Welcome “Jorgy” to the Brookside Shops!

 

Jorjy

Jorjy in the Brookside shops

Brookside’s favorite baby shop Lauren Alexandra has a sibling!  Located right next door, it’s called Jorjy, a “thoughtful furnishings and giftables” store.  Owner Pamela DiCapo decided to open Jorjy after getting so many requests to supply furnishings and decorate rooms other than a nursery.  Jorjy, named after a much loved family dog, opened in September in the former Shop Beautiful space at 320 W 63rd St.

 

j wallStep inside Jorjy and you’ll find attractive art prints, pillows, bedding, jewelry, books, accessories and a large selection of  barware.  Pamela also carries a fabric and wallpaper line exclusive to this store, and plans to start a wedding registry.  After the success of Lauren Alexandra, she explains this next venture “was a natural progression.  I felt there was a void on the marketplace.  I love designing and collecting  beautiful home products”.  This shop is perfect for picking up something unique and special for yourself—or as a gift.

 

j pam

Jorjy owner Pamela DiCapo

At one time, Pamela was a real estate agent..but she always had a knack for home design.  She pondered being a talk show host or starting a mail order catalog.  After finding a small wood craftsman to create a table and chairs for her children, she decided to open a children’s boutique.  Her Brookside store was featured in the Kansas City Star and a Designers Showhouse…and sales took off.  That was 25 years ago!  She’s kept the business going despite the recession and internet competition.  “Brookside residents are incredibly loyal to the retail stores and restaurants here, and there’s a real comraderie with the other shop owners.  We are all very supportive of each other”.  At Jorjy, she’s added a full time designer besides herself and can decorate/redesign any room in a home.

Jorjy is open seven days a week, in the heart of the Brookside shops.  Don’t miss the beautiful window display as you stroll along 63rd St!  You can reach Pamela at hello@shopjorjy.com or check out the instagram page:  @shopjorjy.

j bedding

Armour Hills Home Sales Report-Sept 2019

Armour Hills continues to be one of the strongest Brookside subdivisions in terms of desirability for buyers and homo appreciation.  It will be interesting to see how Armour Hills finishes out the year–with single digit or double digit percent increase over last year.  Here are the stats for last month:

Sept. 2019                                                    Sept 2018

Median list price:      $342,500                 Median list price:      $307,497

Median sales price:   $342,500                 Median sales price:   $300,000

No. of homes sold:      8                             No. of homes sold:       6

Days on market:         3                              Days on market:         22

Not only were prices up compared to last year, four of the homes sold were at or over asking price–and went under contract in just a few days.  Below are the YTD figures:

Jan-Sept 2019                                                 Jan-Sept 2018

Median list price:     $345,000                    Median list price:     $315,000

Median sales price:   $345,000                  Median sales price:  $315,750

No. of homes sold:     69                              No. of homes sold:    62

Days on market:     11                                  Days on market:       10

The highest closed price so far this year in Armour Hills was last month at $506,000; the lowest for the year is $241,000.  Home values are up 9.2% over same period last year.  Currently there are three homes listed in Armour Hills, with a median price of $339,900 and 54 days on market.

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

Brookside Home Sales Report-Sept 2019

Home sales are slowing down across the metro area compared to the earlier in the year; a slowdown when the weather cools is typical.  Here are the stats for single family home sales in Brookside (using zip code 64113) for last month and a YTD comparison:

Sept 2019                                                             Sept 2018

Median list price:     $347,500                         Median list price:     $400,000

Median sales price:  $350,000                         Median sales price:   $390,000

No. of homes sold:     18                                  No. of homes sold:       23

Days on market:         4                                    Days on market:          32

Brookside had it’s highest closed sales price so far this year last month:  $2.6 million.  The lowest closed price was $239,500.  Median sales price was lower than last year.  Here are the YTD figures:

Jan-Sept 2019                                                     Jan-Sept 2018

Median list price;     $389,475                        Median list price:     $399,925

Median sales price:   $380,000                      Median sales price:   $390,000

No. of homes sold:      234                              No. of homes sold:    224

Days on market:            21                               Days on market:        18

Just about the same number of homes sold in the same amount of time as 2018; median price is down 2.5%.  There is still a strong demand for Brookside properties–most notably in the $350K and less price category.  Currently there are 38 active single family listings in Brookside, with a median price of $459,500 and 60 days on market.  The lowest price is $214,950 and the highest is $7.7 million.

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

Brookside Home Sales Report-Aug 2019

The peak spring and summer buying season is over, and as we get closer to the holidays, there will be fewer listings that pop on the market.  For Brookside, (using zip code 64113) last month’s stats were similar to a year ago–with higher median price.  Let’s break it down:

Aug 2019                                                               August 2018

Median list price:     $385,000                           Median list price:     $354,500

Median sales price:    $380,000                         Median sales price:    $338,750

No. of homes sold:       26                                  No. of homes sold:      28

Days on market:        26                                      Days on market:      22

The lowest closed sales price last month was $275,000 and the highest was $973,000.  Now let’s look at year-to-date stats:

Jan-Aug 2019                                                        Jan-Aug 2018

Median list price:     $389,950                           Median list price:     $399,900

Median sales price:   $380,000                          Median sales price:    $390,000

No. of homes sold:     217                                  No. of homes sold:      201

Days on market:        22                                      Days on market:        18

Prices are down 2.5% compared to same time last year; however I think that could be caused by more lower priced homes selling later in the year. Overall, I expect Brookside home values to be higher than 2018 at the end of the year.  Number of homes sold and days are market are running similar to 2018.

Currently there are 42 active listings in Brookside, with an average list price of $479,975 and 40 days on market. Prices range from $229,000 to just under $6 million.

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

 

EB and Company Opens in Brookside

EB shopWe have another new locally owned business to tell you about in this week’s blog…EB and Company, an ‘inspired accessories’ shop now open at 326. W 63rd St, between Wornall and Brookside Blvd.

EB EmilyOwner Emily Bordner has always had an entrepreneurial spirit—inheriting it from her parents.  She had a regular corporate job at Hallmark as a merchandising designer, and started a side business making leather handbags.  She expanded into online sales and pop up shops—then decided to open her own retail place here.   She chose this location in part because she knows a handful of shop owners who love being in Brookside, and she worked at Bella Napoli while in college.    “Brookside has a long tradition of supporting locally owned businesses.  It’s really cool to be the new kid on the block, sandwiched between the long term businesses here”. 

So..about the store:  Emily’s goal is to “own the accessories niche”.  She carries several leather bags (made in the Crossroads and featuring domestically sourced leather); earrings, headbands, barrettes, scarves, rings and lip tint from SKIN KC.  Prices are very reasonable, ranging from $20 to $180.  The styles are current and classic at the same time:  tortoise shell, metals, warm and cool colored materials. You may have already seen some of her offerings at Made in KC.

eb frontEmily will host the grand opening of her store on September 28, with specials, beverages and a pop up store to be determined.  See more about EB and Company at the website or on Instagram @eb.and.co.   Hours are Monday through Saturday 10am-6pm and Sunday 12-5.  Stop in and browse through EB and Company the next time you are in Brookside!

 

Charlie Hooper’s is Back in Business!!

Charlie Hopper’s Bar and Grille is like Brookside’s Cheers bar…whenever I stop in, there’s usually always someone I know!  Back in June, a fire forced Hooper’s to close; now the remodeling is complete and it’s back open for business!

hooopers Although today is the official re-opening day, Hooper’s will have the Grand Reopening celebration all next week, offering specials and giveaways. Watch for specifics online or sign up for their rewards program.  Hoopers is one of the few area joints that serves food till 2am –and cooks have a newly renovated kitchen to work in.  

Stop in Charlie Hoopers soon and see what they’ve done with the place post-fire.  You’ll probably run into someone from the neighborhood!  Hooper’s is at 12 W 63rd St, just west of 63rd and Main St. Parking available on street on on the north side of the building. Welcome back!

 

 

Brookside Home Sales Report – July 2019

As we check the numbers for Brookside home sales this year, an interesting fact to note:  more homes are selling this year but at lower prices.  This seems off, compared to the last few years.  Let’s take a closer look at the statistics for single family home sales in Brookside, using the zip code of 64113:

July 2019                                                                   July 2018

Median list price:     $377,500                              Median list price:     $420,000

Median sales price:     $370,000                           Median sales price:    $423,500

No. of homes sold:      36                                      No. of homes sold:        29

Days on market:         20                                        Days on market:          21

A few more homes sold last month compared to a year ago, for an overall lower price.  We did have a $1.7 million sale in July, and seven of the sold homes were over $500K. Here’s year to date numbers:

Jan-July 2019                                                           Jan-July 2018

Median list price:     $389,950                              Median list price:     $409,950                   

Median sales price:    $382,500                            Median sales price:    $398,000

No. of homes sold:       190                                     No. of homes sold:      172

Days on market:          24                                        Days on market:       14

So far this years, prices are about 1.4% lower than same time last year.  Homes are taking longer to sell on average–still, going under contract within 30 days is very desirable for sellers.  Currently there are 41 active single family homes for sale in Brookside, with a median list price of $420,950 and 57 days on market.  The lowest list price is $249,900 and the highest is just under $4,000,000.

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

 

Happy Birthday Brookside!

Way back in 1919,  JC Nichols broke ground on the Brookside Shops at the NE corner of 63rd St and Brookside.  Oh, if only we could travel back to that time as observers:  just image building a community with no computers; when electricity was still scarce, air conditioners were not common and women wore long dresses with hats every day??  That was the way we were when Brookside got started. 

Brookside 100 years

One hundred years later, the Brookside shops and surrounding neighborhoods are still going strong so it’s time to celebrate!  Every Saturday and Sunday in August, many merchants are offering special discounts and sales for their customers.  It’s a festival of customer appreciation for keeping Brookside such a strong destination for shoppers and diners who appreciate supporting locally owned businesses.  Deals include 20% off at The New Dime Store, 25% off the special BKS 100 Year Candle from 5B@ Co and $5 off a $25 purchase at Brookside Toy and Science.  (Visit the Brookside website for the complete list of offers).

And if you are in need of yet another tote bag, many shops are offering a commemorative canvas bag for $10, stuffed with additional coupons.  

Celebrate Brookside’s 100th birthday with special deals every Saturday and Sunday through Sept 1..and thank you for supporting our locally owned neighborhood businesses!

Brookside Home Sales Report-June 2019

We are halfway through the year…how are Brookside home sales holding up compared to last year?  Sales are still strong and prices up.  Read on for details…I am using the main Brookside zip code of 64113 (State Line to Oak; 55th to Gregory) for these stats.

June 2019                                                           June 2018

Median list price:      $369,000                       Median list price:     $412,500

Median sales price:   $370,000                       Median sales price:  $397,000

No. of homes sold:       31                                 No. of homes sold:     40

Days on market:           11                               Days on market:           16

Median sales price was down almost 7% compared to last year…however, in June 2018 there were three million dollar sales (just one last month) and more homes sold.  Still, many sellers getting at or over asking price!  Here are the YTD figures:

Jan-June 2019                                                       Jan-June 2018

Median list price:      $395,000                          Median list price:       $399,450

Median sales price:    $389,807                         Median sales price:   $386,750

No. of homes sold:        154                                No. of homes sold:    144

Days on market:           28                                   Days on market:       14

Prices are a little higher than last year and sellers getting very close to asking price and more homes sold YTD.  Currently there are 41 active single family homes listed in Brookside, with a median list price of $424,950 and 62 days on market.

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

 

 

 

Brookside Home Sales Report-May 2019

More homes are selling in Brookside this year, and at higher prices.  Our neighborhood is still a very strong attraction for homebuyers!  Here are the May sales stats for single family homes in the primary Brookside zip code  of 64113:

May 2019                                                                       May 2018

Median list price:       $424,900                                 Median list price:      $370,000

Median sales price:    $422,450                                Median sales price:     $375,000

No. of homes sold:          40                                       No. of homes sold:          30

Days on market:             22                                       Days on market:               9

The highest closed price house last month was $1.375 million and the lowest was $214,000.  Compared to same time last year, home values jumped up 12.6%!  Keep in mind though, we are in the hot and heavy spring buying season.  Let’s look at YTD stats:

Jan-May 2019                                                           Jan-May 2018

Median list price:       $399,950                            Median list price:     $374,750

Median sales price:    $395,000                           Median sales price:   $378,000

No. of homes sold:       123                                   No. of homes sold:       104

Days on market:          34                                       Days on market:           9

As we approach the halfway point of 2019, home values are up in Brookside by 4.5%.  Although more homes are selling, they are taking a bit longer to go under contract.  Currently there are 44 single family home listings in Brookside, ranging from $239,000 to just under $4,000,000.  Median list price is $452,000 and 61 days on market.

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