Young House Love

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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. Kara says

    Oh wow! I picked a bad week to check out of internet land (we have a new baby at home so checking my favorite blogs makes it to the bottom of the priority list from time to time :) Congratulations! With the brick and landscaping it looks so much like your current house, just with a second story.

    And can I just say I don’t know whether to be super impressed or insanely jealous by how quickly you tackle projects and turn a fixer upper into a jewel? We’ve lived in our current house for four years and it feels like we still have so many projects left to do. Thanks for the inspiration AND the kick in the pants, as always!

    Reply

  3. Elizabeth says

    I just have to say YIKES and CHILL OUT to those few people who are accusing you of being dishonest or feel upset about your purchase. I appreciate how gracious you are being to the people who are upset or feel betrayed or whatnot about this move for you guys. It makes perfect sense to me, how it has all played out. You don’t “owe” us any details— most of the home blogs I read I have no idea where they live, which is fine. I’m actually familiar with the Richmond area b/c I have family from that area, so did a double-take when I saw the new house picture and thought wow that looks like my uncle’s old neighborhood. (And it might be, actually.)

    Anyway, I think it’s a gift to be able to take a “meh” or out-dated home and tackle projects big and small and then make that processing interesting and informative for the general public (one that I wish I had, maybe if I keep reading your blog and Pretty Handy Girl’s blog, who is local to me, long enough!) So of course I am just thrilled for you, new house, new project, new experiences.

    So basically, keep it up, stay the course. :) Happy reader here!

    Reply

  4. Lizzy says

    So excited for your family! We just received an accepted offer on our first house last night!

    Looking forward to seeing what you’re going to do with those carpeted steps. Our new digs has the same carpet strip! Thanks for all the past inspiration and keep the awesome projects coming!

    Reply

  6. Taysha R says

    Jealous much?! Yes, I am. But very excited to see all the new goings-ons with your new purchase. You cray-cray kids are on house #3 and my hubby and I are hoping for house #1 but as we have chosen Los Angeles as our home we also find ourselves scratching lotto tickets to aid in that effort.

    Reply

  7. Trude says

    Congratulations!! So excited for you guys to get to move into your dream neighborhood! My parents did the same thing when I was in middle school (found a fixer-upper in their fave area), and it was the greatest thing they could have done for our family. :)

    Reply

  8. Amber Herbert says

    So excited for the new adventure! Congrats on scoring a house in the right neighborhood, i’m on the hunt myself. Thanks for taking us all along for the ride. :)

    Reply

  9. Kathryn says

    Wow. That house is a dead ringer to the one I grew up in – south of the border in good ole Charlotte, NC. Must love traditional southern architecture.

    Congrats!

    Reply

  11. Marian says

    Guys, thanks so much for emphasizing that SAVING and WORKING HARD are the things that got you this house. I wish more people would believe in the power of those two little habits. It does people good to see that things really do eventually work out like you’ve hoped.

    Reply

  12. SA Girl says

    Awesome awesomeness! This is so cool! Congratulations you guys! I always thought that your DIY skills weren’t being really stretched at your current house. I am not taking anything away from the fantastic improvements you made but the “before” pics were never *that* horrible.
    Soooooo THIS new house looks to me to be much more challenging to your (already impressive) DIY skills! Can’t wait to see how you guys start fixing her up!
    So excited.
    Chanelle

    Reply

  14. Cadie says

    So excited for you guys. And proud that you did things the “right” way…not living beyond your means or giving in to instant gratification. This way, you appreciate things so much more, and you’re better off financially because of it. Way to go, you guys! You’re an inspiration!

    Reply

  15. Elise says

    So excited for the new home!! I also love the post and attention to the fact that this is a home that your family has been saving for and that whole “live under your means” sentence that people our age have completely forgotten. Per usual, y’all are a wonderful example and I cannot wait to see the new projects.

    Reply

  17. Anna says

    Yay and warmest congratulations on your new home. And – you are welcome – I was just thinking about 3 weeks ago that I can’t wait to see what your next house is going to look like – and now I know! Awesome.

    Reply

  18. Joy says

    Your New home is AWESOME! I know I know.. it needs updating.. but that is going to be so fun to watch! CONGRATULATIONS!

    Reply

  19. Vicki McCormick says

    OMG – did I miss the boat! I don’t come visit for awhile and Icome back to amazing news! Congrats – so happy for you and so glad the bank finally gave you the deserved credit! It looks beautiful from the outside and I know before long it will be even more beautiful on the inside. Looking forward to seeing your progress on your new blank canvas!

    Reply

  20. magpie says

    Wow, you two, congratulations! I’m so happy you’ve finally planted in the neighborhood you always wanted to be in–you deserve it! It’s so much fun to read your house-hunt breakdowns, including the financing side of things. It’s good lessons. I’m moving this September to a new job in NYC, and in addition to your blog’s enormous adorableness and entertainment value, I feel like I’m also walking in your footsteps as a young person about to start off in life. Keep fighting the good fight, guys–we’re behind you all the way!

    I wish you didn’t have to feel so sheepish or careful about where the money’s coming from, though. Everyone has different means, and everyone has worked differently (and I know it’s not always fairly) to get there. There shouldn’t have to be anything wrong even if it WERE the house the book bought, or the house the house-flippers bought. Haters gonna hhate–but I hope you know that there’s a whole crew of us out there wishing you nothing but the best, no anger or begrudgingness required.

    Now I’m going to go out and buy a couple copies of YHL. Go and get that royalty point, guys!

    Reply

  21. Kate says

    Hi there,

    I read your blog from the UK and I think you provide a realistic view of how you achieve that ‘dream house’, I have friends here who are killing themselves to afford mortgages on houses that are too big/ in the right area. It should be achieved after time, and hard work. After the recession so many people are struggling to feed their families and pay bills because they ‘had’ to have that home. My family (husband Ben, daughter Carys (3) and myself- Kate) are in a 2 bed, 2 bath duplex apartment in a converted school in a not so amazing area, but not bad and I still love it four years later…but when I see the space you guys have over there it gives me a massive PANG to go home to my Dad’s farm. One day we will move there and inherit the farmhouse ( it kind of fills me with dread- it’s 400 years old and hasn’t heard of damp proofing…!)but not till we can afford to do what it needs- and that means earning money and trying to squirrel it away (if you ever feel the desire to come to the UK and give pointers- they are welcome :))…Please stop justifying your lives- you are an inspiration and doing it right! Best Wishes Kate Kingston

    Reply

  22. AnnM says

    Gosh, I saw this on FB and felt so out of the loop like you’re family or something. This here house is going to be the best on the block! I am ever so excited for you all! :)

    Reply

  23. Elizabeth says

    Yay!! I’m so excited for you guys! I’m also excited for a selfish reason. My husband and I are soon closing on our second house, which was built in 1967 and still looks like it belongs in 1967. We will be doing a lot of DIY work to make it what we know it has the potential to be. So I’ll be looking to your blog for inspiration. :)

    Reply

  24. SunshineGal85 says

    So. . .just an idea for the April Superlatives post. I’d love to know just how many minutes you guys actually got to breathe after putting this post up. There were so many comments that I imagine you barely got a chance to look up from your screen (and I suppose I’m just adding to the fire).

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Hahah! It was pretty crazy! John and I were both working (him from the back and me from the front) to answer all the questions. But IT WAS AMAZING! You guys are all so sweet and supportive. We love you mucho.

      xo
      s

  25. Mandy says

    Ahhh, wallpaper…run away! Be ready, our house was covered in layers and layers of it and I am now convinced that hell is a place where you have to strip wallpaper!
    Can’t wait to see all the changes!

    Reply

  26. amy S. says

    I just had a suspicion that something behind the scenes was up and I couldn’t wait to find out what it was. This is a wonderful announcement. My husband and I are considering buying our first home and somehow this post was such a sweet encouragement to me to wait for the right thing in the right season and make it all it can be while you have it. Thanks for brightening my day big time!

    Reply

  27. Adriane says

    Wow! Great news! Congratulations!
    I’m always inspired by your blog and what you do!
    As an architect is just a dream come true being able to start from scratch in such an exciting new project.
    We’re currently at similar stage as you, trying to sell our home to buy another property with some projects to work on. Hope I can share with you our news soon…
    xo
    Adriane

    Reply

  28. Dominique says

    You have absolutely no idea how excited I am for you guys! I’m a little late to see this because I TOO JUST BOUGHT A HOUSE. I’m glad you two will be there to guide me through the process!

    Reply

  30. R says

    Good for you both! I’m glad you both found a place at your dream location! As for the book that bought the house comment, I wish that was the case because YOU DESERVE IT! Seriously, ya’ll work so hard, you deserve the bling :)

    Reply

  36. Tia says

    Congrats!! What a fantastic house! My hubby & I love fixers and this one is perfect! Can’t wait to see what you do :) how fun!

    Reply

  37. Stephanie says

    Love it!!! And I totally understand getting into your dream neighborhood – my hubby and I live in ours in Portland, OR and we use crazy statements like ‘we will live here forever’ all the time! :)

    Reply

  38. Robin says

    OMG….I just bought the same house last month. Well, not the same, but nearly. Wow. It’s in need of major cosmetic repair, and although I don’t have the amazing blog that you do, I am starting to blog my progress…more for me than anyone else. If you get a second, check out my post on the red door. You will appreciate it. I am only 5 posts in, so this won’t be hard to find. I have dreams of a federal style built up porch. Congratulations to you on your beautiful new house.

    Reply

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