You may or may not remember Mr. Rogers Neighborhood. If you do, you’re probably humming the theme song right now – “who are the people in your neighborhood”. It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned homeowner or a first-time homebuyer just starting this chapter of your life. You’re not just entering a house but you’re also embedding yourself into a neighborhood. A neighborhood as a community doesn’t only rest upon well-kept lawns or architectural beauty – it also rests on its residents just like yourself! Consider these suggestions to not only enjoy your new neighborhood but to also make it a wonderful place to live!

Begin Connections – Get involved. Begin your journey by fostering connections. Introduce yourself to your neighbors, participate in or organize social events, and involve yourself in local gatherings, HOA, NextDoor, or other forums. Check if your neighborhood has it’s own community Facebook page. Establishing a network of friendly faces creates a sense of belonging and shared responsibility towards the well-being of the neighborhood.

Create a Safe Environment – A safe community is a serene community. Be mindful of adhering to speed limits while driving through your neighborhood, watch out for children playing, and consider organizing or participating in a neighborhood watch program. Ensuring that everyone feels secure enhances the quality of life for all residents. Always remember that many neighborhoods are a mixture of young and old alike.

Keep Your Neighborhood Clean and Green – Your new neighborhood is an extension of your home. Engage in and advocate for practices like regular clean-up drives, recycling initiatives, and maintaining green spaces. Planting trees or creating communal gardens can be wonderful projects that not only beautify the area but also instigate sustainable living.

Support Local Businesses – Frequent local shops, cafes, and services to boost the neighborhood’s economy. Supporting local businesses fosters a self-sustaining community, often making it more attractive to future residents and other local entrepreneurs.

Volunteer and Offer Support – Whether it’s helping a neighbor with yard work or volunteering in local schools, your acts of kindness will ripple through the community, establishing a culture of support and assistance that enriches everyone’s lives.

Organize and Participate in Events – From block parties to garage sales, events can add vivacity to any neighborhood. They provide a platform for residents to mingle, forge friendships, and create cherished memories, threading a fabric of unity and camaraderie.

Respectful Living – Being mindful and considerate of your neighbors is foundational. Adhere to noise guidelines, maintain your property, and respect shared spaces. A culture of mutual respect enhances peaceful co-existence and cultivates a harmonious environment.

Advocate for Improvements – If you observe areas for improvement, like a need for better street lighting or safer playgrounds, take the initiative. Work with local authorities, attend town meetings, or organize petitions to facilitate beneficial changes.

In contributing towards shaping a great neighborhood, you’re not only enhancing your living experience but also elevating the quality of life for existing and future residents. Your active involvement, care, and initiatives sow the seeds for a community where everyone enjoys a sense of belonging, security, and joy in their daily lives. After all, the richest neighborhoods are those woven with the threads of unity, understanding, and collective effort. So, embrace your role and be the beacon that lights up your community with positivity and progress!

Home insurance rates have increased by almost 20% nationally between 2021 and 2023 and even more in some states like Arizona where rates have jumped 62% in some cases.

In today’s economy, the phrase “every penny counts” seems to hold its truth. The appreciation that homeowners have enjoyed, especially in the past four years, has caused premiums to increase because the values are higher.  In addition, insurance is affected by inflation due to the increased cost of labor and building materials used to calculate the replacement cost of the dwelling.

Natural disasters, especially in coastal areas, tornados, fires, and hail are just a few of the things that insurers have paid considerable claims and are driving the prices of premiums higher.  Some insurers are pulling out of high-risk areas which make it difficult for homeowners to not only find coverage but at reasonable prices.

There are several things that homeowners can do to lower the cost of their policies.

Increase Deductibles – Opt for a higher deductible to reduce premium costs, but ensure you have sufficient savings to cover the deductible in case of a claim.

Bundle Policies – Combine homeowner’s insurance with other policies such as auto insurance with the same provider to qualify for multi-policy discounts.

Improve Home Security – Install security features like smoke detectors, burglar alarms, deadbolts, and security cameras to reduce the risk of theft and damage, thus lowering premiums.

Upgrade Home Systems – Updating electrical, plumbing, and heating systems to meet current building codes can lower insurance premiums by reducing the risk of accidents or damage.

Maintain a Good Credit Score – Maintaining a good credit score demonstrates financial responsibility and can lead to lower insurance rates.

Shop Around – Compare quotes from multiple insurance providers to find the best coverage at the most competitive price.

Choose a Less Risky Location – Living in an area with lower crime rates, proximity to fire stations, and minimal environmental risks can result in lower insurance premiums.

Stay Claims-Free – Avoid filing small claims, as a history of claims can lead to higher premiums. Instead, consider paying for minor repairs out of pocket.

Reduce Coverage – Review your policy to determine if you have more coverage than necessary and adjust coverage limits accordingly to reduce premiums.

Ask About Discounts – Inquire with your insurance provider about available discounts for factors such as age of the home, non-smoking household, or membership in certain organizations.

Insurance is required on properties with mortgages on them but even when a home is paid for, most homeowners cannot afford the physical loss but also from potential exposure to liability to people who might be injured on their property.  It is estimated that the number of American homeowners without insurance in 2024 has increased to 12% from 5% in 2019.

Having an annual review with a property casualty insurance agent ensures homeowners maintain adequate coverage as property values and personal circumstances change, protecting against potential underinsurance. This proactive approach provides an opportunity to discuss lowering premiums, helps identify potential gaps in coverage, offering peace of mind and protection against unforeseen events

NEW LISTING

4 Bedrooms 4 Full Baths 1 Half Bath, 4,440 sq ft

13716 Bond Overland Park, Kansas 66221

$599,900

BEAUTIFUL INSIDE! Welcome to – a beautifully maintained home situated on a peaceful cul-de-sac. This residence boasts a brand new roof and Newer windows throughout, newer HVAC systems, 2 water heaters, one is newer. ensuring comfort and reliability. Step inside to find a spacious kitchen with Gas range and a high-ceiling hall, complemented by a charming two-sided fireplace that adds warmth and character to the living spaces. The wooden floors main floor the home add a touch of elegance, while fresh paint enhances the bright and inviting atmosphere. Each room is perfectly sized and includes its own bath, providing ultimate convenience and privacy. The luxurious master suite features a sumptuous bath, creating a serene retreat. The finished basement, completed in 2022, offers additional living space with an unconfirmed room and a full bath. Outdoors, enjoy the deck overlooking the backyard, perfect for relaxing or entertaining, and a sprinkler system with new heads that keeps the lawn lush and green. With a three-car garage and plenty of natural light flooding the interiors, this home is designed for both comfort and style. Don’t miss the opportunity to make 13716 Bond St your new address.

RENT TO OWN Option available. MOTIVATED SELLER! Beautiful family home with a large eat-in kitchen, granite counters, center island, and stainless steel appliances. Enjoy the see-through fireplace to the family room. New carpets (2023) on upper floors. The spacious master suite features an upgraded bathroom with double vanities, a walk-in closet, a shower, a jacuzzi, and heated tile floors. Two bedrooms connected by an upgraded Jack and Jill bathroom. Fully finished basement with half bath. High-efficiency zoned HVAC, attic insulation, and new hot water heater. Plantation shutters, crown molding, tandem 3-car garage, brand new deck, and additional freshly stained deck. Three-layer windows, French drains, and a new roof (2023). Note: Basement square footage not fully reflected on tax records.

OPEN HOUSE 08/24 1-3pm and 08/25 1-3pm

Beautiful family home with a large eat-in kitchen, granite counters, center island, and stainless steel appliances. Enjoy the see-through fireplace to the family room. New carpets (2023) on upper floors. The spacious master suite features an upgraded bathroom with double vanities, a walk-in closet, a shower, a jacuzzi, and heated tile floors. Two bedrooms connected by an upgraded Jack and Jill bathroom. Fully finished basement with half bath. High-efficiency zoned HVAC, attic insulation, and new hot water heater. Plantation shutters, crown molding, tandem 3-car garage, brand new deck, and additional freshly stained deck. Three-layer windows, French drains, and a new roof (2023). Note: Basement square footage not fully reflected on tax records