Tag Archives: Brookside homes

Career Musings on Labor Day

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It’s been a relaxing weekend for me so far…and it feels great!  I did work with some out of town buyers relocating to Kansas City, and took the girls shopping.   Tonight, we are having friends over for dinner, although it’s too hot and muggy to eat outside.  I’d like to visit the pool one last time.  This is the last holiday weekend until..Thanksgiving, at least for most folks who  don’t work for the government.

Feeling a bit lazy Saturday night, I started watching a Chris Rock concert on HBO.  I’m  a  fan of his humor. He’s very smart and sharp when it comes to composing his comedy bits  Like all good comics, he bases his humor on what he sees and feels about everyday life. At one point in the show, he started riffing about the difference between a job and a career.

Chris Rock

He started out by admitting he stupidly dropped out of high school  He got a job in the back of a fast food seafood restaurant, scraping shrimp off plates.  For hours and hours, he scraped, scraped, scraped those plates. And that job was the best he could do with his level of education at the time. He hated it.

Then, Chris started talking about his career.  As a comic, he works a lot, constantly coming up  with new material, searching for inspiration on new bits to develop, working in movies and as a stand-up comic.  Because he loves what he does for a living, he emphasized  this is his career, not only a job.  WIth a career, you are focused, determined, motivated to do better.  A job is just a way to earn a paycheck, and you can’t wait until your shift is over.

Inspired by Chris, I was thinking of my career as a real estate agent on this Labor Day.  In the beginning, it felt like just a job, but  without a regular paycheck.  I had to educate myself on various neighborhoods, contract documents, financing, attend inspections, learn how to market myself and my services. It was tedious, time consuming, and very little income. But I liked what I was doing, so I  worked long hours on my own little ‘start up’ business.  There were days in the beginning when I had nothing I had to do that day for my job, but I worked anyway.  There was so much to learn, and so I forced myself to soak up as much as I could about being a professional, knowledgeable agent–even though it would have been easier to just blow off the day and watch movies on the sofa. Eventually, I turned the job into a career.  When did that happen?   When I really started to enjoy what I was doing, when I felt this was a service I could provide to people and be proud of it. When I started learning from the mistakes, when I realized I was in control of the business.  When I felt a sense of accomplishment and appreciation from my clients.  When I had to work three days straight with one client but enjoyed their company so much, it was a bubbly mixture of work and interesting  conversations.

Now I still work long hours and am constantly trying to improve myself as an agent.  Keeping up with technology, new rules and regulations, recognizing the shifting needs of buyers and consoling sellers who can’t get what they want for their house–these challenges are ever present.   But like Chris, I really like what I do and have developed  my career.  Thankfully, it will never be just a job to me.

Where are the Mutt Mitts in Arbor Villa Park?

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Heavy sigh as I begin this post…it’s about the ‘mutt mitts’ (plastic bags for doggie waste) provided by the Armour Hills Homes Assn in Arbor Villa Park. At our board meeting last week, a resident stopped by wondering when the supply would be replenished.  Board member Tiffany Moore did some investigation as to why the box is frequently empty.

A resident who lives near the park orders the mitts and stocks  the dispenser.   Armour Hills has been spending about $4500 per year on these plastic baggies. A shipment of 6400 mitts lasts…just 6 to 8 weeks.   Yes, we have lots of dog lovers in Armour Hills, and I’m sure residents of other neighborhoods use our mitts when walking their pets.  But I doubt that every person walking by is taking just one mitt…it’s obvious some folks are taking hundreds of  mitts for their personal ‘stash’.

What to do?  This is an issue the board will have  to discuss.  We want to provide this service  for our residents, and the occasional non-Armour Hills homeowner is welcome to take one if necessary.  But it’s hard to justify a $4500 annual expense when it’s obvious some people are just helping themselves to as many mitts as they can take with them. There are approximately 1200 homes in our subdivision–if every single homeowner had a dog that was walked twice each day, there’s no way 6400 mitts could be used in eight weeks’ time!

I don’t have a dog.  But if I did, I would appreciate having the convenience of a mutt mitt dispenser in the park when needed.  I hope  this service does not have to be discontinued because of a few selfish people who are stealing the supply.  However, Armour Hills residents should not subsidize the cost of doggie waste bags for those who feel entitled to abuse the service.

Brookside/Waldo Tax Reassessment Notices-In the Mail!

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Did you recently get a letter from the Jackson County Assessment Department? Yes, neighbors, it’s that time again…Jackson County is reassessing residential property for the 2013 tax bills.

We recently got the letter at our house, so I called the assessor’s office to get more details about the process. Working north from south KC, their  focus is now on the Brookside area. Staff from the assessment department will soon be inspecting and measuring the  exterior of homes.  Workers will NOT ask to enter your home; however, you will receive a door hanger asking you to call in more specific information. When  you  phone in, you will be asked questions about various features of your home: how many bedrooms and baths; if you’ve added on any rooms or have a finished basement. All of this information will be used to determine a ‘fair market value’ for your home, based on recent comparable sales in your neighborhood.

Next spring, the valuation notices will be mailed.  Not only will your home have a specific dollar valuation, but it will also feature  an estimate of your new property tax bill.  In the past, your notice stated  the value of your home but not how much the tax bill might be. Property taxes are due at the end of the year, so residents will have plenty of time to protest the new property valuation if they feel it’s unfair. And remember, when your property taxes go up, so will your monthly mortgage payment to cover the tax escrow account.

Watch for assessment personnel walking around your neighborhood in the next few weeks. If you want more information, the Assessor’s office phone number is 816 881 4661.

Google Fiber Coming to Brookside – Part 2

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I wanted to write about a few more things I learned at the Google Fiber neighborhood association meeting on Monday night.  Google Fiber is  the fastest internet speed there is, 1000Mb per second, which is 100 times faster than what consumers have right now.  Google chose Kansas City KS and Kansas City MO to roll out this service, which you can register for now at the website.

You can read part one of my blog about Google Fiber at the top of this page. Other information about Google Fiber for reference:

*The ‘fiberglass box’ bringing the service to your home will be attached to the house, and stays with the house.  You will have one fiber box per TV set.

Google Fiber boxes

*Google says they will ‘work with the neighborhoods’ as to the placement of the service huts in each neighborhood location. I am concerned about this because of the unsightly AT&T UVerse boxes that were plopped on the easement and 68th St and Main in Armour Hills, which is not only an eyesore but blocks the view of oncoming cars.

* Users will have a regular remote control stick and a tablet for TV control .  (I was not allowed to take a picture of the tablet, but it’s about the size of a Kindle and very easy to use).

*You will not need a router or a server with this service.  You will have three small boxes, one for storage, another for cable and a third for DVR service.

*Four computers can be served by one network box.

*You can find a list of available TV channels on the website.  Right now, premium channels (like HBO) are not listed.  ESPN and AMC aren’t on the list either.  But Google is still negotiating, and feels these channels will be available eventually.

Google welcomes anyone interested in this service to stop by their local headquarters at 1814 Westport Road for a demonstration.  It’s very impressive–you can test out the mega-fast internet connection and the bright, hi-def TV service.  There’s plenty of Google staff to chat with you and answer questions… and it’s a very  relaxing, inviting space to hang out  and play with the new toys!  Hours are Sunday-Friday 12noon-8pm and Saturday 10am-8pm,  1814 Westport Road at State Line.

Having Google Fiber access to the KC metro area is going to change the way we work, play, and entertain ourselves.  The rest of the nation will be watching how we use this service and what happens as a result.  Even if you don’t think you have the need for faster internet service–if you plan on moving in the next few years, sign up. I believe it will add to the value of your home if it’s connected to Google Fiber.

Google Fiber Coming to Brookside–More Details You Should Know Pt 1

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 Last night I attended the Google Fiber meeting for homeowner association leaders.  Google has done an excellent job of launching this service in Kansas city—plenty of media advertising, local news coverage and an easy to navigate web site with detailed  information.  Before the meeting,  I asked friends and family:  what other questions do you have about signing up for Google fiber?  Here’s what I found out:

1)      What if you have more than one TV?  Yes, you will be charged extra to connect more than one TV to the service.  Those rates aren’t determined yet.

2)      What fiberhoods wil get connected first?  The order of installation depends on the number of  people registered in that area.  If your fiberhood has more households signed up as of the deadline, you will get service quicker.

3)      What if I have Google Fiber connected to my house and I move? Can I take Google Fiber with me?  No, the fiberbox stays with the house.

Shuttlecock light fixture at Google Fiber HQ

4)      What if I buy a house in a fiberhoodthat doesn’t have the individual Google Fiber box and I want the service?  If that neighborhood has already been serviced by Google, and your new house doesn’t have it, you will have to wait until Google can come back and connect your individual house. No timetable for how long that will take.

5)      If I don’t sign up for the service before the Sept 9 deadline, and decide later I want Google Fiber, can I still get the service?  That may be  possible, but it may be a long time before your home is connected.  Those who sign up by the deadline are first to get the service.

6)      After the Sept 9 deadline, when will Google start connecting individual homes?  Google plans to start connecting homes by mid 2013, and there will be a calendar online that shows which fiberhoods will be connected when.

7)      How will customer service work?  Google will have local customer service  representatives and two remote call center service centers.

8)      How will condos be connected to the service?  Google is still working out the details on this. 

9)      When will Johnson County get Google Fiber?  It was announced yesterday that parts of northern Johnson County will be able to register soon for the service.

I have more information to share about my visit to the local KC Google headquarters, which I will do in part two of this blog.  This is a very exciting opportunity for homeowners, and I believe it’s worth the $10 to register for the service now, even if you change your mind later and decide you don’t want it. Watching the demos of this superfast connection–it opens up a whole new way of instantly connecting with business, services, friends, family and entertainment.  The tech world will be watching us closely as this service is implemented.  Get on the spaceship!

 

 

 

 

Street Work at E 68th and Main, Armour Hills

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What’s happening at the three intersections along Main St in Armour Hills, starting at E 68th Terrace and going north?  I stopped today and chatted with the workers to find out. (The City subcontracts this work).

Street Blockage Armour Hills

Apparently there are leaks in the main water valves under the street.  The homeowner at E 68th Terrace and Main reported the leak to the City over a year ago, according to the workers on site.  At the corner of E  68 and Main, a water valve was inserted. This work has nothing to do with the federally mandated sewer upgrade project.

Six Feet Under the Street!

It was interesting to peer inside the hole where the work is being done. ..yes, it’s about 6 feet under!  These pipes are the original cast steel pipes, laid in the early 1920s.  The sections around the water valves are being replaced with ductal iron pipe.  After all the work is completed, the City should send someone out to resurface the asphalt at these three intersections.  No timetable for that project.

In the meantime, it’s a bit of an inconvenience to drive around these intersections but at least KCMO finally got around to addressing the problems!  If the resurfacing doesn’t happen in a timely manner, I’ll follow up with a call to the Public Works Department.

Armour Hills Home Sales Statistics – March 2012

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It’s the end of April…just now have time to post home sales statistics for Armour Hills in Brookside, Kansas City MO!    Thanks for your patience, let’s get to the  numbers:

In the month of March 2012, 4 homes sold.   Average list price:  $185,950.  Average sales price: $181,325.  Average days on market:  213.

In the month of March 2011, 4 homes sold.  Average list price:  $203,000.  Average sales price:  $195,500.  Average days on market: 111.

Currently, there are 22 homes for sale in Armour Hills, with an average price of $243,961.

Although the average sales price is down, remember that there is a wide variety of home prices in Armour Hills.  When lower priced foreclosures sell, or smaller homes, that skews the average sales price down.  Also, it takes longer for these types of homes to sell, thus the longer days on market. Showings are way up compared to 2011, so I think this will be a strong sales season for Armour Hills!

If you would like more detailed information on what is selling in Armour Hills or other parts of Brookside, just email me.

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

Hey Anthony Bourdain, Try Dining in Brookside!

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So Anthony Bourdain’s excellent travel show, No Reservations, broadcasts an episode tonight that filmed in Kansas City last fall.  According to the article in today’s’ Kansas City Star, the visit focuses on many of our beloved barbecue joints.  It’s been done, Anthony!   We know how much you love Oklahoma Joe’s….you need to make a visit to Brookside for dining!  And if you did….here’s where I would take you….

First, a short stop at Waldo Pizza for an appetizer of their St Louis Style pizza.  OK, so maybe this pizza with provel cheese originated in St Louis, (and it’s in Waldo) but this is the kind of place Tony would like:  locally owned, crazy busy all the time, interesting artwork on the walls and a wait staff with lots of tats. My personal favorite is the fresh mushroom and pineapple pizza..go ahead and groan.  Along with our cheesy treat, Tony can try several of the freshly brewed beers from Boulevard.

Julian in Brookside

Our next stop for the entrée:  Julian.  No need to hop in your chauffeured limo, Tony, we can just walk along the Trolley Track Trail.  We’ll dine outside, as it would be a perfect spring evening.  Knowing what a pork fanatic Tony is, I would suggest we order the crispy pork shoulder with sweet potato puree.  This is SO tasty, I almost have to order it every time I go to Julian.  It must be a house specialty, as owner Celina Tio once told me how it’s made—it takes two days to concoct this dish!  Of course, Celina and Tony may recognize each other from their appearances on Top Chef—and don’t all those famous chefs know each other anyway? As tempting as it would be to stay for chocolate pudding and a ginger doughnut, we move on for dessert…

Tony isn’t big on eating sweets, but who could resist the profiteroles at Aixois?  A light pastry puff, split open and topped with vanilla bean ice cream, toasted almonds and chocolate sauce…so simple yet so good.  He would appreciate another casual, locally owned restaurant with a warm  atmosphere and reasonable prices. Tony might compare it to his old French bistro, Les Halles.  We’re not done yet, though, there is one more stop…

Heading back south on the trail, we would order lattes at The Roasterie Café.  Notice, Tony, the wide rimmed cups that provide a creamy sip of foam with

The Roasterie Cafe in Brookside

every drink of locally roasted coffee!   Ok, it’s not like drinking espresso in an Italian courtyard, but still, the people watching is good, the service friendly, and if you  crave another shot of chocolate…indulge in  a Christopher Elbow chocolate with your beverage. Or we could walk a bit further to Glace and try scoops of their artisan ice creams:  basil lime sorbet, salted pretzel, goat cheese and wildflower honey.  Sounds interesting, doesn’t it?

You see, Tony, our barbecue has  a well deserved great reputation..but there’s more to Kansas City than big smoky meat, fries and a cream soda.  Brookside is your kind of place…the next time you come to KC to satisfy a craving for Oklahoma Joe’s, spend some time dining in Brookside. Like all other  die hard New Yorkers, you’ll be surprised at what’s happening here outside of the barbecue scene.

Moving to Florida? Take Brookside With You!

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Back from vacation and it’s funny…Brookside was very much on my mind while I was in Florida!  My  host moved from his beloved Brookside home to Jacksonville almost two years ago….and he moved into a neighborhood very much like Brookside, called Springfield.  However, Springfield is an ‘up and coming’ area, as we real estate agents say.  There are beautifully renovated homes sandwiched between abandoned houses and vacant lots.  But anyone driving through can see and feel the potential…

Springfield is on the National Register of Historic Places, located just north of downtown Jacksonville.  Once a wealthy suburb (similar to the Hyde Park area in Kansas City), most of the homes were built in the late 1800s through 1920s.  I was surprised to see so many oak trees among the palm trees! (Curiously, no squirrels!?)   In January 2010, Southern Living magazine named Springfield the “#1 Comeback Neighborhood of the South”.  Springfield is very much a resident driven improvement project, with its own sustainability focus (www.sustainablespringfield.net) and neighbors committed to saving the historic homes in danger of demolition (www.preservationsos.org).  There is a Springfield Merchants Association (www.sambajax.org) and monthly potluck suppers hosted by homeowners.

So when my friend bought his home, he deliberately chose this area to help push it forward into a more stable neighborhood.  Of course, this happens house by house, small business by small business.  Not knowing many people in Jacksonville, he was surprised at the very strong sense of community in Springfield—neighbors shouting “Welcome to the neighborhood, thanks for moving here! “ and baskets of goodies left on his front porch.  He was so excited to find Three Layers Coffehouse, a small ‘loft-style café’ coffee shop/wine bar just down the street.  It’s the only business on the corner, with empty storefronts next door.  Still, it’s thriving with local residents.  It seems much easier to meet and strike up friendships when everyone is  living in the same area for a common cause—a  passion for historic, charming  neighborhoods with easy walkability, where local entrepreneurs and business owners are committed to making a difference in their own square mile of the world.

Brookside is an area years ahead of what Springfield is becoming …yet it is the very same emotional pull of a certain type of lifestyle that keeps Brookside thriving…and Springfield growing.  Thanks to the urban pioneers who recognize it is the unique and historic neighborhoods of a city that give it personality and flair.   These neighborhoods are worth preserving, no matter what city you live in!

During the second part of my trip, I stayed with friends in Celebration, Florida..and that will be the subject of my next blog. A neigbhorhood inspired by Brookside, but with a very different feeling.

Armour Hills March 2012 Board Meeting Recap

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This post is about a week late!  I’ve been busy trying to work ahead as I’ll be out of town on a little vacation soon. So let’s get right to it—here’s a brief recap of the March 20, 2012 Armour Hills Homes Association board meeting:

Once again, we had several local residents attend and speak about the plans to be more aggressive preventing crime in our subdivision.  The Board is planning a mailing calling for a vote to increase dues, with the extra monies going for regular security patrol a few hours each day.  We are also planning a ‘security fair’ (in June) where residents can stop by and learn about various preventative measures they can take to protect their home and vehicles from burglaries.

The Board is concerned that KCMO is planning to delete funding for residential  fall and spring leaf pick-up  due to budget cuts.  We are drafting a letter to our city council representatives stating we are against this budget cut.

Regarding our PIAC request submitted last year, now that we are now in the 6th district rather than the 4th district, we did not  get as much funding as  requested.  However, thanks to our City Liaison board member Gunnar Hand, we are getting $90,000 for tree maintenance!  Every street tree in Armour Hills will be trimmed and we will have money to plant new trees where needed.  Gunnar is working with the city forester on details to implement this project.  The funds we requested for tennis court maintenence and lights addition will not be available.

Reminder:  the annual Armour Hills garage sale is Saturday May 19, and the Ice Cream Social is September 7.