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Brookside Community Comes Together

Author: Admin_Atalie
Categories: Ellen Zetmeir Blog

Brookside Community Comes Together While Maintaining Social Distance

Even though times have been uncertain for everyone here in the Brookside/Waldo communities there is still a lot of good to be found when taking the time slow down and take a look around. In the words of, Ellen Zetmeir, with Brookside Real Estate,

“I have really been challenging myself, my friends, and my clients to observe the good that is happening right now and the closeness of the community through all of this. I am truly blessed to live in Brookside. The community coming together in this time just reminds me of all of the reasons that I was excited to move into this neighborhood in the first place. “

For example, some kind individuals are offering their help by sewing masks either for free or simply for donation; other neighbors are purchasing and delivering groceries to elderly friends who are stuck at home. A couple of kind hearts are volunteering simple joys like free flowers and other plants from their own gardens in the hopes of brightening people’s days. The Brookside community is more close-knit than ever thanks to thoughtfulness. chalk hopscotch

It is evident that the community’s creativity is alive and well. Many families are taking the time to create sidewalk chalk art – these bright and colorful creations include fun hopscotch games and meaningful messages of encouragement!

Brookside’s creativity has also forged a way for the community to still share music; sit out on your front porch some evening and you may well hear “Front Porch Concerts” drifting through the streets. From cellos and violins to pianos and flutes, neighbors are serenading the community from their very own homes. If you’re lucky, you might even witness ukulele concerts or some pretty phenomenal bagpipe playing!

Following proper social distancing and precautions of course, Ellen recommends getting out and breathing some fresh air.  Take note of the fluffy dogs delighted to have their humans home; watch for the kids on bikes or playing in their backyards.

See if you can discover which neighbor has a pet tortoise! Admire the sweet signs of spring like bright tulips! Wave to your neighbors! Remember, there is plenty of joy to go around! Take a stroll around your lovely Brookside community and you might just be surprised at what you find.

Ellen knows all about buying and selling homes, but she also has all the key insights into the Brookside community! Contact Ellen today for any questions about your home or any tips on becoming more involved in your Brookside neighborhood.

And please, feel free to share your own messages of encouragement with Ellen! Brookside Real Estate is delighted to have you as part of our beautiful Brookside bunch!

 

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I’ve Got a Guy Episode 5: Understanding Mortgage Forbearance

Author: Admin_Atalie
Categories: Ellen Zetmeir Blog

UPDATE: After we shared this video on social media, we were thrilled to learn that the Wall Street Journal had reached out to Andy Nolte to interview him on the topic of mortgage forbearance. Click here to read the full article.

Attention All Homeowners!

There is a lot of misinformation going around right now concerning mortgage options, so Ellen has brought in her mortgage guy Andy Nolte from Movement Mortgage to share some insight!

In this “I’ve Got a Guy” episode, Andy gives us some inside perspective into what “Mortgage Forbearance” really means and how you the homeowner should go about making the right choice for you during the COVID-19 crisis.

Promising mortgage options about postponing payments are not all they seem to be. Keep in mind the future consequences of rash actions and check out this online video for Andrew’s tips!

Andy’s main takeaways on mortgage forbearance is this:

  1. If you have your job, make your payment!
  2. If you lost your job and still have money in the bank, make your payment!
  3. If you lost your job and cannot make your payment, only then ask about your forbearance options but do your research! Be sure to review the agreement terms cautiously! This option is your last resort so please contact Andrew for more information or further questions.

Give loan officer Andy Nolte a call today at (816) 309 – 8175 or email him at andrew.nolte@movement.com.

For all homeowners and potential homeowners, Ellen has the answers for your real estate questions. She is taking special precautions during these unusual times to ensure your safety while still helping you reach your homeowning goals. From inside contacts like her “I’ve Got a Guy” Series to her wealth of personal knowledge and experience, Ellen is prepared to guide you in the best decisions for you. Contact Ellen today for any and all questions you might have about your real estate situation!

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Ellen’s Tips for Navigating the Paint Trends of 2020

Author: Admin_Atalie
Categories: Ellen Zetmeir Blog

With the start of a new year came some vibrant new color trends! Bold is back, and we are here for it!

A thrust of individualism in culture is driving some thrilling hues in the face of the neutral colors that have dominated the scene for awhile now. Here’s to personalization and customization in a world of sameness.

However, these vibrant shades are causing some concern and hesitation in the homeowner ring; radical paint colors can make resale a bit tricky when potential buyers don’t share the same love for the bright hues that you like.

Let’s take a look at the new paint trends of 2020 and call attention to the colors you catch a glimpse of in magazines and reality home décor shows. Pantone released a Classic Blue with husky hues, while Sherwin Williams took blue to a deeper level with a rich naval shade; Benjamin Moore opted for a soft, rosy pink indicative of a rosy, blooming spring. Patterned after nature and soft meadowlike impressions, Behr is promoting a yellow-green, while Dunn-Edwards has chosen a fresh minty green.

Don’t jump to coat your house in yellow-green just yet! It’s important to understand that these paint trends are selected by companies in an effort to drive certain aspects of the paint market or to promote cultural movements. Notice that neutrals are not disappearing altogether; rather, they create a flexible canvas on which you can express more vibrant hues. One classic, white, is making its own understated march through homes as it provides the perfect blank slate for bolder accessories or art pieces. Quintessential white is still the more popular choice for cabinets, walls and interiors, and even flooring; with its crisp and clean presence, it will always be a top choice in home color trends, especially in kitchens.

Are you ready for Ellen’s perfect home décor secret? The key to following trends is “inspiration not imitation.” Homeowning is about designing your own space where you feel good. What do you seek in a home? Comfort. Strength. Peace. Happiness. These characteristics should be the goal of your home. Give your house its soul and beauty by expressing yours! Use the canvas of your house to create the environment you want!  Don’t copy exactly what you see on HGTV; use the trends as a muse. Gather ideas and trends and blend them with your own taste to express your home as a unique piece of art.

That being said, take into consideration how long you’re planning on being in your house; if it’s a lifelong home, go ahead and get creative with your walls! Only planning to be there for three years at the most? Try keeping the neutral walls and adding your vibrant colors with pillows, art pieces, and other accessories. If you still want to be bold with your paint choices, consider repainting to a neutral color before you resell.

Another tip Ellen has for you is to test your paint colors first. Test. Test. Test. Those beautiful shades you chose from the paint selections may not appear the same on your walls; the hues can be influenced by everything from the lighting to the furniture around that area. Sample those paint colors before you jump about splashing them on your walls. Keep in mind that certain colors also photograph better than others; you want a color that will reflect light, making the home feel warmer and larger than it perhaps is. Test out paint swatches or use peel-and-stick samples which can be larger and more easily removed; this will give you a better idea of how your finished product will look. And remember – the cost of a sample quart will seem like nothing if you paint a room the wrong color!

Whether you’re ready to go big and bold with the colors in your home or looking to change up the accent colors a bit, Ellen is here to answer all your questions about homeowning. Are you ready to sell your house? Perhaps you’re looking for a dreamy home to begin settling into! Contact Ellen today to start the next step of your journey today!

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I’ve Got a Guy – Episode 4: Concrete in Brookside with Bedrock Concrete

Author: Admin_Atalie
Categories: Ellen Zetmeir Blog

In this Episode of “I’ve Got a Guy,” your favorite Realtor, Ellen Z, talks all things Brookside concrete with Beau Hahn from Bedrock Concrete.

Whether you’re considering a new patio, driveway, garage floor or another project all together, Concrete work in the Brookside/Waldo neighborhoods presents its own unique challenges. That’s why Ellen brought in expert Beau Hahn to talk all things concrete. Since Brookside is an older, time-tested neighborhood, its concrete sidewalks, driveways, and patios can tend to show the daily wear and tear that comes along with such a rich history.

Watch the video below to answer all of your concrete questions as they talk concrete from both a home-buyer and seller’s perspective.

Brookside Concrete Challenges:

  • One of the common challenges in redoing driveways in Brookside is that layers of old concrete are often covered by layers of old asphalt and over the years has become thicker and thicker layers. This means that in order to truly repair a driveway or garage floor in Brookside a lot of work often needs to be done to first remove the old structures and do the project the right way.
  • Tree roots from the beautiful old trees in the neighborhood have often pushed up sidewalks, stairs and driveways.
  • Over the years, settling occurs and causes problems with driveways and foundations – often directing water flow toward the home instead of away from it.

Beau’s concrete tips for homeowners, buyers and sellers:

  • Sealing concrete – make sure to seal new concrete especially in order to get the most out of your concrete projects for a long time.
  • Never use harsh salts on your new concrete – it will tear up and deteriorate it much faster. Use sand instead.
  • Rinse off concrete with a hose if there is a nice winter day to help preserve it.
  • Settled concrete holds water and can come up in a home-inspection. Sellers should make sure to know what issues there may be – you don’t want any surprises!
  • Remember, concrete can sometimes be patched instead of having to completely replace it.Workers pouring concrete

In this video Beau Hahn also talks about the steps in the process of doing concrete work in Brookside and gives his inside tips for choosing the right contractor for the job.

If you’re considering a spring concrete project you won’t want to miss out on these expert tips. Call Beau at Bedrock Concrete for even more information. Are you looking to buy or sell in the wonderful Brookside neighborhood? Contact Ellen today to get connected with your dream home!

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I’ve Got a Guy – Episode 3: Landscaping with Envision Lawn and Tree

Author: Admin_Atalie
Categories: Ellen Zetmeir Blog

Your favorite Brookside realtor is back with more insider tips!

In this episode of “I’ve Got a Guy,” Ellen asks the questions we’ve all been wondering about landscaping in the Brookside neighborhoods.

The first impression of a house rests greatly on its landscaping and exterior presentation; when buying or selling a home, it’s crucial to examine this influential aspect because as Ellen’s go-to landscaping guys claim “how it looks on the outside is usually what’s on the inside.” In this episode, Ellen talks with her landscaping go-to guys, John and Charlie Smith from Envision Lawn and Tree to bring you insight into how they address Brookside-specific landscaping challenges.

Check out the video below, plus John and Charlie’s ways to improve and maintain your yard’s appearance.

Brookside Landscaping Challenges

Brookside is essentially a park with well-established trees. While this creates beautiful views, Brookside landscaping can be a real chore!

  • KC’s unpredictable weather means that freezing rain and snow cause easily dead and broken limbs; these dead limbs are hazardous as they hang over houses and exposed power lines.
  • The tall, beautiful trees contribute to an overabundance of leaves in the fall, which can clog gutters and drains, leading to drainage issues.
  • The excessive leaf amount also means that without proper leaf removal, those leaves will suffocate your grass and plants come spring.
  • Many Brookside homes also struggle with wet basements and flooding. John and Charlie explain what “grading” is and how landscaping can help prevent a flooded basement!

Tips When Buying/Selling

  • Be Observant: the exterior of the home is a strong indication of any issues that may be inside the home.
  • Tidy the Look: Use fresh mulch, cut back shrubs, or even plant new ones to refresh the house’s appearance. Look into seeding versus sod for your yard and ensure green grass.
  • Check the Yard’s Grade: does the lawn slope down towards the house leading to flooding? Or does the lawn slope down away from the house?

Envision Lawn and Tree Services

John and Charlie have got your back! Envision Lawn and Tree can not only clean up the most untamable of yards, they can also address the wet basement issues by sloping the lawn and/or installing French drains! From tree removal to fresh mulch, there’s a reason Ellen counts on these guys to quickly and effectively assess and deal with any landscaping issues she encounters.

Are you looking for a house in the Brookside area? Ellen can’t wait to help you find the perfect home! Contact her today! Ready for some high quality lawncare? Contact John and Charlie at (816) 788 – 0808. Let them know that you saw this video and tell them Ellen sent you!

 

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New Year, New You – In Brookside!

Author: Admin_Atalie
Categories: Ellen Zetmeir Blog

Did you make New Year’s Resolutions about weight loss or fitness but don’t know where to start?

Maybe you aren’t keeping resolutions, but you have some fitness goals in mind. Whether you’re a fitness veteran and new to Brookside or a long-term resident new to the gym scene, Ellen knows just the local places to visit!

With the winter months still upon us, exercising outdoors is not a delightful prospect for most. Brookside offers indoor gyms that can help you find just the fitness program you need. Here are four of Ellen’s favorite gyms:

  1. Orange Theory (near 62nd Terrace and Main in Brookside)– With intentional coaches and the technological tools to monitor your progress, Orange Theory offers group classes with professional guidance to encourage you in completing your goals! Sign up for classes now; if you’re a first time visitor, you can take one class for free!
  2. Barre3 (on 63rd Street across from Brookside Real Estate office) – This unique fitness community blends ballet barre techniques with yoga and pilates to create a strengthening course easy enough for beginners! As an extra bonus, Barre3 also offers a “play lounge” day care setup so you don’t have to worry about your little ones while you’re working out – distraction free! Find a trainer and community here!
  3. City Gym –  (Located in in the heart of Waldo) City Gym offers everything from Spin to Zumba to Strength 360 classes. Check out their membership options here! Have any questions finding the right spot for you? Let them know!

If you’re not looking for a gym, just a little time outdoors, Ellen knows just the spots in Brookside for a lovely walk. The local Trolley Trail is four miles long and covers a historic section of the Brookside community. You can also check out Loose Park with its lovely views and excellent walking paths – with a small loop of just over a mile and a slightly larger loop so you can switch it up and enjoy a change of scenery while you exercise. Don’t forget the Brookside neighborhood streets are also quite walkable; most places in Brookside are dog friendly, but if you’re looking for off-leash options you’ll have to check out Swope Dog Park.

Whether you’re looking to start your fitness journey or you’re searching for a new community, Brookside has a wonderful selection of fitness options. Interested in becoming a resident of the beautiful Brookside neighborhood? Ellen can’t wait to help you discover your perfect home! Contact Ellen today and take the first step to joining the blossoming Brookside community.

 

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

Author: Admin_Atalie
Categories: Ellen Zetmeir Blog

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!

Author: Admin_Atalie
Categories: Ellen Zetmeir Blog

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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Discover Ellen’s Favorite Spots in Brookside

Author: Admin_Atalie
Categories: Ellen Zetmeir Blog

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!

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Introducing Ellen’s New Video Series – I’ve Got a Guy

Author: Admin_Atalie
Categories: Ellen Zetmeir Blog

If you know Ellen, there’s a likely chance you’ve heard her famous words, “I’ve got a guy for that,” on more than one occasion – and she’s not wrong! Ellen does indeed have just the right guys for your home-related questions, concerns and issues. In fact, her neighbor once said, “Ellen, if I woke up one day to a mob of kangaroos in my backyard, you’d be my first call because you probably have a guy for that!”  

It takes a lot to become one of Ellen’s “guys.” Having worked with a lengthy list of contractors in the Kansas City area throughout her career, Ellen’s developed her own list of specialists who represent the best of the best in old-home work. And now she’s here to help with her new video series, “I’ve Got a Guy.”

With a passion for older homes in the Brookside area, Ellen’s greater passion is for the people who live in those houses. When you purchase a home with Ellen, she doesn’t just walk away the minute the sale is done. She wants to be the first person you call with any home issue whether it’s days, months or even years after you’ve made your purchase! With her new series, “I’ve Got a Guy,” it’s now easier than ever for Ellen to share helpful information from her go-to old-home specialists with those looking for advice.

Join Ellen on her journey throughout the Brookside and Waldo area as she discusses old home issues with some of the best professionals in the business. If you have any specific questions about vintage homes and their maintenance, drop Ellen a line at ezbrookside@gmail.com or stop in and see her in her storefront office across from Charlie Hoopers in the heart of Brookside!

The First Episode: The Sewer Doctor

Take a look at Ellen’s first “I’ve Got a Guy,”  episode featuring John Vaughan from The Sewer Doctors. Since the sewers of the Brookside and Waldo neighborhoods are often over 100 years old, there may be serious issues lurking 6 feet below the surface of your lawn. Join Ellen and John as they discuss need-to-know facts and important homeowner sewer maintenance tips and tricks – that might even save you big money!

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