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Year: <span>2020</span>
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Socially Distanced Holiday Shopping in Brookside!

Author: Admin_Atalie
Categories: Blog
World’s Window

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 of course, your friends at Brookside Real Estate! We’re here to fill you in on our favorite go-to spots for a socially distanced holiday season!

World’s Window: Where you can explore an exciting “world” of fashions, accessories, folk art, gifts & home décor for everyone on your list by shopping online. The festive gift wrap is free, but they will gladly accept “thank you” donations for Rose Brooks Center.

Brookside Barkery & Bath: If you don’t want to get out of your car or spend time with other customers in-store, that’s no reason to leave your furry family members off your shopping list! Luckily, their entire pet holiday collection is available to shop online this year! Choose Curbside Pick-Up (no minimum) or free local delivery ($25 minimum, within 20 miles) at checkout, and they’ll do the shopping for you!

The Corner Candle Shop Holiday Gift Box

The Corner Candle Shop: Candles always make great gifts! If you’re more comfortable shopping these hand-crafted and unique scents from a distance– all of your holiday candle needs can be purchased online! Or you can skip the shipping costs and give them a call to place a curbside pick-up order.

Jorjy: A lifestyle shop that offers a fresh take on wallpaper, fabric, art and accessories for the home as well as interior design and to-the-trade partnerships. Shop coffee table books, cozy throw blankets, home accent pieces and jewelry all online!

Although these are just a few of the 70+ options, one thing is for sure – Brookside is your destination for socially distanced holiday shopping while also supporting local businesses! All of us at Brookside Real Estate Company wish you a happy and healthy holiday season!

 

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Brookside Real Estate Donates to Bags of Fun KC

Author: Admin_Atalie
Categories: Blog
Owner/Broker of Brookside Real Estate, Jim Kraus and Director of Bags of Fun KC, Louisa Weinrich

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.

Owner/Broker of Brookside Real Estate Company, Jim Kraus, recently met with the Director of Bags of Fun KC, Louisa Weinrich, to present a check from Brookside Real Estate Company that ultimately ended up sponsoring a Bag of Fun for Hayden – currently a patient at Children’s Mercy. Louisa said, “Hayden is five years old and inpatient at Children’s Mercy Hospital after suffering a traumatic brain injury. He had to have brain surgery to allow his brain to heal. He goes through intense physical therapy and occupational therapy as well as other therapies during the week.”

Hayden’s siblings were even able to come to the hospital when the Bag of Fun was delivered to spend some time with him.  Hayden’s Mom, Jackie, told us, “Getting this bag of fun with everyone here was amazing! It really helped to distract us and to focus on something other than Hayden‘s injury! It gave us all time to act as a family unit again!”

Each Bag of Fun comes with 12 to 15 items inside that are picked specifically for each child based on their developmental age, interests, and treatment plan. Hayden‘s bag had a Kindle fire as his electronic!

Ready to make a difference in the lives of KC children fighting life threatening illnesses, diseases & injuries? Follow Bags of Fun KC on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or visit the website to make a direct donation.

Bags of Fun KC delivers the power of play to children fighting cancer and other long term, life threatening illnesses or injuries. Each bag of fun is filled with hours of distraction, educational items, as well as items that bring comfort. Not only do bags of fun give the children something to focus on during their treatments, but they also give the families of these children the sense that someone else cares.

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Coveted Countryside Tudor in the Heart of KC!

Author: Admin_Atalie
Categories: Blog

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 this is just steps away from the front door. A gorgeous home in the heart of KC that you don’t want to miss out on!

This craftsman features an abundance of natural woodwork that greets you right as you walk in the door. Both the living room and dining room have custom built in cabinets with beautiful beveled leaded glass! Every bathroom in the home is updated and the sellers also added a stunning 20×20 foot family room with an open kitchen – you won’t miss a Kansas City touchdown while making your game day snacks! The lovingly planned landscaping makes you feel like you’re walking in your own personal park!

Watch the virtual tour below:

Ready to see 41 W. 52nd Street for yourself? Contact Jim Kraus at 816-806-7653 or stop by our storefront office located at 9 W 63rd St – when the flag is up, we’re open!

Click here for more listing information.

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Treat A Sick Child To The Healing Power Of Play This Halloween Season

Author: Admin_Atalie
Categories: Blog

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 of trick-or-treating is not safe for children fighting life threatening diseases. Thankfully, a local nonprofit foundation held near and dear to the hearts of everyone here at Brookside Real Estate Company is doing something about this.

Bags of Fun KC delivers the healing power of play to children fighting cancer and other long term, life threatening illnesses. Director, Louisa Weinrich explained, “A bag of fun is a backpack filled to the brim with 12-15 items picked specifically for each child’s needs, interests and treatment plan. Each bag of fun is filled with hours of distraction, educational items, as well as items that encourage socialization and items that bring comfort. Not only do bags of fun give the children something to focus on during their treatments, but they also give the families of these children the sense that someone else cares.”

Because of the pandemic and so many restrictions for celebrating Halloween, there are 125 additional children that will need a Bag of Fun. As such, we at Brookside Real Estate are continuing to raise awareness to ensure that every child in Kansas City fighting cancer receives a Bag of Fun this Halloween season. 

Brookside Real Estate has proudly been a local partner of Bags of Fun KC since their inception in 2011 and have had the pleasure of providing over 200 bags of fun to sick Kansas City children and their families. “All of us here are extremely passionate about helping bring a smile to the faces of these KC children who are being treated for long term, life threatening illnesses,” said Brookside Real Estate Owner and Broker, Jim Kraus, “The opportunity for Brookside Real Estate Company to partner with this organization means a lot to all of us, we enjoy the opportunity to help spread the word and we encourage Kansas City to treat a sick child to the healing power of play this Halloween season.” 

If you would like to find out how you can help Bags of Fun KC or sponsor a bag of fun for a child, you can do so by going to their website: www.bagsoffunkansascity.org

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BRKS Partners with Bags of Fun KC for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month!

Author: Admin_Atalie
Categories: Blog

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 $100 to Bags of Fun KC to raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure of childhood cancer.

Bags of Fun KC delivers the power of play to children fighting cancer and other long term, life threatening illnesses. A bag of fun is a backpack filled to the brim with 12-15 items picked specifically for each child’s needs, interests and treatment plan. Each bag of fun is filled with hours of distraction, educational items, as well as items that bring comfort. Not only do bags of fun give the children something to focus on during their treatments, but they also give the families of these children the sense that someone else cares.

Director, Louisa Weinrich explained, “2020 has been an interesting year to say the least.  We have had to cancel all of our major fundraisers and try to reinvent ways to connect with our donors.  Our program is needed even more this year with hospital play rooms closed, no toy sharing, and no visitors allowed.  We need donations now more than ever to be able to continue bringing the power of play to children fighting cancer and other life threatening conditions.”

Ready to buy or sell your home and make a difference in the lives of KC children fighting life threatening illnesses? Give Brookside Real Estate Company a call at (816) 333-3330.

To learn more about Bags of Fun KC or to make a direct donation, visit their website here.

 

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3 Tips to Upgrade Your Home Office

Author: Admin_Atalie
Categories: Blog

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. If you’re looking for a place to get your work done with no distractions, or maybe a space that’s a little more video-conference friendly, we’ve put together a few tips to make you as productive as ever – even if you are just steps away from your bedroom. 

  1. Choose the right room. Zoom meetings from the dining room table or the living room couch just won’t cut it anymore!  Whether you’re cleaning out that room you used for storage, converting your spare bedroom, or transforming your unused sun room, make sure this space is designated for work only. This should be a room you walk into and you immediately switch your brain to work-mode. 
  2. Pick up the essentials. Make sure that you stay organized – that could mean a small filing cabinet to hold your paperwork or floating shelves to keep your important documents in order. An extra monitor and laptop stand are also very helpful.
  3. Take breaks. A great thing about working from home is that you are just steps from the outdoors – not just an office parking lot. Even if you live in Downtown Kansas City, the River Market, or the Country Club Plaza, a quick walk or jog around the block will give your productivity the boost you’re needing!

Wishing you hope, health and happiness, Kansas City!

 

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4 Tips For Selling Your House During Covid-19

Author: Admin_Atalie
Categories: Blog

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 make the process of selling your home as smooth and as enjoyable as possible – even during a global pandemic! We’ve put together 4 tips you should know if you are getting ready to list your home in the coming months:

  • Appraisals are Conducted Differently. For the most part, these jobs are essential. But new, temporary rules have been put in place to allow drive by and desktop appraisals. If an in person appraisal is necessary, social distancing guidelines should be implemented and the appraiser should enter the home individually.
  • Open Houses Are Not So Open Anymore. Virtual tours are the safest, but many buyers will want to see the house in person before they make a final decision. As we all navigate a new socially distanced world, you’ll want to make sure your house is ready to show as safely as possible. Everyone currently living in the home should be in good health, keep hand sanitizer and booties at the front door, turn on all light switches and open all doors to limit contact, and don’t forget to disinfect high traffic areas before and after each scheduled, private showing. 
  • The Closing Might Get Creative. The days of everyone gathering around a big table to sign documents are long gone, at least for now. It is likely that new, temporary rules to officially close have been put in place in order to comply with social distancing guidelines. 
  • Most Importantly, Choose an Agent You Can Trust. Be sure your listing agent is willing to go above and beyond to keep the selling process as smooth and as safe as possible. Including virtual (Facebook Live or Facetime) showings, in-person showings when necessary, and screening out those buyers that aren’t serious. 

If you’re considering selling your home in the next few months, contact a neighborhood expert you can trust: One of the real estate pros at Brookside Real Estate Company! Call today at (816) 333-3330.

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What New Interest Rates Mean for Your Mortgage

Author: Admin_Atalie
Categories: Blog

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 move to counteract the economic shocks from the COVID-19 pandemic. Also unfolding, the 10-year Treasury yield, a key benchmark that influences borrowing costs on houses and auto loans, took a nosedive to historic lows.

Mortgages: Buyers and Refinancers

Mortgage rates have dropped to historical lows as bond yields have fallen, which is a move that could help first-time homebuyers and those who already own, and are looking torefinance. When Treasury yields fall, banks will charge lower interest rates for mortgages. The Federal Reserve announced that it would be cutting its benchmark federal funds rate by 1% to a range of 0% to 0.25%, alongside other measures meant to stimulate the economy.

If you’re considering selling your home in the next few months, contact a neighborhood expert: One of the real estate pros at Brookside Real Estate Company. Call today at (816) 333-3330. Or, stop by our offices in the heart of the Brookside at 9 W. 63rd Street.

 

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Time to Downsize?

Author: Admin_Atalie
Categories: Blog

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 and weekly cleaning that comes with having a big lawn and excess living space.

If any of the above is a bit truer than you’d like to admit, maybe it’s time to discover a new lifestyle that allows you to abandon the clutter, ditch the lawnmower and say goodbye to excess square footage. Is locking the door and vacationing for weeks without a care (or a house-sitter) part of the master plan? Then maybe the dream home of two decades ago has become today’s ball and chain.

If you’ve been imagining what it would be like to live in a City Market loft, or moving on up to a Power & Light high-rise with a view – or maybe a Country Club Plaza condo where all of your favorite restaurants and shopping are just outside the front door, it might be time for a change. Maybe it’s time to enjoy a much simpler lifestyle. If the idea of someone else parking your car, (or getting rid of your car altogether and commuting by streetcar!), and having access to amenities like swimming pools , club rooms and other social rooms (without having to maintain them when you aren’t using them) is more attractive than ever before – it may be time to downsize!

The good news is, there’s never been a better time to sell your Brookside area home than right now! And no one knows Brookside like the Realtors at Brookside Real Estate. We know neighborhood home values and have buyers contacting us most every day in search of homes of all sizes and in most any condition in the Brookside area. The dream of trading excess square footage and house keys in return for more time to enjoy life may be closer than you think!

For a no obligation price opinion on your current home, to look at one of our condo listings, or if you’re considering selling your home in the next few months, contact a neighborhood expert: One of the real estate pros at Brookside Real Estate Company. Call today at (816) 333-3330. Or, stop by our offices in the heart of the Brookside at 9 W. 63rd Street.

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Buying in to Selling Your Home: Kansas City’s Growth Benefiting Sellers in 2020

Author: Admin_Atalie
Categories: Blog

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 in most U.S. cities, including major cities like Denver, Nashville and Austin.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2020
New home construction is expected to stall next year, according to a 2020 real estate forecast from Wichita State University. With more potential buyers turning to existing homes, there is more opportunity for sellers thinking about selling their homes. Most experts locally and nationally predict more of the same growth for the Kansas City housing market in 2020. Stanley Longhofer, a professor and director of Wichita State’s Center for Real Estate, predicts that home prices in the Kansas City area will rise by nearly 5% next year. Longhofer said strong economic indicators, like low unemployment rates and growth in jobs, contribute to the growth of the housing market in Kansas City.

Here are the reasons why 2020 might be the year to sell your home:

LACK OF INVENTORY
The only real obstacle for homebuyers is supply: Low inventory has kept the number of homes sold in recent years nearly flat. Says Longhofer “there just are not enough homes available for sale in the neighborhoods and the price ranges that are the most popular people want to buy.” Longhofer said sellers of homes that cost less than $350,000 frequently put their home on the market on a Friday, and essentially have their pick of offers by the end of the weekend. This is an obvious advantage for sellers and chances are, you will get the full asking price. This stagnant amount of inventory often drives up the cost above asking price.

NEW BUYERS NEW OPPORTUNITIES
Overall buyer demand will remain very robust, particularly at the entry level, in 2020. According to a new Realtor.com report, millennials will increase their presence as homeowners and will account for more than 50% of all mortgages by the spring. A large portion of millennials will turn 30 next year, a time when many buy their first home. Millennials are anticipated to drive the U.S. housing market forward in 2020 more than ever, with large cohorts expected to either purchase their first home or decamp from city to suburb and trade up, according to an economic forecast published by Realtor.com on Wednesday.

FAVORABLE INTEREST RATES
The current inventory shortage is predicted to continue, possibly reaching a historic low. On the bright side, the Realtor.com report also predicts mortgage rates will stay reasonable, averaging 3.83% throughout the year. The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate started 2019 at 4.68 percent and steadily declined before closing out the year at 3.93 percent. In 2020, rates are expected to remain mostly stable, not straying too much higher or lower from the 4 percent mark. According to a recent article by Bankrate, there is no immediate cause for concern for rising interest rates “We have been in a low interest rate environment for quite some time, and the current signaling from the Fed is that rates will continue to remain low,” says Alexander Akel, president of Akel Homes in South Florida. “Even if they tick up north of 4 percent, they will remain extremely attractive when compared to historical rates.”

Looking to sell your home in 2020? The experts at Brookside Real Estate are here to help! Give us a call at (816) 333-3330 or stop by our storefront office at 9 W 63RD ST – When the flag is up, we’re open!

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