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…
Shaina says
First off…lets get one this straight…there is never any shame in having the urge to do the Carlton…explicable or not.
Seriously though…it all makes sense now! Toning down the grellow in the kitchen, Clara’s neutral “big girl room”, no major changes to the guest bath…I’ve been wondering if this was coming! :)
Huge congratulations to you guys…what a great example of hard work and perseverance paying off. Your parents must be so proud…I’m strangely proud of you too, and I don’t even know you! Looking forward to the new adventure!
Kathryn says
Ha! I had the ‘Ohhhhhhh, I see!’ realisation on the room paint after reading post as well! And the only shame when I do the Carlton is my husband’s. No regrets!
Ashley Foresman says
Oh my gosh!! Congrats!!! I was wondering what would be on the horizon as the ‘To Do’ list at your current house was getting smaller and smaller. I’m sure this is such an exciting time for everyone!! I have to say… already in love with the baby blue staircase banisters :p
Crystal says
I opened this post on my phone. The first thing I seem was the picture of the house. I thought to myself they should buy that house. It would suit them. Congrats!
Lesley says
Awww. Congrats! Mauve and slate blue…ahhh. Looking forward to the tour! :)
Katherine Balls says
Holy new house bombshell Batman!!
So happy for you guys!
Rachael says
Oh my goodness! This is most definitely an unexpected excitement–but when you know, you know, right? Fantastic! We’re moving to Roanoke in a month, and I think I’m most excited about being closer to “The Petersiks.” HA! Can’t wait to see the changes in the new house. And, CONGRATS!
Cindy says
Wow!! I just got a little misty reading this, had the same welling up of feeling that I did when close friends got new homes.
I’m super happy and excited for you, Clara, and Burger!!
More adventures for you, more inspiration and knowledge for us. Totally a win-win!!
Hugs and congrats! :-)
Jessica says
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH I can’t believe how excited I am for you guys and for US as readers!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. How long have you kept this a secret????
Jessica says
PS Beautifully written, John!
YoungHouseLove says
Too long! We were bursting! So happy to spill the beans!!
xo
s
heather says
I have so many feels going on right now I don’t even know how to express myself verbally. The new house is absolutely beautiful though. I have such a soft spot in my heart for old homes with so much character (I can’t even explain the level of heart), and it really looks like this one does. Congratulations on your new home, and the journey along with it. If I lived closer I would totally take you guys up on your offer to help paint mauve trim and strip wallpaper. I hope you keep a lot of the character in the home. I can’t wait to see how your style emerges. I can already see, just from the few snaps, where my brain would take it somewhat.
I always wondered if this house would be your forever house, and I just couldn’t see how it could be. I hope this next one is, but if not, we’ll take that journey with you too!
Laura says
wait… it’s not April Fools Day!!! This is really happening!!! Congrats!!!
Juliet says
Awwww… And you just finished the cargola.
Seriously, this is very exciting, and such a beautiful house. I can’t wait to follow along on this new journey. Maybe you should do a book all about renovating this new house.
Boy, you two must be exhausted. ;)
Deanna says
AHHH congrats you guys! The house is beautiful!! I was just wondering yesterday when you guys were going to buy a new one since your current place is looking so good. If I lived in Richmond I would totally want to buy your current place – although I kinda want a fixer upper too and I wouldn’t change a thing about your home now :) I am so happy for you all and cant wait to follow along on your amazing designs in this new home. YEAH!!!
Kelly says
Ah! I’ve wished ever since I began reading your blog that you had stairs, just so I could see what you would do with them! Congrats – can’t wait to follow the journey!
Sarah says
Did that just happen?!
Congratulations!!
Jen @ Fresh Crush says
Amazing! Can’t wait to follow along, with it all. Congratulations!
Molly Marigold says
What an amazing new chapter in the Petersik book! I look so forward to the new projects, seeing you settle in and giving us the good, bad, and ugly (mauve trim…gotta get me some of that)! As always, it’s been a privilege to be along for the ride with the two of you, Clara, and Burger. Shout out to Ariel.
High five from Milwaukee on your new nest!
Bonnie says
I predict your home will sell within a week. It’s so well cared-for & updated now. Even if you never did get to that side yard. :)
Careen says
Holy Crap! not eloquent, I know, but it’s what flew out of my mouth. congrats.
Jennah's Garden says
So honestly, I fall into the anger category. Probably mostly because I’m jealous, though, because we bought at 100% the wrong time (2007 – even after waiting a year) and are now 100% stuck in our house. If we want to move, our only option is rental (or taking like a 75k hit).
Good for you guys, though. Will you be able to recoup all the $$ you’ve put into the ranch? I know that whenever we sell, we’ll lose all the money we’ve put into our home and you guys have done even more to yours.
YoungHouseLove says
We always do a post about what we made/lost when selling, so we’ll have to wait until we sell to see :)
xo
s
ErinY says
I totally had to check the date…then when I realized April fool’s has already passed I got excited! haha
Holy wow is the exterior gorgeous! Can’t wait to see how gorgeous you guys make the inside :) Congratulations!
elle says
oh my goodness! Totally thought this was an April Fools joke! Congrats, guys! Can’t wait to see what you do with it! :)
Melanie says
WOW! I am so happy for you. I hope the 2nd young house sells quickly. I would love if a fan of the blog bought it.
Lilly says
WOW!! What an announcement! Congratulations!! And a separate congratulations on the fact that your mortgage payment will be the same with a lower interest rate. I appreciated the walk-through of how you came into each house and that the overall message is patience and living/loving life within your means. One of the mottos I try to live by is, “If you love what you have then you’ll have what you love.” Can’t wait to see the layout of this house. Congrats again.
Anne says
What? I’m stunned! And now it all makes perfect sense. We’re all staying tuned for the fun to come!
Danielle says
Congrats!! It’s falling in love all over again! Cheers to more DIYs, awesome April fools rap videos, and lovely stories that are all about the can-do All American spirit!
Annette says
Wow, what a shock!!! Congratulations!!!
kate C. says
By the way, I’ve never been to Richmond, are all neighborhoods and houses like your three??? All approx. the same color brick and with tall trees around… or you just know what you like. :)
YoungHouseLove says
A little bit of both. It’s definitely a popular look around here but I think we must gravitate towards them too.
-John
Angela says
TALK ABOUT DREAM HOUSE!! AHHH!!! I did not see this one coming! I’m so totally excited for you! I really can’t wait to see what’s next! And for the first time, you’ll be able to blog about DIY updating STAIRS! (This comment deserved all those exclamation marks!)
Misty says
Really did not see this coming! Best of luck and congrats!
Caitlin says
Congrats to your family! This came as a surprise but a lovely one at that :) Can’t wait until you paint the crown molding…
Anjelica says
omg omg omg! the saga continues!!!
Yesss!!!
Lisa says
Love, love the new house! Congrats and best of luck on the sale of you home! Hope you make bank =)
Kat says
Also, I think it’s hilarious that all three of your houses are brick with black shutters! What are the odds of that? Is that a VA thing or just a coincidence?
YoungHouseLove says
It does seem to be a popular style around here and I guess we must gravitate towards them!
-John
Laura says
Congratulations! I’m selfishly hoping that the deck is one of your first projects. Ours looks exactly like yours and we can’t figure out how to fix it!
Lauren says
WOOHOO! The new house is so cute. I love what you’ve done with your current place, but I’ve been wondering when you might move on…I can’t wait to see what you do with your new home.
Good luck selling…I’m sure someone will snatch it up quickly!
Lauren says
I felt like you guys were checking a lot off your room to-do lists lately! Very excited for you! Congratulations on the new house :) Excited to see what fun projects are coming. Good luck!
chelsea says
Woah, was not expecting that! I had to check the date to make sure it wasn’t April first! Congratulations on the next step for Young House Love!!
Christina says
Guys…so excited for the four of you!!! :) on a side note, it is really refreshing to hear how you guys chose to forgo what you wanted for what you needed. Because that is what it takes to save money and live within your means. In a culture that seems to push the idea that more is better and newer is ‘needed’, it is nice to know that two thirty-somethings are not following this trend. For this reader, your all’s budget minded DIY projects and real life purchases are a breath of fresh air! By the way , the color of the brick on the new house is so pretty! Good luck on the showing today!
Lauren says
Congrats on the new house! It’s so exciting that you’ve worked hard and now can reap the benefits by getting a house in a neighborhood you’ve dreamed of. Can’t wait to see what you do with it!
Shannon says
Congratulations! So excited for y’all! I was thinking that you might run out of stuff to do in your current house because it looks so good! WOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kerry says
WOOT! I was JUST thinking to myself, their house is perfect, what more can they do? :) The people getting your old house are so lucky. Your new house is even luckier! Congrats on smart saving and investing — you’re role models!
Erica says
Congratulations! You don’t need to explain your decisions to anyone – you know what’s best for your family! I’m looking forward to seeing all the amazing renovations that you do for the new house! I’m not a DIY-er and probably will never be, but I’m a huge fan :)
Megan says
Congrats!! I am SOOO excited to see the new house transform, but I am strangely sad that you’re leaving your current home!
Elizabeth says
Are you taking the penny tile with you?!
YoungHouseLove says
Ha! We’re tempted, but it might be kinda hard to convince someone to buy a kitchen sans backsplash. :)
-John
Kelly G. says
Congrats!! Is it weird that I felt the urge to text my husband this news? Especially because he’s a realtor and needs to be the one to list your house? *wink*
YoungHouseLove says
Hahah!
xo
s
Sarah says
Hah! I totally texted my husband that my “friends” John & Sherry were moving and that I’m in shock!
Also a fellow Richmonder — can’t wait to see if you moved North of the River! And I’m excited you have stairs and can’t wait to see what you do with them!!
Jessica says
WHAT?!?!? I was shocked when I read this! I had to scroll to the bottom to check for a “Just Kidding” line. LOL Congratulations to your family! Very exciting!
Kara says
What the what?!
The new house is amazing, and your old house is equally amazing. It’ll sell in the blink of an eye. If I was interested in a major relocation I’d buy it in a heartbeat!
All the best, and looking forward to all the photos of the new place!
olivia says
Congratulations! I think I know exactly the neighborhood you’re moving to and it’s fantastic! (Former Richmonder here. One time I saw you 3 outside of my twin sister’s apartment on Boulevard but was too shy to say hi. :P)
Julie @ There and Back Again says
What a beautiful house!! Honestly, it reminds me a bit of your current house with an extra story stacked on – very much still seems like “you guys.” What an exciting step for your family, and you completely deserve it after so many years of hard work. Can’t wait to tag along for the ride as you beautify it YHL-style!
Kimberly says
What a surprise – so exciting!! Congratulations!