Brookside Home Sales Stats-Feb 2018

It’s early in the year, however home buyers are out shopping–traffic during open houses is very heavy!  There still isn’t very much inventory in the highly sought after $200-$350K price range — and those that do pop on go under contract almost immediately.  Here are the February 2018 single family home sales stats for Brookside, using zip code 64113.

February 2018                                                       February 2017

Median List Price:    $349,950                           Median List Price:      $421,250

Median Sales Price:  $320,000                          Median Sales Price:   $402,000

No. of homes sold:        11                                  No. of homes sold:        14

Days on market:            9                                    Days on market:             43

Although the median sales price was much lower than last year, consider that in Feb 2017, more expensive homes sold, including a $1.2 million dollar property.  Here are year-to-date figures:

Jan-Feb 2018                                                               Jan-Feb 2017

Median List Price:     $399,900                              Median List Price:       $399,000

Median Sales Price:   $376,000                             Median Sales Price      $393,461

No. of homes sold:          27                                    No. of homes sold:         27

Days on market:             9                                       Days on market:             43

The highest sales we’ve had so far this year is $1.7 million in January.

Currently there are 32 homes listed in 64113, with a median sales price of $469,750 and 25 days on market. The lowest priced home is $259,950 and the highest is $2,890,000.  Just one half of the homes listed are under $450,000.  

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

Brookside St Pat’s Parade on Saturday

brookside st patsThis Saturday, March 10, 2018 is the 38th Annual Brookside St. Patrick’s Warm-Up Parade!  Even if you are not Irish, join your neighbors and friends for this family friendly event, starting at 2pm.

The parade route is:

Starting from 65th St and Wornall Rd, north on Wornall to 63rd St; east on 63rd St to Main; south on Main St to Meyer; west on Meyer ending at Brookside Plaza.

Please arrive early!  If you are driving, park several blocks from the route and note that residential streets will be very congested.  Street closures will begin early afternoon.  Watch for pedestrians, strollers, lots of kids running around and huge, colorful floats!  Expect traffic delays and street closures in this area through late afternoon.

Be sure to stop in for lunch or refreshments at the nearby Brookside businesses–and check out some of the new shops in the area:  Skin, Lady Bye and Design in the City.

 

Armour Hills Home Sales Stats-Jan 2018

As I write this blog, I am looking ahead wondering if Armour Hills will again be one of the most desirable neighborhoods for buyers in 2018. Last year the average days on market for a new listing in Armour Hills was just 7, and median home prices increased 14.9% over 2016. Those numbers say a lot about how strong this neighborhood is.

Let’s take a look at the stats for last month:

January 2018                                                                  January 2017

Median list price:     $289,975                                      Median list price:      $329,475

Median sales price:  $284,500                                      Median sales price:   $327,500

Days on market:            5                                                Days on market:            18

No. of homes sold:        4                                                No. of homes sold:          4

Although the median home sales price was much lower than 2017, that reflects the fact  lower prices homes sold last month.  Still, three of the four homes that sold were at or above list price. The highest sales price was $340,000 and the lowest was $185,000.  I believe Armour Hills will again be a strong destination for home buyers this year.

Currently there are five active listings in Armour Hills, with a median price of $345,000 and 71 days on market.  

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

Home For Sale in Brookside East

Know anyone looking for a Brookside home?  This new listing of mine could be the one!

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This house features a bungalow floor plan, with two bedrooms on the main level and a spacious master suite on the second floor.  It’s updated and move in ready:  refinished hardwood floors, fresh interior paint featuring a formal living and dining room, plus cozy side screened porch.  All windows have been replaced as well!

 

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Check out this kitchen–newer cabinets, backsplash, solid surface counters and Hansgrohe faucet over the sink.  The back door leads to a yard with deck and one car garage.  

 

 

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You will love this huge master suite on the second floor!   Newer windows fill the bedroom with lots of natural light. The full bath offers a dual vanity, easy to clean Onyx shower, jetted tub and walk in closet!!!  

 

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Other improvements include a new roof, new sewer line, updated electrical work, radon system installed and refinished hardwoods.  Very desirable location near UMKC and a few blocks from the growing Brookside East area featuring several shops, restaurants, bakery and services.  Offered at $245,000.  This house has the charm and updates a Brookside buyer wants!  

Contact me for more information. Come home to Brookside!

 

Crosswalk Changes Planned for Brookside Shops Area

Fortunately we have many crosswalks in Brookside and most drivers are respectful of the pedestrians and runners we have on the streets and sidewalks.  However, you should know about the  changes planned for one of the most popular areas: the crosswalk on 63rd St between Michael Forbes Grill and Panera Bread.

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This crosswalk will be eliminated within the next few months.

The plan is to eliminate the crosswalk at this intersection and improve the crosswalk to the  west that  connects the two parking lots (behind Midwest Bank on the north and the future Starbucks location on the south) across 63rd St.  A pedestrian signal will also be installed  with a flashing red stop for the traffic.  This west crosswalk isn’t very far from the stoplight at 63rd and Brookside Blvd.  So when the updated crosswalk work is complete, it sounds like there will be a second light signal, (the new pedestrian one), also stopping vehicles  less than a block away from the 63rd and Brookside stoplight.  It will be interesting to see how that works out from a traffic perspective.  I’m sure there will continue to be many people crossing 63rd St between Michael Forbes and Panera, even if the crosswalk there is eliminated.  If the changes keep the cars, trucks and buses moving at a slower pace–it’s well worth it.

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Another view of the crosswalk scheduled to be removed on 63rd between Michael Forbes and Panera Bread.

 

This project was planned to be done before the St Pat’s Day parade but as with most City projects, will be delayed and hopefully completed before the Brookside Art Annual in May.

As a side note, Starbucks plans to open by the Art Annual.

New Shop in Brookside-Lady Bye for Women

“Would Kate Middleton wear it?”  That’s part of the criteria owner Abby Flores has when choosing clothes for her new Brookside shop, Lady Bye.    Located in the former Shopgirls space at 6245 Brookside Plaza (near Foos and 5B Candles), Lady Bye  opened last week and the buzz is spreading.  When I stopped by, two ladies from my office were browsing in the store!

abbyAs Abby explained Lady Bye offers clothes with a classic, “east coast” feel, inspired by the elegance and beauty of style icons like Princess Diana, Jackie Kennedy and…Kate Middleton.  Inside this cozy shop you’ll see jackets, sweaters, dresses, tops, and a few jeans–mostly casual and business attire that feels current, sophisticated yet comfortable and approachable.  A couple of Abby’s favorite clothing lines, Mod Ref and All Row are featured, which she feels offers great quality for the price.  Sizes range from petite to 3X, depending on the manufacturer, and she will do personal shopping for time pressed clients.  The medium sales price is $69.

abby with clothes

 

In addition to the clothes, Lady Bye offers some accessories:  a few purses, shoes, candles, jewelry and perfume.  And of course friendly, personal service is extended to all customers.

Abby also owns Coco, another clothing shop (temporarily relocated to 407 W Gregory next to Classic Cookie), which has a more casual, ‘west coast’ feel.  She is thrilled to be back in Brookside — neighbors are so supportive as well as fellow Brookside business owners. 

If you haven’t been to Lady Bye–stop in soon!  Hours are 11-7pm Mon-Sat and 12-5 on Sunday, 6245 Brookside Plaza. Their grand opening is this Saturday Feb 10, 2018 with an official ribbon cutting at 10:30am.  

Armour Hills 2017 Home Sales Recap

In one of my blog posts last year, I stated that Armour Hills could be the hottest Brookside neighborhood, based on home buyer demand and prices.  I think the year end stats back up that claim!  First let’s take a look at December home sales stats for the Armour Hills subdivision:

December 2017                                                             December 2016

Median list price:       $269,950                                   Median list price:      $277,500

Median sales price:    $279,000                                  Median sales price:   $281,500

No. of homes sold:         4                                            No. of homes sold:        8

Days on market:             3                                             Days on market:           42

In both months, the median sales price exceeded the list price!  Also of note–homes went under contract within just a few days in 2017.  Below are year end comparisons:

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Brookside 2017 Home Sales Report

So how much have home values changed in Brookside since 2016? In the past five years?  I’ll give you the answers in this blog…but take a guess before reading if you like! Here’s a hint:  they have increased, not decreased.  First, we’ll start with December 2017 numbers; all figures based on the main Brookside zip code of 64113:

December 2017                                                          December 2016

Median list price:     $439,000                                 Median list price:    $335,000

Median sales price:  $442,000                                 Median sales price:  $329,248

No. of homes sold:     27                                            No. of homes sold:    20

Days on market:         29                                            Days on market:        36

In December 2017, eight homes sold at or over list price, and sixteen homes homes closed at over $400K.  Now let’s look at year end figures, with comparisons to the past five years:

2017                                                                                   2016

Median list price:       $395,000                                 Median list price:       $350,000

Median sales price:    $386,000                                 Median sales price:    $350,000

No. of homes sold:      296                                           No. of homes sold:       325

Days on market:            20                                            Days on market:            34

In one year, Brookside home values increased 10.2%. Fewer homes sold (not due to lack of demand; due to lack of inventory) and in a shorter amount of time.  (Of course home value depends on many factors, including location, condition, size, etc.) The lowest sales price in 2017 was $168,500 and the highest was $3.225 million.  

For reference, the 2015 median sales price was $329,000; 2014 was $306,500 and 2013 was $296,750.  In five years, homes have appreciated about 30%. 

I predict Brookside will have another strong year for home sales, with demand especially high in the $200,000-$350,000 price range.

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

Brookside Ready to Welcome Two New Restaurants

Brookside will welcome two new restaurants shortly…Brookside Barrio and Brookside Poultry Company are preparing to open within the next few weeks.  Similar to building a brand new house–one can aim for a firm opening date but usually it’s a fluid process, as various vendors and contractors plus new staff have to come together at just the right time before the doors open.   Often a new spot is jammed with curious foodies the first few weeks, so it can be a challenge getting the service and food in sync while everyone is talking about ‘the new place to eat’ in our neighborhood.  If you are one of the first to try one of these new places, please be patient with the dining experience!

Brookside Poultry Company is  Brookside resident Charles d’Ablaing’s first restaurant, poultryhaving worked at Chaz on the Plaza, Webster House and Rosso (now closed).  Originally from Atlanta, the chef will focus on southern cooking with an emphasis on spit-roasted chicken, duck and turkey (locally sourced), plus cheddar biscuits, marinated fried chicken, fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits and key lime pie.  The restaurant seats just 30 people (no reservations) and  food will be available for take out.  In addition, patrons can rent the space for private events Sundays and Mondays when it is closed to the public. Brookside Poultry Company is located at 408 E 63rd St, (63rd and Oak) in the former Oak 63 space.

barrioIn the old Julian space at 6227 Brookside Plaza, watch for the opening of Brookside Barrio, a Mexican Kitchen and Bar.  This is the third restaurant for Chris Ridler, who also owns Sol Cantina on Martini Corner and Zocalo on the Plaza.  Menu items will include  grilled skirt steak with cilantro chimichurri, fried shrimp tacos and Mexican lettuce wraps (that sounds interesting!).  Brookside Barrio will be open seven days a week for lunch and dinner and will have outdoor seating as well–one of the best features about that restaurant spot.

Two new dining spots coming soon to Brookside for you to try…I’m excited about both of them, especially because they are locally based operations.  Now all we need is a new opening date for Plate…….hopefully this year!

KC Restaurant Week Begins Friday

Kansas City Restaurant Week 2018 begins Friday Jan 12…and it’s not too early to make reservations today!  So many restaurants book up early.

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KCRW is a benefit for Kansas City Community Gardens.  A portion of the money raised will go to this organization that helps low income neighborhoods and communities grown food in vacant lots and gardens.  Restaurants offer a multi course lunch ($15) and/or dinner ($33) during the ten day event through special menus that you can view online.  Many of the participating eateries are locally owned, so it’s an excellent opportunity to try a new place at a bargain price!  Reservations are strongly recommended.

Here’s a list of the Brookside/Waldo restaurants that are participating:

Aixois, Avenues Bistro, Michael Forbes, Nick and Jakes, Boru, Summit Grill and Red Door Grill.

Reservations and menus can be viewed at the KC Restaurant Week website.   Special deals run through January 21, 2018.  Enjoy some good food and conversation with friends while supporting Kansas City Community Gardens!