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…
cheri s in iowa says
Congrats! Can’t wait to see what color you paint that front door :)
Liz | Hogs Ever After says
Ah! So shocked! Congratulations guys! Are you selling/renting/undecided your current casa? (Or do you want me to shut up and wait for the future post?)
YoungHouseLove says
We’ve decided to sell it. We debated renting, but decided it’d be easier to sell when it’s still furnished with our stuff (i.e. so it looks “staged”).
-John
sara says
It looks like an AMAZING house!! Cannot wait to see the transformations!!! You are a power couple for sure — I’ve been following you all for a couple of years – found you while researching ‘spray painting a chandelier’ lol – AND look at you now with all you have done and are doing. Just brilliant! I’ve sooo loved seeing your lives grow and look forward to more!
denise says
Wow! You could have knocked me over with a feather! For the first few paragraphs I was sure this was a joke. It’s hard to believe you’re going to leave the penny tile. :) But the new house looks great and I can’t wait to see all your new projects. Congrats!
Sarah says
This blew my mind (in a good way) on this fine final Tuesday in April. Congrats! When I was little I always wanted a ‘stairs house’ and when we finally moved into one I was in 8th grade and my room was on the first floor. Womp-womp. I’m so excited for this new adventure!
Jen says
…and the adventure continues!!!! Happy for your family and all you have accomplished and will continue to do and share! :)CONGRATS!
Julie D says
Yaaaaaaaaaaay!! More projects!!! :)
Aliesha says
Congratulations, guys! SO exciting! Can’t wait to see how you transform and update this new home!
Rebecca @This Nest is Best says
Oh my gosh! I kept expecting this post to say “you got punked” or “April Fools”! Congratulations!!! Mr. Lemon and I have been socking it to our mortgage for the last six and a half years and expect to pay off our first home later this fall – so we definitely appreciate squirreling away funds to make bigger dreams a reality down the road. We’re looking forward to an extensive travel schedule in our future :)
But, HUGE congrats to the four of you! Can’t wait to see the new adventures of this old house!
Debi says
Your going to sell your house furnished. Man i whis I lived in Richman would love to have all the Petersik orginals! lol
YoungHouseLove says
Sorry to be unclear about that! We are leaving the furniture here (not moving) until we sell, just so people see the house with furniture. That’s what we meant by not moving too soon (since empty houses take longer to sell) but our furniture is coming with us :)
xo
s
hollie says
All I can say is wow.
but ok.
Sue says
Oh, wow! Congratulations!! Did you guys consider keeping your current house as a rental at any point?
YoungHouseLove says
We actually thought about that first but a few realtors told us most renters want less yard to maintain so in our neighborhood it might be a better house to sell than try to rent.
xo
s
Laura says
Wow! I read that first line and thought it must be april fool’s! Er nope. Then skimmed the article waiting for the ‘we got you!’ but it never came.
Congratulations! Can’t wait to see more of the new place :)
Megan says
Wow!!!! I did not see that coming! Congratulations! Can’t wait to see what you do.
Meredith says
Ha! Congratulations! And I *knew* it! Called it a month ago in conversation with friends.
Can’t wait to see the new projects you take on.
TJ says
This. is. SO. exciting.
Very happy for you guys and can’t wait for many more years of sitting in my tiny 40-year-old apartment vicariously living through the designing/painting/creating fun of your family!
Maddie says
OMGeee big surprise! But so exciting! If I didn’t live in MN I would buy your current house in a heartbeat! Can’t wait to keep reading about your journey!
Jamie says
Congratulations!
Kitty says
What? I thought its April 1st!
Congrats!
I am excited for you guys! Can’t wait for all the new projects!
Christie says
Completely floored! I mean serioursly, I had a slight heart flutter after reading the first few lines.
This is so exciting! Congratulations! :-)
Leigh K says
Crazy, way to drop a bomb! The Richmond market is crazy hot right now, hopefully your house will sell quickly. We have a dream neighborhood that we’re keeping an eye on as well but we’re probably a year from being able to make the move. Good luck!
Gretchen@BoxyColonial says
Guys! You bought a boxy colonial! We’re house twins!
Cortney D says
Congrats! I cannot wait to see the new house and watch the projects unfold!
Kristen says
OMG! Congrats! It looks beautiful and I know you will bring it up to its true potential! CANNOT WAIT to see the future projects!
Sarah says
Funny that you mentioned Ashton Kutcher – I was reading through the whole post thinking “They’re punking us, right? A little late for an April Fool’s Day joke, guys!”
But you’re not! Congratulations, it’s a beautiful house.
Jen @ Domesticated Nomad says
Congrats! I love the exterior, and can see why you fell for it. Good luck on this new adventure and thanks for taking us along for the ride.
Rachel R says
AH! Oh my goodness, I was not expecting this. I have loved following yall through the past two houses, so I can’t wait to see what this one brings. Its SO different than your past two ranchers. Congrats!
Julie D says
The important question is: Does it have a garage?!?! :)
YoungHouseLove says
Yep! :)
-John
SheLikesToTravel says
That was the first question I had too! I’m surprised it isn’t in the first paragraph in all capital letters :)
YoungHouseLove says
Hahah!
xo
s
Samantha says
WOW!!!! CONGRATS Petersik family :D SO glad you are staying in the Richmond area (i mean you are famous here) Can’t wait to see how you make this house your home!!
XO Samantha
Alicia says
I didn’t see it coming either! But I’m happy for you guys! I can’t wait to watch you do great things to this house as well!
Kristine says
Holy moley!! That’s ginormous news! I kept scrolling back and forth looking for the “April Fools!” LOL! Congrats you guys!
Kelly says
I like how you were all, “BTdub y’all we bought another house! NBD!” (I imagine you using a lot of abbreviations to sound casual…please don’t burst my bubble).
Carmen says
Congratulations I too thought it was a late april fools lol. But seriously never settle, continue to grow, be happy, you kids deserve it. Im very excited to see al the ballillion projects coming our way in the blog.
Emma (Broke Ass Home) says
I knew it! I said a few weeks ago that you guys were moving. Congratulations! I love two story houses- can’t wait for the video tour (sooner rather than later…yes yes?)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, yes as soon as we can!
xo
s
Amy says
Holy smokes! Congratulations!!! I am super excited for you and for me, because I loooove seeing your major re-do ideas. What a huge shock! Major points for surprise!
Reenie says
OMG!!! I skimmed thru the post very quickly looking for a JUST KIDDING…. but didn’t see one. I’m so excited for you guys ~ and that house looks like a whole-lotta-ugly…. just waiting on you guys to give it some TLC. I can’t wait till y’all move in ~ woot!!
I betcha you’ll sell your house very quick.
Congrats!! :)
Anne @ Planting Sequoias says
OMG. I am sitting in my cubicle just giggling to myself. I’m so delighted!
Congratulations! I’m excited to keep following along. :)
Heather says
I was just thinking last week that it was almost time for you guys to get a new house. The big projects are winding down and your current house is GORGEOUS. Time for a new one!
Morgan says
Congrats! What a big surprise!
Christina S says
I’m not even half way through the post and I had to comment. WHAT A GORGEOUS HOUSE! I can’t even handle it. Love the brick, love the Georgian feel. Major congrats! Okay… back to reading :)
Emily says
Congratulations! This is so exciting – for everyone.
Linda Bernstein says
CONGRATULATIONS a thousand times over! It must have been killing you guys to wait this long to tell your readers.
Gah, you’re making me wish I could leave Baltimore, move to Richmond and buy your rancher. ;) I’m sure it will make someone a lovely home! xoxo
Lori says
Wow! I’m totally shocked but so happy for you!!!! The house looks beautiful (from the outside) and has tons of DIY projects for you (in the inside). I’ve always loved brick colonials so I can’t wait to watch you work your magic. Congrats!!
Stephanie says
I’m not entirely sure why I am doing The Carlton when I don’t know you folks, but you’ve been such an inspiration for us as we’ve been renovating our little NOVA duplex over the past two years that I’m super excited for more design ideas! Congratulations!
Katie says
No way! Good for you! Very exciting, can’t wait to see what’s next.
Annie R says
!!!! So exciting!!! I love looking at houses!! I LOVE your current house, but completely get the draw to a new one- I’m always looking!!
Also- I love how you just drop the bomb! I read a comment you wrote yesterday and wondered, but usually as you say “are over sharers” I assumed you’d say if you were even looking. I think this is the more fun route.
And- as a personal side note, I don’t know if I can handle two of the regular bloggers I read moving at the same time- Allison on house of hepworths just said yesterday they bought a house too!! Craziness!!!!!
Jill P says
Congrats!!! Can’t wait to start the journey w/ you on all your improvements, stories, fun!!! Thanks for letting us come along!!! :)
Shelley says
So happy for you guys!! What a great new adventure for you. Enjoy!
Lisa E says
Holy moly! I am floored! You sure know how to keep a secret! I wondered when you were going to take a breather from project after project and now I think I know why, because you want it in tip top shape to sell! I was just thinking about you guys and the pace you’ve been setting lately, wondering what projects you were going to have to blog about before too long. Bam! There it is! I’m sure part of you will be sad to leave all of the memories and awesome projects you’ve completed, but I am so excited for you! You are an inspiration for too many that have to have it all now and live above their means. Congratulations to you and I look forward to all of the posts of your new adventures!
Lisa E says
p.s. Best wishes on your showing today. I’m sure it will sell quickly especially since you are showing it with everything still in it. They can’t help but love it as we all do!
Caity says
I thought this was an April Fool’s at first…but it’s the last day of April!! Hooray! Congratulations :) It’s beautiful!!