Conversations with Sarah Legg

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Legg.

Hi Sarah, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I have always had a love for architecture, history, and the built environment. I started my career as a project management assistant for a general contractor in Omaha, Neb. and when I moved to KC, I worked in advertising and marketing for a number of years. During this time, I started a magazine and marketing consulting business and was hooked on being self-employed. I knew eventually I wanted to pursue a career in real estate after working on the first house I owned. We bought a 100-year-old home that had been updated about 15 years prior.

The guts were good, but the finishes weren’t. My husband and I learned to make improvements to the home on our own, and sold it after four years, building a lot of equity. I was fortunate enough to pay off school loans and use that equity to move into my next home. I want to see everyone have the same opportunity I had, I truly believe real estate is the best investment you can make-it puts a roof over your head, and more times than not, increases in value.

Through my work as an agent, I have grown to love old homes and architecture, and I love to learn new things every day. The best part about real estate is that it is such a community-focused career. I absolutely love the Midtown KCMO area and am one of its biggest cheerleaders. It’s very important to me as a realtor to ensure that what I am doing is equitable and that everyone has the opportunity to live in our neighborhoods.

There are a lot of old stereotypes about the urban core, that I work every day to disprove. The wounds of our city’s history of redlining and blockbusting are still very prevalent in today’s market, and understanding history and how it still affects us is important when working in the community. This is also why I love being a part of a small, locally-owned brokerage-Kansas City Realty Services.

About four years ago I found my current home in a historic district that had been converted into five apartments. I spent the next nine months restoring the home to its original layout and learned a lot during the process. In late 2018 I was appointed to the Kansas City Historic Preservation Commission by Mayor Sly James, and have served since. I also serve on the Citizens Community Organization for Citizens of The World Charter School and the Roanoke Neighborhood Association.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road to where I am now hasn’t always been smooth: my partner in my first venture and I parted ways somewhat in-amicably, we had a few setbacks we weren’t expecting with contractors and old-house restoration issues, the housing market heated up and was very difficult for every day people who were looking for their first house.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
One of my favorite parts of my job is helping people make one of the biggest purchases of their lives. I especially love working with clients who are looking for an old home and found me through my Instagram.

I have had a lot of success in showcasing the amazing historic architecture and stories throughout the city, and love when people are ready to find their own vintage homes.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I see the real estate industry cooling off a bit with interest rates rising on a 40,000-foot level. But hyper-locally in midtown, it will continue to be very popular as transplants come in, the streetcar extends down Main Street, and families who appreciate diversity and urban living choose to stay in midtown when their kids get to school age.

Unfortunately, inventory isn’t going to magically appear and demand will remain high. Homes will still appreciate, and prices will still go up.

Contact Info:

• Website: vintagehomeskc.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/vintagehomeskc
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/sarahleggkc
• TikTok: @living.in.midtown.kc