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…
Rebecca says
Congratuations! We have been saving up for a new house also. Without being nosy, I would love a post about what you would recommend saving up, do you think 20% is enough? We try to “live within our means” but as you know, it is tough! We both work and I would love to stay home with our little one but in the mean time, trying to save up! Your savings posts really motivate me!
Sophie says
Well John, you’re nothing if to the point. You certainly didn’t beat around the bush in that first line.
What a gorgeous house! I love seeing you two completely re-do a place so I’m very excited for this new journey.
But I’m so confused at the fact this just appeared out of nowhere that I kind of have the Where-Is-Ashton-Kutcher feeling too!
DanielleR says
Holy crap! Not the post I expected this morning, but yay congrats! It’s actually quite lovely from the outside, I’m excited to see it’s transformation :)
Bobbie says
Congrats! That is awesome news! So excited to see all the new projects and to keep, keep learning things from you guys!
Great news on a better rate too..we are in the process of a re-fi just for that reason.
Kismet says
Congratulations.
We bought our home in 1980 and have never left. The house is paid off and we are raising a second generation here now (our grandson who is now 12!). We never thought this would e our forever home but it would take a LOT to get us out now.
Good luck and can’t wait to travel this journey with you.
~K!
Kismet says
Forgot to add, garage or carport?
YoungHouseLove says
Garage! Haha! But we want a garagegola! Hahah!
xo
s
Emily says
Congrats, the house is gorgeous! Even from the outside, it has ‘Petersik’ written all over it.
Enjoy the journey!
Emily L says
Thrilled for you guys. Can’t wait to see what you do with it!
Nancy says
I saw this on ChrisLovesJulia’s FB and had to check the calendar to make sure it wasn’t April 1st! Congrats!! So exciting!!! A little bittersweet, but still exciting.
Natalie says
I’m so excited about the new house! I grew up in a brick colonial that looks very similar to yours and currently live in a two story colonial as well, so I’m hoping your blog will inspire me even more. (What will you do with those stairs and how can I convince my husband we need to do the same thing?) Congratulations!
Heather.W says
Congratulations! Love the look of your new house and can’t wait to see the interior. So, is Sue the Napkin getting the boot????? I love the colors of your current house and you seemed to as well. Just curious if you are have started thinking of where you may shift to next..
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, I think we love all colors now. Even pink and red wormed their way into our hearts…
xo
s
Karla@{TheClassyWoman} says
Congrats guys!! :) I love that this time around it will be a 2 level home! Even though your current home is the same size, this home looks so much bigger from the front exterior. Looking forward to seeing all the new changes you make to your new house. I’m loving the fact that it’s a real fixer-upper, lots of great projects ahead and this will be so great for your second book too.
Kelly K says
This is awesome news! Congratulations!
Kendra says
Awesome news! Congratulations! My husband and I are deep in the hunt for a house. Hoping something speaks to us soon!
Becky says
I was so hoping this was a joke.
agame says
I am so excited about this next big adventure! I will be renovating my new house alongside you (closing May 8th!)
Kimberly @ Turning It Home says
Whaaa! Seriously, I had to make sure today wasn’t another April Fools. SO excited for you guys!! And thank you for the reminder of patience at the end. We rent with three kids and I am dreaming of home ownership, so that just reminded me to be patient and perhaps one day it will come. So eager to see what you do with yet another beautiful (to be) place!
Barb says
Congratulations! Scrolling through the pics I thought “they are going to have a field day with all that wallpaper!”
Sarah says
You know, I’ve been uneasy with the blog for the last few weeks, thinking about how Listy McListerson is whittling down. I’ve just been waiting for an announcement like this. The real question: Clara’s bday party–new house or old??
YoungHouseLove says
Current house! We can’t wait!
xo
s
Amy B. says
Wow! Super excited for you guys. I have been following your blog for several years now, and I can honestly say I look forward to your posts day after day. I am always inspired by what you do to your home (and have even looked for inspiration with child-rearing occasionally). You make it seem possible, and I can’t wait to read and see what your next house adventure brings. Plus, your new house is similar to our current home. That thrills me (and probably frightens my husband). Congratulations!
A says
I had a feeling the other day that this was happening. SO excited for you guys! And thank you for not making me feel crazy- we’ve redone our house and people think it’s ridiculous that we want to move but it’s just not working for us anymore. It’s only 1500 sq ft and we’ve honestly thought about downsizing (there are only 3 of us) to a house with a smarter layout in an area we love and work on that until we find “the one.” I figure if all the “grown-ups” I know have had 5 houses throughout their marriages, then moving every few years is totally fine! Congrats, guys!
Kris says
Congratulations! I was just wondering what was going to happen (relatively soon) when there wasn’t all that much to do to the house! So happy for all of you! I’d love to see entries on cleaning the new place. Yes, I’m boring.
Lauren @ chezerbey says
Whoa, congratulations! Can’t wait to see what you guys do with house #3!
Elle says
Congratulations, y’all! :D
Megan Poletti says
I’m so gosh darn excited about this. I can’t wait to see what you do with the place. It has so much potential! From what I can tell, this neighborhood reminds me of when I lived in Charlotte, NC. Very Southern :)
MM3 says
Sometimes, you just have to trust your gut and take the leap! Congratulations. Cannot wait to see the magic you work on the new house. And someone is going to be very lucky go get your current one!!
Stephanie says
WHAT THE WHAT!!! Congratulations!!! I’m reading this on my lunch break at work and had the crazy urge to yell to everybody, “John and Sherry bought a new house!!!!!” but then I remembered that I should not be a crazy person at work. I cannot wait to see what you guys do with the place!
Kim S. says
I was noticing that project were getting completed very quickly lately and not as detailed.
Congrats on the new house! Can’t wait to see the house tour video.
Also, interested if you depersonalized before showing. Especially the gallery wall. Wonder if all those nail holes will worry prospective buyers? Hope not and the house sells quickly!
Claudia says
Congratulations!!!
I’m so happy that the long wait paid off and you found a house in your dream neighboorhood.
The first thing that came to my mind was: Oh no, all the hard work spent on working on you deck *haha*
But really, how can you stay motivated and fix things and build stuff, like the new pergola, when you know the next house move might be just around the corner?
And btw, does the new house have a garage? ;-)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha yes! We want a garagegola though!
xo
s
Ofelia, from México City says
‘Are you kidding?’ That’s what I thouhgt, because this totally take me out of curve. I mean: ¡me sacaste de onda! Pensé que era una broma, but, this meaning a lot of posibilities, a lot of new adventures in the DIY-mode, a lot of pics, a lot of FUN. I can’t wait to see a home tour video, the layout… All the details!. And just like we say here in México: “¡Felicidades, compadre!”.
CC says
Congratulations!
agustina says
This is Huge!!!! Congratulations you all!!!! we are so close to finish our second place; the remodel included a second floor, stairs, new roof, new floors, more and more m2, and everything was DIY…and it became addictive, so I don´t blame you, just wanna do the same myself…again congratulations!
Lauren says
Good! I was kind of starting to think your current house looked too good and was wondering what would keep my coming back to the blog.
If you haven’t already, your house will sell in hours I’m sure.
Excited to see you tackle more meaty renos again too! Who doesn’t love to read about kitchen renovation?
Heather says
I totally checked the date to see if it was actually April 1, too, haha!
I wish we lived in Richmond- would love to buy your current house! Though knowing how beautiful it is, and all the workj you’ve done to it, now that you’ve shown it once it’s probably already under contract!!
Congrats!
Katie in VA says
So happy for you guys! What an exciting journey! I think it is so cool that you had these things fall into place for you!
My husband and I think it is great to move every couple of years…we focus on memories and not on the actual spot where they took place. In other words, it helps maintain normal life balance with treasuring memories but not holding on to things we don’t need (or want)!
Sorry for the ramble!
Julie says
I thought it was a joke.
I’m happy, and sad though.
How can you just be ready to move already?
Don’t you want some time to enjoy all the hard work you put into it?.
Congrats. I can’t wait for the projects.
YoungHouseLove says
Here’s a post about how much we love the process (seriously, the potential of a before, and the fun of the “journey” is just as fun as the destination to weirdos like us).
xo
s
EJ says
Oh, wow – congratulations! Looks like a wonderful house. Many happy (reno) moments!
Erin says
In 3.5 years we’ve changed and fixed up almost every square inch of our house too and I already can’t wait to look for a new place. The hunt and fix up is so fun, so I am totally with you! Your new house is beautiful, tons of charm! Yay!!
Anna in Ohio says
Is there some sort of computer commenting magic that you could use to count the number of exclamation points in all these comments? LOL
If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em…congratulations, guys!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha! Mine have the most!!!!
xo
s
Lauren says
WHAT??? YAY!!!! At first I was like “nooooo”, but after reading your journey to your new house and seeing all of the potential (not to mention those fabulous wallpapers, paint, and interior choices) I am so excited for you guys! And yes, like many others, I totally thought it was a joke at first. But I’m glad y’all are happy (happy? thrilled? elated?) and I can’t wait to read all about it!
Mel says
First, CONGRATS on saving money and trading up responsibly. I love it!
Second, I wondered what would happen when the other house was “finished…” So, hooray, more reno to love!
Third, CONGRATS again! Excited for you!
Heidi says
CONGRATULATIONS! It is gorgeous! And I am drooling over all the projects! I love taking an ugly room and making it fit our family’s style. And I am that weird person that actually likes to paint. We are currently looking for a new home to fix up now that our nest will be officially empty. I have to ask – new house, garage or carport? I loved watching you evolve from carport haters to embracing the one in your current house and showing it some love witht he pergola.
Blythe says
Wow, wow, wow, that’s amazing! And it looks like A LOT of work :) :) :)
JJ says
Wow! Congrats!!!! Beautiful home.
katherine says
Hey, I’m so excited and happy for you guys! I felt it coming with the detachment from your projects lately (tacked up fabric, etc) but I was still surprised to see this post so soon!! With the way the first few lines were phrased, I was expecting to scroll down and see a giant “JUST KIDDING!” to get rid of all the commenters who keep asking if you’re selling. The house looks like it has a lot of character. I hope you’ll be dumping some of your IKEA and mdf furniture and picking up some sturdier antiques with more character. I’m curious, how many bedrooms? Sorry if you answered that on one of the 22 pages of comments.. I don’t have that kinda time!
YoungHouseLove says
There are 4 bedrooms :)
xo
s
Rachael says
Will you be adding a vine to your new portico now that you’re moving? Or will you leave it up to the next homeowners to do so?
YoungHouseLove says
We’ll have to see how much time we have here! We’d love to add it – or talk the next folks into it. Haha!
xo
s
Ethel says
Wow! Didn’t see that one coming, but I sure am excited to see you transform this house into a home and inspire thousands (or is it millions!?) with your hard work and great ideas!!
Congrats!!
Darnetha @ ChippaSunshine says
At first I thought this was one of your jokes trying to pull a fast one on us. Congrats! No joke, I just mentioned to my husband a week ago that you all probably would buy another home and ha I was right. Good luck and I can’t wait to follow the process!
Carolyn says
OMG! Congratulations! How exciting!!! The house looks BEAUTIFUL and I can’t wait to see what you do with it!!!
Kasey says
WOW!! So exciting for you guys, cant wait to see all the changes that you come up with for this new to you home!! Congrats :)
Jennifer says
Congratulations!! It looks like a great house for you to work on! That bathroom tub faucet is exactly the same as the one in our master bathroom. The last bathroom we have left to reno!