Tag Archives: Mary Hutchison

Brookside Home Sales Report – July 2014

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Now that we are into the second half of the year, home sales will slow down..as is the usual pattern.  Most sellers put their home on the market in the spring, and move in the summer.  If you are looking for a home now, you may notice a lack of move in ready, well priced homes in the area (unless you are looking at homes priced over $500K).  We’ve had a shortage of inventory all year–not enough move-in ready properties.    Let’s look at the specific numbers..these are single family home sales from July 2014 in the Brookside zip code of 64113:

In July 2014, 32 homes sold.  Median sales price was $320,000 and 76 days on  market.  The lowest sales price was $166,000 and the highest was $707,500.  

In July 2013,  36 homes sold.  The  median sales price was $335,000 and 65 days on market.   The lowest sales price was $165,000 and the highest was $1.475 million.

The drop in median sales price can be attributed to the fact that this year, twelve homes sold at $350K or higher.  In July 2013, eighteen homes sold over $350,000.  When the more of the higher dollar homes sell, average prices are pushed up.

Checking year to date figures:

From Jan-July  2014, 163 homes sold at a median sales price of $300,000 and 74 days on market.

From Jan-July  2013, 187  homes sold at a median sales price of $295,000 and 88 days on market.  

Note the lack of inventory means fewer homes have sold.  The median prices is virtually the same.  Overall, I think we will end the year with an increase in average sales price for Brookside homes. Fewer homes sold indicates the lack of inventory for picky buyers–they will wait until they see what they want.   The fewer days on market reflects the desire for updated, well maintained and median priced homes–they always sell quickly. I still believe that overall, prices are up for Brookside compared to last year.

Currently there are 93 single family homes for sale in the Brookside zip code of 64113 with a median list  price of $377,000.  Most of the homes for sale – 57 out of 93- are priced over $350K, with 9 priced over $1million.  The strong demand for Brookside homes are those updated properties priced from $200-$350 to $400K.  

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

Waldo Home Sales Report – June 2014

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Although we are into the month of August, I am reporting June home sales stats for Waldo now…as the July figures won’t be ready for another week or so.  Sales in Waldo were slower compared to the same month one year ago.  The  geographic area I’m using for Waldo is: State Line to Holmes and Gregory to 85th St.

In June 2014, 29 homes sold with a median price of $138,000 and 88 days on market.  The lowest home sale was $85,000 and the highest was $347,500.

In June 2013, 40 homes sold with a median price of $183,500 and 57 days on market.  

Average sales price was done from one year ago and houses sat on the market longer before an offer was confirmed. The big drop in average sales price is due to more expensive homes selling in the area.

Here are the year-to-date figures:

From January – June  2014, 153 homes have sold with a median price of $140,000 and 75 days on market.  

From January – June  2013, 163 homes sold with a median price of $145,000 and 78 days on market.

So we are seeing a bit smaller number of homes sold compared to 2013–days on market are virtually the same and the average price is down.

When looking at average sales prices for the Waldo area, remember that there is a wide range of home sizes and prices.  The houses on the eastern side are generally smaller and less expensive; as you move closer to State Line, the homes are larger and go up  in price.  When several homes sell in western Waldo, the average price kicks up.

Currently there are 77 homes for sale in Waldo, with a median list price of $130,000 and 83 days on market.  The lowest price home is $19,900 and the highest is $294,900.  (All figures taken from Heartland MLS; deemed reliable but not guaranteed).

Brookside Home Sales Dip in June 2014

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The first half of the busy home buying season is over…sales will start to slow down in the next six months. June 2013 sales show a slowdown from May.  Let’s look at the numbers…I am comparing single family homes for the main Brookside zip code of 64113:

In June 2014, 28 homes sold.  Median sales price was $286,000 and 37 days on  market.  The lowest sales price was $157,999 and the highest was $556.000.  

In June 2013, 38 homes sold.  The  median sales price was $300,000 and 45 days on market.   The lowest sales price was $150,000 and the highest was $545,000.

Not much change from a year ago–the average sales price dropped some, but  days on market was less.  

Checking year to date figures:

From Jan-June 2014, 131 homes sold at a median sales price of $296,000 and 74 days on market.

From Jan-June 2013, 151 homes sold at a median sales price of $292,000 and 151 days on market.  

Fewer homes sold indicates the lack of inventory for buyers.  The fewer days on market reflects the desire for updated, well maintained and well priced homes–they always sell quickly. I still believe that overall, prices are up for Brookside compared to last year.

Currently there are 101 single family homes for sale in the Brookside zip code of 64113 with a median list  price of $390,000 and 128 days on market.  Over half the homes for sale right now are priced over $400,000.  The highest price home is on Ward Parkway listed at $4.95 million and the lowest is $179,000.  You can see the average sales price we are experiencing reflects the demand for homes priced at $350K or less.

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

Armour Hills Home Sales Drop in June 2014

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Here at the halfway mark of the year, It’s time to check the home sales stats for Armour Hills in Brookside. In June  2014, (similar to May)  we had decrease in average sales price and fewer homes are selling.  Let’s look at the specifics:

In June 2014, seven homes sold with a median sales price of $228,000 and a very short 22 days on market.  One home was listed at $168K and sold for $199K–the result of a bidding war between rehabbers I’m sure.

In June 2013,thirteen homes sold with a median sales price of $249,000 and 51 days on market.  The lowest sales price was $180,000 and the highest was $335,000.

The shorter days on market period shows us that buyers are snapping up the updated, newer listings as soon as they hit the market.  The lower average price can be explained in the lower list price of the homes for sale and falling prices for the homes that were overpriced to begin with.

Now let’s compare year-to-date figures:

For the first six months of 2014, 34 homes sold with a median price of $240,000 and 51 days on market. These are  virtually the same numbers as the first five months of the year.

For the first six months of 2013, 40 homes sold with a median price of $245,000 and 76 days on the market.

Overall, inventory has been lower than last year, reflected in the fewer number of homes sold.  The $5000 price drop in average price is not something I am concerned about. Overall, prices are rising in Armour Hills. Currently there are 14 homes for sale, with a median sales price of $235,000. The lowest price home is listed at $179,950 and the highest is $499,900.

Now that we are past the July 4 holiday, I expect  slower sales  and fewer homes  listed through the end of the year.

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

Bluegrass Concert in Brookside Helps Southwest Students

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Strong schools are supported by  the communities they serve…and regarding SoHLogo-V-03-10-09Southwest High School in Brookside, I believe the strongest support has come from it’s neighbor,  Wornall Road Baptist Church.  Led by Pastor John Mark Clifton, the members of this church have reached out to the families and students at Southwest for the past three years.

Through their generosity, this congregation has provided:

*all meals for the football and basketball teams, including a spring  sports awards banquet

*uniforms for the track team

*coaches for cheerleading team

*emergency assistance for victimized students

*student mentoring

John tells me  the students and families are so very grateful for everything the church provides, and his members feel they get back so much more from the kids than they give.

And in order to fund all of these special services, Wornall Road Baptist Church hosts a bluegrass concert each year to raise money for their efforts.  This year’s show is Sunday July 20, 2014 at 7pm and features Grammy nominated and Hall of Fame member Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver.

Here’s your chance to see an excellent bluegrass show, in an intimate setting (only 400 seats!) and show your support for the Church’s local mission.  Tickets are very reasonably priced at $10 and $15, and are available online at www.eventbrite.com (search for Doyle Lawson) or at the church on Sundays from 9:15-10:15am. Prior to the show, there will be food trucks, live music, games and classic cars on display outside beginning at 5pm.

When making your weekend plans, join the members for the Wornall Road Baptist Church for an evening of lively bluegrass music.  All are welcome!

IB High School Proposed for Brookside

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southwest1Big news was recently announced for homeowners in Brookside:  Academie Lafayette and KC Public Schools want to form  a partnership to create an International Baccalaureate high school at Southwest High School, 6512 Wornall Road.   If all plans are approved, the first students would enroll in Fall 2015.

Why is this important news for all residents–not just those with school aged children?  Because a successful, well-maintained and respected public school in the heart of Brookside could raise property values and keep families in the neighborhood long term.  I’m very optimistic about this possible new partnership–but of course there are many details to sort out over the next few months.  I attended a  meeting  last week  for parents of current Southwest  students (although I do not have any children at the school) to find out more.  Here are a few things I learned, outlined in bullet points:

*Academie Lafayette would operate the school, hire staff and manage curriculum.  KCPS would retain ownership and maintenance of the building. It would not be a French immersion school, but would have several  foreign language options.

*Prospective students that do not graduate from Academie Lafayette would need to pass a test before enrolling at the school.

*The inaugural 9th grade class (2015-2016) is expected to have 100-150 students, split equally with AL and other grade school grads.  (Southwest has a capacity for over 1600 students; current enrollment is about 500 teens).  One additional class would be added each year through 12th grade.

*Students who  leave Southwest will meet with KCPS representatives, one on one, along  with their parent/guardian, to discuss placement in other schools.

*The proposed partnership has been approved by the MO Dept of Elementary and Secondary Education and the AL charter school sponsor, the University of Central MO. Students would be considered KCPS students.   A final decision is expected before the end of the year.

To learn more…attend a meeting!  If you are the parent/guardian of a current SW student,  the next Family Meeting is Thursday July 17, 6:30pm  at Paseo Academy. Two Public Meetings are scheduled for 6pm Tuesday July 8 and Tuesday July 22 at Paseo Academy.  Online resources:  www.kcpublicschools.org/alhs and the Mind Mixer forum  www.kcpsforum.org

New CID Tax Proposed for Morningside Neighborhood

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Recently I read that the Morningside Neighborhood Association plans to create a CID (Community Improvement District) to generate revenue for improvements to their Brookside neighborhood.  The story in the Kansas City Star implied the proposed CID  could be connected  with bringing the streetcar route into Brookside.  This sounded odd to me, so I met with association Vice President Ryan Loehr  to learn more.

morningsideMorningside is a beautiful area of Brookside, with boundaries that run from 59th St to 65th St and Oak to Brookside Boulevard.  Currently the $35 annual dues are voluntary, and Ryan says less than half the households pay the fee.  The monies collected  pay for regular neighborhood events, such as the September Sunset Supper and monthly Fly The Flag gatherings.  However, the Association wants to have a reliable source of income to fund  several other services that would benefit homeowners.  The $125 fee per household would be collected by Jackson County and raise about $67,000 per year.  In order for the CID to go into effect, a majority of homeowners need to sign a petition in favor of tax and each signature must be notarized. Ryan assured me there is absolutely no connection with their proposed CID and the possible future routes of the streetcar.

Checking the association’s website posting of the Spring 2014 newsletter, you’ll find an outline of how the money would be spent.  Most of it -$33,000-would go towards regular yard waste pick up. About $10,000 would pay for landscaping and signage.  (and of course the City of KCMO would collect  earnings tax on this CID fee–sounds like double taxation to me).  Overall, the $125 charge seems reasonable to keep up appearances in the nieghborhood, which helps keep property values up.  The Morningside Neighborhood Association leaders are all volunterrs, and as a board member of the Armour Hills HOA, I know how much time and money  it takes to maintain an older neighborhood with various islands and markers.  Residents should be thankful  the board has the foresight and initiative to create a CID in order to maintain the area with a more reliable funding source.

The Morningside CID is not a confirmed tax.   Ryan says they are planning to invite homeowners to sign the petition at specific upcoming events yet to be determined. There will also be at least one public meeting later this summer.  Watch the association’s website for details.

Home Near UMKC For Sale – $150,000

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front oneDo you know someone who wants to live near UMKC?  Or perhaps a parent who wants to invest in a home for student rental?  My new listing could be a good match!  This large home, located at 5831 Rockhill Road, is just south of the UMKC main campus, and is also close to Rockhurst University.  Priced right at $150,000–it’s a good investment.

This is a four bedroom, bungalow floorplan home.  There is a large living room and  dining room on the first floor, plus a kitchen and cozy breakfast room.  Two bedrooms and a full bath are on the main level.  The second floor has two more bedrooms and a half bath–which I think you could convert into a full bath by adding a shower.  Most all of the windows have been replaced, a new sewer line and furnace were recently installed, and all appliances stay including the refridgerator, washer and dryer. It also has many original architectural details: curved entry walls, built ins, crown molding, original subway tile in bathroom.   Outside you’ll find a charming front porch, fenced yard in back with a patio and a private drive with enough space for 2+ vehicles.liv frplc

The location is great–close to UMKC, Rockhurst, Brookside, and the Country Club Plaza–plus the Metro Bus runs along Rockhill. Click over to my website for more photos or contact me for additional information. 5831 Rockhill Road, just north of 59th St on the east side of Rockhill.

Brookside Home Sales Stats – May 2014

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Brookside home sales statistics are in, and there has been a slight change from one year ago as  compared May 2013 to May 2014. Prices are still rising!  I am checking single family sales for the main Brookside zip code of 64113, details below:

In May 2014, 36 homes sold.  Median sales price was just under $300,000 and 102 days on  market.  The lowest sales price was $155,000 and the highest was $1.35 million.  (That Sunset Hill property had been for sale since October 2012.)

In May 2013, 30 homes sold.  The  median sales price was $290,000 and 118 days on market.   The lowest sales price was $180,000 and the highest was $1.7 million.

More homes sold in May 2014 and in a shorter amount of time, and the average sales price was about $10K higher this year.  

Checking year to date figures:

From Jan-May 2014, 103 homes sold at a median sales price of $298,000 and 84 days on market.

From Jan-May 2013, 113 homes sold at a median sales price of $285,000 and 110 days on market.  

A few less homes sold so far this year, probably due to a lack of  well priced, updated inventory..and the average sales price continues to rise.  The Brookside housing market is overall in good shape and on an upward trend for higher home values!  

Currently there are 99 single family homes for sale in the Brookside zip code of 64113 with a median list  price of $460,000 and 125 days on market.  This high median list price is due to the large amount of upper bracket homes for sale at this time.  There is still a strong demand for updated, well cared for homes priced from $250-350K in our area…those are the ones that seem to sell the fastest.

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

BBQ in Waldo – The Stack Restaurant

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stacksignThere have been so many new businesses popping up in Waldo this year:  Tropical Sno Cone, Second Best Coffee, Kansas City Bier Company, Pizza Manifesto –and Waldo/Brookside residents love to support locally owned businesses.  I recently stopped at The Stack restaurant, 8920 Wornall Road, to satisfy a barbecue craving.   It reopened in April, and has seen a steady stream of customers since then.

BBQ is a an easy topic of discussion for KC residents–everyone has their favorite.  The Stack holds it’s own with the big guys (Oklahoma Joe’s, Jack Stack and Gates).  The restaurant is very casual, service is fast and friendly, and the portions are generous.  I’ve tried the ribs and the burnt ends–both very tasty and tender.  My daughter and I split the Stack Slab Platter and had enough left over for another meal!erin bbq

 

Jeff Hallier, partner

Jeff Hallier, partner

You’ll find a variety of appetizers here too:  fresh-sliced onion rings, BBQ potato skins, pig skin poppers and wings.  Partner Jeff Hallier told me they are also experimenting with a sausage stuffed pork loin, a special bread pudding dessert,  and want to add fish options on the weekends.   Right now you can only purchase bottled beer, but  Jeff is already planning an expansion to include a full bar, hopefully by the time football season kicks off.  The Stack also offers nightly specials, a catering menu and plenty of parking in front of the restaurant.

The next time you get a craving for BBQ–stop in The Stack.  It’s open Tuesday through Sunday at 10am.  Thank you for supporting locally owned Waldo businesses!

stackdiningroom