residents

is a short and sweet description of Don and Angela Zysk, local residents who are energized about “homes.” Their company, Z homes LLC, is “everything homes”–from home transformations and remodeling, homes for sale and rent, along with a local airbnb short-term rental.

Looking at their website, I immediately thought of Chip and Joanna Gaines from Fixer Upper, which began on HGTV in May of 2013. However, the Zysk’s journey preceded the Gaines, with their own venture beginning in 2012. Don was working in communications, and Angela taught choir in the Eudora schools. It was a pivotal time when Angela was about to become a stay-at-home mom with their four kids, and Don’s job was changing directions. He had been watching HGTV’s This Old House,* and had always wanted to try his hand at home renovation.

“Either buy a house or stop talking about it,” challenged Angela. And that he did! Their first house was flipped in Overland Park. While working his day job, Don spent many late hours and weekends pursuing his passion. “It was finally done, and astonishingly, it sold,” Don said. He remembered thinking, “What the heck! How did that happen!” Skepticism soon turned to optimism. Jumping in with both feet–Don got his general contractor’s license and found plenty of available homes. The “home-flipping” began. Three homes on Golden Lane were flipped by the Zysks, along with many other De Soto projects.

“We buy homes no one wants,” shared Angela. “Everything we do revolves around housing.” And that it does. “We are a team and work 100% together on everything,” they both agreed. In addition to Don’s numerous contractor skills, Angela designs, finishes and paints–doing whatever it takes to get a house done!

Building on their skills and expertise, they have continued to grow and expand their home ventures. Being licensed and insured, they also offer home remodeling.

Five years ago, Angela became a licensed realtor, and she also stages homes. “Inventory is still low and many homes still sell quickly,” Angela says. She pointed out that when your home sells, “Where will you go in this high-priced market?” Many choose to stay and remodel. “You’ll have an almost brand new home in an affordable neighborhood,” Angela offers as an alternative to consider. The couple discovers that some projects become rentals, and some will sell–evolving as each project is completed.

* Find your own inspiration at This Old House the show began in 1979 as a 13-part series that aired on WGBH, hosted by Bob Vila and norm abram. in March of 2021, this old House Ventures was sold to roku. all 1,500 episodes of Ask This Old House and This Old House are available to roku owners.

Grandma B’s House

32855 West 83rd Street

(785) 760-0297 https://www.grandmabshouse.com/

Just last year the couple ventured into restoring the downtown De Soto Grandma B’s House. “We thought it would be torn down,” they explained. “We love old houses and wanted to save it.” And that they did! The home was purchased and work began in January of 2022. It was a full six months of labor-intensive sweat equity along with a sweet labor of love. The entire process can be viewed at https://www.facebook.com/ grandmabshouse/photos. “Upon completion, we thought we would rent it out to a long term tenant,” Angela shared. “But it booked immediately.” Many people enjoy their warm, cozy stay at Grandma B’s–reminiscent of Angela’s real-life “Grandma B” that the home was named after. Grandma Taylor was the last owner, and her granddaughter’s shower was held here. A family from Tennessee, who grew up in the house in the 1950’s, stayed during the summer and again over the holidays so they could “come home for Christmas.” There are lots of special memories and connections to this home. Many visitors still have family in De Soto. Other guests have stayed at the home while attending KU graduations, Bonner Springs concerts–and even an American Royal BBQ attendee! Weddings are a popular occasion for the bridal party to gather and get ready in the dining room area, under the vintage crystal chandelier. With a variety of wedding venues close by, Grandma B’s provides nearby accommodations.

The home became a “short-term” rental, giving a special experience. By preserving the old house, it has become a place to reminisce and create new memories.

–interview with Don and Angela Zysk, at Grandma B’s written by Rose Burgweger, publisher/editor