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Kansas City, MO Real Estate News

By Mary Hutchison, SRES, ABR, Experienced Agent in Kansas City Metro area
(Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate-Kansas City Homes)
What is "Explore Gregory" all about?  You've seen the signs and probably got something in the mail about it. The event is happening this Saturday August 19, 2017. And the promotion refers to the street, not a person!  From 10am-4pm, the businesses along Gregory from Oak  to Main streets welcome all visitors and shoppers for the day.  You can stop in places you've never been to before, as well as visit stores and services you frequently use.  Start the day at McLain's Bakery with breakfast and stroll over to Eclectics, Sheehan's Irish Imports, the new Nut Cup, then walk west to Studio 63 and lunch at Bier Station or Governor Stumpy's.  Those are  just a few of the businesses that are participating.  During Explore Gregory, JFS will be collecting canned goods for their food pantry--donati...
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By Mary Hutchison, SRES, ABR, Experienced Agent in Kansas City Metro area
(Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate-Kansas City Homes)
Many years ago when my husband and I first moved to Brookside, we went to the Brookside Irish Fest.  It was basically a few booths set up in a parking lot with a band.  There was a small Westport Irish Fest too.  These two groups got together and now we have one big Irish Fest, every year over Labor Day weekend, that attracts over 100,000 people!  The Kansas City Irish Fest is now held at Crown Center.  The non-profit organization that runs the show strives to promote the music, food and culture of Ireland during the three days.  It's a family friendly event, with activities for all ages.  What I like about the KC Irish Fest is there is more to do than the usual festival activities.  Sure, they do have special events for the kids, including a scavenger hunt, costume contest and storytel...
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By Mary Hutchison, SRES, ABR, Experienced Agent in Kansas City Metro area
(Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate-Kansas City Homes)
How would you like to taste the flavors of over twenty countries in one weekend?  It's possible!  Make plans to attend the annual Ethnic Enrichment Festival in Swope Park, August 18-20, 2017. This huge event represents cultures from dozens of international countries, including Sweden, Scotland, France, China, Mexico, India, Croatia, Ecuador, Germany, Egypt and Russia--to name a few.  Food is a big part of the festival--as each country sets up special tasty goodies from their homeland.  You can choose from hundreds of specialty foods:  epanadas, kobasa, crepes, gyros, chicken curry, mango shake, apple studel, fried plantains, tacos, and so much more.   There are various dance and musical performances throughout the weekend and craft booths to browse.   I find that children really seem to...
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By Mary Hutchison, SRES, ABR, Experienced Agent in Kansas City Metro area
(Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate-Kansas City Homes)
Yes it's hot and you may want to shop in the air conditioned comfort of your nearby grocery store. However, it's peak season for fresh fruits and vegetables, grown in or near the Kansas City metro area. It's worth sweating a bit to browse outdoor  farmers' markets to pick up delicious and nutritious edibles to enjoy at every meal.We are fortunate to have so many foodstands in Kansas City--chances are there is one within a few miles of your home.  Below I have listed some of the larger farmers' markets for reference-- plan a trip early in the morning to beat the sizzling tempertures! City Market, 20 E. Fifth St, Kansas City MO6am-3pm Saturdays; 8am-3pm SundaysThe City Market dates back to 1857! The farmer's market here actually operates year round; it's most busy in the summer and fall. ...
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By Mary Hutchison, SRES, ABR, Experienced Agent in Kansas City Metro area
(Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate-Kansas City Homes)
 There's a new boutique shop in Waldo--tucked away in a former gas station  from the 1920s!  Hawthorne and Ivy opened a couple of weeks ago at 7142 Wornall, just south of Betty Rae's and next to Michael Avery's hair salon. You may be familiar with Hawthorne and Ivy's shop in Weston.  This is shop #3 for owner Elinor Hagan Lowe.  She started out designing custom 'mother's bracelets' , following in her mother's footsteps.  Elinor runs Paco Designs in Lenexa, then came the Weston store, and now the Waldo spot.   Step inside and you will find all the items attractively displayed on the walls and tables--it's an easy store to browse!  There is lots of jewelry, including the mother's bracelets, and so much more:  Royals gear, candles and soaps, clothing and accessories plus some baby items an...
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By Mary Hutchison, SRES, ABR, Experienced Agent in Kansas City Metro area
(Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate-Kansas City Homes)
Prices continue to rise in the desirable subdivision of Armour Hills in Brookside.  The well maintained, updated homes go under contract almost immediately.  Here's the June 2017 home sales report for Armour Hills, with comparisons to last year. June 2017Median list price:         $294,950Median sales price:      $306,000Days on market:                34No. of homes sold:            17 June 2016Median list price:         $279,475Median sales price:      $284,500Days on market:               3No. of homes sold:           12 Last month, 12 of the 17 homes that closed sold at or over the listed price.Now let's check year-to-date figures: Jan-June 2017Median list price:      $317,250Median sales price:   $313,500Days on market:             6No. of homes sold:        54 Jan-June 2016Median l...
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By Mary Hutchison, SRES, ABR, Experienced Agent in Kansas City Metro area
(Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate-Kansas City Homes)
We just finished up the first half of the year for the Spring home buying season--and demand continues to be strong.  Most sales happen in the first half of the year--we'll see what happens from July-December!Here are the single family  home sales stats for Brookside, using zip code 64113, for June 2017 and comparisons to last year: June 2017Median list price:             $372,000Median sales price:          $367,500Days on market:                    20No. of homes sold:                40 June 2016Median list price:              $344,250Median sales price:           $342,000Days on market:                    37No. of homes sold:                42 Two Brookside homes sold in June for over $1million.  Lowest sales price was $168,500.  Median sales price is up 7.4% over last year. Comparin...
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By Mary Hutchison, SRES, ABR, Experienced Agent in Kansas City Metro area
(Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate-Kansas City Homes)
  It's time for the annual Brookside Sidewalk Sale--Thursday July 6 through Sunday July 9, 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!".   I especially like the bargains you can find at Tuesday Morning and The Dime Store.  One year I purchased a sterling silver ring for  $10--which my daughter promptly 'borrowed' and she still has it!  Plus, it's always nice to chat with shop owners and neighbors that are browsing at the same time.  Even if you don't find anything that you need, browse and shop for others:  start your holiday shopping early or birthday gifts for kids or just a special "I'm thi...
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By Mary Hutchison, SRES, ABR, Experienced Agent in Kansas City Metro area
(Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate-Kansas City Homes)
Home prices are up again in Waldo--a trend that has been consistent this year.  There is a lot of demand and not enough inventory.  These figures are for Waldo single family home sales, using the boundaries of State Line to Holmes and Gregory to 85th:  May 2017 Number of homes sold:    42Median list price:              $189,900Median sales price:          $192,000Average days on market:    13 May 2016 Number of homes sold:      48Median list price:              $168,700Median sales price:          $168,000Average days on market:    1 The highest price sale in Waldo last month was $365,500 and the lowest was $84,900. Note the sales price was higher than list price--because many of the homes that closed were at or over the asking price.  Here are year-to-date comparisons: Jan-May  2017 Nu...
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By Mary Hutchison, SRES, ABR, Experienced Agent in Kansas City Metro area
(Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate-Kansas City Homes)
Armour Hills in Brookside -- a hot location for homebuyers this spring.  Almost one half of the total homes sold this year so far in Armour Hills closed last month. And as you will see...prices continue to rise as compared to last year.  Here are the May 2017 home sales for Armour Hills, and a comparison to last year.  May 2017                                               Median list price:      $325,000                          Median sales price:  $329,225                          Number of homes sold:  16  Days on market:              3                                May 2016         Median list price:       $289,900Median sales price:   $291,000     Number of homes sold:   9  Days on market:              33 The lowest sales price in May 2017 was $209,500 and the highest was $407,00...
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By Mary Hutchison, SRES, ABR, Experienced Agent in Kansas City Metro area
(Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate-Kansas City Homes)
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:    43Median list price:              $165,000Median sales price:          $170,000Average days on market:    4 April 2016 Number of homes sold:      29Median list price:              $169,900Median sales price:          $169,000Average days on market:    12 The highest price sale in Waldo last month was $468,500 and the lowest was $54,000. Note the sales ...
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By Mary Hutchison, SRES, ABR, Experienced Agent in Kansas City Metro area
(Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate-Kansas City Homes)
May is National Bike Month...and This week is National Bike to Work Week.And today through Saturday May 20, 2017 is Bike to Waldo Week! Hop on your bike and ride through bike-friendly Waldo..stopping by these merchants for special deals and discounts:  Family Bicycles, KC Bier Co, Betty Raes, Crows Coffee and CoWork Waldo. If you post a photo of your outing and post it with the #biketowaldo, you will be entered into a drawing for $50!  More info at the Waldo Facebook page.Be extra aware for bicycles in the streets this week and thank you for supporting locally owned Waldo businesses!
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By Mary Hutchison, SRES, ABR, Experienced Agent in Kansas City Metro area
(Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate-Kansas City Homes)
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:        $399,000Median sales price:    $360,000Number of homes sold:    29Days on market:               17 The lowest closed price was $237,500 and the highest was $1.5 million.   April 2016 Median list price:        $375,000Median sales price:    $371,500Number of homes sold:   30Days on market:              41 Checking year-to-date figures: Jan-Apr 2017 Median list price:        $399,000Median sales price:    $394,230Number of homes sol...
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By Mary Hutchison, SRES, ABR, Experienced Agent in Kansas City Metro area
(Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate-Kansas City Homes)
Worlds Window in Brookside is hosting its annual fundraiser for Rose Brooks on Thursday May 11, 2017.  It's your opportunity to support a local women's shelter and spruce up your wardrobe at the same time! For the past month, Worlds Window has been collecting donated new and gently used clothing for this event. Tonight, from 5-8pm, stop in and browse among the hundreds of women's clothing options while enjoying treats, discounts on regular merchandise and special drawings for customers. All donated items are $10.  Worlds Window is located at 332 W 63rd St in the heart of Brookside. Thank you for supporting locally owned businesses and the Rose Brooks organization!
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By Mary Hutchison, SRES, ABR, Experienced Agent in Kansas City Metro area
(Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate-Kansas City Homes)
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:    35Median list price:              $175,000Median sales price:          $175,000Average days on market:    39 March 2016 Number of homes sold:      31Median list price:              $134,900Median sales price:          $135,000Average days on market:    31 The highest price sale in Waldo in March 2017 was $480,000 and the lowest was $105,000. Here are year-to-date comparisons: Jan-March 2017 Number of homes sold:    85Median list price:            $172,900M...
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By Mary Hutchison, SRES, ABR, Experienced Agent in Kansas City Metro area
(Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate-Kansas City Homes)
   A sure sign of Spring in Brookside!  The Art Annual is happening this weekend, May 5-7, 2017, at Brookside Road and 63rd St. Artists from around the US will display their home made creations:  pottery, painting, photography, jewelry, sculptures, clothes, leather goods--it's all here under the tents.  Besides wandering amoung the booths, you can bring the kids for free childrens' activities Saturday and Sunday and enjoy snacks and food from local restaurants.   Hours are Friday 5-9pm; Saturday 10am-9pm and Sunday 11am-5pm. PLEASE do not bring pets into the tents and watch for pedestrians and extra traffic around the 63rd and Brookside Rd area. More details at:www.brooksidekc.org
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By Mary Hutchison, SRES, ABR, Experienced Agent in Kansas City Metro area
(Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate-Kansas City Homes)
   Buyers are snapping up new listings in Armour Hills this spring! Most new listings go under contract within the first few days of hitting the  market.  Let’s look at the March 2017 home sales for Armour Hills, and a comparison to last year.  March 2017                                               Median list price:      $325,000                          Median sales price:  $325,000                          Number of homes sold:  5  Days on market:             6                               March 2016         Median list price:       $234,975Median sales price:   $229,475     Number of homes sold:  6  Days on market:             39 Four of the five homes that sold last month in Armour Hills were over $300K, pushing the median sales price up. Notice it was only a few days before the...
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By Mary Hutchison, SRES, ABR, Experienced Agent in Kansas City Metro area
(Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate-Kansas City Homes)
 We are all in to the typically strong Spring home buying season and inventory is still pretty low compared to demand.  However, I know sellers are busy getting their homes ready to list and the next couple of months will bring even more houses for sale.  Here is the March 2017 Brookside single family home sales report, using stats from zip code 64113:  March 2017 Median list price:        $395,000Median sales price:    $395,000Number of homes sold:    34Days on market:               28 The lowest closed price was $200,000 and the highest was $803,000.  March 2016 Median list price:        $384,250Median sales price:    $379,500Number of homes sold:   34Days on market:              28 Checking year-to-date figures: Jan-Mar 2017 Median list price:        $394,230Median sales price:    $3...
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By Mary Hutchison, SRES, ABR, Experienced Agent in Kansas City Metro area
(Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate-Kansas City Homes)
   You’ve probably seen these yard signs popping up about Uniting at Southwest. What’s going on? A parent-led proposal is underway to reopen the unused Southwest High School as a project-based, public high school with a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) program by 2019. At one time, Southwest was one of the most well regarded and respected high schools in the Kansas City public school system. The school closed in 2016, and KCPS has no plans to sell or lease it. Uniting at Southwest has the support of hundreds of local residents, former students and prospective SW school families who want to see the school reopened with this highly desirable type of curriculum. Parents have signed up over 1000 prospective students via the Support Survey at the website. The organizer...
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By Mary Hutchison, SRES, ABR, Experienced Agent in Kansas City Metro area
(Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate-Kansas City Homes)
We have another new shop in Brookside to check out! It’s called Coco, a women’s clothing store located at 6209 Oak. Coco is next to Itsy Bitsy Bums, and owned by the same person, Abby Flores. The grand opening was April 1. Like so many locally owned Brookside businesses, Coco makes you feel welcome the moment you walk in. Abi Wagner, Manager, Enabler and Empowerment Queen (yes that is her official title!) –greets you with a big smile, ready to help you navigate around all the pretty and practical goodies on display. Abi explained the store’s concept to me: “It’s minimalist but not basic. We have brands that fit all body types—from small to 3XL. And our prices are very reasonable. Most items fall in the $30-$50 price range”. Browsing the racks you’ll find tops, pants (including ‘magic de...
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