Tag Archives: Mary Hutchison

Home for Sale in Armour Hills

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21 W 66th St in Armour Hills

I just listed this home in Armour Hills and…it’s a real bargain!  Located at 21 W 66 St, this is a wonderful block of tight-knit neighbors that host a couple of block parties each year and look out for one another.  Many of them have lived on the street for decades.

This is one of the smaller homes on the block, it’s a two-story home about 1500 square feet.  The current owner has made many improvements:  a new concrete porch and walkway, new windows, updates in the bathrooms, freshly painted interior and updated electrical work.

Dining room with original
built-ins

The first floor features a large living room with fireplace; dining room with the original built-in cabinets, and a kitchen with half bath.  Upstairs there are three bedrooms (one is non-conforming); a full and a half bath, and several closets.  There are hardwood floors on both levels; a private driveway, and a stone foundation.

Bedroom

One of the best features of this house is the location:  just steps away from Arbor Villa Park (a tennis court, playground and kiddie pool), the Brookside shops and grocery, and the Trolley Track Trail.

Priced at $164,900…this home is sure to sell fast!  Contact me for more information.

Brookside Home Sales Stats October 2012

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Brookside home values continue to climb over last year–good news for sellers AND buyers.  Sellers are getting more money for their properties and buyers know they are purchasing in a desirable, valuable area.  Here are the home sales stats for October 2012 in the main Brookside zip code of 64113:

In October 2012, 29 single family homes sold.  The average list price was $482,245 and the average sales price as $429,287.  Average days on market: 159.

In October 2011, 12 single family homes sold.  The average list price was $397,096 and the average sales price was $372,371.  Average days on market:  238.

Checking year-to-date figures:

From January-October 2012, 255 single family homes sold with an average sales price of $331,777 and 111 days on market.

From January-October 2011, 174 single family homes sold with an average sales price of $302,428 and 138 days on market.

Although we’ve seen consistently higher averages sales prices this year, the Oct 2012  figures  show a large jump.  Part of the reason is there were two multi-million dollar homes sold in October that pushed up the average sales price.

As we get into the holiday season and winter weather, sales will slow down.  Still, I think this year Brookside has seen a full recovery from the bottom of the housing crash.  Interest rates should stay low, and I expect Spring of 2013 will be very strong for sales in our area.

If you would like detailed information on sales in your area, email me anytime! 

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

The T-Shirt Deli in Brookside

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Last week on one of the warm autumn days I finally walked into the T-Shirt Deli in Brookside. I had heard about this new shop that opened over the summer, but didn’t have a chance to visit until recently.  Located at 116 W 63rd in the former Pickleman’s spot, this place has a fun, laid back atmosphere and a clever marketing concept–the personalized tee shirt delivered like a  deli sandwich!

The T-Shirt Deli in Brookside

Started by a woman who grew up in Brookside, this is the third T-Shirt Deli location–the other two are in the Chicago area, where the owner lives.  There is a lot to choose from here–several ‘menu’ books of various decals and phrases that can be imprinted on the shirts. Or, you can make up your own copy at $1 per letter–different fonts and colors are available. The shirt you chose is one cost, and the personalization is an additional price. They can print just about anything except trademarked and sports logos. Some of the biggest sellers are those that play on words, like “Chillin’ With My Peeps” (with chicks) or “Hanging With My Gnomies” (picture of gnomes).  The BKS logo is popular as well.

The T-Shirt Deli uses American Apparal clothing, and there are other offerings besides tee shirts–some zip fleeces, long sleeve shirts, infant sizes and even a dog shirt too.  Don’t expect to walk in, chose a design and walk out a few minutes later with your shirt–it takes a couple of hours to create.  You can order in advance online through their website.  Once your order is ready–it’s packed in butcher paper and served to you with a bag of chips.

T-Shirt Deli Counter

The T-Shirt Deli is open Monday through Saturday, and it’s a great place to buy a unique gift for someone.  My husband used their services for his Halloween costume last month that displayed a political saying. I can see this place being very busy for the upcoming holiday season.

Shop local–support Brookside’s newest business, the T-Shirt Deli!

Armour Hills Home Sales Stats October 2012

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Finishing up the tenth month of the year…home sales in Armour Hills continue to outperform 2011, however in October there was a lower average sales price.  Let’s check the stats:

In  October  2012, 5 homes sold.  The average list price was $211,780 and the average sales price was $201,720. Average days on market:  61.

In October 2011, 4  homes sold.  The average list price was $233,175and the average sales price was $223,525.  Average days on market:  93.

The average sales price for October 2012 is lower than what’s been trending this year, but last month  there was one sale at $80,000, which is unusually low for our area.  This  sale  brought the average price down.  Still, comparing to 2011, one more home sold  and days on market are down by 30 days over last year!

Year to date, 67 homes have sold in Armour Hills, at an average sales price of $218,202 and  76  days on market.  From January–October 2011, 48 homes sold at an average price of $212,643 and 119 days on market.  We are experiencing lower days on market and an average sales price that’s higher than last year.  This trend has been consistent since January.

I think we are past the bottom of the housing market in Armour Hills, and on an upward trend that should continue…if interest rates stay low and the economy stays on the  recovery track.

Interested in home prices and sales trends in your area?  Email me and I’ll provide  the information.  In a few days I will post home sales stats for the Brookside zip code of 64113–also showing better sales activity than last year.

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

An Interview with Gunnar Hand, Candidate for KCMO School Board

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I don’t usually address  politics on my  blog, but decided to write about each candidate running for the open seat on the Kansas City MO school board:  Gunnar Hand and Stephen Himes.  Full disclosure up front–I know Gunnar as I serve with him on the Armour Hills Homes Assn board, and Stephen Himes teaches at St Teresa’s Academy, where my daughter attends  school. I am not endorsing one candidate over the other.  My approach to this blog was to ask each candidate the same four questions, and write the answers as spoken.

A short background regarding this election:  When former board member Derrick Ritchie moved to Nashville, a special election was needed to fill his position.  The term of this new board member will end in 2014.  There are nine members of the Kansas City School Board, and this seat represents the 2cd subdistrict.  The rough boundaries are Troost, 85th St, State Line Rd and Brush Creek.  It is not a paid  position.  Two days ago I published the interview with Stephen, today’s post is about Gunnar.

Gunnar Hand and family

Gunnar Hand grew up in Kansas City, attending  parochial schools. He lives in Armour Hills and has his own design/consulting firm, MOCK Studio. His wife Ashley is the chair of Friends of Hale Cook, a local organization dedicating to reopening Hale Cook Elementary.  You can read more about Gunnar’s background here.  This interview took place on Oct 24, 2012. Continue reading →

Stephen Himes, Candidate for KCMO School Board

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I don’t usually address politics on the blog, but decided to write about each candidate running for the open seat on the Kansas City MO school board: Gunnar Hand and Stephen Himes. Full disclosure up front–I know Gunnar as I serve with him on the Armour Hills Homes Assn board, and Stephen Himes teaches at St Teresa’s Academy, where my daughter attends school. I am not endorsing one candidate over the other. My approach to this topic was to ask each candidate the same four questions, and write the answers as spoken.

A short background regarding this election: When former board member Derrick Ritchie moved to Nashville, a special election was needed to fill his position. The term of this new board member will end in 2014. There are nine members of the Kansas City School Board, and this seat represents the 2cd subdistrict (which includes Brookside). The rough boundaries are Troost, 85th St, State Line Rd and Brush Creek. It is not a paid position.

Stephen Himes

Today, I’m writing about my conversation with Stephen Himes. He is  at St Teresa’s Academy, is an attorney and a doctoral candidate in the Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis program at the University of Missouri.  He is from Clinton, MO and lives with his wife in Waldo. I am not endorsing one candidate over the other. We talked recently at Axios in Brookside, after he finished his school day. Continue reading →

Brookside Author Releases Third Book on Halloween

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Don’t you love to have a good book nearby?  Anytime you have a few minutes, you can jump into another world, find out what’s happening to the characters and anticipate the surprise of the next plot twist or erotic encounter.  Readers will soon have the opportunity to catch up with John Pilate’s latest adventures when Brookside author J. Alexander Greenwood releases his third book Pilate’s Ghost on Halloween.

Pilate’s Ghost by J. Alexander Greenwood

The third–and possibly final –book in this series  finds John on a book tour promoting his unusual experience at the fictional Cross College in Nebraska (the story behind the first book, Pilate’s Cross).  A mystery man threatens to kill him and his family as John deals with the aftermath of what happened in Nebraska. Pilate’s Key, the second book in the series, outlined John’s life in Key West with his then-girlfriend Kate and her daughter as he battled modern day pirates while writing about his experience in Nebraska. Continue reading →

My Thoughts on the Downtown Streetcar Proposal

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After reading the detailed story in Sunday’s Kansas City Star about building a new streetcar line in the central corridor, I decided to express my thoughts via the blog.  I’ve been following this story for some time, and keep thinking, “$100 MILLION for just the starter line?  Is it worth it?” Many folks don’t think so.

A quick summary of the backstory:  ballots will be mailed to about 700 downtown residents next week, asking for votes  on tax increases to pay for this initial starter line  that will run from the River Market to Union Station.  There are two taxes:  a 1-cent sales tax and a another tax on commercial and residential property taxes (downtown area only).  If approved, the two mile starter route should open in 2015 with four streetcars operating seven days a week, free for all riders.  Ballots are due December 11. Continue reading →

Upcoming Fall Events in Brookside

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Today’s blog is a quick reminder of some upcoming events in Brookside — make note in your calendar!

*Monthly networking event is this Wednesday, Oct 24 from 8-9am at St Elizabeth’s Church, 2 E 75th St.  Beverages provided–come network with local businesses and residents.

*Annual Brookside Trick or Treat Street, Oct 31 from 4-6pm along 63rd St between Wornall and Main.   Hundreds of kids will be walking along these blocks–be extra careful when travelling through the area.

Watch for trick or treaters in Brookside!

*E Waste Recycling, Saturday Nov 2 from 9am-1pm at the UMKC parking lot, 51st and Oak.  Drop off your electronic waste (computers, TVs, VCRs, cellphones, microwave, etc) for recycling.

Need more information on Brookside?  Email me!

 

Brookside Home Sales Report September 2012

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WOW, the figures I have to report this month for housing sales in Brookside are pretty amazing!  More homes are selling, and at higher prices.  Buyers believe in the value of  a Brookside address…that is obvious from the increased prices and all the renovations and room additions you see while cruising through the neighborhood blocks.
Here are the home sales statistics for September 2012, plus year-to-date figures.  I am using the main Brookside zip code of 64113 for this report on single family home sales: Continue reading →