UCKC Mission
Looking to sell your historic, unique, or city home for top dollar? Look no further than the Urban Cool KC Real Estate Team! Our cutting-edge marketing and social media strategies, high-end photography and videos, and expert staging techniques will showcase your property in the best possible light, attracting the right buyers and maximizing your return on investment. From start to finish, our team will guide you through the process, taking the stress out of everything from prepping your home for sale to negotiating pricing and inspection repairs. Trust us to get you the results you deserve, and sell your home for more with Urban Cool KC!
In 2006, Franny Knight discovered her passion for cool homes while living in downtown Kansas City. As a newcomer to the real estate industry, she began photographing unique urban properties, which eventually led to a robust social media following of nearly 40,000 on Facebook alone. Today, Urban Cool KC is dedicated to connecting you, the Urban Cool Villager, with the best that this city has to offer. Whether you are looking for your dream home or seeking a buyer who will appreciate it as much as you did, our team is here to help you navigate the market and find your perfect match.
At Urban Cool KC, we pride ourselves on being experts in several areas of the real estate industry. One of our specialties is historic homes. We understand the unique charm and character that comes with owning a piece of history, and we are committed to helping our clients navigate the intricacies of buying and selling these properties. Whether you are looking for a historic home to restore or hoping to find a buyer who shares your passion for preservation, our team has the expertise and resources to make your dreams a reality.
In addition to our expertise in historic homes, we are also urban Kansas City neighborhood experts. We are intimately familiar with the distinct neighborhoods that make up this vibrant city, and we are dedicated to helping our clients find the perfect location to call home. From the trendy streets of the Crossroads Arts District to the quaint charm of Brookside, we can guide you through the different neighborhoods and communities in Kansas City and help you find the one that fits your unique lifestyle and preferences.
Finally, we are proud to be community loan experts. We understand that financing your home is a critical part of the buying process, and we are here to help you navigate the different loan options and find the one that best fits your needs. We have strong relationships with local lenders and can help you secure financing that fits your budget and goals. Our team is committed to providing personalized attention and expert guidance throughout the entire buying or selling process, and we look forward to helping you achieve your real estate goals.
Meet Our Founders
I’m Franny Knight, the creator and driving personality behind Urban Cool KC. I’m a Kansas City historic-home specialist, Realtor, neighborhood curator, and storyteller with 19 years of full-time real estate experience in Kansas and Missouri.
My work sits at the intersection of real estate, architecture, design, neighborhood history, and Kansas City culture. I created Urban Cool KC because I was fascinated by Kansas City’s incredible historic and vintage housing stock—and by how many people didn’t know the stories behind these homes and neighborhoods.
Today, I lead a small but mighty Urban Cool KC real estate team. The team curates distinctive homes for sale throughout Kansas City’s older and more interesting neighborhoods. We help homeowners prepare, position, and market unique properties through thoughtful presentation, professional photography, strong storytelling, and a deep understanding of what makes historic and vintage homes special.
I’m also growing beyond traditional real estate into a more visible media role. I want to become known as Kansas City’s historic homes and neighborhood storyteller through The Franny Knight Show, presented by Urban Cool KC, along with YouTube videos, podcasts, speaking, coaching, and eventually a book or documentary.
My content focuses on the history of Kansas City neighborhoods, architectural styles, design, preservation, urban development, and the cultural and social forces that shaped the city. I’m particularly interested in telling these stories through an anthropological lens—exploring not only what Kansas City looks like, but why it developed the way it did.
My personality and brand are unapologetically colorful, neighborhood-obsessed, irreverent, artistic, curious, and politically aware. I’m comfortable discussing housing, development, transportation, equity, preservation, and local government when they connect to Kansas City neighborhoods and quality of life.
My goal is to build an audience that extends well beyond people currently buying or selling a home. I want Kansas Citians to see me as a trusted and entertaining voice on the city’s homes, architecture, neighborhoods, history, and culture—while continuing to be a leading expert in marketing distinctive Kansas City properties.
I have two Boxers and love walking with them in nature when I need to unwind.
Meet Hubert Beattie, a seasoned real estate professional with over 30 years of management experience and a Bachelor’s degree in Business. With 16 years of experience as a veteran realtor, Hubert has an in-depth understanding of most real estate transactions. His keen eye for spotting homes that can be rehabbed or flipped makes him an excellent resource for investors and homeowners who love the idea of turning a “diamond in the rough” into a gem.
In addition to his professional achievements, Hubert has a passion for sports and an active lifestyle. As a former basketball player on scholarship, he still enjoys hitting the court whenever he can. Hubert is an avid fan of KC Chiefs football and KU Jayhawks basketball, and loves to catch their games whenever possible. When he’s not working or playing sports, Hubert enjoys traveling and spending time with his beloved Boxer Pack, which includes three furry companions who bring him joy and companionship in his downtime.
Whether you’re a seasoned investor or a first-time homebuyer, Hubert’s experience and knowledge of the local market make him an invaluable asset to the Urban Cool KC Team
Merisa Beattie is an accomplished Realtor with Urban Cool KC, where she serves as the Transaction Coordinator and Listing Manager. Prior to joining the team, Merisa honed her people skills in the restaurant industry, where she developed a knack for dealing with all types of personalities and making connections with people. Her passion for helping others led her to pursue a career in real estate, where she enjoys meeting new clients and guiding them through the home buying and selling process. Merisa’s clients appreciate her exceptional talent for staging homes, which helps them sell faster and for a better price. With her customer service skills and attention to detail, Merisa is an invaluable member of the Urban Cool KC team.