So, funny story about the house below. We bought it and we’re moving in.
We know this news probably evokes a whole range of reactions. Excitement for new makeovers. Sadness for leaving our current house. Curiosity about all of the logistics. Confusion. Anger. The inexplicable urge to do The Carlton.
Starting this story requires rewinding seven years, back to our first house hunting experience in Richmond in the spring of 2006. We had just moved from New York City and Richmond real estate felt very spacious and very cheap by comparison. It made dreamers out of us. We checked out a bunch of neighborhoods, and fell for an awesome old area with nice big wooded lots, great schools, charming tree-lined streets, and kids on scooters.
But none of the sweet old character-filled houses in that neighborhood were in our price range, especially because the bank had no faith in us. The issue was not our savings, but the fact that I was less than 2 months into my new job and Sherry was just as deep into her career as a freelance copywriter. In the eyes of the bank, Sherry was unemployed since she was a newbie self employed person (even though she was earning more than me!) so I ended up being the only name on the loan – basically cutting our buying power in half. Goodbye dream neighborhood, hello this looker.
As deflating as that financial reality check was, it turned out to be one of the biggest blessings. Had we not been steered towards a fixer upper, we might not have ever started this blog or learned the advantage of buying a home that’s well within our means. By not stretching financially, we could stash away a lot more project money and build up our nest egg – because we hadn’t lost sight of that neighborhood we first fell for, we had just put that dream on hold.
Fast forward 4.5 years, past a new puppy, a wedding in the backyard, Clara’s birth, and me coming home to work full-time. Our beloved little 1,250 sq ft ranch (with only one full bathroom) was suddenly feeling cramped and we found ourselves house hunting again. Dream neighborhood here we come, right? Try again, compadre. This time I was the financial deadweight (having just left a salaried job six months earlier to come work at home – great timing, right?). So once again we found ourselves approved for something far below our actual mortgage-paying abilities thanks to the bank’s you-haven’t-done-this-self-employment-thing-long-enough-for-it-to-count doubt.
But it dropped another gem of a fixer upper in our laps. And this time we knew that an affordable needs-work home meant even more projects and more money squirreled away for our “maybe someday” neighborhood.
Now, I wouldn’t say we ever consciously thought of these homes as “stepping stones” or rungs on a property ladder that we were itching to climb. Even though we always loved that dream neighborhood from afar, Sherry was fully convinced our first house would be our “forever home” (we even have that statement on video). When we fall in love with a house, we fall hard. But the experience of outgrowing and leaving our first place made us realize that we enjoy the process of loving an old house back to life way too much to stop at just one.
So when we moved into this house, we went into things with a more open attitude. Knowing we’d soak up every second of living here (you know we’re nuts about the journey) but no longer making bold declarations like “we’ll stay here forever.” Admittedly, at halfway through year three of living here, the end came a bit sooner than we expected, but our time here since 2010 has been jam-packed. We’ve celebrated three Christmases in this house, created a book from start to finish here, and enjoyed countless Clara milestones (crawling, walking, talking, Gangnam Style-ing). So this place is by no means a blip on the timeline of our family history. It has been “home” through a heckova lot, which makes leaving it that much more bittersweet.
We just knew we didn’t want our current place to be our last fixer upper (it’s not only what we love to do, it’s our livelihood), so when we felt ourselves tackling the last few untouched rooms on our list we started casually keeping one eye open for a deal that could be a potential rental or even a future Casa Petersik. We’d occasionally flip through real estate listings and drop in on open houses. We always hoped that something would come up in our price range in that dream neighborhood so we could jump on it like a velociraptor, but after two house-hunting experiences that didn’t lead to us ending up there, we weren’t very confident.
And then it happened. Pretty much out of nowhere, we found the sweetest needs-lots-of-love home in that old charming neighborhood that we’ve driven through at least five times a year just to stare creepily since 2006. Yes, this is a seven-years-in-the-making house coup of ours. We would have loved to take you guys on the house hunting adventure with us like last time, but it all happened so fast and before we knew it we were closing on it.
And thanks to putting some of that saved-for-years cash down at closing, our new house’s mortgage amount is almost exactly the same as our current house’s – but our interest rate is even lower. We both spent closing day waiting for Ashton Kutcher to jump out and scream “you got punked!” but all went well and the house is officially ours. We’ve even had it long enough to fix some first-priority issues like a leaking roof, a broken furnace, and even hooked up the alarm system.
The house hasn’t been updated since it was built around 35 years ago, and knowing that its interior might scare off others trying to buy in a mostly turn-key community, the sellers priced it way under assessment. It was over $100,000 less than another house of the same size that was for sale down the street. A low-priced fixer upper in a neighborhood that we’ve dreamed about for almost a decade? Yes please. 70’s wallpaper, blue trim, lumpy carpet and all…
Beyond the price, neighborhood, and glaring need to be rescued – this place is perfect for us in so many other ways. It’s nearly the exact same size as our current place (huzzah, no more extra square feet to clean). The street is beautiful and quiet (perfect for someday teaching Clara to ride a bike). It’s still just as close to our family (maybe they can watch Clara while we strip wallpaper). And it presents us with so many new design challenges and opportunities that our minds are spinning with ideas. I mean, hello, we have stairs for the first time in seven years of home-ownership!
Perhaps the funniest thing is that at our age, my parents were moving into their third house, which was where they stayed for over three decades. So apparently it’s in the Petersik blood.
We know that you guys probably have dozens of questions – When are we moving in? (Don’t know yet) When can you see more pictures? (Soon) What does Clara think? (She already picked out her room… based on the closet size. Is she 16?) But this post would be ten thousand words if we tried to cover everything, so we’ll get to those things in time. We also have a few things to finish around here to get our current house sold (anyone interested?) so in an effort to keep our own minds focused on those to-dos, it won’t be all new house posts all the time. We’ll just be moving at our usual real-time pace and sharing a little bit of everything that’s happening (selling, packing, planning, moving, and diving into our new house adventure).
Did I mention these two are the most excited of all? Okay, three if you count Ariel.
We can’t wait to continue sharing the good, the bad, and the ugly with you guys. Seriously, who wants to come paint some mauve trim with us? And if there were a moral to this story, it’s patience. This is not “the house the book bought” (we still haven’t hit our royalty point), it’s the house that seven years of saving up and living within our means bought. Had we strained our wallets and gone for a larger or more turn-key house back in 2006, we probably would’ve had a very different financial path, and most certainly would have had a different career path. So even though we had to wait a while, it just makes this new chapter in our lives that much sweeter. Who knows, we might just stay there forever…
Kristy says
This is awesome! Can’t wait to see more. Congrats!
Kathryn says
congratulations!!! looking forward to following the new journey
Emily V. says
Congratulations!! The new house is so charming..(on the outside). So excited for you guys!
Betsy says
I’m selfishly excited that your new home has wallpaper to be removed! We moved in October and have yet to tackle the various ducks, flowers and hunting scene (?) wallpaper in our house! Can’t wait to see what you guys do with the new place :)
Christina Dick says
Your new home looks beauuuttiful. I love it.
Joy says
So exciting! And surprising! Congrats, the new place looks great!
Lindsay says
Congrats! My question, though, is…. does it have a garage? Haha
YoungHouseLove says
Hahahahahah! It does!
xo
s
Kelley says
So freaking excited for you guys! Can’t wait to see what you do with the next place.
We have a remarkably similar story to yours. We just closed on our 3rd house last week. We lived in house 1 for 2 years, house 2 for 3 years, and now house 3 – it’s on a beautiful street I’ve loved for a while, it’s private and mature and quiet – hope this one is a forever home.
Congrats guys!!!
Jenny G. says
Is this for real???
If so, I think I’m doing the Carlton. Hello curb appeal on the new house! I can’t wait to see the projects in this newbie!!!
Jen says
Congratulations! That’s exciting news – for you and for all your readers. So many great projects to start. And, whoever buys your current and wonderful house will be getting a place that is cheerful and up-to-date.
Nicole B. says
OMG!!! What awesome news! Congrats to you guys! I can only imagine what ideas are lined up for stairs!
Amelia R. says
Okay, so, not angry, not wanting to do the Carlton, but definitely disappointed that we won’t get to see how your current house turns out, and how Clara likes living in her big-girl room . . . But congratulations, anyway. Starting a new house is an exciting prospect! And now that the market’s back up a bit, I hope you get a good price for your current place.
Can you talk later a little bit about the process of buying a new house before selling your old one? We’re getting the bug over here, and are hoping to move to a better school district before our kiddo is ready for kindergarten. I’d love to know more about your experience. Thanks, and congrats again!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, we’ll dive into all of that info for you for sure :)
xo
s
Savvy Financial Latina says
Very exciting! I am looking forward to reading the posts. I would love to see a post on your third home’s buying process and how you are planning to sell your current home.
Congrats y’all!!!
Natalie says
Congratulations! The new place is beautiful.
Can’t wait to see the transformation.
Melissa says
Congratulations!!! What an exciting time and I am really looking forward to hearing all the details!!!
Lauren L says
omg!!! I don’t even know you guys but I’m totally sad/happy about this. I feel like I’m actually mourning your future old house lol. I guess that’s a testament to how awesome you guys are at blogging. Congratulations! Looking forward to seeing how you grow with the new casa!
Ginger says
Congrats. So excited for you guys!!
Katy @ RICE says
I’m just so unbelievably excited for you guys! I might be living vicariously through you :) So excited about your new home! My son, Gabe, (he’s 3) sat on my lap as I read this post and loved to see the pictures of Clara and her ‘wittle doggie who eats doggie food but not people food”.
Thanks for sharing your patience through this journey. And thanks for being an example of how living within your means and saving is so wise and responsible (and pays off)! So glad you guys bought your first fixer upper that lead you to sharing this new home with all of us! Beyond excited for you!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks so much Katy! You’re so sweet!
xo
s
Hilary L says
Best news ever!!! I can’t hardly wait to see what you tackle first! Saying prayers for a quick and easy sell and a safe and stress-free move! Congrats to you guys – going to pick my jaw up off the floor now ;0)
avital says
i was in the middle of eating when i read this and the food got stock in my throat! oh my god! you guys are nuts but in a good way. good luck with that
Sarah @ Tucker Up says
Wow, so exciting!! Congrats! The new house is beautiful!
Pam the Goatherd says
WOW!WOW!WOW!
My first thought on reading that introductory paragraph was, “But this ISN’T April 1st!!!” LOL!
Congratulations! I’ve been wondering what you were going to do now that the current house is pretty much all fixed up. Looks like the new house offers lots of opportunity for all sorts of projects and blog-posts. This is going to be fun for all of us!
Emily says
Wow! Not at all what I expected to hear from you today, but yay! I’m so excited for you all! I can’t wait to start this journey with you and see what you do with all those fun patterns and colors you have inherited with the house. ;)
Laura says
I’m excited for the new adventure! New projects….bring ’em on!
KENDRA says
Wow! One of the biggest suprises you guys have shared yet! Definitely didn’t see that coming – you guys are so sneaky! A little sad though when you move out of your houses that you put so much work into and made your own. But you can only do so much to one house I guess! And just when you finished Clara’s big girl room that you loved! But I can’t wait to see a new home tackle from you and hear more!
Sarah H. says
Congrats! I thought this was a joke at first! I can’t wait to see all the work you do on your new house! Are there any major projects left at your current house that you want to do before you sell?
YoungHouseLove says
We have a few more last minute updates to share with you guys and our first showing this afternoon. Ahh!
xo
s
Colleen Wilson says
Congrats!!! I love that you keep on your toes!! :)
Jennifer says
Congratulations! The outside is gorgeous!
Brooke says
Hooray for you (and us)! I admit that I was a little turned off to see another blog that I have loved and related to for years decide to move into a McMansion…SO HAPPY to see what a mess, and true fixer-upper, it actually is!
Signed: still living in my 850 sqft fixer-upper, eight years, one chihuahua, and a baby later.
Chris says
Oh my! My mouth dropped when I read this post. I’m so happy for you to have found the place of your dreams. Best of all I’m sure you’ll be working on projects that I can relate to and will need help on so I’ll learn from you both. Congrats!
Melissa@TheHappierHomemaker says
Wow! Congratulations! It’s gorgeous on the outside and I know it’s going to be amazing on the inside when y’all are finished with it.
Sarah says
Whaa? I thought for sure this was a belated April’s Fools or something…congrats! Looks like the perfect house for you guys! Can’t wait to see what you do with the place!
Aoife says
Wow! Congratulations!! I love how John started the post. Funny story. We bought it and we’re moving in. I think I actually had my jaw open I was so shocked. But it’s weird. Last night when I was reading about your pergola I thought how everything was coming together and what you would do next. I actually thought will they move or start redoing rooms etc. Crazy! Enjoy the whirlwind. Can’t wait to see what you do with the new place. Very excited to see a floor plan and more pics but I will miss this house. Love it. Good luck guys.
Julie says
Ahhh! I had to read through this twice to make sure I didn’t miss the “We’re joking” park.
Congratulations on your new house! I can’t wait to see the new projects
Tiffany says
Congrats!! Look forward to following along.
Karoline says
WOW! Congrats on the new house! Very exciting!!
Elizabeth L. says
Wow, Congrats! I can’t wait to see how y’all tackle a two story. Young House Love is bringing it to a whole new level…literally!
Courtney says
Wow, what a beautiful house! I can’t believe y’all are moving, but it will be fun to see what you do with your new space.
ashley says
So freaking excited for new adventures!!!!!!!!
Milly says
Wow! Now that is a surprising post! I am so excited and your new home looks absolutely amazing! Those shutters! Love it and congrats!!!
Erin J says
Oh wow! It seems like you just moved into the 2nd house but I love the new house and can’t wait to see what you do with it :)
jenn says
ack! i’m so excited for you guys! i can’t wait for all of the mood boards for each room! :D i totally sensed this coming, i swear.
Vanessa says
Okay this shows how invested I am in your blog and your family. I honestly got a little teary eyed when I read this blog. I love your current house so much and all you have done with it. That being said, I am so excited for you guys and excited to see what how beautiful you are going to make this home. This looks like the perfect Christmas house. As a daily reader of your blog I feel like I know you and I am so proud of you guys. Its inspiring for me to be patient and work hard and things fall into place. Good luck and we are here rooting for you! :)
YoungHouseLove says
Aw you’re so sweet Vanessa! Thanks!
xo
s
Bairbre says
Congratulations Sherry and John! What a beautiful house to make your own, looking forward to reading about all the creative ideas you’ll come up with for it :)
Natalie C says
AWESOME!!!! I just texted 2 of my YHL-loving friends and told them to go check the website!!
So excited for yall.
With love from Texas!
Natalie
Rachel C says
Congrats! And wow. Surprise! I’m impressed you kept this nugget quiet!
I joined the YHL community after you had moved into the new house, soi’m excited to see this house from the very beginning.
Would you consider doing a post about what you’ll miss most about the old home? Both small things (maybe the perola carport) and bigger left behind DIY projects (the deck? the kitchen? the new fireplace?) Or is that just too depressing? I think it would be interesting.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes! We did that for our first house (we don’t want to forget a thing!) so we’ll definitely do that for this one too!
xo
s
Ashby says
Congratulations! What exciting news!! I live in your area and have been dying to tour your house. My husband and I always keep our eye on the real estate market and would love the opportunity to see the house.
Ash says
Add me to the group of people whose first reaction was AAAAAHHHHHH!
This is so awesome, congrats you two!!
Melissa says
Wow. Congrats. Can’t wait to see what you come up with for this home in the making!
Sara says
Congrats!?! But why am I crying??
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, don’t cry! I love you.
xo
s