And now for some news that falls in the “big” category: we’re in the market for a new Casa Petersik.
That’s right, after tons of thoughtful deliberation we’ve decided that it’s time to sell our current home after four and a half amazing years spent here. Why? Because we love a project and we’re can’t-sleep-excited about the prospect of taking on a new home makeover and sharing every moment with you guys. We know it’s a sickness, but we actually crave remodeling and painting projects, so instead of feeling overwhelmed at the idea of starting all over again we’re actually pretty psyched about it.
Of course it’s bittersweet to leave the place that we love so fiercely, but as John put it best “we’ve enjoyed transforming an old dated house way too much to stop at just one.” And there are definitely some old houses out there that could use some love. At first I was in denial, making statements like “I’m never leaving- this is our forever house!” but John knows me too well. One day I just woke up (a few months ago) and was like “maybe we should look around at some open houses, you know… just for fun.” That sentiment soon turned into “oh my gosh, if we got a new place we could do this… and that…” and my mind nearly short circuited from all the possibilities. It was like someone turned on a light or opened a door and I suddenly couldn’t wait to explore.
So we mulled it over for a while to be certain it was what we both wanted (there’s no sense in being rash about matters of the heart like leaving your first love, er, house). We also discussed the idea with both of our parents (who are all so wise beyond their 35 years, har har) and they were amazingly supportive and excited for us.
So it’s official. We’re about to put our house on the market and we’re actively looking at other homes for sale. For any interested locals (wanna buy our house?) we figured we’d share the news here before it hits MLS. So feel free to email us if you’re seriously interested and ready to move (we’re in Bon Air which has awesome schools and charm to spare, and well, you can essentially take a virtual house tour here).
As for where we’re going, we’re planning to stay in the Richmond area, and we’re definitely in the market for another older dated home that could use our help. So we’d welcome suggestions for areas with great schools and charming older neighborhoods beyond our beloved Bon Air (which we’re definitely still considering, but not limiting ourselves to).
Oh and it’s probably fairly obvious that this won’t happen overnight. Finding a house to love as hard as we’ve loved this one definitely isn’t something we expect to do in a day (plus the act of selling our current house could easily take a few months or even longer). But we’re already actively on the hunt, and we plan to keep you posted about all the projects that we’re tackling to get our house in prime selling condition. We’ll also take you guys along on our journey when it comes to touring other houses, considering other areas, and figuring out exactly what we’re looking for (and what we’re not) before signing on that dotted line and grabbing the keys to our new casa. Of course with the holidays coming up we’ll still be taking on a lot of seasonal decorating projects along with whipping up gift guides, and serving up the regular blog fare like mood boards, House Crashings, Reader Redesigns, and more. Can’t wait.
Jasmine says
“OMG you guys are moving?!” <–That was my first thought until I said to myself, "wait, I'll still see them everyday online, duh!"
Congrats to you! You can only do so much in one house, right?! Good luck on finding the next un-perfect home and giving it that perfect Petersik touch.
~Jazz
Lauren McCormick says
Congrats, guys! I’m from Midlo so I know the area QUITE well. Email me if you need a real estate agent!
Donna says
While I am sad you’ll be moving because your current house is so inspiring (not to mention the memories you’ve made there!) I am super excited to see what new house you find and what projects you take on. Good luck to you guys!
Elyse says
Oh, it is so sad and so exciting!
Are you planning on doing anything to remember the house by? Take photos of everything? Make a fun scrapbook? Get the house sketched by an artist? Get a photo print to hang in your new home? Have a family photo taken with the house in the background?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Elyse,
Well, thanks to this blog we have about a million photos of every angle of our house, but we’ll definitely create some art to remember this house by!
xo,
s
Nicole says
You guys should contact a television network to chronicle your house hunting/purchasing/reno adventure! I’d watch it!
YoungHouseLove says
Ack- that sounds scary! We’re happy to stay safely behind our laptops and share all the details on the ol’ blog!
xo,
s
Elaine K says
I was kind of hoping you’d sell your house in about 10 years when I’m looking for a retirement home! I think your house is going to show so well that it will sell really fast even in this market. A part of you will always miss the house you spent so much time on and brought Clara home to. But you have lots of photos to help you remember. Best of luck with selling it and finding a new home. I hope it’s a 70’s house so I can get some ideas for my harvest gold bathroom!
carolyn says
Best of luck in your home search!
Vanessa L says
I knew this was coming, I was just waiting for the post! I figured that with a home improvement blog, you need to be constantly working on and updating your house, and eventually you would run out of big projects to do. Plus, with a little one, and possibly more in the future, things could get tight! I’m so excited to be here from the beginning this time, and to see you transform a new home! Congratulations!
Leigh says
Ummm…can I buy it?? I love your house and we are actually planning to move to, quite literally, anywhere. My husband and I both work from home and we are tired of all the concrete in Texas.
YoungHouseLove says
Sure, come on down, er, up!
xo,
s
DIANA says
Oh my god! Why are those two negative people being so envious… I mean I too think in some part that you guys are doing it for the blog as well as for your family but really if I was in your position I would do the same thing, and I’m pretty sure most other readers would too. So it really doesn’t matter why you guys are doing it as long as you keep posting interesting things on this blog. I come to check it out every single day just to see if there is something helpful that I could use on my own reno. What I like about this blog is that you share a step by step process on the projects you do as opposed to just sharing the before and after pics. I actually got tired of seeing “filler posts” (sorry to say it like that) so I’m really excited about the move and I can’t wait to see your future home and everything that you guys will be doing to make it your own. Both of you are very creative and talented so you deserve nothing but the best. I hope you guys start posting about your new home really soon! I’ve always said you guys have the best projects, helpful info, tips, etc. Also Mr. John is very easy on the eyes.
Oh just one question, will the name of the blog remain Young House Love or will you be changing it to something that suits the new home better and just have a link for Young House Love?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Diana,
We’ll definitely be keeping the name Young House Love (since we’ll still be two young people falling in love with another cute old house in need of some serious sprucing). Can’t wait!
xo,
s
Rebecca Foxworth says
My first thought (oops) was, “Yay! More great DIY blog posts in the future!” Yeah. It’s all about me, right?
I wondered when you had Clara how long it would be until you went looking for a bit more space. Enjoy the hunt. House shopping is wonderful! How you can look at a zillion houses that you can only see as so-so, then walk into one and know instantly you are home is a mystery I still don’t understand. I just know that’s how things work.
So I wish you well as you go and fall in love again…with a house.
Sarah Krebsbach says
Is it okay if this news makes me very sad?
YoungHouseLove says
Absolutely! We can’t say we haven’t shed a few tears over here. But we’re overwhelmed with excitement and joy about the new chapter ahead of us as well. And we’ll always have this house in our hearts (and in our blog archives) to look back on fondly!
xo,
s
Sarah says
Congrats you guys! I have always wondered if you would ever move houses and what that would mean for the blog! But I am so happy for you. Are you going to keep all the same furniture and decorating style? Or are you going to try a new style for the new place? Regardless, I know it will look fabulous and I can’t wait to follow you on this next journey! Thanks for letting us all eavesdrop!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Sarah and Renee,
We’re planning to leave some things here with this house and bring some along with us, but we’re going to create a totally new home (so it won’t be a clone of this one when it comes to the decor). We do love things open and airy and natural, so it’ll probably feel like it’s similar in style to our current casa, but we can’t wait to take on a ton of new projects and work in some new furniture and accessories and colors and materials.
xo,
s
Renee G says
Awww Im a bit sad that ‘we’ are moving, but will be great to see more indepth posts about doing the bigger reno jobs, more so with a little bub in the mix – wonder how she will like living in a plastic bubble!
Are you going to sell off all your current furniture?
Sadie says
Somehow I missed this yesterday. So happy for you guys! What an exciting new adventure! Would you consider the Fan area? The house you crashed there (Stacy’s house, I believe) is absolutely insane. I watched an episode of House Hunters in that area and all of the houses were to die for. I’m a sucker for thick baseboard and crown moulding though.
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Sadie,
We love that area so it’s definitely on our radar. The hardest thing is that people who live there (like Stacie) usually send their kiddos to private school since city schools there have kind of a bad rap, and private school is sadly not something we can afford, at least not right now. We’re sure the right house in the right place will find us though! We were even driving around looking at homes for sale this evening in the rain!
xo,
s
Maggie says
Congrats – it’s always fun to find a new place to renovate, my husband and I are on #3 and while I don’t plan on leaving for a lonnng time, you just never know! Hopefully you’ve done your research on the financing aspect – lending requirements have changed drastically, especially for the self-employed! Excited to hear about how the process goes for you.
Amy says
We are also in Richmond, and sold our first house about 3 years ago. We did FSBO too & actually sold our house on Craigslist of all places! You should try it!
Rebecca Foxworth says
Two more things:
1. When you buy a new home, make certain it is off the MLS before you blog about it. Sometimes it takes a few weeks for it to be removed.
2. You’re selling your HOUSE, not your HOME. I can’t wait to see what you do with your HOME in your new HOUSE.
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Rebecca,
Great tips! Thanks for the reminders!
xo,
s
Andrea says
Hubs and I and our precious little girl currently live in (we rent) a 1950s ranch that’s too small for us, so I totally feel you guys on a good reason for the move — sometimes floorplans just can’t ever be right, even if there’s an addition to be had!
We also dream of a bigger place and crunch numbers all the time. I’m hoping as you go you can offer financial/mortgage/”here’s how we’re gonna make it work” explanations. These topics totally freak me out.
I can’t wait to follow your home tours and see what you do with a new place. How exciting this will be for you AND all of us readers!
Tiffany S. says
*Jaw drop*
I kept waiting for the “just kidding” too, but, hey, I get it. We’re thinking of moving to another state and I keep drooling over those (cheaper, more adorable) houses almost every day.
Can’t wait to see the new project!
Kathryn says
Sherry!!! You caved! I remember watching this adorable video of you two a while back with some FAQ from readers. You said John wanted to redo a house again one day, but you wanted to stay in Casa Petersik forevvvver. I’m so happy for your both. Fun projects ahead!
Cheers to this next adventure. I LOOOOVE you guys. Read you every day!
corinne says
Yippee! What exciting news! I can’t wait to see what you guys find and envision for your new “casa”.
Lisa says
Having spent four fabulous years at the University of Richmond (and then two more years at VCU) I agree with the Westham recommendation. Such a beautiful area and close to downtown. Great schools too! I know houses can be tough to find in Westham – a friend of mine looked for four years before they could find one. Best of luck to you – can’t wait to hear where you end up. Although I no longer live in Richmond, it holds a special place in my heart.
Andrea says
Makes me kinda wanna move to Richmond! :) Good luck on your home search!
Erin says
Wow! This is so strange b/c just last week while I was reading your blog, I told my husband “they will never sell that house….they will just add on if they need more space.” Looks like I was wrong. But I’m super excited to see what you have in store for the new place!!
Kate says
How exciting. Congrats on the decision. Who doesn’t love an excuse to house hunt!
priscilla says
You will LOVE doing this!! People are usually either the type who move regularly after fixing up their home, or they stay put forever. For you two, I don’t know that you would be happy without major projects and making the “before/after”. It gets in your blood and you might want to continue doing it -it’s fun and for you, it’s your business too! Truly a win-win. Can’t wait to see what you pick! I am a realtor in Florida, and it’s always fun to show homes where the sellers have a real gift for “re-doing”.
Kayt says
You know, I was wondering if this was in the cards when I read the roof post, and after seeing everybody smooshed into the guestroom/office/playroom, I knew you guys would eventually start looking. I’m a bit sad, because I’m so attached to your adorable house. But let’s be real, it’s not about us, the readers, it’s about you, the family living there. Enjoy the house hunt, I know my family and coworkers and I will be along for the ride! Congrats!
Jamie B says
A new adventure for us to follow you on! YAY! It’ll keep you busy with what you love to do, while keeping your blog fresh and your readers anticipating your new creative endeavors. I love it! Best of luck on the house hunting. I can’t wait for the adventure to begin!!!
I’d wish you good luck on selling, but I’m pretty sure you’ll be batting the offers away. Anyone for a bidding war ??? :)
Michele Daggar says
This is fabulous. For you guys of course, but mostly for me!!! I cannot wait to watch you take another house and make it “Casa Petersik…the Sequel.”
My hubby and I built our house 15 years ago, before we had our babies. We’re not planning on moving, but I know there are certain things we would (and wouldn’t!) have done if we’d had children before we built. Having a family definitely influences all parts of your lives.
How exciting that you can take another home and use all that knowledge and creativity!!! I know from reading your blog daily that it’s going to be so much fun to see you do-it-yourself all over again. You guys are so inspirational, not just with DIY, but with your enthusiasm and frugal approach.
I am just thrilled for you (and Clara & Burger too!.)
lindsay says
I saw it coming, but oh my goodness. It’s always fun to go to yhl and find out some shocking info. My girlfriends and I gossip about YHL like you are celebrities. No joke, seriously though…WOW!
Kelly says
I am happy for your guys and look forward to hearing all about your adventure.
As far as those negative comments, I think the reason some people are mad is because you guys have always preached “use what you have”, “make what you have work for you”, and “big isn’t always better”. A large part of your following are minimalists like you and John. My guess is that they believe you are not being true to yourselves by selling your house for a slightly larger home. You guys have always said that this is your forever house, we’ll make it work, having a kid won’t change anything. Well, never say never :)
I’m not saying I agree with the negative commenters, only that I do see their point of view. I wish you guys the best and look forward to reading all about it.
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Kelly,
You’re right- never say never! It’s really more of a layout issue, so we’d totally buy a house that was the same size as ours with a different layout! And we look forward to working with what we have and making our new house work for us – just like we did with this one. I guess in our home improvement loving minds, moving on to another house that needs love is a nice thing to do for the neighborhood, our family, our business, and ourselves. Of course it’s a personal decision so we can’t expect everyone to be right there on the same page with us, but we just can’t deny that we love fixing things up and we’re so excited to see how this next chapter of our lives plays out (for everyone from Clara to Burger). And we’re glad to have anyone who’s interested along for the ride!
xo,
s
Megan Elizabeth says
I’m so excited to see your future home! Good luck!
Tori says
I was going to suggest the Fan since they have a lot of houses with old charm, but it looks like a lot of people have beat me to it!
Denice says
Oh man – I was shocked and a little teary about the news, as many other readers were. I think we get choked up thinking about the “Young House Love” house being owned by someone else because we all kind of think of it as OUR house too – that’s understandable, right? All those loving repairs and projects – we were right along for the ride and loved every minute of it. I do look forward to reading all about the hunt for the new place, and am incredibly excited for you all, but still wiping a tear or two :(
Jackie says
I think this is a great decision to maintain the popularity of your blog (=business). When you all are in the thick of big time renovation, the content is fantastic. While recent posts have been okay, surveys and minor decorative blog posts aren’t nearly as cool as ripping out a bathroom :)
tricia says
Wow! I can’t believe it! Good luck with the house hunting!
Jacinta @ modelmumma says
WOW. Did NOT see that coming but it is very exciting! I’ve been reading for 2 years or more and have been enjoying the ride… and being inspired too with our old house which has been slowing renovated.
We’ll probably outgrow our place just as we finish it, but hey, can’t wait to see what your new place looks like and what you do to it!
http://www.modelmumma.blogspot.com
Karen T. says
I can’t wait to read about the adventures that are coming your way! My sister introduced me to your website right after we bought our first house last year (it’s a house built in the 40s that was in desperate need of some TLC), and I’ve been addicted ever since. I emailed y’all some pictures of our laundry room makeover last year, and I was so grateful for the positive words and encouragement I received in response (in fact, I still have your email). Thank you for sharing your journey with us, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for y’all…
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Karen! We’re totally smiling that you still have our email!
xo,
s (& j)
bfish says
Like Kelly, I can understand the questioners’ viewpoint too. I would guess that a big reason YHL has so many followers is that John and Sherry virtually “wear their hearts on their sleeves”. You guys are so open and sharing that readers feel like they actually know you, and take in your comments on things like “forever house” as they would from a trusted friend or family member. I applaud your openness AND your willingness to politely respond to differing opinions.
From first hand experience I can tell you that people do change their minds — and it doesn’t even have to be about a growing family or business. When we moved to our present house, we kept our previous house (made from a sow’s ear into a silk purse by the sweat of our numerous DIY projects) as rental property, and I vowed for years that we’d move back there at some future point when we wanted a smaller house. Well, the current house is no McMansion but we turned the few negatives here into positives. We discovered the joys of gardening under scraggly loblolly pines vs. living in the midst of a majestic hardwood forest. We’ve embraced the charms of hanging out on our large front porch overlooking a fairly busy residential street vs. living in a quiet, secluded corner of nature just 2 blocks from a main street. And I didn’t feel like a hypocrite 10 years or so down the road when it was a no-brainer to sell the old house, with no lingering regrets.
Best of luck with your house sale and hunt for a diamond in the rough!
P.S. I also hope readers can accept that your decorating style will continue to evolve too — what appeals to us at one juncture in our lives can change over time, and adapt to different architectural styles and “the feel” of the homes we live in.
anna see says
It’s going to be sad to see you leave this house, but I am looking forward to the adventure ahead!
Julia Harts the Man says
I am so excited you all are moving! Maybe now all of us second time home buyers can learn the ins and outs of selling and buying a home. There seems to be tons of information out for first time home buyers, but your second time around not nearly enough info. The money stuff especially (mortgages, down payments) would be great to learn about. Please teach me!
Sarah says
I have been reading your responses and your main response is that the layout does not fit your family anymore. I am curious do you not like your bedrooms being on a different part of the house than the family rooms/kitchen area? I know you opened up the door frames when you did the kitchen reno so just wondering what changed your mind on that.
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Sarah,
We basically have a ton of living space (a sunroom, a den, a living room, a kitchen, and a dining area) but we only have three very small bedrooms on the other side of the house (so with a baby, a need for an office, and a bedroom for ourselves we’re bursting at the seams- and we realized that with future kids it would definitely get even tighter). It’s amazing how when we moved in just four and a half years ago we didn’t use either of the two spare bedrooms and now we work/play/sleep guests in one and sleep our baby in the other! It’s just funny how things change!
But it’s honestly more of a spare time issue than a space issue. We’re dying for more big projects and we’re so bad at sitting on the couch! Plus we want to make a new nest for Clara and Burger since we love that our family is growing and changing. So it really was a decision that we knew would be good for ourselves, our family, our business, and our lives in general. We can’t wait to tackle another house and show it some love!
xo,
s
Beth says
WOW!! How exciting! I hope you four find the perfect new house to tackle, but I also hope you find the perfect buyers for your “first love.” You and the house deserve it!
TJ says
I hope I haven’t somehow missed this, but is this the BIG news you mentioned on Facebook a few weeks ago? It has been killing me! I remember you said about waiting for a call or something though, so is there more news to come?
Congratulations by the way… I’m sure it is bittersweet, but I’ll still be following.
YoungHouseLove says
Hey TJ,
That sadly fell through. We were actually going to be flown out to be guests on a super cool national decorating show (and we reeeeally wanted to meet the host) but it just didn’t come together in time so it was postponed. Here’s hoping it happens someday!
xo,
s
Christina says
Oh my gosh, that’s great news! I LOVE change and new projects, so I’m very excited about this news! Congrats to both (well, all 4) of you!
*Michelle says
OMG!! Part of me is shocked…. and part of me says “duh! Look at how beautiful the house is… they’ve fixed everything… need new projects!!” That latter part also thinks “hooray – new projects to stalk!!” :) Fingers crossed for a smooth process for yall!
Caroline says
SO excited to follow you guys as you “start from scratch” in a new house- woo-hoo! p.s. get a house with a pool so I can see how you update an ugly and crumbling backyard/pool area- like I have to do soon! ;-)
Eva says
You guys are just the best. Your humor, your eco-friendly lifestyle, your (obviously) amazing budget-friendly house flipping skillz, and your incredible ability to make us readers feel like a part of a family. I am so thrilled that you have found such success in something you both love!I I just love it when the good guys win!
As another Richmonder who recently moved into a 1947 Cape Cod fixer-upper, I can’t wait for you to start fresh and re-do right alongside us!
Side-note: Another vote for Libbie/Grove/Westhampton area! Super cute houses, incredibly nice people, and lots of playgrounds and children to fill them! No further than 10 minutes from all my favorite staples! (Target, HomeGoods, Carytown, Home Depot, Sticky Rice..)
Christy says
I have read your blog every day for the past few years and actually gasped out loud to my husband when I read the news. He was like, who is moving that we know? I said John and Sherry, duh. LOL. I *may* have also called my Mom to alert her of the news as I also got her hooked on the blog…what can I say, I love it all, especially that you post twice a day…always keeps me coming back! Truly feel as if we do know you and your charming little house. I look forward to all the great new content and starting with you guys from your new beginning. Best of luck and lots of good house selling/buying dust! :)