We shall not be bored...

This time, last year… so many things have changed. The kids, the car… 

Our manicured lawn in late Spring

Things have been happening around here again. Which is kind of exactly how Adam and I like it.  Neither of us can stand to be bored, even if just for a moment.  So we have busied ourselves over the years with a variety of home projects, renovations, and makeovers.  First to mind was the basement, the landscaping, the endless painting, redo's of the bedrooms, tiling the shower, re-carpeting, re-furnishing, re-roofing, upgrading appliances, changing out fans and fixtures, and we think… we JUST think after 6 1/2 years that we have finally got this house right where we want it to be.  (Except for maybe a storage shed out back).  So clearly the ONLY logical thing to do at this point in time, is------- to sell it.
Well maybe it's not logical to YOU.
Most people seem overwhelmingly shocked when they hear the news that we plan to move. But really if you know us, and you really take a moment to think about it, it makes perfect sense.  We've done just enough to the house to put it at the top of the market for our neighborhood, and to give us just enough equity to sell it with a nice little cushion in our pocket.  AND, if you know us, we have been itching to move out South for awhile now.

The "for sale" sign that caught our eye

the new project!

Over the past month we have heard circulating rumors about the state of the real estate market here in Olathe.  Apparently it is pretty hot.  I looked into it, and sure enough there is a housing shortage and houses are flying off the market.  Of course this gave us the itch and we decided to see what was available down in Paola (where my office is located).  We spent a few weekends touring the community, checking out the golf course, the schools, parks, pools, Lake Miola, the town square, drive in theater, the gym… and fell in love.  The lifestyle change, the financial change, the opportunities… all of it.  We started by looking at homes out in the country and were repeatedly disappointed by the high prices and less than appealing homes.  We had given up looking for the day and were driving thru the town to stop at Dairy Queen when we passed a for sale sign.  A quaint old home sitting on the corner, with stately trees, a large front porch, and clean landscaping. We toured around the outside and found it was empty.  So we got out and let the kids explore the yard, while we took in the exterior of the home. The details in the retaining walls, the nice flat yard and asphalted drive, the composite decking and front porch swing. It quickly gained our attention. We decided to call the realtor on the sign, and she happened to be around the corner (which probably happens a lot in a small town.)  She let us in and we spent the next hour examining the home.  With it's shag carpet, green counters, 60's fixtures, and heavy draperies… we were sold.  We have found our perfect project.  Our next endeavor. We shall not be bored….  Our heads started swimming with ideas. Ideas to renovate. To expose the old hardwood floors, to showcase the original woodwork. Plans to make built-ins, plans to makeover the kitchen and again create a space all our own.  A home we can be proud of, a home where the details are all ours.

The backside of the home. Off to the right is a nice backyard, and a good sized garden!

Our heads started expanding with even bigger ideas and dreams.  Joining the community country club and letting Jack grow up on the golf course.  Taking our kids to drive in movies, and spending sunny days on the lake. Storing our camper on our own property. Walking down the sidewalk to the public library, or riding our bikes to the pool.  County fairs and rodeos, parades that will pass in front of the house.  Then hopefully, after a few years, investing in some small rental properties and finding investment opportunities that someday… maybe someday… will get us out on land with a home that suites our dreams. (not that we would want to be bored though!)



So here is the Plan:
Our house here in Olathe will be placed on the market next Friday. Our new home in Paola has a signed contingency contract… and is just waiting for us to transform it.

A sneak peak into the inside… we can't reveal too much or you will think we are CRAZY :)
Did I fail to mention… this new little home of ours was about 90,000 less??? moving on UP!???