Young House Love

Home Decorating & DIY Tutorials

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We Bought A New House!

So, funny story about the house below. We bought it and we’re moving in.

New House

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.

Final Exterior Before

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.

Final Exterior After

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.

Current House Before

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.

Pergola After Full House

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.

Closing Shot

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…

House Peeks

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!

Clara Burger2

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.

Rebuild End Of 4th

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.

Clara Burger1

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…

Comments

  1. haley says

    Congratulations! I was wondering if something like this might be happening soon Since you were tackling a lot of rooms and (what i consider) big projects and mentioned resale a lot.

    Im excited to see what you do with the new home!

    Reply

  2. Erin says

    I think this news has shocked me more than if you were announcing a new pregnancy! Congratulations and I can’t wait to read about all the new plans.

    Reply

  3. Alicia says

    Congratulations! I was thinking recently “how many more big projects does YHL have? What is next?” I cannot wait to see what you guys do with the new house – it looks incredibly charming from the outside btw. I look forward to the many blog posts to come!

    Reply

  5. Lizzy says

    Congratulations on your new adventure!
    When selling your house, do you reference your blog? I can see pros and cons to doing so but I would love to be able to see years worth of detail about a house before buying! :)

    Reply

  7. samantha says

    BAAAHHHH!!!! (i become a lamb when i’m excited?)

    i am so in love with the exterior! the windows, the shutters…i mean. let’s talk about it for a sec!

    i can’t even wait for you guys to move in. i loved the first home and the new ranch but after seeing this one i’m like, “OVER IT! LET’S GET STARTED!”

    congrats you guys. i’m so excited!

    Reply

  9. Annie says

    Congratulations, guys! I, too, waited for the juuuust kidding or for $herdog to somehow include a rhyme in there, but alas, you’re moving! Congrats.

    While not the same as our new house (t-minus 2 weeks and a day til move in!! Eeeeee!), I’ll definitely love stealing (more of) your ideas for the new house onto ours. Yippee! Can’t wait to see paint colors, as we already picked out a bunch that are eerily similar to your house…

    Best o luck!

    Reply

  11. Alaina says

    It’s pretty cool to think that this move will likely be one of Clara’s earliest distinct memories from childhood. I was about her age when my parents decided to move our family across the pond for a 5 year stint in Belgium. That plane ride is my earliest memory that I can label with a specific date.

    BTW, this is what I sent my husband after reading the post: YOUNGHOUSELOVEBOUGHTANEWHOUSEOMG!!!!!!!!!!

    Reply

  12. Gina says

    SO Happy for you! SO HAPPY for US!!! Bring on the fresh ideas! The house looks amazing and super challenging in all the right ways. SO much to blog about!! Sincere congratulations to you all. You totally deserve it.

    Reply

  13. Errolyn says

    Congrats and AMEN to saving up for your dream house. After 10 years of marriage + 4 kids + lots of saving we just sold our first home and moved into the home of our dreams. Totally worth the wait and patience. There were times where we didn’t think we’d ever find what we wanted, where we wanted it. But we did, and it is awesome. Like you, we found a home $100K less than those in the neighborhood (although not a fixer-upper as we are not so handy) but with a lower interest rate and the money we put down, our monthly budget only increased by about $125 and the home is more than twice as big and 50 years newer :) And we were never strapped in our finances, where we would’ve been had we tried to start bigger sooner. Thanks for promoting financial wisdom and patience.

    Good work and enjoy! Can’t wait to see what you do with it :)

    Reply

  14. Linda says

    Congrats! Love your new house and can’t wait to see what you do with it. As a Richmond “Southsider”, the area and the house look like south of the river to me. I’ve lived in an 80’s house we built almost 28 years ago. I recognize that blue bathroom tile! It’s in my bathroom! You’ll definitely have fun with lots of updates and improvements. We just renovated our outside and changed out our front porch to give it more substance. Will look forward to lots of project reports!

    Reply

  15. Sarah says

    When you write up a post about selling your current house I’d be curious to learn how you got the word out that you were selling without it becoming public knowledge. Did you just let some realtors know so the news could spread unofficially instead of the home being posted online?

    Reply

  18. Sara says

    CONGRATS, Petersiks! I had to read this post a few times to make sure you weren’t joking with us – but your new home is a beaut! Can’t wait to follow along :)

    Reply

  20. Brittany says

    I’m so excited for you guys– my husband and I purchased our first fixer-upper this past fall and your blog has been such an inspiration to us! I say “first” because we’re both in the military and we know we’ll be moving homes at least several times throughout our careers. I can definitely understand why this is such a bittersweet experience but we can’t wait to follow all of your projects/progress to come! Best wishes.

    Reply

  22. Amy B says

    I had to read this post twice to see if I read it correctly. Congratulations!! That is an amazing opportunity!

    Reply

  25. Karen Little says

    So happy for y’all!! We’ve moved quite a bit in our forty one years of marriage and a dozen houses, so I can relate to “GOING FOR IT” when the going’s right. Congrats. The Richmond area has lots of great houses and wonderful neighborhoods! We know because we used to live there, too— twice! Smiling over here.

    Reply

  26. Lindsay C says

    Congratulations!!
    I am (one of the ones) surprised by this news, but very happy for you! I know you will make this house look amazing too. I only wish I could buy your current house :)
    Best of luck not only in your new home but with the move itself!

    Reply

  27. Gina says

    I absolutely loved this post, John, you have such a wonderful writing style. I felt so connected, like a great book! So happy for you 5 (including Ariel)

    Reply

  28. Katie says

    Wow! So unbelievably excited for you guys! What an adventure, can’t wait to see what you have in store for this house. Huzzah for a new chapter! ;)

    Reply

  29. heyruthie says

    OMGoodness!!!!!!!! I just realized that pic #12 (the ikat-ish vintage wallpaper) is THE SAME wallpaper that was on my parents’ circa 1980’s dining room walls. I helped them remove it–about 10 years ago, but I would never, NEVER forget that “face!”

    Reply

  30. Meg says

    I have to admit, I scrolled all the way to the bottom to see if it was some funny joke. When I realized it wasn’t, I got sad, nostalgic, and then super excited. Probably all the same emotions you guys are feeling. Excited to go on this next journey with you!! Congrats!

    Reply

  31. Sarah says

    WOW! What a lovely place. Dreams are coming true!

    I need to chime in to let you know that the wallpaper in the photo in the fourth row on the right (it’s kinda fan-shaped) decorated a hallway in my childhood home! I would be forever indebted to you guys if you’d save me a scrap :)

    I am so looking forward to seeing the challenges that a new home brings you!

    Reply

  33. Kat says

    Do I spy a wet bar?! I can’t wait to see how you guys tackle that one. Our house is about the same age and we have yet to figure out exactly what we want to do with ours.

    Congratulations!

    Reply

  35. Kelsey R. says

    Congrats! Not only the house but just being so financially responsible! I love the colonial style of your new home, I cant wait to see what kind of ‘feel’ you guys decide on for this one. Maybe more neutral, casual-traditional?

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      We can’t wait to see how things will evolve! The house has a certain classic style that makes us want to make some slightly more traditional choices, but we definitely still want some color and some fun and a few unexpected choices in there – just so it’s not a showroom where nobody actually lives :)

      xo
      s

  36. Carly says

    I’M SO EXCITED FOR YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can’t wait to see what you both will do with this house–it’s beautiful on the outside btw! Yay!

    Reply

  37. michaelann says

    I rarely comment but CONGRATS! Looking forward to y’all’s take on a different style of home. I bet it will be lovely :) cheers to patience and budgets!

    Reply

  38. Kal says

    Eeekk!! Congrats you guys!! The house looks amazing- and in need of some love :). Can. Not. Wait to see it in your hands. Now get to it! ;) so happy for you kids!

    Reply

  39. qs777 says

    Congratulations! I’m so jealous. I walk in my dream neighborhood everyday in the hopes of stumbling across something we could afford. So happy for you!

    I’m assuming we will get the obligatory walk through video. I am partial to ranches, but I love stairs too. Can’t wait to see the particulars!

    Reply

  40. Gillianne says

    Not surprised by the news, just the suddenness of the announcement. With the carport pergola, I was thinking you were running out of major “to do” items, and then what, blog-wise? An investment property? Voila, the answer. Add my good wishes to those of your vase readership. Can’t wait to see more.

    Reply

  42. Katy says

    AHH!! Congratulations! I am so excited to watch the transformation. I am also sad about you leaving the last house :( You did so many great things with it! Good luck and I am excited to see all the new posts!

    Reply

  43. Angel says

    Oh no, you can’t leave the penny tile!!!!

    Seriously guys congratulations! and at least after two fixer uppers you know what you are capable of with this new house. I can’t wait to see some more, and this house will give you and be the setting for tons of new memories.

    Angel

    Reply

  44. Blythe says

    So that’s why you painted the pergola with the leftover paint!!!!!!!!! I was trying to figure out why you weren’t painting it one of the “new” colors you had been thinking about! Sneaky, very sneaky ;)

    Reply

  45. Kat Rogers says

    Fantastic news! Congratulations, I can’t wait to see the details and look forward to see all the changes you make to it!

    Reply

  46. Vanessa B. says

    Now that I have picked my jaw up off the floor and stopped saying, “But, but, but…” over and over all I can say is, “CONGRATULATIONS!” Fantastic and exciting, too!

    So excited for you guys and I am quite selfishly excited for me (and all of your followers) to see what is to follow!

    Reply

  47. Juliet says

    My husband called it! I told him about the carpergola, and he said you guys were probably going to sell soon. Don’t fret about selling, I know it will not be on the market long. Congrats and good luck! Can’t wait to see all the new posts!!

    Reply

  48. Gwen says

    I swear, you guys deserve an army of personal assistants! I can’t imagine tackling blogging, selling, buying, DIY-ing, forum-moderating, book-planning, and parenting all at once, especially given how much time you spend responding to your readers. I hope this move doesn’t make sticking to your New Year’s Resolutions too difficult. ;)

    I’m looking forward to seeing your final, updated House Tour. Are you going to stain the deck before you move?

    Reply

  49. Katie says

    How exciting!!! If only you could take the penny tile with you :)

    I can’t wait to see what y’all do with the new abode!

    Reply

  50. Diana says

    Congratulations!! Excited to see what you do with it!! I must say though, you guys are what made me want a mid-century ranch for our next house.

    Reply

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