Waldo home sales are keeping pace with  last year--however prices are up compared to 2016.  Here are the October 2017  single family home sales for Waldo, using the boundaries of State Line to Holmes and Gregory to 85th St:October 2017Median list price:       $199,950Median sales price:    $195,000No. of homes sold:         27Days on market:             6October 2016Median list price:       $160,000Median sales price:    $167,000No. of homes sold:         27Days on market:             17The same number of homes sold, however for a much higher price and fewer days on market.  Here are the year-to-date figures:Jan-Oct 2017Median list price:      $179,000Median sales price:   $180,000No. of homes sold:        336Days on market:             12Jan-Oct 2016Median list price:       $165,000Med... 11/20/2017

Armour Hills has been one of the hottest location for Brookside homebuyers this year--most homes go under contract within a day or so.  And prices are up!  Here are the October 2017 stats, with comparisons to last year and YTD figures.October 2017Median list price:     $329,250Median sales price:  $327,250No. of homes sold:       8Days on market:          47The highest closed sales price was $446,500 and the lowest was $235,000.October 2016Median list price:     $289,475Median sales price:  $294,499No. of homes sold:      12Days on  market:         27Below are year-to-date stats:Jan-Oct 2017Median list price:      $314,750Median sales price:   $313,250No. of homes sold:      84Days on market:          9Jan-Oct 2016Median list price:       $275,000Median sales price:    $274,500No. of ho... 11/16/2017

 As we move towards the end of the year, home sales slow down, and this year is no exception.  However, prices continue to rise compared to last year.  Here is the October single family home sales report for Brookside, using zip code 64113: October 2017Median list price:      $399,000Median sales price:   $395,000No. of homes sold:        25Days on market:            32 The lowest closed price last month was $235,000 and the highest was $646,850. October 2016Median list price:       $329,975Median sales price:    $324,975No. of homes sold:        30Days on  market:           21 Fewer homes sold last month over a year ago;  that's probably due to a lack of inventory, but prices were higher. Here are the year-to-date stats: Jan-Oct 2017Median list price:     $382,447Median sales price:   ... 11/13/2017

 Brookside/Waldo neighbors, you have noticed the road construction along Wornall...four lanes are now down to two lanes, one each for north and south traffic. Personally I avoid using Wornall between Gregory and 85th Street--it is usually very congested with heavy traffic, and the roadwork makes it worse. I called Kansas City MO and found out that the gas lines are being replaced in this area, roughly between 79th St and 83rd Terrace.  The work will be going on for at least the  next thirty days. So..if you must travel along this part of Wornall Road, please be prepared for delays and workers in the street.  Alternate routes include Main and Oak Streets or Ward Parkway and State Line.  11/08/2017

I'm going to start this challenge by saying this :  every day when I wake up, I lay in  bed for a few minutes, listening to my local NPR station and express gratidute for another day.  At the end of the day I reflect what happened--to me personally (could be visiting with a friend, making a new recipe, finishing a project, meeting a new prospect) and other news that wasn't so good (yet another mass shooting, fatal car accident, contract fell through).  All of it is important in some way, all of it shapes my personality and outlook.  I am grateful for every day, no matter what happens. Showing my clients I am thankful for them can take on many different forms.  I try to do little things that are a bit unique and fit with the client's personality.  I do send birthday cards and always writ... 11/01/2017

Armour Hills in Brookside has been one of the hottest neighborhoods for buyers this year--prices are up and homes sell fast.  Here is  the September 2017 home sales report, with comparisons to last year: September 2017Median List Price:     $311,225Median Sales Price:   $313,250No. of Homes Sold:      6Days on Market:           3 September 2016Median List Price:     $244,950Median Sales Price:   $247,500No. of Homes Sold:      6Days on Market:          39 The lowest closed price last month was $195,000 and the highest was $415,000--$16K over the asking price of $399,000.Checking year-to-date comparisons: January - September 2017Median List Price:     $314,750Median Sales Price:   $313,250No. of Homes Sold:       76Days on Market:            7 January - September 2016Median List Price:  ... 10/18/2017

Waldo continues to be a desireable location for first time homebuyers in Kansas City--once again, prices are up and beating the list price.  Here are the September 2017 single family home sales stats for Waldo, using the boundaries of Gregory to 85th St; Holmes to State Line Road: September 2017Median List Price:     $175,000Median Sales Price:   $187,000No. of Homes Sold:        29Days on Market:             10 September 2016Median List Price:     $164,450Median Sales Price:   $161,000No. of Homes Sold:      38Days on Market:          30 Out of the 29 homes that sold, nine of the properties closed at or above list price. One $119K home sold for $139K!  The lowest sales price was $37,500 and the highest was $317,500. Checking year-to-date figures: January-September 2017Median List Price... 10/16/2017

It's been the same story in Brookside all year....strong sales in the $300-$400 price range and not enough inventory is pushing prices up.  Here is the September 2017 single family home sales report for Brookside, with comparisons to last year:September 2017Median List Price:     $349,000Median Sales Price:   $333,000No. of Homes Sold:        17Days on Market:             8 September 2016Median List Price:     $380,000Median Sales Price:   $375,000No. of Homes Sold:       29Days on Market:            44 The lowest closed sales price last month was $195,000 and the highest was $520,000.  In September 2016, more homes closed over $500K, including a $1.2 million sale so that's why overall sold prices were higher last year.Checking year-to-date stats: January-September 2017Median List Price... 10/11/2017

Waldo home sales continue to be strong as we head toward the end of the year.  Prices are up, many buyers are paying list price or more than list price!  Here are the Waldo single family home sales stats for August 2017, using the boundaries of State Line to Holmes and Gregory to 85th St: August 2017Median list price:     $175,000Median sales price:  $178,000No. of homes sold:        33Days on market:             8 August 2016Median list price:      $150,000Median sales price:   $146,000No. of homes sold:        46Days on market:             34 The highest sales price last month was $326,000 and the lowest was $115,000.  Here's a look at the year-to-date comparisons: Jan-Aug 2017Median list price:       $175,000Median sales price:    $176,500No. of homes sold:        270Days on market: ... 09/28/2017

  You may have noticed a new shop along 63rd St in Brookside:  Design in the City has moved into the former Reading Reptile location.  This is the second location for Design in the City; the first one is in Briarcliff.    Proprietor Mindy Diaz told me there were two reasons she chose this spot:  many of her customers wanted a 'south' location, and her best friend is Pam DiCappo, who owns Lauren Alexander next door.  She felt her lines of clothing and accessories would complement the other shops in the area.  This is a store you will love browsing in--everything is so  beautifully displayed! Jackets, pants, tops, purses, boots, hats and jewelry catch your eye at every turn.  Her most popular lines include Tart Collections, Sanctuary and Chaser Brand for clothing; she also has jewelry fro... 09/26/2017

As we get into the second half of the year...the home buying market starts slowing down.  Sales have been  strong this year in Brookside (list price under $450K); there is still demand, but most of the inventory is priced well over $500K.  Here is the August  2017 Brookside single family home sales report, using stats from zip code 64113:  Aug 2017 Median list price:        $376,500Median sales price:    $358,000Number of homes sold:    24Days on market:               37 The lowest closed price was $235,000 and the highest was $770,000. Aug 2016 Median list price:        $328,900Median sales price:    $322,000Number of homes sold:   30Days on market:              13  Sales prices are up 11% compared to last August. Checking year-to-date figures: Jan-Aug 2017 Median list price:        $3... 09/19/2017

Beautiful September brings so many outdoor events in Kansas City..and this Saturday is the annual Waldo Fall Festival, now in it's 25th year. It's happening Saturday Sept 16, 2017 from 10am-5pm at the southeast corner of 75th and Wornall in the parking lot. This family friendly festival offers rides, games, music, food trucks, a petting zoo and many vendor booths for browsing.   Please be aware--this is a very busy intersection of Waldo any time of day.  So if you aren't going to the event--plan your route through Waldo along other streets.  If you are going, park a few blocks away, take the bus, or walk/bike over to the event.  Watch for extra traffic and kids running around! Thank you for supporting Wonderful Waldo! 09/14/2017

  Brookside and Waldo are popular places for small business owners...I think this is the third locally owned new business I've written about in the past several weeks.  Today I will introduce you to The Nut Cup, an antique and collectibles shop that opened last month at  7021 Oak, next to Eclectics. Owner Trish Skidmore has been in the antique and estate sale business for many years.  A friend  approached her about selling the contents of a small two bedroom home in Raytown.  The house was filled with vintage items (signs, toys, knick-knacks, quilts, furniture, etc) from years past.  It was a treasure trove of goodies that Trish wanted to display and sell to other folks who appreciate these classic items.  After looking at several  locations, she decided on the Brookside/Waldo area to r... 09/08/2017

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 in the $150-$200K price range..   These figures are for Waldo single family home sales, using the boundaries of State Line to Holmes and Gregory to 85th:July 2017 Number of homes sold:    34Median list price:              $149,000Median sales price:          $162,000Average days on market:    11 July 2016 Number of homes sold:      43Median list price:              $165,000Median sales price:          $166,000Average days on market:    9 The highest price sale in Waldo last month was $320,400 and the lowest was $64,250. 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-da... 08/29/2017

  Brookside East continues to gain more tenants, and one of the newest is Can I Have A Bite, the grab and go food spot that moved to 633 E 63rd St in late March from a Waldo location. Owner Kathy Hale focuses on healthy food, prepared on site, using locally sourced and organic ingredients when possible, with a menu that changes weekly.     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 that you can heat up yourself—or she will have it hot and ready for you 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 p... 08/28/2017

Armour Hills in Brookside -- a hot location for homebuyers this year! Prices have really jumped up compared to last year.  Here are the July 2017 home sales for Armour Hills:  July 2017                                               Median list price:      $335,000                          Median sales price:  $335,000                          Number of homes sold:  6  Days on market:             5                                July 2016         Median list price:       $254,500Median sales price:   $256,000     Number of homes sold:   8  Days on market:              5 The lowest sales price in July  2017 was $249,900 and the highest was $397,500.     Now let’s look at year to date: Jan-July 2017                                                                                       Media... 08/24/2017

Home prices continue to rise in Brookside; however the market is slowing down as is usual for the second half of the year.  There is still a shortage of inventory in the $250K-$350K price range..  Here is the July 2017 Brookside single family home sales report, using stats from zip code 64113:  July 2017 Median list price:        $394,975Median sales price:    $392,500Number of homes sold:    26Days on market:               10 The lowest closed price was $211,000.  There were two sales over $1 million, both cash sales. Highest sale in 64113 last month was $1.8 million.   Below are figures from July 2016: July 2016 Median list price:        $329,900Median sales price:    $340,000Number of homes sold:   27Days on market:              35 Checking year-to-date figures: Jan-July 2017 Median ... 08/22/2017

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... 08/17/2017

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... 07/28/2017

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... 07/28/2017