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…
Andi @ Estella's Revenge says
I just finished your book, like, 6 seconds ago! I’m all jazzed and ready to put some more cool touches on my own home, and I came over here only to find out you’re buying a new-to-you one! So so so excited for you all, and I can’t wait to see the projects!
Andrea says
Congratulations! So excited to follow along with you guys on this next epic journey :) best of luck!
Elizabeth says
Congratulations! I’m so excited for you, and so excited to see what you do with it! It’s a beautiful house! I think I just read somewhere Sherry saying that you’re ranch people, which I love because it just goes to show, you never know what may be out there!
YoungHouseLove says
Amen! I had no idea I had brick colonial love in me!
xo,
s
Julie W says
That is AWESOME! Congratulations
Summer says
“It’s not unusual to be loved by anyone…” Gotta love the Carlton Dance. Congrats to the Petersik family!
Lizzy says
It sounds like a great new adventure! Congratulations!
Use your precious few moments in the old house to fondle, er… appreciate the penny tile wall. :o)
YoungHouseLove says
Hahahaha! Done.
xo,
s
Anna says
Yo! this is totally legit, guys. I’m on board.
Caroline says
YAYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!! CONGRATS, GUYS!!!! so excited for y’all and (selfishly) for us! ;)
Nicole says
How exciting for you guys! Congratulations on the find and best wishes. I see a theme here…brick houses and front porches. Cannot wait to see what you guys do to this one. Also am very excited to see how fast your current house sells. Happy Dance!
Vanessa says
Wait, so you… What?
Nina says
So exciting! I thought this was a joke at first! My first thought was “I can’t believe they didn’t tell me!” (like we are real life, bff’s?! What am I thinking?! I’ve been reading YHL too long…) and then my next that was “I’m so excited for you!” Congrats and can’t wait to watch this part of your journey! :-) The house looks like it has major beauty potential and it looks perfect for a family!
heyruthie says
You’re leaving the land of brick ramblers!!!!! Welcome to brick Colonial-ville! It’s gorgeous. I’m excited for y’all. the layout of the old house would have proven to be a challenge as Clara needs more independence in being able to play in the yard. I always loved house #2, but I always knew you’d be moving on in the near-ish future. But I didn’t know it would be THIS near!!!! Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nina says
I do have a question though, do you plan to keep the same style/color scheme you’ve evolved in your current house or do you move in with what you have and find completely new “themes” to go with when you’re decorating? For example, will you just pick up all the furniture in Clara’s (brand new) big girl room and put it down in the same way in the new house or do you try to work out something new?
YoungHouseLove says
I think since the new house is a such a different style things will definitely change and evolve to work for that house. We can’t wait to see where it takes us! Our first house’s furniture all came with us to our current house but it looks so different here, so we’re definitely looking forward to remixing things and seeing where we go!
xo
s
becci_62 says
I seriously thought this post was a joke!! Then I was like, wait, this aint no April Fools day! Congrats guys, cant wait to see what you do with the new place, it’s gonna awesommmme.
Catie says
The PENNY TILE! :( You’ll have to try to work some in at the new house so you’ll have something to pet!
YoungHouseLove says
LOL. Totally. Sherry has said “there will be penny tile!”
-John
Jody says
Congrats!!!!! Very happy for all of you!hVe to admit this was a huge shock but know that you live life for yourselves and are kind enough to bring us along on the journey. The new house looks amazing and I cannot wait for a tour. Congrats again, you truly deserve all the happiness the world has to offer.
Heather says
I’m so excited for you guys! And for all your fans, I love love love seeing you fix up houses. You guys are such an inspiration. My husband and I will actually begin looking at houses this weekend (we’re first time homebuyers) and we plan to take the path that you two did, buy well within our means at first, fix it up, and eventually upgrade. Wish us luck!
Yay! Again, so excited!
YoungHouseLove says
Lots of luck Heather!
xo
s
Jenn says
OMG it is beautiful! Super excited for you guys. I was totally shocked, haha! I’ve been reading your blog approx. since you had just finished doing the floors in your current place, if I remember correctly. Should be fun to see this one from the very beginning.
Tracy says
Wow, I was like many others and expected you to be joking. Wow, surprise and excitment all in one! Congrats. We have a house that needs lots of love and are gearing up for a kitchen renovation…OMG! Fortunately your house isn’t so old that you have to deal with knob and tube wiring…grrr. I can’t wait for more about the house though…
Hello Door Seven says
OMG! I am so exited for you! Congratulation!!!
Lakitia A. says
Congratulations on your new house! It would be great idea if you could hook up with one of your favorite home bloggers and do a joint renovation for one of your rooms.
Good luck with everything!
YoungHouseLove says
Fun idea!
xo,
s
oh Holland says
Yes, Petersiks, glad you’re undertaking another momentous project … way too much resting on your laurels (not!)
Angie says
Not surprised. Not one bit. It isn’t that the blog needed new scenery or more projects – though we love the content they provide – it just seems like a while back you guys graduated out of the current house. Not sure why or how, but it had me expecting this move. Glad to see you found the right fit with the new place. Can’t wait to see you make it yours.
Congratulations!
Sadie says
That railing makes me so so so happy and I’m practically dying to find out what fun color you come up with for the front door! We’re in the process of buying a 101 year old house in St. Paul, MN, so I’m selfishly excited that your new place is a bit more traditional. Do you think you’ll embrace that as you decorate/renovate?
YoungHouseLove says
I definitely think our style will evolve with the style of the house :)
xo,
s
Rachel says
Wow!! Your new house is absolutely gorgeous!! Congratulations! Can’t wait to see what you do with this new project. I know it will be incredible and I’m the lucky one who gets to read/watch all about it – hooray!!
Emily says
So very exciting!!! :) Congrats! We’re dying to get out of our townhouse. Maybe one day….
Sarah M. says
Wow Petersiks! So much potential! SO awesome. CONGRATS!
Lissa says
Congratulations Sherry, John, Clara and Burger!! So excited for you all. From Lissa and Riley.
Lil says
You know that sound the needle of a record player makes when it gets ranked across a record? Um, yeah. That was my brain. LOL. Just as you’re getting everything just the way you like it in your current house…*sigh*. You have WAY more energy than me!!! You’re not going to be running out of subject matter for blog posts anytime soon. I love the little grid of snippets you put together. Can’t wait to see more.
Congratulations!
Alex says
Oh.my.goodness am i excited! I love watching the transformation process with you guys.
A big CONGRATULATIONS on your success, I’m so happy that life has been good so you can do what you love, save, and buy the things you want (you deserve it).
Now SHOW ME SOME MORE PICTURES, I’M DYING OVER HERE!!!
Jarrod says
Crazy pants!! Congratulations—can’t wait to see what you do what you do with the place!
Becca says
Congratulations! I am so excited to read about all your new projects and ideas for this house. As someone who feels that buying a first home is so far away reading your stories helps me remember to save up and not rush it!
Jamie B says
WOW! I can’t wait to follow the transformation of this new place! Definitely a charming place!
Onward and upward!!!
taetae says
Congratulations!!!!! This is so shocking and so exciting. The new house has amazing curb appeal!! Are you going to try to knock out some projects before you move in? Like refinishing the floors and adding can lighting — stuff that’s hard to do once you move in?
YoungHouseLove says
While we sell this one we’re hoping to knock a few out there too!
xo,
s
Jill @ missiondecorate.com says
OMG! I almost just fell out of my chair. Way to drop an unexpected bomb. Love it! And congratulations! The house is perfect and will be fabulous. Can’t wait to hear all about it!
Nancy W says
Fellow Richmonder here. I wish I was in the market for a house! I love Bon Air and you’re house is adorable. I’d kill for that kitchen (not really though). Oh well. Can’t wait to see what you do with the new place!
Callie says
Congratulations!!!
mandybird says
Hey, not sure if anyone else already mentioned this, but did you guys see that your first place is on the market again? John’s post inspired a little house searching online, and there it was! Interesting to see what they did decor-wise compared to you (dining room in the den, etc.)…
YoungHouseLove says
Isn’t that funny?!
xo,
s
Diana says
Just want to say congrats! We have been house hunting near Chicago since last July and now we have a baby coming in a month, so I have to say I’m a bit envious of the whirlwind house hunt. :-) I also can sympathize with freelance/self-employed income being half of the total but not counting for anything as far as getting a home loan. Oh well. I am glad that it protects us from doing anything stupid financially. I do like your attitude that these things always work out for a reason, and I hope that the same will happen to us! Best wishes in your new home, so happy for you!
Jenny says
You gotta sell with one contingency- new owners have to redo the floors and email me pictures. That’s reasonable, right?
YoungHouseLove says
Haha totally!
xo,
s
Avone says
I wish there was a “like” button for comments.
Jessica says
AHHHH!!! I’m so excited for you guys and can’t WAIT to see the TLC&magic you’ll work on it!
shani says
Congrats! excited to see what you guys do with the next place.
Mary says
Congrats! Whoo, looks like you guys will be busy there :-D
A little bit of time warp on the decor!
But how can you leave your gorgeous tile in the kitchen???!!!
So happy for you all! Enjoy the adventure!
Lorilyn says
Huzzah! This blog just keeps getting better! Can’t wait to see what creativity this house brings out in you next!
susan says
congrats to both of you! what a fantastic new home. i know you’ll do amazing things to make it your own. :)
Meagan says
Mind blown! Congratulations you two! You deserve every good thing that comes your way and you certainly set a great example of working hard and saving for what you want! The new place looks like a palace. So beautiful! I’m shocked to hear it is the same square footage as the current one. I’m just a titch sad to see the bungalow go. It always felt so down-to-earth and attainable (that’s a compliment!), but I can’t wait to see what you have up your sleeve for the next place. Good luck with the selling process!
FRECKLES CHICK says
Aw you guys. It’s not easy having your every move scrutinized (I should know, I’ve got paparazzi watching me as I type this–good thing I put on clothes today);)
Your new place is gorgeous & looks like home, simple as that. All those years of hard work & saving have paid off. You should be so proud, congrats!!
Terresa says
OMG… I’m at work and I can’t finish reading your post. but I’m sitting here grinning from ear to ear with such happiness for you two, like I know you or something. This is so exciting!! Congrats in a big way:)
Nathan says
I have several friends in Richmond. They are all about to get a “you should buy the YHL house” email. I was getting suspicious about your future plans. Y’all sure have been knocking out a lot of updates recently!
Melanie says
Wow! I’m shocked! But I knew you were up to something. It’s not what I expected. But I’m so happy for you all. And for us that we get to share this journey with you! CONGRATS!!!