Brookside/Armour Hills Home for Sale

Posted on July 10, 2017 by Mary Hutchison

This home is why Brookside is such a popular location for homebuyers…

jeff front

Look at that gorgeous curb appeal! The exterior is brick and stucco, with a stamped concrete walkway and two car garage with private drive. Built in the 1930s, this home retains so much of it’s original architectural detail and charm.

jeff dining room

Check out that coved ceiling with the detailed crown molding and wood wainscoting; original plaster medallion over pendant light and the arched entry.

jeff living room

Both living room and dining room have hardwood floors. The mantel and fireplace detail is original and the newer sliding door leads to the backyard and deck. Off this room is an enclosed sunroom with heating and cooling.

jeff kit

I wanted to include a shot of this cozy breakfast room adjacent to the kitchen. You can see the cherry cabinets, granite counters, plantation shutters–plus a half bath and office behind the kitchen area.

jeff yard

Other features of this home include three bedrooms, two and a half baths and a finished basement, offered at $429,000. Location is perfect–just a short walk to Brookside shops, the Trolley Track Trail and bus service. Plus, very friendly neighbors ready to welcome you!

More information and photos on my website http://www.maryhutchison.org. Please pass this blog link along to anyone you may know looking for a Brookside home!

Brookside Sidewalk Sale Through Sunday

Posted on July 6, 2017 by Mary Hutchison

It’s time for the annual Brookside Sidewalk Sale–Thursday July 6 through Sunday July 10, 2017!

Various merchants will set up tables on the sidewalks on 63rd St east of Wornall. You will find all sorts of bargains here: jewelry, clothes, decor, small gifts and household goods, and some surprises–“oh, I could use one of those!”. Plus, it’s always nice to chat with shop owners and neighbors that are browsing at the same time. Make a day of it and stop for a snack, coffee or lunch at one of Brookside’s local eateries!

Also, the annual Shred Event is Saturday July 8 from 8am-11am in the parking lot between Commerce Bank and the tennis courts (Meyer and Brookside Road). There is a limit on how much you can bring to shred: two standart file sized boxes or grocery sacks.

Thank you for supporting locally owned businesses in Brookside!

Brookside Home Sales Stats – May 2017

Posted on June 14, 2017 by Mary Hutchison

It’s crazy out there if you want to buy a home in Brookside for under $400K! I’m sure you’ve heard the stories from your home buyer friends–or seller friends, who receive multiple offers within a day of listing their home. Here are the May 2017 single family home sales stats for Brookside, using zip code 64113:

May 2017

Median List Price: $330,000

Median Sales Price: $339,500

Number of Homes Sold: 39

Days on Market: 4

The lowest closed price was $170K; the highest was a home near 55th and Ward Parkway–$3.2 million cash. You are reading those numbers correctly–median sales price is almost $40K over asking price. Out of the 39 homes that closed last month, 24 were at or above list price. I’ve seen closed prices as much as $25K over list price! Now let’s look at same period last year:

May 2016

Median List Price: $364,500

Median Sale Price: $360,500

Number of Homes Sold: 37

Days on Market: 43

The number of homes sold was about the same. Last year, median price was higher because more expensive homes closed in May 2106. Days on market was longer–that is typical for higher priced homes. The demand in Brookside right now is for homes priced $225K-$400K. Here are YTD figures:

Jan-May 2017

Median List Price: $374,947

Median Sales Price: $360,000

Number of Homes Sold: 118

Days on Market: 18

Jan-May 2016

Median List Price: $373,750

Median Sales Price: $367,950

Number of Homes Sold: 124

Days on Market: 41

As you can see, year to date the median sales price is well below median list price–but again, when the higher priced homes sell, there is usually more bargaining in the offer. It is the $350K and under homes that generally sell for at or over list price.

Currently there are 40 homes for sale in Brookside, with a median list price of $695,000. Thirty four of the 40 are listed over $400K.

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

Brookside/Waldo Farmers Markets Are Open for the Season

Posted on June 7, 2017 by Mary Hutchison

farmer

Summertime and fresh produce from the area farmers’ markets–just can’t beat the taste of freshly picked berries, tomatoes, herbs and veggies. Fortunately we have two farmers’ markets in the neighborhood so you can stock up twice a week!

The Brookside Farmers Market is open each Saturday at 63rd and Wornall Road. This market features local (less than 100 miles away) vendors that sell ‘organic and non-GMO food’. Besides fresh produce, you’ll find eggs, meat, herbs, flowers, baked goods and homemade items like soaps and crafts. Hours are 8am-1pm on Saturdays.

The Waldo Farmers Market is also open for the season at 303 W 79th St, just east of 79th and Wornall next to Habitat ReStore. Although smaller than the Brookside market, it offers a great selection of ‘local, certified organic and non-certified sustainably produced’ products, ranging from vegetables and herbs to snacks and ice cream. Offerings can change weekly. This market is open every Wednesday from 3-7pm–which is so convenient if you need inspiration for a quick weeknight dinner!

Remember to bring a bag to the market to tote your goodies back home, plus cash in small bills, and watch for pedestrians while parking. Thank you for supporting area farmers and merchants!

Pamper Your Body-Visit SKIN in Brookside

Posted on May 31, 2017 by Mary Hutchison

There is a new Brookside shop to check out—especially if you like to pamper yourself! SKIN opened last week at 6247 Brookside Blvd, on the same block as Foos and Shopgirls.

Owner Stephanie Simkins is a native of Kansas City, and started out as a nutritionist and wellnesss coach. She progressed into skin care, doing consultations for her clients. Eventually she started making her own products and selling them online. She had retail stores in San Francisco and on the Country Club Plaza; currently the Broookside shop is the flagship operation.

SKIN products are formulated in Overland Park and are ‘created with healing in mind’, according to Stephanie. Everything is made with organic ingredients and oils, with a specific healing component in mind. For example, there is the Seaberry Anti-Aging Face Cream and Apricot Berry Clay Face Mask. If you are planning a trip to the beach, try the After Sun Aloe and Coconut Body Lotion. Other items include soothing lip balms, soaps and bath products, make up lines and a special section for men’s grooming. There is also a large ‘lazy susan’ tray with samples of most products to try before you buy. Stephanie emphasizes that she operates a vegetarian, gluten free, certified green company, registered with EWG and PETA.

Like so many Brookside shops, Stephanie offers friendly, personal service to every customer who walks in. She encourages browsing and can tell you about all products displayed. In addition, she does special events at the store: yoga workshops, designer trunk shows and a once a month special promotion only offered to clients on her email list.

Stephanie chose Brookside as a location for this shop as she feels “it’s a good fit. There aren’t many walkable neighborhoods in Kansas City. “ Current hours are 11-5 Monday through Saturday and noon-5 on Sunday. She hopes to expand to evening hours as well.

SKIN products make great gifts—everyone appreciates special products that are locally made without chemicals, even the guys you know! Stop by SKIN, 6247 Brookside Blvd and find something for yourself—and a special someone!

Brookside Home Sales Report – April 2017

Posted on May 16, 2017 by Mary Hutchison

Home prices continue to rise in Brookside. Due to a shortage of inventory, prices are going up, multiple offers are common–especially for homes priced under $400K. Plus, Brookside homes look extra beautiful during Spring! Here is the April 2017 Brookside single family home sales report, using stats from zip code 64113:

April 2017

Median list price: $399,000

Median sales price: $360,000

Number of homes sold: 29

Days on market: 17

The lowest closed price was $237,500 and the highest was $1.5 million.

April 2016

Median list price: $375,000

Median sales price: $371,500

Number of homes sold: 30

Days on market: 41

Checking year-to-date figures:

Jan-Apr 2017

Median list price: $399,000

Median sales price: $394,230

Number of homes sold: 78

Days on market: 35

Jan-Apr 2016

Median list price: $379,000

Median sales price: $375,000

Number of homes sold: 87

Days on market: 35

So far, median prices are up 5.1% this year compared to same time period in 2016. Fewer homes are selling…because there are fewer homes for sale. There is still a strong demand for Brookside properties priced from $200-$350K. Currently there are 38 single family homes for sale in zip 64113, with a median list price of $612,425. Over one half of the homes on the market are $500K or higher.

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

Worlds Window Annual Benefit Event on Thursday

Posted on May 10, 2017 by Mary Hutchison

For the past month, Worlds Window in Brookside has been collecting new and gently used women’s clothing for their annual fundraiser to benefit Rose Brooks. It’s your opportunity to shop for ‘new’ clothes of all styles while supporting a local non-profit organization.

On Thursday May 11, 2017, stop into Worlds Window from 5-8pm. There is a $10 admission fee. Shop the donated clothes, neatly displayed on hangers, conveniently priced at $10 per item. In addition, Worlds Window will offer treats, special discounts on regular merchandise and special prizes during the shopping event.

Worlds Window is located in the heart of Brookside at 332 W 63rd St. Remember, other Brookside shops are open late on Thursdays as well! Thank you for supporting locally owned Brookside businesses and Rose Brooks!

Brookside Home Sales Stats-March 2017

Posted on April 24, 2017 by Mary Hutchison

We are all in the typically strong Spring home buying season and inventory is still pretty low compared to demand. However, I know sellers are busy getting their homes ready to list and the next couple of months will bring even more houses for sale. Here is the March 2017 Brookside single family home sales report, using stats from zip code 64113:

March 2017

Median list price: $395,000

Median sales price: $395,000

Number of homes sold: 34

Days on market: 28

The lowest closed price was $200,000 and the highest was $803,000.

March 2016

Median list price: $384,250

Median sales price: $379,500

Number of homes sold: 34

Days on market: 28

Checking year-to-date figures:

Jan-Mar 2017

Median list price: $394,230

Median sales price: $397,000

Number of homes sold: 50

Days on market: 37

Jan-Mar 2016

Median list price: $389,000

Median sales price: $382,000

Number of homes sold: 57

Days on market: 34

So far, median prices are up 3.2% the first quarter of 2017 compared to first quarter 2016. Fewer homes for sale means less for buyers to chose from and prices get pushed up. There is still a strong demand for Brookside properties priced from $200-$350K. Currently there are 34 active single family home listings in Brookside, with a median price of $772,000. Most of the active listings-21 homes-are $500K and more; 9 properties are priced over $1million.

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

What is “Uniting At Southwest”?

Posted on April 18, 2017 by Mary Hutchison

You’ve probably seen these yard signs popping up about Uniting at Southwest. What’s the story? A parent-led proposal is underway to reopen the unused Southwest High School as a project-based, public high school with a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) program by 2019.

At one time, Southwest was one of the most well regarded and respected high schools in the Kansas City public school system. The school closed in 2016, and KCPS has no plans to sell or lease it. Uniting at Southwest has the support of hundreds of local residents, former students and prospective SW school families who want to see the school reopened with this highly desirable type of curriculum. Parents have signed up over 1000 potential students via the Support Survey at the website.

The organizers behind Uniting at Southwest have funding behind them as well: several of Kansas City’s largest foundations, including Bloch and Stowers, have pledged support for the planning and renovations needed to reopen. They envision a neighborhood high school that would offer another school choice to nearby Brookside and Waldo residents, and be open to students living within the KCPS footprint. Other schools with the STEAM program have been very successful, and organizers cite High Tech High in San Diego and P-Tech in Brooklyn as models.

Local parent and enthusiastic supporter John Couture, owner of the Bier Station, says: “We have an opportunity to all come together–charter, parochial and district folks, to create something truly spectacular for our kids. It would be KC’s first project based high school. In addition to a rigorous education, these programs provide students with the skills they’ll need to thrive in the modern economy–things like innovation, collaboration and grit”.

The next steps for Uniting at Southwest include building even more city-wide community support, and then (hopefully) working with KC Public Schools to make the vision a reality. For more information on Uniting at Southwest, please visit their website. There is also a quick survey on the site that you can complete—they welcome your support and input whether you have children or not. You are also welcome to stop by Bier Station tomorrow night (4/19/2017) between 5-9pm, 120 E Gregory, to meet local supporters and learn more details.

As a local real estate agent and Brookside resident, I could write another blog entirely devoted to the importance of local schools on home values and for relocating families. Providing nearby, neighborhood K-12 public schools that are diverse and high quality will be a huge benefit for our area. Reopening Southwest as a STEAM school, operated as an autonomous program under the KCPS umbrella, would be extremely beneficial for Brookside and Waldo and Kansas City in general. Please visit the Uniting at Southwest website and share your comments!

Coco – A New Shop Now Open in Brookside

Posted on April 12, 2017 by Mary Hutchison

We have another unique, new shop in Brookside to check out! It’s called Coco, a women’s clothing store located at 6209 Oak. Coco is next to Itsy Bitsy Bums, and owned by the same person, Abby Flores. The grand opening was April 1.

Like so many locally owned Brookside businesses, Coco makes you feel welcome the moment you walk in. Abi Wagner, Manager, Enabler and Empowerment Queen (yes that is her official title!) –greets you with a big smile, ready to help you navigate around all the pretty and practical goodies on display. Abi is on the left in the photo, and Abby Flores is on the right.

Abi explained the store’s concept to me: “It’s minimalist but not basic. We have brands that fit all body types—from small to 3XL. And our prices are very reasonable. Most items fall in the $30-$50 price range”. Browsing the racks you’ll find tops, pants (including ‘magic denim’ Judy Blue jeans for $39), dresses, bralets, jewelry, purses and some gift items. The tag line for the store is “style, community and empowerment” and the clothes are selected so that the wearer will feel “amazing in your own skin, no matter what your body type” per Abby. To fulfill their commitment to the community, Abby and Abi host classes for women with options that include calligraphy, weaving, making your own bath bombs, and plans are in the works for a book club.

Owner Abby Flores has a masters in art history and worked in merchandising for the Target corporation. She has a keen visual eye as her shop is serene, color coordinated, comfortable and attractive. Although she opened Itsy Bitsy Buns in 2010, it was always her goal to have a women’s clothing store as well. And like the shop next door, this one is very customer focused and on trend with what buyers are looking for now.

Coco is open Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri and Saturdays from 11am – 7pm, just north on Oak at 63rd St. Stop in and browse sometime–you’ll probably find something you like!

Inside Brookside (And Waldo)

What's Happening In Brookside and Waldo (Kansas City, Missouri)

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