twoThe front door greets you with a sign: Come in, it’s not as expensive as it looks. And that’s true! Most of dresses, made in the US and Europe, are priced between $55-$150. There are a variety of fabrics, prints and solids in the style of the 1940s through the 1960s, plus a few ‘little girl’ dresses. Jacqui will work with special orders for unique events and weddings.  You’ll also find really fun accessories here: some jewelry, unique luggage tags, coin purses, and a retro inspired laptop bag that can double as a handy make up tote!

accessoriesHaving been in business a year now, Jacqui decided to celebrate her success with the Enchantment Under the Sea dance. Current customers, as well as perspective shoppers, are welcome to come by and join in the festivities.  The event begins at 7:30pm Saturday May 30. Regular store hours are Tuesday through Friday, 11am-6pm and Saturdays noon-5.  The warm spring weather we have is perfect for dress shopping–stop in Brookside Betty’s and slip into something stylish and comfortable you’ll wear through the fall months! dress one

Armour Hills Home Sales Stats – March 2015

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PrintArmour Hills home sales are sizzling hot this spring!  Sales so far this year are almost double of 2014.  Let’s examine the numbers:

In March 2015, twelve homes sold with a median list price of $265,000; median sales price of $257,500 and 42 days on market.

In March 2014, three homes sold with a median list price of $325,000;  median sales price of $325,000 and two days on the market.

So far in 2015, eighteen homes have sold with a median sales price of $257,000.

In the first three months of 2014, ten homes sold with a median sales price of $239,950.

We’ve had a big jump in the number of homes sold compared to last year.  Overall, the median sales price is much higher as well.

Open house traffic is very strong in our neighborhood, and any new listing that pops on the market has several showings in the first couple of days.  Currently there are 10 active listings in Armour Hills, with a median price of $267,500 and 23 days on market. I expect the figures for April 2015 to be just as strong.

Rare Four Bedroom Home For Sale in Brookside!

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613 E 66th St For Sale in Brookside

613 E 66th St For Sale in Brookside

Here we are, in the middle of the very busy Spring home selling/buying season in Brookside!  There are many, many buyers looking for homes….and a lack of inventory, especially in the $200-$225K price range.  So my  listing in Armour Hills Gardens should sell quickly!

fam rm one

Second floor family room–rare for this area, and at this price!

This is a true four bedroom home, which is hard to find in this price range.  The home features a Cape Cod floorplan, with two bedrooms and a full bath on the first floor, and two bedrooms and a full bath on the second floor.  Also on the second floor–a large family room, perfect for TV viewing or gaming!

kit windows

Natural light streams into the updated kitchen

The kitchen features newer cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and a long row of windows overlooking the backyard area–lots of natural light here!  Just outside the kitchen is a dining room area, which also leads into a spacious screened in porch.  That is my favorite area of the home–it’s so relaxing to sit here, read a book, chat with friends or enjoy a meal protected from pesky flies and bugs!.

Relax here after a long day at the office!

Relax here after a long day at the office!

You’ll find hardwood floors on the first floor, except for the kitchen (tile floor), and freshly cleaned carpet on the second floor.  There is also an attached garage, full walk out basement and large fenced yard in back.

Living room with built-ins and fireplace

Living room with built-ins and fireplace

Located in popular Armour Hills Gardens, this is a great location and so convenient…just west of Holmes, and close to St Peter’s Church/School, Brookside shops and services, Metro bus stop and Highway 71 is within a mile.  Contact me for a private showing, or click my website for more pictures.  613 E 66th St, offered at $214,000.  A lot of space for the price!

New Rotary Club Started for Brookside/Waldo Area Residents

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Would you like to get more involved with your Brookside/Waldo neighbors? Are you thinking it’s time to meet some new friends and network with other professionals? Then you may be interested in finding out more about the new Waldo-Brookside Rotary Club.

Dan Ryan (an Armour Hills resident) was a member of the KC Plaza Rotary Club. The Plaza group had been discussing the concept of starting another club, so Dan and several other members started on the paperwork and recruitment. They decided a Rotary Club with an early evening meeting time and no meal expense could bring the Rotary experience to a broader group of people.   Thus, the Waldo-Brookside Rotary Club was born.

angieAngie Gutierrez is the chapter President, and we recently met at the Roasterie so she could pass along details of the group and it’s purpose. Rotary club objectives include “the ideal of service in each Rotarian’s personal, business, and community life” and “the development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service”.

As the members of the Waldo-Brookside group network with each other and get a feel for their club’s ‘personality’, they will create plans to give back to the community where they live and meet.  Although this new club is still working out what specific ways they will  help our neighborhood, it could include a theme project like “schools” — which would mean promoting scholarships, cleaning up school grounds, funding needed school materials, etc. Each Rotary chapter decides for itself the community services it will provide.

The requirements for membership are simple: professional adults (this group tends to fall between the ages of 25-50), dues (currently $50 per quarter), and regular attendance at the weekly meetings.   This Waldo/Brookside Rotary Chapter meets each Wednesday at 5:30pm at The Well in Waldo for one hour…Angie is very conscious of keeping the meetings on track and on time! The usual agenda will include discussing projects and often feature a guest speaker. Everyone is welcome to stay and socialize after the business meeting if they like, as Angie describes their meetings as a ‘happy hour type of club”.

You probably know someone who is involved with the Rotary organization. If you are interested, contact Angie at angiemgutierrez@gmail.com. Or, you can just stop by one of the Wednesday night meetings to get a feel for the group—everyone is welcome!

Armour Hills Home Sales Stats – Jan 2015

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How many new neighbors will we have in Armour Hills in 2015?  Seventy homes changed owners last year.   Let’s see how many properties closed last month in Armour Hills, and check the pricing.  Buyers are actively looking for homes to purchase and open house traffic is strong–yet  there is  a lack of good inventory.

In January 2015, four homes sold with a median sales price of $210,000 and 23 days on market. The median list price was $210,000. Three of the four homes sold were at list price, the fourth was just $500 under list.

In January 2014, four homes sold with a median sales price of $232,500 and 10 days on market.  The median list price was $235,000.

I am not concerned about the drop in median sales price from one year ago–notice the homes that sold were at full price.  January is traditionally a slow month for purchases. However, there is a strong demand for homes–proven by the fact that the units  sold last month were at asking price!

Right now we have  8 homes for sale in Armour Hills, with a median list price of $265,000 and 32 days on market.  The lowest list price is $210K and the highest is $319,950.

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