Sold Fast: Stunning 4-Bedroom Home in Overland Park’s Regency by the Lake

Dreaming of a home in the heart of Overland Park? This newly listed gem in the Regency by the Lake neighborhood is a must-see! Located at 6608 W 147th Terrace, Overland Park, KS 66223, this charming 2-story home offers comfort, style, and unbeatable location within the Blue Valley School District.

Priced at $535,000, this 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home boasts 3,047 square feet of living space with thoughtful upgrades throughout. Built in 1999, the property features remodeled bathrooms, new HVAC, new roof, new sprinklers, and fresh paint. Beautiful hardwood floors enhance the interiors, and the finished basement adds extra functionality for entertainment or office space.

Sitting on a cul-de-sac and facing west, this home also includes a 2-car garage, a fenced yard, and is ready for move-in. It’s the perfect spot for families looking for great schools and a welcoming community in one of Overland Park’s most desirable areas.

Interested?

Contact Krishna Chinnam Realtor today to schedule a private tour or get more information.

• Email: KrishnasAREA@gmail.com
• Call: (601) 301-3579

Looking for your dream home in Olathe, KS? Don’t miss this rare opportunity to assume a 3.5% interest rate on a beautiful 2-story Westbrook II plan by Rodrock Homes! Nestled on a quiet cul-de-sac at 16455 S Fellows Street, Olathe, KS 66062, this home offers luxury, comfort, and a prime location in the highly sought-after Stonebridge Meadows community.

Exceptional Interior Features

Step inside and be captivated by the high-end finishes and thoughtful design. The entry, kitchen, and dining areas feature large, elegant tile flooring, while the open-concept great room boasts a flush hearth tile fireplace, creating a cozy yet modern atmosphere.

The chef’s kitchen is a masterpiece, featuring:

• Stainless steel appliances
• Advantium microwave
• Large island & pantry
• Custom tile backsplash
• Exotic granite countertops

Every inch of this home is designed with sophistication, from upgraded carpeting to premium granite vanities in all bathrooms. The master suite is a retreat in itself, complete with a custom two-head shower, spacious walk-in closet, and a convenient second-floor laundry room.

Energy-Efficient & Outdoor Living

Stay comfortable year-round with a high-efficiency Lennox furnace and an 18 SEER AC unit, installed in 2018. Step outside to enjoy the large, fenced backyard, perfect for entertaining. A lawn sprinkler system and spacious patio make outdoor living a breeze.

Amazing Community Amenities

Living in Stonebridge Meadows means access to unbeatable community features, including:

• Four community pools
• Parks & trails
• Clubhouse & fitness center
• Sports courts

Prime Location & Easy Access

Conveniently located near major highways, shopping, and top-rated schools, this home is in a perfect location for families and professionals alike.

Schedule Your Tour Today!

This home won’t last long! Secure your chance to assume a 3.5% interest rate and move into one of Olathe’s most desirable neighborhoods. Contact Krishna Realtor today to schedule your private tour.

Directions: Take I-435 South, merge onto US-169 South, exit at 151st Street, and head west. Turn right on Ridgeview Rd, then left on 165th St, and finally turn left onto S Fellows St. The home will be on your right.

📍 Listing URL: View Listing Here

Repair it or Replace it?

“game” we play that you might find to be a bit more useful is “Repair it or replace it?”

This one is a game of questions, a bit of researching and some industry knowledge. The researching involves finding out the age of the item in question. The industry knowledge is knowing what is considered a reasonable lifespan for that item.

For example: Is it worth an $1,800 repair on a 15-year-old furnace that can be replaced for $4,500?

Well, if you figure that $1,800 is 40% of the cost for the new unit and that the existing unit is around 60-75% into its expected lifespan, I’d take the “replace it” option.

It’s not an exact science, but I tend to believe if the cost percentage and the age percentage add up to 80 or greater, it’s time to replace. If it’s under 70, the “repair it” option is more entertaining and if it’s between 70 and 80… well, that just stinks as it really becomes a total judgement call.

To revise the example above, if the repair cost was $900 (20%) and the unit is 7 years old (35%), you are at a total of “55” and it now seems more reasonable to go with the repair. However, if the repair was more and/or the unit older, I think you’re going to start wondering if you shouldn’t just replace it. It seems logical, right?

Dishwashers… We play this game quite a bit with this particular appliance and sadly, it’s usually the “replace it” that wins. They’re a lower cost item to begin with at around $800-$1,000 and a life expectancy of about 10 years. With a minimum repair cost of around $150, you’re already at 15-18% so it would need to be less than 6 years old (60%) to even consider repair vs. replacement.

Expected Lifespans

Here is what a quick look at expected lifespans for items we replace most often:

• Dishwasher: 8-12 years
• Air Conditioner: 15-20 years
• Furnace: 20-25 years
• Carpeting: 6-8 years
• Interior Paint: 5-10 years
• Exterior Paint: 7-10 years

If you’ve owned a home (or a car) for any length of time, you’ve played the “repair it or replace it?” game. Do you agree with the under 70 and over 80 calculations? I bet you considered this equation or something similar without even realizing it to make past decisions. While it might not be the most fun game in the world, I do still enjoy the strategy, knowledge and perhaps a bit of luck that is involved when playing it.

Feel free to give me a call for more details.

Ben Franklin used a technique called a “balance sheet” when he was faced with a decision.  As the lore goes, whenever Ben was faced with a decision, like you are now, he’d take a piece of paper, draw a line down the middle of it.  On the left side, he’d list all the reasons he should do something and on the right side, he’d list the reasons to avoid doing that thing.

Would-be home buyers are faced with the decision of whether to buy in today’s market with uncertainty about inflation, the presidential election, the economy, higher than recent mortgage rates, and increased home prices, just to mention a few.

Some people have been put on the sidelines because they cannot qualify for a mortgage and others have sidelined themselves, even though they have the funds and resources, because of all the “noise” in the market.  Looking at the advantages of renting versus buying may bring clarity.

Advantages of Renting:

• Financial Flexibility: Renting typically requires a lower upfront cost, making it more accessible for individuals with limited savings or those looking to manage their finances conservatively.
• Maintenance Responsibility: Renters are often not responsible for major maintenance and repair costs, as these are typically the landlord’s responsibility, allowing for a more worry-free living experience.
• Mobility: Renting provides greater flexibility to relocate quickly if job opportunities or personal circumstances change without the commitment of selling a property.
• Amenities and Services: Many rental apartments offer on-site amenities such as gyms, pools, and concierge services, providing added convenience and luxury without ownership responsibilities.
• Predictable Costs: Renters usually have fixed monthly costs for rent, making budgeting more straightforward as they don’t need to account for unexpected homeownership expenses.

Advantages of Buying:

• Equity Building: Homeownership allows you to build equity over time as you pay down your mortgage, which can serve as a valuable asset and investment for the future.
• Stability and Control: Owning a home provides stability and control over your living environment, allowing you to personalize and renovate the property to your liking.
• Tax Benefits: Homeowners may benefit from tax deductions on mortgage interest and property taxes, potentially reducing their overall tax liability.
• Long-Term Investment: Real estate has historically appreciated in value over the long term, potentially leading to significant wealth accumulation.
• Sense of Ownership: Owning a home often brings a sense of pride and accomplishment, as well as the freedom to make decisions about the property without seeking landlord approval.

The Ben Franklin balance sheet might suggest that whichever side had the greatest number of reasons, that would be the appropriate action.  If each item had the same weight of importance that might be logical.  However, some reasons might tip the scale dramatically in favor of taking a particular action.

The equity building aspect of homeownership is exactly that type of reason.  With each payment made on the mortgage, a portion of it reduces the principal balance due which builds equity in the home.  Each month, a larger amount goes to the principal.

Homes on a national basis have experienced a 5.56% annual appreciation over the last 60 years according to the Federal Reserve Economic Data and Bureau of Labor Statistics.  During that period, inflation has averaged 3.7%, making homeownership a hedge against inflation.  Even if a person continues to rent, they will be paying more because rents have increased during the same 60-year period at 3.88% annually.

The average price of a home in America in 1963 was $19,300 and in 2023, 60 years later, the average price of a home was $495,100.  Long term, a home is a powerful investment in an individual’s wealth.

Sellers who choose to offer buyer’s agent compensation can enhance their property’s appeal and attract a wider range of buyers resulting in obtaining the highest price, in the shortest time, with the fewest problems. In a competitive market, this strategic decision may be crucial for achieving a successful and timely sale.

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