Today, May 6 2015, is the opening day for the Waldo Farmers Market.  Here you will find fresh and seasonal fruits and vegetables, plus flowers, herbs, skincare products and ice cream!  Vendors can change from week to week--so mark your calendar to stop by on Wednesdays from 3-7pm.  The market is located on W 79th St just east of Wornall next to Habitat ReStore. Also opening on Saturday May 9:  Heirlooom Bakery and Hearth.  I've been watching the building at 63rd and Oak being refurbished over the past several months.  This corner was such an eyesore for years, and now it's been transformed into another locally owned business. So happy we will have another option for fresh baked goods in Brookside.  You may have tried their items at the Brookside Farmers Market. Heirloom Bakery and Heart... 05/06/2015

Get ready neighbors....the Brookside Farmers' Market is opening for the season next month! Today's blog is about a special opportunity the Market provides for non food-related vendors.  Besides the booths that offer locally sourced (within 100 miles) produce, meats and baked goods, the Market has a community tent open to groups in the area.  In the past, organizations such as Powell Gardens and  the KC Food Circle have set up shop in the tent, along with  furniture makers, composters, pet adoption and other vendors.  The space is free if there are no sales conducted in the tent.  Now is the time the board of the Brookside Farmers Market is taking applications for this space.  If you are interested, go to the website for details and the application.     The 2015 season of the Brookside F... 03/30/2015

Kansas City Mortgage Tip of the Week I was recently going through some of our old videos on our YouTube Channel and I came across one of our tips of the week that still applies today, it's a few do's and don'ts as you go through the mortgage process.  It makes me kind of nostalgic to see our old KC Loan Tips office and know that since then we've been growing our LeaderOne Financial business to be one of the best mortgage loan offices in the Kansas City, MO area. I've been doing this for about ten years and a lot of things can come up so the big thing that always want to do is to share my Kansas City Mortgage Tip of the Week We have a lot of do's and don'ts, to help you with your VA, FHA, USDA or Conventional loans. A lot of these might sound a little bit funny but these actually are lik... 03/16/2015

We have a perfect weather forecast for Saturday--sunny and 65 degrees!  Expect big crowds for Brookside's 35th Annual St Patrick's Warm Up Parade March 14, 2015.  Festvities begin at 2pm; here's the route:   Begin at 65th St and Wornall; north on Wornall to 63rd; east on 63rd to Main St; south on Main to Meyer Blvd; west on Meyer to Brookside Road.  These main Brookside streets will be blocked to traffic for most of the afternoon--please be aware and watch for pedistrians, bikes, kids and extra vehicles parked along the residential streets.      This year I will be in the parade!  Our Better Homes and Gardens - Kansas City Homes office will participate, riding in a Jeep with the "Househunters" theme.    I hope everyonehas a happy and  safe St Pat's celebration this year !   03/11/2015

As the population ages...there is a growing need for affordable senior housing.  There are many older adult assisted and independent living centers, which costs thousands of dollars per month.  What about the seniors who want to downsize from a home..but don't have a comfortable pension for income?   Last week I visited Brookside Senior Residences at Rockhill Greens.  This small building features 37 one-bedroom ($485/month) and 9 two-bedroom ($575/month) apartments, for those 55 years old and up within the income guidelines ($29,081 for one; $35,520 for two persons).  Each apartment has a full kitchen with appliances and is wheelchair accessible.  The building does not allow smoking or pets, andh sa 46 unassigned parking spaces. There are some extras: a nice outdoor patio, a media room,... 03/08/2015

Having a local lender in the Kansas City area is one of the best benefits that you could ask for when you're planning on purchasing a home, if you'd like to get that process started with a local lender, you can get pre-approved here.  Mortgages are not something that everyone understands when they begin the process, that's why it pays to have someone on your side who can explain the home loan process and what's going on during those crucial days before you own your new home.  We asked our local LeaderOne Financial mortgage lender, Darren Copeland, to take a few minutes and answer why having a Local Lender is important and he and his team at KC Loan Tips put together this short video for you to watch  on the importance of Local Lenders!   03/05/2015

How many new neighbors will we have in Armour Hills in 2015? Seventy homes changed owners last year.   Let’s see how many homes closed last month in Armour Hills, and check the values:   In January 2015, four homes sold with a median sales price of $210,000 and 23 days on market. The median list price was $210,000. Three of the four homes sold were at list price, the fourth was just $500 under list.   In January 2014, four homes sold with a median sales price of $232,500 and 10 days on market.  The median list price was $235,000.   I am not concerned about the drop in median sales price from one year ago--notice the homes that sold were at full price!  January is traditionally a slow month for home sales. There are plenty of buyers out there looking--open  house traffic in Armour Hills ... 03/04/2015

Whether you know it or not there are certain things that you should and shouldn't do when getting a mortgage & here in Kansas City Mortgage Do's and Don'ts can be a pretty big deal.  That's why we've created this 2 minute video to go over some things that you should and should not do when your seeking to buy a home!  The Do's can really make the process easier, and the don'ts can really derail the process. So that's why our mortgage guru: Darren Copeland, has taken some time away from his hard work at LeaderOne Financial and created KC Loan Tips videos to help you be informed during the home loan process.  So, take just a few minutes and discover what can help you and also hurt you during the mortgage process in Kansas City Mortgage Do's and Don'ts Now that you know what to do and what ... 02/23/2015

Last year, 291 single family homes sold in the Brookside zip code of 64113.  That averages to about 24 homes per month.  In 2015...we are getting off to a slow start.  Let's look at the specifics:    In January 2015, eight homes sold in the Brookside area.  The median list price was $279,500 and the median sales price was $275,000.  Average days on market: 23.   In January 2014, thirteen homes sold.  The median list price was $299,950 and the median sales price was $295,000.  Average days on  market:  38.   THe highest closed sales price in January 2015 was $930,000 and lowest was $170,000.   Although we are behind in unit sales compared to one year ago, sales will pick up.  January is typically a slow month for closings, and inventory is  low, especially in the $225-350K range.  The bu... 02/23/2015

Wonderful Waldo!  Overall, home prices were up in 2014.  Waldo has always been a popular place to live, and I think even more so last year as we’ve had so many locally owned  new businesses move into the neighborhood.  Let’s look at single family home sales for Waldo, comparing 2013 to 2014; we’ll start with stats for December.  The boundaries I’m using are State Line east to Holmes, and Gregory south to 85th St.     In December  2014, 23 homes sold with a median sales price of $170,000 and 30 days on market.     In December 2013, 28 homes sold with a median sales price of $148,000 and 39 days on market.     Comparing these two months, prices were way up in December 2014 compared to the previous year.  Now we will compare 2014 to 2014 single family home sales:   In 2014, 330 homes sold ... 01/29/2015

Overall, Brookside home values were up for the year 2014. However, in Armour Hills, we experienced a drop in home prices.  This is unusual, as we finished 2013 up about 15% irom 2012.   Let’s take a look at the numbers, starting with December:   In December 2014, 9  homes sold.  The median list price was $239,900 and the median sales price was $236,000.  Average days on market: 55.   In December 2013, 7  homes sold.  The median list price was $229,000 and the median sales price was $224,900.  Average days on market: 20.   Here are the Armour Hills home sales stats, comparing 2013 to 2014:   In 2013, 82 homes sold with a median sales price of $249,000 and 20 days on market.   In 2014, 70 homes sold with a median sales price of $236,000 and 31 days on market.   Those figures represent a  ... 01/23/2015

We're happy to help people in our local area understand what a Mortgage Loan Kansas City can do for them and part of that is simply educating folks on what it means to get a mortgage.  A mortgage is commonly referred to as a home loan, which I think makes understanding what it actually is!  A mortgage is simple money loaned to you by the bank so you can purchase your home.  That's it!  No kidding around here, getting a mortgage loan kansas city is just that. You're borrowing money from a bank or a financial institution to buy your home and then over time you pay them back with interest. Now that you know what a mortgage is the next question you might ask yourself is  how do I know what's the right mortgage for me? Knowing what mortgage program (FHA, VA, USDA, or Conventional) is our job... 01/19/2015

Good news for Brookside homeowners!  Once again our home values increased in 2014!  I just checked the stats for single family homes sales in 2014  (in zip code 64113)  and properties continue to sell at an overall higher price than 2013.  Below I am outlining the details, with a comparison of the last several years for reference.   Year        Median Sales Price        Avg Days on Market        # of Homes Sold   2014            $306,000                                      41                             290 2013            $295,000                                      45                             306 2012            $275,000                                      61                              294 2011            $249,000                                      87                        ... 01/19/2015

January...the most boring month of the year!  The weather is cold, trees are barren and everything outside looks gray and dingy..except for the bright, soft focus sunsets!       That’s why January is the perfect time for Kansas City Restaurant Week!  From Jan 16-25, we have  ten days of bargain priced meals at many of KC’s finest restaurants.  This is the time to try the pricier spot you may have heard about for the low price of $33 for a three course dinner ($15 for a two course lunch).  Many of the eateries are locally owned and and operated, and all types of cuisine are represented. In addition,  the participating restaurants donate a portion of their profits to these three organizations:  Boys Grow, Children’s Center for the Visually Impaired and Cultivate KC.     Below is a list o... 01/15/2015

So, this is my first blog of 2015! I've enjoyed a few weeks off, relaxing and enjoying the holidays with family and friends. Saw some good movies, indulged in special baked treats and picked up some after Christmas bargains.  I hope your holidays were warm and special.    And speaking of baking, the topic for my first blog of 2015 was going to be Heirloom Bakery and Hearth, opening soon at the  corner of Oak and 63rd St (401 E 63rd).  For a while there was a sign  announcing a Fall 2014 opening...but you know how these things can get delayed!  I contacted owners Kate and Scott inviting them for a chat, and they suggested I get back in touch in several weeks--they now hope to open in March.  Brookside neighbors are really looking forward to this place--and I’m also excited this corner i... 01/13/2015

Thornhill   Magnificent Estates in Thornhill. This community is a golfers delight, so close to the golf course. Thornhill offers fantastic and unique luxury homes convenient to highway access, and within a top rated school district. Expansive views, and lush landscaping adorn this community. 01/07/2015

Lake Forest Estates   Lake Forest Estates is a tucked away gem in the Northland. Very close to The Coves, Lake Forest Estates has a gorgeous lake that is surrounded by beautiful single family homes. Nestled away, but so close to shopping, dining, KCI Airport,and downtown. Residents enjoy the lake, swimming pool, and tennis courts.   Suzanne Steenkamp RE/MAX 1st Choice 816-679-0698 realtorinkc@gmail.com WWW.SUZANNESTEENKAMP.COM 01/07/2015

Welcome to Tiffany Lakes   Tiffany Lakes is located in Kansas City's Northland, offering a beautiful water feature in the middle of the community as well as a swimming pool area. The community is located conveniently near highways and is just minutes to Kansas City International Airport. Shopping, dining and entertainment are just mere minutes away at Zona Rosa and the Shops at Boardwalk. Tiffany Lakes is also next door to Tiffany Greens Golf Club, a golfers paradise!   Suzanne Steenkamp RE/MAX 1st Choice 816-679-0698 realtorinkc@gmail.com WWW.SUZANNESTEENKAMP.COM 01/07/2015

    Embassy Park is located conveniently in the northland, just East of I-29 and Barry Rd. Mere minutes to Zona Rona, KCI Airport and just 20 minutes to downtown. Residents here enjoy multiple amenities such as the clubhouse, pool, playground, tennis courts, and sand volleyball.   Suzanne Steenkamp RE/MAX 1st Choice 816-679-0698 realtorinkc@gmail.com WWW.SUZANNESTEENKAMP.COM 01/07/2015

Fountain Hills is located off HWY 152 and N. Platte Purchase Drive. Convenient highway access, and close to shopping and entertainment. Fountain Hills sits on 223 acres of softly sloping hills. There are 2 sections of Fountain Hills, The Trails of Fountain Hills homes start at $160,000, and The Village of Fountain Hills start at $190.000.The Platte City Sports Complex is just a few miles away. Fountain Hills is also within top rated Platte City School District. 01/07/2015