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.
Tara @ Tara Being Tara says
Congrats, guys! This is so exciting… I had a feeling it would happen pretty soon!
Mike at The Big Stick says
Congrats on the decision and I think I saw this one coming. It seemed like your house was nearing ‘perfect’ stage. A new house will give you blog material for years to come.
Kerri says
Wow!! I am so excited for you guys! It’s bittersweet, really. I cannot wait to “start over” with you. And if I could relocate to Richmond, I would buy your house in a heartbeat – no, really. So I hope that there is a local buy who feels just the same. :)
Sarah says
Oh my gosh. I wasn’t prepared for this! Seriously, though, congrats. Y’all are so good at maximizing space, but I was wondering what would happen if you both continued to work at home and possibly have more children. Good luck – your in my thoughts and prayers!
Mel G says
Holy cow! You guys just blew my mind!!!! I’m so excited to see what’s in store for the future. Congrats!
andrea p says
Oooo! I would love to see posts when you look at houses & what makes you decide on what you like, dont like, and see potential in!
CONGRATS< THIS IS HUGE!!!!
Woot!
Kate says
Congrats on making the decision! I had actually been thinking , “They’re running out of stuff to renovate, they’re going to end up having to move on to a different house!” and it looks like I was right. I can’t wait for lots of great new projects on renovating and updating your next house!
Jennifer H. says
I’m sure you won’t have any problems finding your perfect new fixer-upper, but as a suggestion … my sister and my parents both live in Midlothian (Queen’s Mill area). Great schools,lots of houses with update/upgrade potential. My sister and her husband have done an amazing job upgrading/renovating their house. Happy to put you in touch with them if you’d like the DL on the ‘hood. Good luck!
Selfishly, SO excited to see what you do with the new place! :-)
Amanda says
I am so excited for you guys! What a great new adventure! I wish the “commute” from Richmond to DC was a little shorter – I’d love to have the YHL First Home!
*crossing my fingers for a quick sell*
Rebecca says
This is so exciting!!! I can’t wait to follow you on your journey!!!
Peg says
I’m so excited for you guys! I have a question, though. Why are you moving? More fodder for the blog, you just love taking on projects, or was your current house not the best fit it could be for your family?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Peg,
All of the above! And then some! We really thought long and hard about what would be best for our family, our business, and our life as a whole.
xo,
s
Ashley Brown says
Congratulations!! Can’t wait to see your new nest :) No doubt it will have loads of potential! We are so excited for you Youngsters!
Tammy says
With the changes you’ve made to that home, you should have no trouble selling and I really hope you sell it without having to enlist the help of a Realtor! : )
Best wishes on our new journey!
catherine says
I can’t believe it! I really thought you guys (and gals) would be in the house forever and though I am sad, I can’t WAIT to see what the next house brings. How about a late 1950’s colonial? That is what I have and I am so stuck on designing and layout.
I wish you lots of luck in the home buying process!
Tammy says
oops..I meant YOUR new journey!
Jessie says
Whoa, congrats! Kind of bittersweet though.
In light of moving, buying, etc, I have been wondering – how do you gain income (esp. since it’s your source of family revenue) from the blog? I’m new to the blogging world, and don’t really get it. Is is just through your sponsers/the ads on your website? How is that enough to generate enough income to live? Love some insight.
YoungHouseLove says
Jessie- Just check out the comments from yesterday’s “Behind The Scenes Post” for that info. Hope it helps!
Jael- We’re definitely planning to share all of our must-haves, would-be-nice, and can’t-haves. Stay tuned…
xo,
s
Jessica says
Since you guys have hinted (flat out told us) that more children are in the future and the way you two love to rennovate, I’m not surprised by this news. I know you’ll do great things wherever you go and I can’t wait to enjoy the journey with you. YOUNGHOUSELOVE: Keeping things fresh and interesting with the Petersik’s!
Tracy says
Holy moly!
I am so excited to see what you do with your new place! I hope your new home has the same layout for a living room as mine does – I need help. ;)
Good luck!
tarynkay says
I’m glad to hear that you’re looking for another “modest and humble” home. It seems that so many people have a kid and think that they instantly need another 1000sq ft! Really, the bigger the house, the more junk you accumulate and the more you have to clean. Small is good, and the work you do proves that, over and over again. It will be so exciting to see what you do next!
Clare says
What exciting news! I’d love to buy your house and move back to Richmond, but it’s not in the cards quite yet. Congratulations on your family’s new adventure, and thanks for sharing it all with us!
Kath says
This is going to be the best episode of House Hunters ever!
Anna says
My husband and I bought a house in the West End area (near Three Chopt and Patterson) of town about a year ago. It’s a 1950s house that needs quite a bit of work, so your blog really inspires me. We love our neighborhood – great older houses and lots of young couples.
Good luck with the selling and buying! Can’t wait to see what neighborhood you pick and all the new exciting projects.
jael says
I had to re-read your post to make sure i was reading it right!!!
I’m exited to see where these project leads you…and i’m certain that you will have no problem selling the ol’ house.
Can you share what are you looking for in a new house?
Lauren says
Congrats! thats so wierd- yesterday i was thinking “i wonder if they will ever move. they just had a baby, so they probably need more space”. how are you going to decide on a realtor? now is the best time to buy a house, despite what the media says…you are definitely doing the right thing! good luck!!
JenS says
Wow, so exciting! Someone will be SO psyched to buy your house you guys have done such an amazing job! Good luck finding a new place, I’m sure there are plenty of fixer-uppers out there with tons of potential! Can’t wait to follow you on your new adventure!
Carolyn M. says
Wow..big news!! Although after Clara was born I had a feeling you guys would be looking for another house. After the office/guestroom combo redo I thought to myself they are running out of rooms. CONGRATS! Thats so exciting!! Can’t wait to see what house you guys pick next!
Just out of curiousity, are you guys leaning more towards a 2 story house now? I’m sure you guys will be able to sell your beautiful home with no problems even with the economy the way it is, come on who doesn’t wanna buy the YHL house?! lol
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Carolyn & Lauren,
We’ll be sharing more of what we’re looking for along with realtor and loan info in future posts. Stay tuned…
xo,
s
Chelsea says
Wow – I didn’t see this coming at all! Looking back, though (like the new roof) I probably should’ve put two-and-two together. :) I’m a little sad that you guys are moving, but more excited – I LOVE house hunting and looking at all the opportunities out there, and starting fresh! I can’t wait to tag-along on your new journey!
~Chelsea
Jill says
We’re also looking to put our house on the market as soon as we can get it ready. So please, please, please do lots of posts on what we should do to get it ready! I’m excited to hear about how it goes for you all.
laine says
I live in Smoketree and really like it (yay southside!). Its farther from the city but has good schools and is fairly affordable (IMO). Most homes were built in 1980 or so and need some updating, but mostly just cosmetic. So while it doesn’t have the serious old house charm, it’s still an established neighborhood with lots of trees and such. Good luck selling the house–I know the market is rough this year!
Shelley @ Green Eggs & Hamlet says
Congratulations, what exciting news! I had a feeling this day would eventually come but I didn’t think it would be this soon. And how cool that you all have the blog to show Clara and any future kidlets about your first house and exactly what it looked like.
Krysta says
This post made me super sad and excited. I can’t wait to see your new home and the fabulous ideas you all are sure to come up with! Ever thought of trying out for the show House Hunters?
YoungHouseLove says
Krysta- We’re not really the reality show type, but we plan to share all of the potential houses that we’re looking at on the ol’ blog- so it’ll be like a blog-version of the show right here on YHL!
Emily- Absolutely! Stay tuned!
xo,
s
Bethany O'Brien says
“whoo to the hoo!!” super excited to see where you guys will end up!!!
jan says
Looking forward to future projects! good luck!
Jessica says
Congratulations! I have been wondering what else you would be able to renovated at your current house. :) Can’t wait to see and read all about this next step!
Natalie says
After being a follower for years, I thought recently like it seemed you were running out of projects to do in the house! I know home projects never really stop, but the major things that are blog worthy were dwindling down. Congrats on pursuing the next big project – finding a new home! I can’t wait to see what awaits!
Christine says
I saw this coming, but thought it would be a little longer before the big move! Congrats! As a former resident of Richmond (lived in the Fan) still pining to return some day, I am particularly interested to see where you look, what you find, etc. I loved living in the Fan and also adore the near West End – both have tons of fabulous older homes with character to spare and in need of some YHL love. Best of luck!
Emily says
Congrats guys!
Thought, I have to say I’m a little selfishly delighted at this news too: we’ve been considering a move to the Richmond area (from Boston) for a while, and I’ve always wanted to hear from you guys about the pros/cons of various neighborhoods in the Richmond area.
Will you guys be posting about your process of selecting an area and narrowing down the choices?
Ericka says
I have to admit, I saw this announcement coming as well:) It’s bittersweet. I know you’ll have absolutely no trouble selling. The market is bad, but you have an advantage with your house being featured in your blog and in magazines. It’s a beautiful home and I would consider buying it if I were in the area and in the market! Congratuations!
Amanda says
Congrats! Can’t wait to see all the new projects! My husband, new baby and I live in the Fan. We love it–Fox school is excellent, the neighborhood is diverse, the architecture is unparrelled and three words for you: historic tax credits! I’d love to see you guys renovate one of these old homes.
Janell Beals says
A couple after my own heart! I love to move and do it all again, but finally my family has requested the moving be put to a stop, for now! I will most certainly enjoy the process living vicariously through your move…what an adventure, have fun! Janell
Leah says
You know what, last week I was actually wondering if you were going to sell your house and start fresh soon. And I was right! It makes sense, you guys have run out of ways to make your home as awesome as it can be :)
Good luck with the house search, I know you will find the perfect (lucky) house. Are there many two storey Victorian-style homes in your area? I would love to see you re-love one of those.
Leah.
YoungHouseLove says
Leah- There are definitely many types of older homes, and we’ll share what we like and don’t like along the hunt.
Kristi- We plan to make small changes and spruce things up a bit outside but we don’t plan to repaint any walls at the moment. We figure that someone might want to buy our house exactly as it looks right now (it just takes one person who loves it exactly as it is to sell it) so unless we have a problem and our house sits for a few months we’ll only be making smaller changes. Stay tuned for those details as we go!
LibbyS- We did, scroll back for a comment about what we chose to get a new house over building an addition. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
LibbyS says
Congrats on your decision! So very excited. I believe I already know the answer to this question (resale value/keeping with the neighborhood)but did you guys consider doing an addition? Seems like that would be up your alley!
Johanna says
WOOHOO! This is some big news indeed. Oh, I’m excited only thinking about following your big adventures along on the blog! My first reaction was “I need to soak it all in before it’s gone …” but then I realized all you shared of your sweet house will still be here for all of us, and you!, to see. What an awesome tribute to your home. Can’t wait to see the new one you pick … and I guess so do you!
All my best wishes across the ocean from Germany,
Johanna
Kristi says
Very exciting! My husband and I actually predicted that you guys would get bored as soon as you made over every room in your house. I can totally understand the need to start over. Have you decided to make any changes/staging before selling? Like for instance, making the office more like a bedroom so that potential buyers will see the potential? Or maybe painting the nursery a more neutral color? It’s funny but that stuff can make a big different to potential buyers.
Crystal says
Congrats!! This is going to be so exciting and I’m super exciting to follow along with all new transformations!
We have lots of projects for our home that I would like to complete and hope that some of these may increase our re-sell value someday too – as I really would like to move once our older kids get out of school. It would be great if you could share the kinds of things that your realtor (or you) think added to your home values the most!
Amanda says
Wow! That annoucement took me by surprise. Please share you home buying process with us!? I am considering a home purchase in the near future. Because I want a farm most of what I’m looking at includes very old homes that need lots of work. I’m hoping you’ll share some tips to search out the hidden gems rather than becoming sucked into a money pit!
Amanda Wright says
CRAZY! I hope you will let us come virtual house hunting with you. I suppose when you make your living blogging about home improvements and such you eventually run out of things to do and have to move on to a new house!
Tina says
We live in a 1958 ranch, but our basement is 2000 sq. feet just like the upstairs so there’s lots of potential for extra rooms-we already have a family room & kitchen on one side of the basement.There’s also a pretty big full bath down there. We’re getting ready to move our 2 boys to the basement to make room for my 91 yr. old grandma who’s moving in soon! My husband let me know long ago that we’re never moving out of this house. At first I was sad, now I’m really happy about it! Its slowly getting fixed up-we’ve almost finished our kitchen rehab. & our main bath is next!
Cindy says
I’m so excited for you! My husband and I just sold our “new” townhome and bought a 30-year-old contemporary that is just ready and waiting for updates and a new touch.
I never loved our house, but yet I”m sad about leaving it since so many amazing things happened for us in that house. I imagine you are feeling 10x the emotions.
Happy hunting!
bridget b. says
exciting news! we’re not in the market for a new home now, but i still love checking out the mls site to see what’s out there.
other than wanting a new space to renovate, can you share some of the other reasons for your upcoming move? what are some of the must haves that you will be looking for in your new place?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Bridget B- We’ll be sharing that info soon. Stay tuned!
xo,
s