Tag Archives: Waldo real estate agent

Play With Clay at the KC Clay Guild

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guild sign

You have probably driven by the KC Clay Guild in Waldo many times..it sits at the corner of 200 W 74th St at Wyandotte. .  The long brick building may not catch your eye…but inside, there’s a buzz of activity going on as artists and amateurs create sculptured, colorful pieces out of dull gray clay blocks.

 

clay guild wood VP

Josh Wood, VP at KC Clay Guild

I met with Vice President Josh Wood recently to find out more about the Guild. Wood says he ‘geeked out’ on ceramics in high school, then took a few classes in college and got hooked on the process.  He’s been with the Guild nine years (plus has a full time job in Olathe) and is still actively creating ceramic works.  He explained the KC Clay Guild was started by several local Kansas City potters in 1988.  They wanted a studio to work in  and have been at this location fifteen years.  If you’ve ever been curious about playing around with clay–or just like to collect beautifully sculptured ceramic art — this is the place to be.

The KC Clay Guild is a non profit association with about 400 members. If you want to see what working with clay is like, Wood suggests attending a Communiversity class.  Or you can check out one of their Family Fun Nights (Fridays and Saturdays) and experiment with the process.  Membership fees are very reasonable, and you’ll meet all sorts of people here: professional potters, aspiring artists, hobbyists and even kids learning the process.  All pieces are fired and glazed on site.  They offer a variety of workshops and special events, plus summer camps for kids and there is  a big fundraiser every October called Raku Night.  This is a large street party where you can create a ceramic piece, have it fired and then glazed all at one time.

clay guild mobile

 

On April 30, 2016 the Clay Guild will host their first Spring Pottery Sale.  Josh commented that there are always pieces for sale on site, and  prices here are less than purchasing at an art fair. During the Spring sale there will be several artists displaying their work for sale — you may want to stop by and pick up something for yourself or as a gift!

The KC Clay Guild is open seven days a week—check out their website at www.kcclayguild.org for more information. And if you are looking for some unique clay art–stop by the sale on Saturday!

Waldo Home Sales Stats – Feb 2016

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Wonderful Waldo!  A popular area for homebuyers…and prices are on the upswing early in the year.  Here are the sales stats for single family home sales in Waldo, using the boundaries of State Line to Holmes and Gregory to 85th St:

February 2016:

Number of homes sold:   16

Median list price:              $171,450

Median sales price:          $165,750

Average days on market:  34

The lowest sales price was $66,100 and the highest was $340,000 (which was $10,050 over the asking price!)

February 2015:

Number of homes sold:   24

Median list price:              $154,500

Median sales price:          $148,500

Average days on market:   40

Fewer homes sold this year….due to a lack of good inventory, because demand is very strong. Notice how prices are higher than last year.

Checking year to date figures:

2016:                                                                                     2015:

Number of homes sold:     37                                       Number of homes sold:      39                                  

Median list price:                $163,950                            Median list price:              $160,000

Median sales price:            $163,950                            Median sales price:          $156,000

Average days on market:    59                                      Average days on market:    41

About the same number of homes sold year to date; median list and sales price are stronger–sellers are getting at or close to list price for the well maintained, clean and updated homes.  Investors continue to snap up lower priced homes to flip.

Currently there are 16 active single family homes for sale in Waldo, with a median list price of $137,750.

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

Celebrate Waldo Week Through Friday

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waldo weekYou are going to spend money anyway this week…on food, services, coffee, etc.  Why not spend it in Waldo??

This is Waldo Week, when some merchants offer a 25% discount on merchandise, food, beverages and services.  Over twenty businesses are participating, including Waldo Pizza, McLain’s Bakery, Family Bicycles, Euston’s Waldo Hardware, One More Cup and 75th St Brewery.

Support our local small business owners and patronize these Waldo businesses through Friday March 4!  www.waldokc.org

Waldo Home Sales – Jan 2016 Report

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Waldo home sales are off to a strong start in 2016!  Usually this is a slower time of year for the market.  Let’s check the numbers…single family home sales in the Waldo area between State Line to Holmes and Gregory to 85th St:

In January 2016, 21 homes sold. The median list AND sale price was $163,950.  Average days on market:  62.

Not much bargaining between buyer and seller–buyers are paying at or close to list price. The lowest sales price was $37,000 and the highest was $320,000.

In January 2015, 14 homes sold. The median list price was $162,900 and the median sales price was $158,500. Average days on market: 46.  

More homes sold this January than last; and median sales price jumped up!

Can’t check year to date figures yet…will do that next month.

Currently, there are 19 active listings in Waldo, with a median list price of  of $127,500 and 93 days on market.  If I can help you buy or sell a home in Waldo–contact me for more information!

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

Waldo Home Sales 2015 Recap

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Waldo tower

Wonderful Waldo!

Bright news during these drab winter days for Waldo homeowners:  prices were up in 2015!  Buyers are discovering what we already know about Waldo:  the convenient location, friendly neighbors and many locally owned restaurants and services attract homeowners to the area! Let’s look at the specific home sales stats for 2015, using the street boundaries of State Line to Holmes; Gregory to 85th St: :

In 2015:

*351 single family homes sold

*The median list price was $160,000.

*The median sales price was $162,000.

*Average days on market was 34.

*The lowest sales price was $18,000; the highest was $495,000.

Why was the sales price higher than the list price?  There are a couple of reasons: there could have been multiple offers on the property, pushing the price up or some of the closing costs were added to the sales price.

Higher prices benefit sellers as they have more equity in the home…higher prices benefit buyers as they are reassured the home is in a desirable location with values on the upswing.

For comparison, here are 2014 stats:

*340 single family homes sold.

*The median list price was $150,000.

*The median sales price was $148,725.

*Average days on market was 46.

The number of units sold increased 3.23% from 2014 to 2015; the median price jumped up by just over 9%!  I expect this trend to continue in 2016, unless there is some sort of financial crisis.

If you are thinking of buying or selling a home in Waldo this year, you can reach me at

mary.hutchison@kansascityhomes.com for more details.

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

Welcome Flatiron Blow Dry Bar to Waldo

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flat sign

Flatiron District Blow Dry Bar, 7108 Wornall in Waldo

Finally, Waldo and Brookside has its own blow dry bar!  The Flatiron District Blow Dry Bar opened in a few months ago at 7108 Wornall.  I recently stopped by to check out the shop and talk with the owner Jayme Brassell.

Blow dry bars are very popular on the east and west coasts. They are a throwback to the traditional  ‘beauty shop’ in the 1950s and 60s.  Women would come in once a week, get their hair ‘done’ for the week, chat with friends and neighbors and pamper themselves a bit!  The Flatiron Blow Dry Bar has the same goal, but with an updated, more urban vibe. Here you can get a wash, blow dry and style that will last several days says Jayme. No more washing and styling every single day!  The stylists use all organic shampoo and conditioner, and special styling techniques to keep your hair looking and feeling fresh for several days.  The process takes about 45 minutes, and includes a glass of champagne or mimosa (this is a ‘bar’ after all!) and a mini massage.  Waxing and make up services are also available.  Prices vary depending on the hair style and special packages/memberships are available.

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Stylist Karlye Buff, left and shop owner Jayme Brassell, right

Jayme moved to KC in an unusual way…she and her husband were living in New York City and she was pregnant with baby #3. They decided to get out of New York and googled ‘best places to raise a family’.  Kansas City came out on top of that list–so they picked up and moved  here, purchasing a home in old Leawood.  That was five years ago. Jayme’s shop was initially in Overland Park,  but the atmosphere wasn’t quite right.  Waldo fits the neighborhood feel and urban vibe she wanted. The local neighbors are very supportive, business is good and she loves meeting all the eclectic people who wander in. 

flat chairsflat corner

The decor in the shop reflects Jayme’s love of NYC–you’ll see a subway map, Playbill covers, and New York magazines among the shabby chic furnishings. She also offers a few items from Fishs Eddy (her favorite NYC shop) for purchase, and has handmade jewelry and some RenWalla accessories on consignment. .  It’s a very comfortable and friendly atmosphere–you feel relaxed as soon as you walk in!

For an appointment at Flatiron District Blow Dry Bar, you can call or text 913 972 1400 or book directly at  facebook.com/flatironinwaldo.  Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10am-6pm, #flatironinwaldo on Instagram.  

Thank you for supporting locally owned businesses in Waldo and Brookside!

Waldo Home Sales Report-Nov 2015

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It’s almost the end of 2015…time for one more blog reporting home sales for Waldo.  Higher sales prices and more units sold…that’s what’s been happening all year in Wonderful Waldo. Let’s check the specific single family home sales in the area of State Line to Holmes, and Gregory to 85th St:

In November 2015, 14 homes sold. The median list price was $147,500 and the median sales price was $150,500 with 34 days on market.  The lowest closed sales price was $68,000 and the highest was $285,000.

In November 2014, 25 homes sold. The median list price was $125,000 and the median sales price was $140,000 with 49 days on  market.  

Note the sold price was a little higher than list price.  Sellers are getting very close to their asking price; and buyers could be adding closing costs to the price of the home.  

Checking year to date figures:

From January through November 2015, 374 homes have sold with a median list price of $154,950 and a median sales price of $152,000 with 34 days on market.

From January through November 2014, 343 homes had sold with a median list price of $145,000 and a median sales price of $142,000 and 49 days on market.

We’ve already surpassed number of units sold over last year, and prices are trending higher.

Currently, there are 52 active listings in Waldo, with an average sales price of $123,450 and 71 days on market.  Next month I will report total 2015 sales for Waldo…it has been a good year!

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

New Pizza Joint Open in Waldo

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Last week I stopped by the new Pizzeria Locale to check it out…then discovered this place has been open since late July! Have you tried it yet? Waldo’s newest pizza place is part of the Chipotle restaurant family and located right next door to the Waldo Chipotle location at 505 W 75th St.

pizza crew

Bridget Waliser (in red cap) and crew in front of the Pizzeria Locale oven and prosciutto slicer

Step inside and you will be greeted with a warm ‘hello and welcome!’ from a staff member. Everyone is friendly and patient as you figure out the menu. This eatery is another ‘fast casual’ restaurant, with an emphasis on very fresh ingredients and quick service. Each order is custom made and ready to serve in less than 5 minutes once ordered.  The Neapolitan-style pizza has a very thin, blistered crust, with crumbled, fresh mozzarella and a large variety of topping options:  capers, mushrooms, olives, peppers, pepperoni, sausage, basil, onions, etc. (Within a week, this location will begin serving four cheese and Hawaiian pizzas due to customer demand). You can order a ‘classic’ pizza with the toppings pre-determined ($5.75-$8.25) , or ‘build your own’ pie, starting with the crust (gluten-free available) and adding the sauce and toppings you prefer. The super-hot oven cooks each pie in just two minutes! So far, the Diavola and Supreme versions are the most popular with customers.

 

Four different types of salads are available, along with freshly sliced prosciutto and pork meatballs. Wine and local beers are served, along with bottled, cold Alchemy coffee from Lawrence KS. There is one specialty dessert available, a Budino, which is double shotglass sized portion of butterscotch pudding with a chocolate ganache and caramel topped with a layer of whipped cream. It’s the perfect sweet bite to end your meal — for just $1.50.

Manager Bridget Waliser says business has been brisk, with most diners stopping by in the evening. Seating is somewhat limited (although there are outdoor tables available during the warmer months), and it’s very easy to get all of their food ‘to go’. There is real value here too: a four slice 10″ pie with salad and drinks could feed two for lunch for under $18 including tax!  Plus the food tastes good and fresh!

Pizzeria Locale is open every day from 11am-10pm in the heart of Waldo at 505 W. 75th St.

 

Waldo Home Sales Report-October 2015

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The home buying season is winding down now as we head into the cooler weather. Checking home sales for Waldo in October 2015, number of units is down slightly; prices holding steady compared to last year.   Here are the home sales stats for Waldo, using the boundaries of  State Line to Holmes, and Gregory to 85th:

In October  2015, 31 homes sold with a median list price of $144,900 and a median sales price of $139,000 and 38 days on market.  The lowest closed sales price was $59,500 and the highest was $395,000.

In  October 2014, 43 homes sold with a median list price of $144,900 and a median sales price of $140,000 with 49 days on  market.  

The median list price did not change, and the final sales price was virtually the same as last October. Days on market were less, meaning a house was listed about 38 days before going under contract.

Checking year to date figures:

From January through October 2015, 239 homes have sold with a median list price of $156,250 and a median sales price of $154,750 with  34 days on market.

From January through October 2014, 294 homes had sold with a median list price of $149,900 and a median sales price of $143,500 and 48 days on market.

Year to date, Waldo home prices are up 7.8% and selling quicker as well!  Currently there are 38 homes for sale in this area with a median list price of $132,450 and 77 days on market.

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

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The home buying season is winding down now as we head into the cooler weather. However, Waldo homes have continued to sell well, and quickly, through the month of August.  Here are the single family home sales stats for Waldo, using the boundaries of  State Line to Holmes, and Gregory to 85th:

In August  2015, 23 homes sold with a median list price of $124,950 and a median sales price of $125,000 and 29 days on market.  The lowest closed sales price was $45,000 and the highest was $255,000.

In  August  2014, 21 homes sold with a median list price of $175,000 and a median sales price of $169,900 with 42 days on  market.  

As you can see, the sales price was a smidge higher than the list price–that could mean a few homes sold for over asking price, or closing costs were added to the list price.  The reason the median price this year was so much lower than last year was in August 2014: there were three sales in this geographic area over $200K, including one at $310K.  Most Waldo homes sell for under $200K, although the highest sale so far this year was $255,000.

Checking year to date figures:

From January through August 2015, 239 homes have sold with a median sales price of $154,500 and 34 days on market.

From January through August 2014, 204 homes had sold with a median sales price of $141,800 and 48 days on market.

Waldo home prices are up overall since last year, and on the market for fewer days.  Demand for updated, well priced homes in Waldo is strong! Currently there are 29 homes for sale, with a median list price of $127,500 and 72 days on market.

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