Blog

Title: “Spring Selling: Why Now’s the Time in Kansas City” Springtime in Kansas City isn’t just about blossoming flowers – it’s also the perfect season to sell your home. Here’s why: Curb Appeal Boost: With nature in full bloom, your home looks its best in spring. The lush greenery and blooming flowers create an inviting […]

We had a blast this year at the Brookside Annual St. Patrick’s Day Warm Up Parade. We are so thankful for the beautiful weather that we had on Saturday making this weekend so much fun. Thank you to everyone who came out and celebrated this year, we are already looking forward to next year.

Mark your calendars for the 2024 Brookside St. Patrick’s Day Warm-Up Parade happening on Saturday, March 16th, kicking off at 2 pm. Organized by the Brookside Business Association and Community Improvement District, this parade attracts a lively crowd from all over the metro area. From local businesses to community groups, everyone joins in the fun. […]

Kansas City Real Estate Poised for a Dynamic Spring Market Interest rate adjustments and continued city growth signal a vibrant season for both buyers and sellers in Kansas City. With the first blooms peeking through, the 2024 real estate market promises exciting opportunities for those looking to make their move. For Homebuyers: Enhanced Affordability: Recent downward […]

Hey folks! Ready for a real talk about the current real estate scene? Grab a seat; we’re diving in today: 1. Interest Rates in Freefall: No beating around the bush – interest rates are on a downward spiral. What does that mean for you? Simply put, it’s a good time to be a potential homebuyer. […]

If you’re as excited as we are about turning your home into a winter wonderland, you’ve come to the right place! Let’s make your home look as festive as possible with these holiday decorating tips: 1. Lights, Camera, Action! Start by illuminating your home with warm, twinkling lights. String them around your tree, drape them […]

The students from Border Star Montessori gave our building a makeover with their wonderful Christmas drawings. There is snow, Christmas trees, candles, all things Christmas! Take a look at our office windows while stopping by, you won’t want to miss it.

6931 Oak Street, Kansas City, MO 64131 Nestled between the Waldo and Brookside Shopping Districts, this Tudor home features and updated kitchen with stainless appliances, newer cabinets, counters and a subway backsplash. Laundry has been relocated off the kitchen too! There are 2 bedrooms on the main level plus and updated bathroom and one bedroom […]

As autumn arrives, it’s time to give your home a warm and welcoming makeover. Here are some quick tips to make your space cozy and comfortable for the fall season: 1. Colorful Accents: Add autumnal hues like deep oranges, reds, and browns through throw pillows and blankets to give your space a warm, seasonal vibe. […]

Hey there, fellow homeowners and future sellers! 🏡🍂 If you’re thinking about selling your home and wondering when the best time might be, We’ve got some insider tips that could make a real difference. We all know that timing can be everything, and when it comes to the seasons, fall might just be your golden […]

As summer break winds down, it’s time to gear up for back-to-school shopping. Kansas City has got you covered with an array of fantastic shopping spots to make your transition from summer mode to study mode a breeze. Let’s explore these smooth and easy back-to-school shopping options in the City of Fountains! 1. The Plaza […]

Kansas City had quite the storm last week. With many areas without power for days the city has added extra services to help people with the cleanup.   According to www.kcmo.gov/city-hall/trash/leafandbrush, The City is offering curbside leaf and brush collection for storm debris starting the week of the 24th by appointment. Residents may begin making appointments on […]

This month marks the one-year anniversary of the passing of Lee McGraw, who started Brookside Real Estate Company back in 1986. This also marks the 37 th year that Brookside Real Estate has served the Brookside community “and beyond” as our byline advertises. I’ve often been asked if Brookside Real Estate Company was founded by […]

Kansas City, Missouri, is a vibrant city known for its rich culture, diverse neighborhoods, and growing economy. As a homeowner or property owner in Kansas City, it’s essential to understand the tax assessment process and how it impacts your property taxes. In this blog post, we’ll delve into Kansas City’s tax assessment for the year […]

The summer of 2023 in Kansas City presents an opportune moment for homeowners considering selling their properties. With a combination of factors aligning in your favor, this blog post will highlight the compelling reasons why summer 2023 is an ideal time to put your home on the market. From a robust housing market to increased […]

Schools almost out, pools are starting to open and parks are flooded with people. It’s that time of the year, Summertime! Kansas City always has so many options for you and your family to do during the summertime. Whether you’re an outdoor or indoor person, there are great activities for both. Check out some fun […]

It’s really starting to feel like spring here in Kansas City. The temperatures are looking like they are going to stay above 50 degrees which means it’s time to get our homes prepared for the spring. Take a look at the list we have compiled for you and your families to get your home ready! […]

It is almost that time of the year again and we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate with the Brookside community. Please join us for food and beverages at our office starting at 12 right before the parade. This event is always so much fun and we hope to see you all there!     […]

2023 is already looking like it’s going to be a great year! All around Kansas City there are already so many great events that are scheduled and some of the best ones are happening right in our neighborhood, Brookside. With our office being right in the heart of Brookside, we will be participating in all […]

Happy New Year! We hope that 2022 was a great year for you and your families. There’s a lot to look forward to in 2023 and we hope that buying a home might be on your list! The home buying process might seem overwhelming to some so we have created a list of the most […]

We are just 20 days away from it being Christmas! Kansas City does a great job every year with all the fun events for the season. Whether you’re looking for something to do with the family, date night, or a night out with your friends, we have compiled a list of some of the best […]

With the weather starting to get colder, who doesn’t love a warm cup of coffee? This is your guide to the best places to go to get a cup of coffee whether its before work in the morning or on your daily walk. Each of these coffee shops offer something different and are all unique […]

Happy Halloween from Brookside Real Estate! Are you and the family looking for some fun activities to  do this Halloween weekend in Kansas City? Look no further. Here are three fun events happening this weekend that you will not want to miss. Whether it’s you and the kids, or just on your own, one of […]

  Fall in love with Brookside! Here at Brookside Real Estate we love everything Brookside has to offer in the fall! From watching the leaves change to spending time with family and friends, fall is the best time of the year. Who wouldn’t want to live in Brookside during this time? This beautiful home on […]

This home was custom built with attention to detail throughout! The main floor features a high-end kitchen with stainless appliances and a walk-in pantry – the center island adjoins a hearth room with a cozy fireplace. The first floor also features the Main Suite with enormous walk-in closet, soaking tub, his and hers walk-in double […]

Who is Brookside Real Estate Agent Daniel Murphy? He may be one of our newer agents to have joined the Brookside Real Estate team, but he’s a “Brooksider for Life!” Daniel worked at Meiner’s Grocery Store (now currently Jimmy John’s and Mike’s) for 16 years. He eventually decided to make a career change and started […]

Spring is the perfect opportunity to turn your attention to those at-home projects you’ve been meaning to get to! Involve your kids in your home projects for some family fun or do it yourself for a little productive alone time! However you want to go about it, spring cleaning is just around the corner, and […]

Kansas City is a very hot seller’s market – there are fewer homes for sale than there are buyers and homes in KC right now often have multiple offers over asking price. Home prices in Kansas City have reached the highest it has in years and are expected to continue to grow into the year […]

Selling your house can seem pretty frightening, Brookside Real Estate has put together 3 things about selling your home that aren’t as spooky as they seem! Staging Your House Cleaning, repairing, and staging your house is a common complaint among sellers. However, getting your home ready to showmeans decluttering and this is actually an opportunity […]

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is nationally recognized every year in September. Increasing awareness of childhood cancer is extremely important to Brookside Real Estate Company and we’re excited to announce that we are partnering with Bags of Fun KC all month long! For every house sold during the month of September, Brookside Real Estate will donate […]

We know what a monumental moment it is to buy or sell your home. This summer, when you buy or sell a home with Brookside Real Estate, your life-changing decision will not only affect you, but also will also help provide clean drinking water to those in underprivileged countries. GiveSafeWater is an organization that was […]

This summer, when you buy or sell a house with Brookside Real Estate, we’ll make a donation to KC Pet Project! We know what a monumental moment it is to buy or sell your home. This summer, when you buy or sell a home with Brookside Real Estate, your life-changing decision will not only affect […]

New to 63rd Street – Brookside Real Estate Company wants to welcome Brow Bar KC! The perfect addition to Brookside, Brow Bar KC. co-owner, Tammy Sciara, has a mission to “make every beauty treatment, even a brow wax, feel like a spa experience.” We recently spoke with Tammy to learn more about her business and why she […]

It’s safe to say that 2020 was filled with uncertainty and general unrest. With the global pandemic in full swing and so much left to the unknown – you may have held off on selling your house. At the beginning of the pandemic, the housing market initially dropped, but made quite a comeback in the […]

New to 63rd Street – Brookside Real Estate Company wants to welcome Westlake Ace Hardware! The perfect addition to the neighborhood and the first hardware store in Brookside since the 1980s, Westlake Ace Hardware is committed to providing reliable service, helpful advice and the top quality products so customers can get their projects right every time. […]

Although the holidays are looking a little different this year in Brookside, there are still plenty of ways to celebrate while social distancing. The Christmas lights are twinkling and the Brookside neighborhood is filled with some of the best local shopping in Kansas City. Home to over 70 shops, restaurants, boutiques and small businesses, and […]

During the month of September 2020, Brookside Real Estate announced a partnership with Bags of Fun KC for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. For every house sold during the month of September, Brookside Real Estate donated $100 to Bags of Fun KC to raise funds for children who are suffering from cancer or other life-threatening injuries. […]

This unique home is located in the Countryside subdivision, one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Kansas City! You’ll be able to walk your kids to and from school, walk to the Country Club Plaza and Crestwood shops, even stroll through Loose Park and the Trolley Trail. Located at 41 W. 52nd Street, all of […]

Before the pandemic hit, children undergoing cancer treatments would spend an average of 120 days in the hospital. Because of COVID-19 and the weakened immune systems that come with a cancer diagnosis, these kids are experiencing hospital stays and isolation for much longer than ever before. Because of social distancing guidelines, the traditional Halloween celebration […]

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is nationally recognized every year in September. Increasing awareness of childhood cancer is extremely important to Brookside Real Estate Company and we’re excited to announce that we are partnering with Bags of Fun KC all month long! For every house sold during the month of September, Brookside Real Estate will donate […]

While most of us were expecting to be back in the office by Labor Day, a lot of companies have opted to remain remote until at least the end of 2020. Now that most of us are working from home for the long haul, it might be time to give your home office an upgrade. […]

It’s no secret that the Covid-19 Pandemic has caused the economy to tank, but what a lot of people don’t know is that the value of your home has likely remained intact! With low inventory and highly interested buyers, now is a great time to sell! Brookside Real Estate Company is here to help you […]

With interest rates at unprecedented lows, it is increasingly more likely that borrowing costs will be lowered even further on mortgages. This serves as a small silver lining amongst the economic uncertainty Americans are now facing during these tumultuous and ever-changing times. The Federal Reserve has recently lowered borrowing costs to near zero in a […]

When your current home holds you back. Maybe the children that grew up in your home have now moved into their own homes. Or perhaps the belongings that took you a lifetime to accumulate are now looking more like worthless clutter than valuable treasures. Or maybe you’re just tired of the amount of yard work […]

The housing market in Kansas City has seen its fair share of growth over the last few years. High demand and low inventory drive up both prices and speed of home sales in Kansas City. A recent analysis by the Federal Housing Finance Agency found that Kansas City metro prices are growing faster than rates […]

Brookside Real Estate announced a partnership with KC Pet Project during the summer if 2019. With each home bought or sold by Brookside Real Estate during the summer months, a donation was given to help provide medicine, veterinary care, vaccines, food and resources to help KC Pet Project save a record number of pets who […]

How to keep your delivered packages out of the hands of thieves The Brookside neighborhood has been all abuzz lately with various reports of package theft. Online shopping is more common than ever, and unfortunately, so are the doorstep thieves. Even with the increase of home security videos and cameras, there are too many stories […]

Small Business Saturday Stepping through the front door of a local business can make you feel like a VIP – the barista calls you by name and sincerely asks about your day; the pet store owner knows your dog and all his antics; the local vendor at the farmer’s market checks up on your family. […]

New to 63rd Street – Brookside Real Estate Company wants to welcome EB and Co.! The perfect addition to Brookside, EB and Co. owner, Emily Bordner, has a mission to, “celebrate all the ways accessories empower confidence and inspire individuality.” We recently spoke with Emily to learn more about her new business and why she […]

Celebrating 100 years this September, Brookside is full of subdivisions rich in Kansas City history. Three of these historic neighborhoods are Crestwood, Countryside and Morningside. Each notable for their own distinctive features, we decided to take a closer look at why these subdivisions make up Kansas City’s best neighborhood – Brookside! Crestwood A little city […]

Recognized nationally every September, Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is a campaign organized to increase awareness of pediatric cancer and raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure. Almost every day in Kansas City a child is diagnosed with cancer. In 2018 alone, there were more that 16,000 children and adolescents diagnosed […]

Are you looking to live in one of the finest condominium homes in Kansas City? Look no further than gorgeous condo 305-A located in Hemingway Plaza. With unique features and amenities, after just one look we know you’ll love this one-of-a-kind home. This Plaza condo has artisan craftsmanship including hardwood accents, textured walls and stone […]

This summer, when you buy or sell a house with Brookside Real Estate, we’ll make a $100 donation to KC Pet Project! We know what a monumental moment it is to buy or sell your home. This summer, when you buy or sell a home with Brookside Real Estate, your life-changing decision will not only […]

The sun is shining, and things are heating up in Brookside! We can’t think of a better way to spend your summer days than by throwing on your walking shoes and heading to the heart of Kansas City – for big savings at the Brookside Sidewalk Sale and Brookside Market Days! Voted Best Neighborhood in […]

It’s summer time in Kansas City and this year KC has it all! With the help of Visit KC, the Kansas City lovers of Brookside Real Estate are here to keep your calendar full of some of our favorite festivals, events and celebrations of the season. Hot Country Nights – May 30-August 15 (Weekly): An […]

A special community rich in history and neighborhood charm, Brookside is one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in Kansas City. Full of well-built single-family homes, each house in Brookside is unique from the other. Ranging in style from smaller American Tudors and Craftsman Bungalows to larger Colonial Revivals and American Georgian styles, the Brookside gurus […]

Have you seen the March edition of 435 Magazine? If so, you may have noticed our charming Brookside neighborhood featured on the cover of this Best Neighborhoods 2019 edition! Listed one of five best Kansas City neighborhoods for the “forever home” buyer, this comes as no surprise to all of us here at Brookside Real […]

Getting ready to sell your house this spring? It’s time to get to work! Putting your house on the market entails a lot more than just propping up a “For Sale” sign on your front lawn. Before you put your house on the market, take a look at Brookside Real Estate’s 10 tips to get […]

At the peak of Kansas City’s past weekend winter storm, 160,000 Kansas City Power & Light customers were without power. This is still the case today for a handful of those customers. Being without a steady supply of heat impacts not only you and your family, but your home can suffer from dampness – damaging […]

Take a look at this recent article from U.S. News: “Few people are predicting that 2019 will be a record-breaking year for home prices. But relatively speaking, 2019 might be the best time for you to put your house on the market. Especially if you’re on the fence about selling this year or next, Nick Ron, CEO of House […]

Have you seen the new addition to Brookside? Located at 63rd and Brookside Blvd., across the street from The Roasterie Café, the new “Always and Forever Brookside Postcard” mural is the current talk of the town! We took the time to get to know artist Ruthie Ozonoff, to find out a little more about her […]

The holiday season is here! The air is filled with cheer and Christmas lights are already twinkling in Brookside! For years, holiday shoppers have flocked to Brookside for the best in local shopping. Home to over 70 shops, restaurants, boutiques and small businesses, and of course, your friends at Brookside Real Estate! We’re here to […]

The people have spoken: The Pitch “Best of Kansas City” winner for Best Neighborhood is none other than (drum roll please): Brookside! It’s true, Brookside Real Estate’s namesake neighborhood edged out noteworthy neighborhood finalists including Hyde Park, Union Hill, Waldo and Westport in The Pitch’s annual competition to find KC’s best. Of course, the team […]

If you are familiar with the Brookside area, chances are you have seen, or even taken a jog on, the Harry Wiggins Trolley Track Trail. The 6-mile-long Harry Wiggins Trolley Track Trail is one of Kansas City’s most popular trails for walkers, runners and cyclists. Some of you may be wondering: Where did this trail […]

The many great shops, restaurants and small businesses of Brookside are an essential component to what makes the Brookside neighborhood truly unique. Many of the great shops and businesses are locally owned, offering everything from delicious cuisine to one-of-a-kind floral arrangements and hand-crafted candles. Home to over 70 shops, restaurants, boutiques, offices and small businesses, […]

Who is Brookside Real Estate Broker and Realtor Jim Kraus? Many often assume he is the founder of Brookside Real Estate Company, but that’s not the case. In fact, Jim’s original career was in Advertising where he spent 20 years in various marketing/advertising positions – including with the Kansas City Royals as a marketing intern, […]

April showers bring May flowers! Though spring is much welcomed after the lengthy KC winter months, it comes with the possibility of severe weather with potential property damage resulting in financial loss for residents. Flooding, high winds and lightning are the most common weather-related causes of damage in the Kansas City Metro area. Your friends […]

When Judy Rea joined Brookside Real Estate Company back in 2002, she probably didn’t realize how many hats she would end up wearing or the variety of roles she’d fulfill! Judy began as a broker/agent in 2002, then took on the added role of office manager when Jim Kraus purchased the company in January 2005.  […]

Brookside Real Estate agent Ellen Zetmeir may be the newest member of our team, but she’s been an expert in the field of understanding the structure and unique character of Brookside homes for years. Ellen first fell in love with the neighborhood and its distinct and unique homes as a child when her uncle and […]

Brookside Real Estate agent Courtney Kraus has been selling houses for almost 20 years. After workingin the fast-paced commodity world on the trading floor at the Kansas City Board of Trade, she gave in to fate (both parents were Realtors) and got her real estate license in 1999. ?Her fast pace experience has been a […]

Brookside Real Estate Realtor Nicole Lonergan has been in residential real estate for almost 20 years now. She started first in new construction, but soon fell in love with the Brookside and Waldo areas of Kansas City. She wanted to work in the community that she lived in, so she joined Brookside Real Estate in […]

2017 was the 30th Anniversary of Brookside Real Estate, and we took that has an opportunity to refresh our commitment to the Brookside Community and as a challenge to being as accessible as possible to the buyers and sellers in this wonderful neighborhood we call home. As we bid farewell to 2017, we wanted to […]

Brookside’s many great shops, restaurants and small businesses are an essential part of the mix that makes the Brookside neighborhood truly unique! Many of the great shops and businesses are locally owned, offering everything from delicious cuisine and great cups of coffee to one of a kind fashion finds from around the world and even […]

There are so many reasons that we love Brookside, beyond our great residential neighbors, the charming shops and unique businesses are at the top of our list! The Brookside shopping area has everything from fine dining and superlative spirits, to fitness centers and a toy store! This time we thought we’d share 4 of our […]

The leaves will be changing and the weather will be turning cooler before we know it! Fall is a great time to take care of a few things around the house before winter sets in. Even some of the smallest improvements around the house can make a big difference in your home’s condition and value […]

There are so many unknowns when investing in a home – the process seems highly complicated, there’s so much to consider, not to mention the questions you have may feel overwhelming. Maybe you’ve heard about the shortage of home inventory, or maybe you’ve heard that the #NumberOneMistake millennials are making right now is to not invest in […]

Buying your first home can be incredibly intimidating. When’s the best time to buy a house? Are you even ready and have you saved up enough money? How do you know you picked the right real estate agent? There are so many things to consider when purchasing your dream home – but where to turn? […]

Maybe you’ve heard about the shortage of home inventory, or maybe you’ve heard that the #NumberOneMistake millennials are making right now is to not invest in a home. For many, just the thought of buying a first home can be overwhelming. There are so many unknowns, the process seems highly complicated, there’s so much to […]

*Click to View Featured Listing Let’s face it, sometimes the home-buying process can be overwhelming and all you want is to make sure that you aren’t making any terrible mistakes. Brookside Real Estate understands; with that in mind we have put together a list of the most common errors people make when buying a home […]

When was the last time you really thought “outside the box” when it came to home design? Well that’s exactly what Debbie Glassberg did when she designed her dream home – and her outside the box thinking brought her inside the box! If you’ve never heard of shipping container houses, then toss out any preconceived […]

If you weren’t able to make it to Brookside Real Estate’s recent Home Buyer Happy Hour on the Patio we can only say one thing: You missed out! It was a great evening filled with food, fun and a great discussion on renting vs. buying a home! The short presentations from our expert panel were […]

To rent or to buy, that is the question! For the would-be first-time home-buyer there’s no easy answer. Especially in a “hot” housing market, it can seem quite overwhelming to even consider the idea of buying a house. There are dozens of online articles that come to different conclusions about the rent vs. buy decision. […]

The number of reasons that we love Brookside are too numerous to actually count, but here are 3 more reasons why we love Brookside and why you will too! Put simply: The Shops. Today we highlight 3 neighborhood favorites that you really should stop by to a visit! The brand new Red Door Grill – […]

Our first-time buyer party on the patio took place on a lovely evening filled with food, wine, conversation, and helpful first-time home-buyer information. The Happy Hour featured three experts with topics specifically geared towards first-time home-buyers. The first guest up, Mitchell Smith from Buttonwood Financial, opened with insights into managing cash flow and discussed how being a […]

Maybe you’ve heard about the shortage of home inventory, or maybe you’ve heard that the #NumberOneMistake millennials are making right now is to not invest in a home. For many, just the thought of buying a first home can be overwhelming. There are so many unknowns, the process seems highly complicated, there’s so much to consider, […]

It finally feels like spring and Mother Nature’s harvest agrees! We don’t know what your plans are Saturday morning but we couldn’t be more excited for the opening of this season’s Brookside Farmers’ Market this Saturday, April 15th at 8:00 AM! The Brookside Farmers’ Market has been a neighborhood tradition for 14 years now. Recognized […]

Pick as many of these DIY improvements as you feel you can tackle, and your home will be well on its way to shining before you can say “play ball!” this spring season! Whether you are looking to enhance your home’s curb appeal in preparation to sell, or just because “Spring Fever” has you in […]

Following hot on the heels of the national news media and Real Estate publisher Motovo’s accolades of  Brookside as one of the “Top 10 Best Zip Codes in America, ” the March issue of 435 Magazine is not to be outdone naming Brookside, “One of the Best Places to Live Right Now.” “We couldn’t agree […]

For some time now exciting changes have been percolating along the 63rd Street Corridor in Kansas City (and we don’t just mean coffee at the new Unbakery and Juicery!) While new developments are always noteworthy, this advancement is particularly exceptional. You see, just over a year ago, this section of 63rd Street was more than […]

If you are looking to buy a home, you may be more interested in your credit score than ever before. The difference between a good credit score and a mediocre credit score could be the difference in being approved a home loan or not – and your score certainly might affect your home loan interest […]

While everyone knows that Spring is the busiest time of year in the Real Estate business, an insider tip is to get ahead of the curve and list your home (or start looking for a house) before Spring Market gets into full swing. (“Spring Market” is Real Estate speak for that exciting, frenzied time of […]

The national news media seems to be catching on to what locals have known for some time: Kansas City is a wonderful place to call home. Forbes recently named Kansas City’s downtown experience in their top 20 list and Huffington Post listed Kansas City in their list of top 5 American cities to keep on […]

Reflecting on the past year, we here at Brookside Real Estate are thankful for the success we’ve experienced in 2016. Without a doubt, it wouldn’t be possible without our great clients! We are especially grateful for the many great neighbors in Brookside and surrounding areas we’ve come to know. After all, neighbors are what make […]