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I’ve Got a Guy Episode 2: Maintaining Your Roof with 435 Roofing

In the latest episode of “I’ve Got a Guy” with Ellen Z., we talk all things roofing – and how to keep your roof properly maintained here in the Brookside area.

One of the most important things to evaluate when buying or selling a home is the status of the roof. How old is it? What shape is it in? How many layers of shingles exist? In this episode, Ellen talks with her roofing go-to guy, Lloyd Lantz from 435 Roofing, who is an expert when it comes to roofs, and he has all the answers. Check out the video below, plus Lloyd’s top tips on what to look for when it’s roof evaluation time.

Lloyd’s Top Roofing Tips

  1. Roof Maintenance is Key The most important thing you can do is to have your roof inspected every 3-5 years, dependent upon the type of roof you have (3 for composite, 5 for tile, for example).
  2. Hire a Reputable Roofing Company Find a reputable roofing company via word of mouth or online search. Read the reviews and be certain they are insured before you hire any company. And of course, contact the 435 Roofing team anytime for an inspection.
  3. Be Thorough During your inspection, your inspector should check all flashings, gutters and penetrations (like chimneys) AND take pictures to show you what they found. Otherwise, you could be getting false information without evidence of a problem.
  4. Roofs are Repairable “Roofs are always repairable.” The repairs can make a big difference, although sometimes they are not permanent.
  5. Keep Your Gutters Clean If you want to avoid extra roof and house repair, you have to keep your gutters and gutter extensions free of leaves and debris. Otherwise you will be dealing with wood rot, a rotted roof deck and potential foundation problems.
  6. Tile Roofs The great thing about tile roofs is they are a lifetime product. However, the underlayment is what needs to be checked. Underlayment is a water-resistant or waterproof barrier material that lies directly onto your roof deck.

Lloyd’s Storm Tips

With Kansas City spring weather comes torrential rains, winds and of course, hail. What you need to know:

  1. Hail damage can be minor or major. Insurance companies base their claims on the number of hail hits to a 10′ x 10′ square of the roof.
  2. Check your insurance policy to determine if you have a “recovered value” policy, it covers the cost to replace the roof, whereas an “actual cash value” (ACV) policy, which equals the worth of the roof today. Most composite roofs have a 30-50 year maintenance warranty on the shingles, not the roof itself. Interesting fact: insurance companies do not change your rate based on how long your shingles are warrantied.
  3. If you do need to have your roof replaced, ask your contractor how they will dispose of the old roofing materials. The ideal method is to drop the shingles directly into a dumpster. If your contractor is letting shingles, boards and nails fly, it can be dangerous to your home and family. 435 Roofing uses magnet rolls to collect stray nails for the homeowners safety.

Ready to get started on selling your home with Ellen? Contact her today! Ready for a roof inspection, contact Lloyd at 435 Roofing.  or call him directly at 913-787-1269. Mention you saw this video and you know Ellen!

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Meet Zillow Raffle Winners John and Ali!

Recently, Ellen held an online review contest through her Zillow page where her clients could leave a review and be entered to win a super prize-pack full of goodies from KC Bier Co and Yeti!

The prize consisted of two 6-packs of local favorite KC Bier Co, as well as a large Yeti cooler and two Yeti Ramblers to keep drinks extra cold!

The two lucky winners are the wonderful couple, John and Ali Stoothoff. The young couple are expecting their first child in 2020 – so Ali will have to wait on those beers which John presumably will enjoy! The growing family recently purchased a beautiful home in Brookside near the famed McLain’s Bakery with Ellen’s help. While they were away on their honeymoon, Ellen toured homes with John’s family. Ellen took them to one particular home and knew immediately that it just wasn’t the right one for the couple. She later found the perfect home once John and Ali returned from their honeymoon.

In her review Ali wrote, “Ellen went above and beyond to help us find our dream home. We truly could not have done it without her guidance and patience. We would recommend her to any and all Kansas City buyers!”

These kind words mean the world to Ellen and she loves to know that her passion for Brookside real estate is making the dreams of others come true. Congrats again to John and Ali – enjoy your prize package!

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Brookside Real Estate Donates to KC Pet Project

KCPP Chief Development Officer, Marie Dispenza and Brookside Real Estate Owner, Jim Kraus

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 have nowhere else to turn. The numbers are in and this holiday season seemed like a great time to present a check, so Brookside Real Estate owner, Jim Kraus, went up to the shelter to present a check to the Chief Development Officer, Marie Dispenza.

With KC Pet Project’s main adoption center currently located in a 50-year old reconverted storage shed, Brookside Real Estate could not be more excited for KC Pet Project’s groundbreaking new Kansas City Campus for Animal Care opening January 1st, 2020. The facility, located in Swope Park at the corner of Gregory Boulevard and Elmwood Avenue, will be one of the premier animal sheltering facilities in the United States.

Ready to buy or sell your home and make a difference in the lives of KC’s homeless pets? Give Jim a call directly on his cell phone at 816-806-7653.

To learn more about KC Pet Project and the great work they do, visit their website here.

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Keep Your Packages Safe from Porch Pirates this Holiday Season!

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 of people disregarding these home protection services and still absconding with your packages. Brookside Real Estate is here to offer solutions to save your holiday package delivery!

1. Require a signature on your package delivery. There is a fee when selecting this option but depending on what you are shipping, it may be worth it. However, many people won’t be at home when the package arrives (which is the problem with the package stealing in the first place) so many shipping companies also include options to send packages to alternative locations.

2. Amazon has several alternative shipping options, especially for its Prime members. They offer everything from in-home delivery to in-garage delivery (for those with pets or alarm systems) to Amazon’s locker system. Many of these lockers are placed in local convenience stores or Whole Foods.

3. UPS Access Point System is another great tool. Not a Prime member and looking for your options? UPS allows you to register as a member and send your packages to a UPS Access Point (these include local retailers near you and often CVS locations). The paid premium membership offers a few extra options to your delivery experience, but you can utilize the UPS Access Point system through a regular free membership.

4. FedEx Delivery Manager. FedEx has a similar system set up with Walgreens. Simply sign up for the free membership and let them walk you through locating the closest store to you!

Know that most alternative locations will hold your package for seven days and will require an official ID upon pick up.

5. Leasing Office/Workplace Delivery If you live in an apartment, check with your office management; many places allow you to ship your package to their office from which you can pick up your package during business hours. Alternatively, have your packages delivered to your workplace if appropriate.

When it comes to preventing package theft; know your options! Have all of your holiday gifts delivered knowing that your packages are safer than they are with Santa.

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WELCOME HOME: Ellen’s Tips for Winter Curb Appeal

Winter Brookside Home

Once again fall has slipped into winter under our noses and the beauty of the season has left us with dead leaves and muddy footprints all about. Instead of dreading the dark dreariness of winter, it’s time to celebrate the joys and warmth we find during this time of year. Whether you’re selling your house this season or simply searching to beautify your winter nest, Ellen knows just the tricks to make your house a welcoming, cozy home this winter.

  1. HAZARD – FREE – The first tip to making your house a place of inviting warmth is to prioritize safety.
    • Start by clearing snow and ice from your drive and walkways. A nasty slip and fall is not the kind of way to break the ice with your relatives or with potential buyers. Ensure that any and all steps and handrails are accessible, free of ice, and repaired if necessary.
    • Lighting is crucial to your home’s safety, but it can be done in a tasteful and inviting way; hanging lights in the yard or putting a lantern out front are wonderful ways to warm up your home’s exterior.
  1. OUTDOORSY – Once you are reassured that your home is a safe place, Ellen’s second tip for curbside appeal is to invest in creating a lovely winter wonderland around your home.
    • Most plants lie dormant during the winter months, but there are types of winter flora that will add signs of life to your front yard. There are several varieties of spruce, cypress and boxwoods. If you don’t quite have the time to upkeep winter plants, Wreaths and garlands are an excellent and festive way to decorate your front door or even the fence posts by your driveway
    • Birdhouses and feeders will also help to add life and warmth to your yard. There are plenty of birds that stick around during the colder months; besides the cardinals and blue jays, keep your eyes out for snowy owls, bluebirds, nuthatches and chickadees. If a little winter bird watching intrigues you, invest in your very own feeder to keep your feathered friends close this season!
  1. MERRY AND BRIGHT – Your home should be an inviting and cheerful place, especially during the grey winter months. In order to create a welcoming atmosphere, it’s essential to pay attention to the details of your home.
    • Don’t wait for spring cleaning! A deep clean of your windows, shutters, front porch, and fence may be just the thing your home needs to brighten up. While we’re sprucing things up, it may be time to repaint those address digits, your mailbox, or your porch and shutters.
    • Welcoming guests is a little trickier to do when you’re unclear of their arrival time; fix that doorbell so your guests don’t have to wait in the cold! With the ups and downs of the temperature, one thing you can count on is a lot of mud so make sure to purchase a sturdy doormat that will keep the mess outside.
  1. EXCEPTIONAL – When it comes to home décor, Ellen knows the importance of balancing unique pieces with a sense of class; it’s important to keep in mind the type of visitors you are expecting this season, especially if you are selling your house. Since you don’t know who will be interested in your home, it’s best to keep décor tasteful and simple. That being said, there are still options to make your house stand out!
    • Add lights around the driveway to create a warm, inviting entrance. You can also string lights along a front fence or use them to highlight majestic trees in your yard.
    • You could even paint your front door to draw interest! The color you choose should blend well with the neighborhood palette, but don’t disregard a warm dark wood or even a bold red to make your home unique!

There are plenty of ways to stay busy around the home this winter; whether you’re staying home for the holidays or selling your house to a new family, it’s the season to create a warm and comforting place! Take Ellen’s tips for creating a cozy winter home and enjoy a relaxing and cheerful atmosphere!

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Brookside Fall Driving Tour with Ellen Z

Two women driving in a car

Take a Tour of Beautiful Brookside

Have you dreamed of owning your own home in one of Kansas City’s most picturesque neighborhoods? In this short video, Brookside Realtor, Ellen Zetmeir, takes a new homebuyer through the beautiful neighborhoods in and around the Brookside area, highlighting the unique appeal of each community.

Learn about the different architectural styles of Brookside, from Bungalows with airplane rooms to enchanting Dible Tudors; discover the magic of Loose Park and its fascinating history, and see the house that ignited Ellen’s childhood love of old homes and started her on her path to becoming one of Brookside Real Estate Company’s top Realtors.

Your dream home can become a reality with Ellen Zetmeir’s help! Check out her video tour for a glimpse into stunning Brookside and its surrounding neighborhoods. Already watched the video and ready for more? Call Ellen today: (816)489-6950 – your own neighborhood tour is just a phone call away!

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Why Shopping Locally Matters

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.

In a world where busyness consumes our lives, a small business is a vision of growth, compassion, human connection, and intentional investment in the local community. Shopping locally isn’t just a trend, it truly creates an atmosphere of mutual support, creativity, and togetherness!

Why should you shop locally?

  1. For a Stronger Planet – Shopping locally is an ever-growing and popular concept in today’s world of accessibility when just about anything can be purchased from all around the world. When food is purchased from larger chains, those products travel quite a way. Small businesses promote a cleaner environment because the goods produced in your local community don’t have to travel as far, therefore saving on fuel consumption and reducing air pollution.
  2. For a Stronger You – Another benefit, especially with Brookside’s Farmers Market there is less distance between producer and buyer. The fresher the produce, the more nutritious it is! Shopping locally in a farmers’ market means you’re not only promoting environmental wellness, but your own health as well!
  3. For a Stronger Economy – Local businesses, like cafes and boutiques, hire neighbors and often purchase goods from local vendors. This creates an opportunity for employment within the community. Shopping locally also promotes innovation, creativity and diversity because vendors can provide according to their community’s needs and not with a generalized selection of cookie-cutter merchandise.
  4. For a Stronger Community – Local businesses are more likely to invest in the community whereas bigger corporations may donate to larger causes or worldwide aid but invest less in the local community. Shopping locally also increases the connection of neighbors and can develop a sense of community. Mr. Rogers would be proud.

Brookside offers a number of local shopping options from the Farmers Market to boutiques, cafes and one-of-a-kind specialty shops! Take the opportunity on November 30th national Small Business Saturday (or any Saturday!) to shop local and celebrate 100 years of local shopping in Brookside!

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How Girl Scouts Changed My Life – 50 Years a Girl Scout

To many, the end of October means Halloween and the beginning of the holiday season, but this time of the year holds a vivid memory for Ellen Zetmeir. As most of Ellen’s friends and family know, she is actively involved with the Girl Scouts. What many may not know, however, is that 2019 marks her 50th Anniversary of being involved with the Girl Scout organization!

Ellen frequently mentions how growing up as a Girl Scout and her ongoing involvement with the organization has made her into the strong, independent woman she is today. We wanted to take the time to interview Ellen to find out more about her Girl Scout passion.

Q: What are your first memories of becoming a Brownie?

Ellen as a Brownie

A: “I became a Brownie in 1969! It was the first time I’d ever worn a uniform and I remember every detail. I had my whole outfit with my little pins and an orange tie that my dad taught me how to correctly tie – it was so special. Girl Scout day was on Tuesdays, so we got to wear our uniforms to school. That was a really big deal as well!

In my hometown, Parsons, Kansas, we had what was called The Girl Scout Little House – a house that had been donated to the Parsons’ Girl Scouts and was used for events and storage. There was a big hill at the house that we used for ingathering. Ingathering was a big city-wide event and sing-along for Girl Scouts in celebration of Juliette Low’s (the founder of the Girl Scouts) birthday on Halloween. At this event, all of the troops would donate money benefiting the Juliette Low World Friendship Fund – funding international travel for Girl Scouts. The coolest part of the event was if someone had been on an international Girl Scout trip, they would bring home ashes from the final fire and add them to the fire at the ingathering. We were a bunch of wide-eyed little girls watching all of this happen – it was so cool!

For me, being a Brownie was a really big deal! In my hometown, that’s just what you did – everyone was a Girl Scout. You went to church on Wednesday nights and Girl Scouts on Tuesday nights.”

Q: What are some of your most memorable experiences as a Girl Scout?

A: “The first really cool thing I remember doing was going primitive camping off horseback in Wyoming for a week or two when I was in 9th grade. We got to ride through the mountains with an elevation map and a compass – no grown-ups around! We would ride our horses, find a place to eat dinner, sleep on the ground and then pack everything back on our horses. It was a truly amazing experience!

Preparing for Her Trip

The following year, I got to be a delegate to a national convention in 1978. This was the year the Girl Scout logo was changed from the original logo with the eagle on the trefoil to the three faces on the envelope – showing girls of all ages and backgrounds. It was a huge deal to be there as a voting delegate!

On the way home from the convention, I began filling out paperwork to go on an International Wider Opportunity. After going through the interview process, I was selected as one of three Girl Scouts from the United States to go to South Africa. This was a game-changer for me! South Africa was in such turmoil at the time that we were even briefed by the State Department prior to our trip to be certain we knew what to expect upon arrival. We were representing the United States as Girl Scouts. It was a once in a lifetime experience.”

South Africa and Her Return Home

Q: How did being a Girl Scout change you? What life lessons did you learn?

A: “Girl Scouts empowered me, gave me confidence and taught me that I could be a smart woman. I also gained leadership skills, how to run a meeting and brainstorming skills. We learned important life skills including how to go to a fancy restaurant, how to tip and make reservations. Because of Girl Scouts, I had no fear and I still have no fear to this day. It was just even more amazing as a young girl. Plus, we didn’t have the distraction of boys at a young age!”

Q: Why should girls join Girl Scouts today?

A: “Girl Scouts has STEM programs (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and a number of other opportunities that are truly amazing. Girl Scouts has lots of travel available for girls in small and large groups that teach girls life skills they wouldn’t have without travel. It’s an all-girl environment and that’s so important today!”

Ellen’s Halloween Costume

Q: What have you done as an adult with Girl Scouts and what are you currently doing?

A: “For 14 years in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, I was an advisor for the Youth Leadership Council with GSWISE  (Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast.) It gave me the opportunity to advise over 400 girls and share my skills and confidence, preparing them for

life as an adult. To advise them and lead by example was probably the best work I’ve done with the Girl Scouts, period! It was just amazing and life-changing for not only the girls, but for me as well.

Today, I’m currently involved as an assistant troop leader with a cadet group at St. Peter’s School. I would LOVE to start doing some older girl leadership training here in Kansas City!”

Want to hear even more great stories about Ellen’s Girl Scout history? Stop by her store-front office and ask her anything! Plus, you can find out how to get involved with Girl Scouts yourself. It’s another way to get involved with a special program in the community of Brookside and Waldo.

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Welcome to the Neighborhood: EB and Co.

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 chose to open in our favorite neighborhood – Brookside!

Tell us a little bit about your background: Are you from Kansas City? What made you decide to open your own shop?

I grew up in Lee’s Summit, but have lived in the KC area most of my life. I’ve been in business for seven years working with different local retailers. Then I had my first personal location as a booth in the Made in KC Marketplace on the Plaza. We’ve been there for just over a year. I have loved having a space there and after getting a taste of that, I knew I had to save up to open a store of my very own. It just felt like that was the next natural progression.

Emily Bordner

Do you design/create your own jewelry pieces? If so, do any of the pieces have a story behind them? 

It’s really a combination. I’ve designed some of the jewelry myself in addition to wholesale many pieces. I’m most proud of the collaborative pieces, which I design with local bloggers and have handmade in Los Angeles. The bloggers and I sit down and think about what’s missing or lacking in the market right then.

Our Shelby pieces were fun. We were trying to come up with something dainty with minimal sparkle that works great for the office or if you’re looking to hit a happy hour. They’ve been our best-selling pieces of jewelry so far! I also design all of the the leather goods, which are all currently manufactured in Kansas City. 

What can customers expect when they shop at EB and Co.? 

We want people to have a chill experience in a modern but welcoming environment. We want people to not feel pressured and take the time to try things on as much as they want. We were able to capture this relaxed and fresh feeling with our hand painted mural, a space to have an Instagram moment and tons of approachable stylish pieces. We aim to have a range of options. We have classic, trendy and multigenerational pieces. We also offer complimentary gift-wrapping which people seem to really like.

Why did you decide to open your shop in Brookside?

I have always loved Brookside and spent a great deal of time there in college when I worked at Bella Napoli, which was such a rewarding experience. Supporting local businesses is a real matter of pride in Brookside. It’s just a fun, exciting place to be. When the space became available, I just had to move on the opportunity to be part of this great community.

What’s your favorite thing about having your shop located in this area? 

I love being among so many long-term shops that span generations from Design in the City to World’s Window to Brookside Toy and Science. As the new kid on the block I have so many wise mentors for neighbors to learn from.

Next time you’re in the neighborhood, be sure to stop by Emily Bordner’s new shop and see for yourself why we love EB & Co.! While you’re here, pay a visit to your friends at Brookside Real Estate Company located at 9 W 63rd St – when the flag is up, we’re open!

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Discover Ellen’s Favorite Spots in Brookside

A Few of Ellen’s Favorite Local Brookside Haunts

Ellen Zetmeir doesn’t just live and work in Brookside – she’s the go-to-gal with all of the little tips and tricks of navigating the Brookside/Waldo area like a true local! Established 100 years ago, Brookside is now home to over 70 shops, restaurants, boutiques and small businesses. We recently spent the day with Ellen exploring the heart of Kansas City and got up close and personal with 4 of her favorite local haunts in Brookside.

Bella Napoli

Family-owned from the beginning, Jake Imperiale opened Bella Napoli almost 20 years ago with a dream to offer an ambiance of a true Italian ristorante. Serving only traditional Italian family recipes with market items for purchase imported directly from Italy, Bella Napoli is Brookside’s very own corner of Italy. From the moment you walk through the door, you’re treated like family! Bella Napoli’s friendly and personable staff always greets Ellen with her favorite Pellegrino at her preferred table. “Sitting in Bella Napoli, eating traditional Italian pizza, is the perfect evening get-away to Florence – all from the comfort of your own neighborhood,” says Ellen. If you’ve yet to try Bella Napoli stop in and see for yourself why it’s Ellen’s Brookside go-to!

Fiddly Fig

If you ask Ellen where her favorite florist in the city is, she’ll always say, “the Fiddly Fig is the most phenomenal florist in the world.” Another locally owned neighborhood gem in Brookside, the Fiddly Fig offers only the highest quality floral arrangements. The longtime florists have great style, work with unique flowers and will custom arrange a bouquet to meet your specifications for any and every occasion. Not only does Fiddly Fig offer the most beautiful floral arrangements in Kansas City, but it also is home to one of the best gift shops in the area! With fall flowers in full swing, stop in Fiddly Fig and check out their exceptional floral arrangements, décor and one-of-a-kind gifts for every occasion.

Brookside 66

With crisper mornings in the air and colder weather just around the corner, one of Ellen’s neighborhood staples will take you back in time to a more carefree day in Brookside. The locally owned Brookside 66 on the corner of 63rd and Main is one of few remaining full-service gas stations – and Ellen’s go-to. “There’s nothing nicer than stopping by the Phillips Gas Station in the winter for gas and not even having to get out of your warm car, you just feel very cared for,” says Ellen. “As a single woman, I always feel safe and never like I’ve been taken advantage of. This isn’t always the case with other car shops,” Ellen continued. Even if it’s just a quick stop for the coldest Diet Pepsi around – Ellen always supports shopping local. Stop by the Phillips Gas Station at 63rd and Main and see for yourself why it’s the best in Kansas City.

A Store Named “Stuff”

A Store Named “Stuff,” located right here in the heart of Brookside, is home to some of the best unique gifts in Kansas City! This Brookside treasure is owned by two sisters who are very supportive of local non-for-profits and organizations that give back to the community. One of the “Stuff” sisters also also happens to be a Girls Scout – just like Ellen! This, of course, is right up Ellen’s alley as it’s, “A fabulous organization to help give back to the community and raise up powerful women in business.” Hosting frequent shopping nights to help fundraise for great causes benefitting Kansas City, Ellen can’t get enough of A Store Named “Stuff.” Not only does Ellen love how the “Stuff” sisters give back to the city, but they also offer the best Christmas ornaments in the city. Stop by A Store Named “Stuff” for Christmas décor that will set your home apart from the rest!

Take a stroll, enjoy the beautiful fall weather and check out Ellen’s go-to Brookside haunts for yourself! While you’re in the neighborhood, stop by 9 West 63rd St – the home of Brookside Real Estate Company – and visit Ellen in her storefront office today!