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…
kat says
ack! I am kind of sad, but excited! I can’t believe I have feelings about *your* house. I was just wondering the other day what you guys were going to do once all the projects were done at your (current) place. Can’t wait to see it all again (and my offer still stands!) Have you sold your place yet?
YoungHouseLove says
Not yet but there’s a showing happening right now. Ahhhh!
xo,
s
Kaysi says
I’m so excited for you both! I feel as if i’m moving with you…little weird but true. haha..I love moving and it looks like their will be tons of great projects to tackle.
Good luck selling, hope today goes well.
Did I mention I’m excited? :)
Julie says
Congratulations! I can’t wait to see that new front door in a bright, cheery color! :)
Mary A says
There were definitely clues. From the “crown molding throughout” and “resale” comments to the house project list nearly complete. The one that did it for me was leaving the yellow tile in the bathroom. At this point, do you ever wonder how many houses you will go through? Maybe even build one of your own design some day? Whatever you choose, we will be eagerly watching.
Jessica says
Okay.
1. Yay soooo excited and happy for you! As soon as I saw the title of this post I knew. I can’t wait to see everything!
2. I am so insanely jealous because: a) I’m 25 and live at home, and b) where I live (in super expensive Ontario) where my dream neighbourhood is that’s like…800 minimum. Probably more. MOST have like 1/10th of the yard space and are 500+… So those dream neighbourhoods are pretty rare to begin with. SO I shall live vicariously through you while we try to save up money to eventually get a house! And I’ll make a mental list of all the ideas we can do when we finally get a place… Eeeeeeeeek! So.happy.for.you.
Alex says
Holy moly!! I had to make sure it wasn’t April 1st and we were getting punk’d! This is awesome! A whole new house to fall in love with and see grow and change with your awesome projects! Lots of fun and at least a few more years of YHL to look forward to!
anna says
Congrats – its really nice looking from outside and I am sure you both will do wonders to the house. I am so inspired now :)
Kay says
Woaaaahh! This is so exciting! Congratulations!
I started reading right around the time you guys were renovating the second house’s kitchen–I’m so excited to see the decorating/renovating process from the move-in!
Julie says
It’s lovely, on the outside! Looks like lots of fun on the inside :).
Jodi says
eep! so exciting!!!
part of me is sad that we won’t see much more of your current house, but the other part of me is super excited to see what you do with the next space. and so happy for you to finally be in your dream neighborhood! congrats!!
Stacy says
I’m weirdly and surprisingly emotional about this.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, I love you for it!
xo
s
Kyle says
WHAT?!?!?!?!
My face just fell off.
CRAZYTOWN! Congrats!
I’m all in for the mauve trim painting.
What’s under the lumpy carpet?
YoungHouseLove says
Hahahah! “My face just fell off” = the best thing I’ve read all week. Also, it is subfloor under the lumpy carpet. I cried when we pulled it back and saw that it wasn’t hardwood, but I think since we’re DIYers we can do something about that… haha!
xo
s
Ashley E says
Even subfloors can look surprisingly amazing with some work! I never realized it was even possible until I was looking at this blog: http://ashleyannphotography.com/blog/2011/01/24/diy-stencil-painted-subflooring/ http://ashleyannphotography.com/blog/2013/02/28/duct-duct-cat/
amanda says
i rarely comment, but i just can’t pass up the opportunity today. this is CRAZY! so shocking! congrats on your dream come true. can’t wait to enjoy the journey with you.
Tina Bland says
I thought it was April Fools. I had to double check the date. SO crazy!! Cant wait for all the updates:)
Sheri J says
Wow! Shock and awe! Congratulations! Can’t wait to see/read more about your new adventures in real estate!
kerry B says
Long time reader and now happy book owner of you two + the smalls. So excited for all of us, a new adventure we all can be a part of, CONGRATS!!!
Maddie says
OH my goodness!
What a surprise!
I’m excited for you guys – what a great new adventure!
But I’m a little sad too. That beautiful penny tile, those wonderful counter-tops, and that herringbone mantle around the fire place? I’m going to miss your second house so much!
YoungHouseLove says
Amen! That’s exactly how we feel. Sad and excited and skeeeered! Haha!
xo
s
Erin says
Congratulations! What an exciting adventure. Just one concern, how are you going to move the penny round tile in your kitchen?!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha! There will be penny tile in the new house somewhere! That’s a promise!
xo
s
Malin says
Congratulations from the Netherlands guys! Its a bit far to come over for ‘the mauve’ but my thoughts are with ya. Looking forward to see the crazy super duper ideas you come up with for this beauty – and who knows, maybe enough inspiration for a book numero dos? ;-) xoxo
Emily says
Congrats! I think the house is adorable!
It does seem kind of sudden, but I figured you would move eventually.
How’s the kitchen in the new place?
YoungHouseLove says
It’s OLD! Haha! But full of potential!
xo
s
Christy says
WOW!!! CONGRATS you guys! This is a really nice reality check for me right now… I’m so anxious to move out of our tiny (700sqft) home and into something bigger and in a better location, but I know it’s not the right time. It’s so nice to hear your story of having patience and seeing how it’s paying off. Kudos to you guys, you are so inspiring in so many ways! I’m looking forward to seeing everything that’s in store with your new home!!!
Katy@TheOpenDoor says
WHAT?! Oh my goodness, congratulations! I can’t wait to read about your adventures here! I definitely thought this was a joke at first, too…
I have to admit I’m feeling a little sentimental/sad about you guys leaving your current house. I’ve been reading since you were house hunting so I guess I’ve grown a little attached to it. That’s probably weird, isn’t it? :)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, not at all! We feel the same way! It’s a bittersweet thing to leave one baby behind and move on to another one! Haha!
xo
s
Kate says
This was the LAST thing I expected to read on YHL today, but I’m so excited for you guys! Sending you good luck and happy thoughts– can’t wait to see many more adventures in house 3!
hannah says
hahahaha… apparently we all thought this was april fools :) congrats! looks like work, fun, everything! :)
Nicole says
Put me down for the Carlton dance! I never quite fell in love with your current house as much as I loved your first one. Congratulations and good luck!! Can’t wait to see it!!
Erin port says
We totally just bought too in that kind of fell in our lap, whirlwind, what happened sort of way too! Looks beautiful! Best wishes!
Katie says
wowzers! can. not. wait! to see all the good stuff you all make happen with this new place! congrats on your dream hood!
Jennifer says
Wow-it looks beautiful! What great curb appeal. I’m excited for you all, and also to see more pics of the interior and yard. Congrats!!
Sarah says
Just reading along on a normal Tuesday and then BOOM John and Sherry noncholantly drop some huge news! This is so exciting you guys, I know what it feels like to have a dream neighborhood that you just kind of always keep your eye on. I believe that perhaps the very first YHL post I ever read was the one re-capping your move into your current home (I knew you were the blog for me when I saw the picture of the U-Haul incident. So now it feels like the end of me being a new YHL reader, I suppose, and I’m excited to read on to this new house with you! Here’s to quick selling, and no freak storms on the day of the move!
Sarah says
nonchalantly*
Erika says
WOW! Congrats! And that’s a lotta wallpaper to be steaming!!!! Can’t wait to see the new life you two breathe into your new place!
Someone called it yesterday in the comments section, about you being almost done and afraid you’d be moving, LOL.
And, BTW, I’m a renter with a big yard, AND, I’m a single mom. My daughter and I take care of it all! (And we really wanted a yard.) I think lots of renters want a house with a big yard. *shrug*
Blessings on your new venture!
hannah says
oh… and i definitely think teaching clara to do the carlton should be on your list. kids are amazing at picking up stuff like that :)
Sandy says
OMG Y’all!!! Im sooo excited!!! Cant wait to see the house and its tlc transformation. I can tell its a great house. Congrats and kudos on your living within your means and saving$!!! :)
Maggie says
So cool – excited to see what you do with the place!
Maggie says
Not sure if you have one yet, but maybe one or two moving-tips posts are in the future? We are moving into our first place at the end of May, and we could really use some words of wisdom! Just an idea :)
YoungHouseLove says
We have a few in our archives and promise to share whatever else we learn :)
xo,
s
Susanan says
This is so exciting! I love the new house already :o)
Valerie says
I was sad the first paragrap that I read the news because I wanted to see how you evolved your second house since there aren’t any “large” projects left but showing the teaser pictures of the third house (specifically the blue railings)it makes me excited. I look forward to hearing stories on the selling process and how you chose which projects you start with on the new house.
Congratulations!
Tricia says
congrats!!! :)
Jen says
I am SO happy for you! And did you notice that you waited your lucky 7 years? How providential!
YoungHouseLove says
Hahah, you know us and lucky 7! It just worked out that way, but I like to take it as a sign :)
xo
s
Stevie says
Ahhh! I read this this morning…and I’m still in shock! It was not what I was expecting. But then I browsed back through all your most recent posts and realized that everything you’ve posted recently would really help the house show better. I’m so foolish!
Anyway, I’m excited for you! (And for me since I get to read all about your next house! Mwahahaha.) Best of luck selling your house and thank you so much for sharing your lives with us. :)
Rachelle says
Is it weird I feel a tad hurt I wasn’t consulted? But so excited at the same time! I will miss the little deck though, you guys never really set it up :9 Oh well here’s to new adventures! It’ll be fun for you guys too if you get to see what the new owners do with your place, (they better not touch the fireplace!).
Jennifer says
Congratulations! (Rubs hands in anticipation of new house to watch you renovate.)
Avone says
I haven’t read all 1600+ comments obviously, but after the first whole page of “me too,” “I did the same thing,” etc…I was like, “Whuuut?! More like ‘finally!'” haha. (I keep waiting for news of a new home.)
Woohoo! I love when it plays out like this. Dream neighborhood? Check. Fixer-upper? Check. Have enough cash to buy without selling your current home? Check. Keeping the mortgage about the same? Check. It just doesn’t get any better than that. Congrats Petersiks!
Kathryn says
Seriously! I mentioned elsewhere I’m taking furious notes! My husband and I are the same age as these two, and it’s so nice seeing peers being so darn sensible about the whole thing. Makes it a lot easier to relate to and admire. I don’t mind Dave Ramsey, but its kind of like being lectured by your dad. Over here, it’s like having coffee with friends who are really on the ball.
Larissa says
Congratulations! That is very exciting news, and cannot wait to see all the projects that you guys will be working on.
Jessica says
Our family moved into a very similar home just nine months ago – built 30 years ago with no updates. Much less that other “turn-key” homes in a neighborhood we adored. I’ve spent the past months steaming off wall paper (one identical to one you posted), painting salmon colored trim white, and replacing brown wrinkled carpet with hardwoods. Can’t wait for tips and additional inspiration as you make this home yours! Congrats!
K. Z. says
Wow! I admit I am one of the shocked ones! Congratulations! Love the new place!
Jessica says
Shaggy carpets, wallpaper and blue trim.. OH MY! I can’t wait to see what you do with the new house!
Sabrina says
Oh my gosh, congratulations!! So excited for you guys, what a fun new chapter for!
kimberly says
WOW!!! Congrats!! I am excited to see all the upcoming DIYs.
Missy says
But I thought you had to have a ranch and a garage. Does this house have a garage?
YoungHouseLove says
Yes! It has a garage! Haha!
xo,
s
veronica says
Congratulations the house looks gorgeous!!! I can’t wait to see what you both do to it!! Looks like its going to be great!!
Kimberley says
I KNEW IT! Haha! Congratulations guys! I hope you have a super fast sale on your current house, and the very best of luck with the move. This is so exciting!