Brookside East Welcomes Grab & Go Food Spot

Posted on July 13, 2017 by Mary Hutchison

bite verticle

Brookside East continues to gain more tenants, and one of the newest is Can I Have A Bite, the grab and go food store that moved to 633 E 63^rd St in late March from a Wornall location in Waldo. Owner Kathy Hale focuses on healthy food, prepared on site, using locally sourced and organic ingredients when possible, with a menu that changes weekly.

Cashew meatloaf, sweet potatoes with chili pepper, basil roasted Brussel sprouts and rosemary balsamic beets

For busy professionals and those with food allergies, Can I Have A Bite can be a regular stop for specialty lunches and dinners. Kathy offers frozen entrees you heat up yourself—or she will have it hot and ready if you call ahead. There is an array of salads, soups, energy bites and full meals you can choose from. With this expanded location, she’s added some new options: a “Create Your Own Entrée”—you choose an animal or vegetarian protein, two sides and a sauce or cheese topping. There is also a “Healthy Belly Bar” with balsamic, bitters and tincture ingredients to create beverages for specific digestions; and a few fresh mocktail options. Plus, Kathy has added sandwiches featuring Gabrianna Bakery breads and fresh French pastries on Saturdays. Local art, available for purchase, is showcased on the walls and there is seating if you want to dine in.

bite Kathy Personal service thrives here–Kathy takes so much pride and care into creating these special, tasty options for her customers. She really understands how different folks have various food limitations (or dietary preferences) and tailors to her clients. This new location also offers much easier parking options, just outside the front door.

Can I Have A Bite is located at 633 E 63^rd St, next to Golden and Pine. Hours are Monday – Thursday 10am-7pm; Friday 10-5 and Saturdays 11am-5pm. Check the Facebook page for menu updates—call ahead with your order at 816 381 9101.

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!

Waldo Home Sales Report-April 2017

Posted on May 23, 2017 by Mary Hutchison

Waldo continues to be a hot spot for homebuyers this year. As prices keep climbing in the 64113 zip code to the north, those who want to buy on a more modest budget look south to 64114. Those first two sentences exactly what I wrote for the March 2017 stats report. It’s a trend!!! These figures are for Waldo single family home sales, using the boundaries of State Line to Holmes and Gregory to 85th:

April 2017

Number of homes sold: 43

Median list price: $165,000

Median sales price: $170,000

Average days on market: 4

April 2016

Number of homes sold: 29

Median list price: $169,900

Median sales price: $169,000

Average days on market: 12

The highest price sale in Waldo last month was $468,500 and the lowest was $54,000. Note the sales price was higher than list price–because 32 of the homes that closed were at or over the asking price.

Here are year-to-date comparisons:

Jan-April 2017

Number of homes sold: 120

Median list price: $165,000

Median sales price: $170,200

Average days on market: 31

Jan-April 2016

Number of homes sold: 100

Median list price: $169,450

Median sales price $169,450

Average days on market: 40

Prices are up, homes are selling very fast and sellers are getting sticker price. Waldo is a a very desireable location for homebuyers! Currently in Waldo, there are just 13 active single family homes for sale at a median list price of $142,000 and 14 days on market.

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

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!

Waldo Home Sales Stats-March 2017

Posted on May 8, 2017 by Mary Hutchison

Waldo continues to be a hot spot for homebuyers this year! As prices keep climbing in the 64113 zip code to the north, those who want to buy on a more modest budget look south to 64114. These figures are for single family home sales, using the boundaries of State Line to Holmes and Gregory to 85th:

March 2017

Number of homes sold: 35

Median list price: $175,000

Median sales price: $175,000

Average days on market: 39

March 2016

Number of homes sold: 31

Median list price: $134,900

Median sales price: $135,000

Average days on market: 31

The highest price sale in Waldo in March was $480,000 and the lowest was $105,000.

Here are year-to-date comparisons:

Jan-March 2017

Number of homes sold: 85

Median list price: $172,900

Median sales price: $170,400

Average days on market: 33

Jan-March 2016

Number of homes sold: 63

Median list price: $149,950

Median sales price $149,950

Average days on market: 41

Median prices are up 13.6% this year as compared to the first quarter in 2016. More homes are selling and in a shorter amount of time. And sellers are getting offers at or very close to the asking price…this has been happening for several months now!

Currently in Waldo, there are 11 single family homes for sale at a median list price of $224,900 and 24 days on market.