And now for some news that falls in the “big” category: we’re in the market for a new Casa Petersik.
That’s right, after tons of thoughtful deliberation we’ve decided that it’s time to sell our current home after four and a half amazing years spent here. Why? Because we love a project and we’re can’t-sleep-excited about the prospect of taking on a new home makeover and sharing every moment with you guys. We know it’s a sickness, but we actually crave remodeling and painting projects, so instead of feeling overwhelmed at the idea of starting all over again we’re actually pretty psyched about it.
Of course it’s bittersweet to leave the place that we love so fiercely, but as John put it best “we’ve enjoyed transforming an old dated house way too much to stop at just one.” And there are definitely some old houses out there that could use some love. At first I was in denial, making statements like “I’m never leaving- this is our forever house!” but John knows me too well. One day I just woke up (a few months ago) and was like “maybe we should look around at some open houses, you know… just for fun.” That sentiment soon turned into “oh my gosh, if we got a new place we could do this… and that…” and my mind nearly short circuited from all the possibilities. It was like someone turned on a light or opened a door and I suddenly couldn’t wait to explore.
So we mulled it over for a while to be certain it was what we both wanted (there’s no sense in being rash about matters of the heart like leaving your first love, er, house). We also discussed the idea with both of our parents (who are all so wise beyond their 35 years, har har) and they were amazingly supportive and excited for us.
So it’s official. We’re about to put our house on the market and we’re actively looking at other homes for sale. For any interested locals (wanna buy our house?) we figured we’d share the news here before it hits MLS. So feel free to email us if you’re seriously interested and ready to move (we’re in Bon Air which has awesome schools and charm to spare, and well, you can essentially take a virtual house tour here).
As for where we’re going, we’re planning to stay in the Richmond area, and we’re definitely in the market for another older dated home that could use our help. So we’d welcome suggestions for areas with great schools and charming older neighborhoods beyond our beloved Bon Air (which we’re definitely still considering, but not limiting ourselves to).
Oh and it’s probably fairly obvious that this won’t happen overnight. Finding a house to love as hard as we’ve loved this one definitely isn’t something we expect to do in a day (plus the act of selling our current house could easily take a few months or even longer). But we’re already actively on the hunt, and we plan to keep you posted about all the projects that we’re tackling to get our house in prime selling condition. We’ll also take you guys along on our journey when it comes to touring other houses, considering other areas, and figuring out exactly what we’re looking for (and what we’re not) before signing on that dotted line and grabbing the keys to our new casa. Of course with the holidays coming up we’ll still be taking on a lot of seasonal decorating projects along with whipping up gift guides, and serving up the regular blog fare like mood boards, House Crashings, Reader Redesigns, and more. Can’t wait.
WOOHOO! I’m so excited for you guys!!! Congrats on a big decision. Your new buyers will certainly be lucky!
Awesome! Even though my jaw hit the floor! Can’t wait to follow your progress. Good luck!
Great news! You’ll need more room if you plan to expand your family, and more projects for material to keep the blog going. Good luck with the search. You’ll know it’s the right one when you walk in.
WOW!!! That IS big news! And such exciting news, too. Your adventurous spirit is so inspiring, and I wish you the very best in whatever new endeavor awaits. Can’t wait to follow the before-to-after journey at your new casa!
OMG!!!!
Holy Cow! I never thought I’d see this day….good for y’all! This is going to be so exciting!
YAY!! So excited to see what you do to a different house! I bet yours will sell in no time. There are readers who would buy it in a minute! Good luck!
HOLY COW!!!!!
Man. I think my heart just broke a little. I’m super excited about this–and was wondering how you’d keep this blog afloat when you ran out of ways to better your current home, but I wasn’t expecting it so soon!!
Your house is dangerously similar to my own as far as size, features, and layout, so I’m going to be really sad that you’re leaving it! I’m pretty sure I’ll cry for a week when we outgrow our home.
I’m so excited to see where you youngsters land, though!! And you’re totally right–there are lots of houses out there that deserve your loving attention!
Good luck! It will be an adventure to start on a new house!! I had noticed it was getting harder to do “big” projects since your house was looking so great :) I’m excited for you guys.
WHOA!!! Big news! Wish I could buy your place, hahaha!! Good luck!
WHAT?!? If you guys are itching for more redo projects, you could just drive north to the Philly area and have your way w/ my old house! I’d be more than happy to babysit Clara and Burger ;o)
Seriously.
No, seriously…that’s some big, exciting news! While I’ll be sad to see the current Casa Petersik go, I’m excited at the creative prospects a new Casa Petersik will bring. Best of luck and thanks for taking us along with you!
Oh wow! I can’t believe you guys are moving! I’m excited to see what you do with a new place, though!
Wow – I am shocked! Mostly because I think I remember reading this was your “forever” home. Anyway, you’ve done a great job on this one, and I know how exciting it is to find a new project. We just sold our home and moved into an older fixer-upper. If we can do it, I know you two can! As if I wasn’t hoooked enough to this blog haha. Good luck!
Wow! That’s awesome news, can’t wait to see how everything turns out!
Ha totally saw this coming :)
Congratulations! That is really exciting news! Can’t wait to see what you do with the next house!
WOW…can’t wait to see what your new adventures bring :)
Wow. How exciting for you! We may be putting our house on the market sometime soon as well. I’d love to see what you come up with in terms of staging for open houses!
I have to admit, I wa waiting for some “April, er, September Fools!” line. But congrats on your new adventure! It’s going to be odd seeing another house on here, but I can’t wait to see what all you do!
If only I lived in the Richmond area, I’d buy your house ASAP!
Wow I can’t believe it- but I am so excited for you guys!!! Can’t wait to see what you will find :)
I am shocked……. My jaw just hit the floor!
I hope you pick another small, yet cozy home. That is why I love your blog so much because it gives us so many ideas for a small home. I will be happy for you guys either way you decide.
Hey Amy,
Nah, we’re gonna go for a McMansion this time. Just kidding! Of course we’ll pick a humble and modest seen-better-days home. That’s our thing!
xo,
s
I figured a new house was on your minds when you mentioned the re-sale value of your roof but I didn’t expect it to happen so soon. It will be interesting to see the whole process from scratch and I’m sure I will pick up lots of tips since my husband and I plan on buying in the future.
Wow! i am so sad :0( yet happy for you all at the same time. I really love your house and if i was in the area i would actually love to buy it haha.
Have you thought of keeping it and renting it out?
Maggie- We have, but unfortunately we don’t have the income to make it work. Gotta sell this house in order to buy another one. Someday we’d love to be landlords though!
Anne- Of course! We’ll have a tab that says “Current House” and “First House” so we can look back at everything all the time!
xo,
s
How exciting!This may seem like a weird request, but when you do move can you keep a tab on the blog that still has pictures of your current house? I find that I go back and look at the house tour pictures when I’m working on a new project and don’t want to lose access to them. Of course, I’m really excited to see what you’ll do with your new house too. Double the inspiration!
I live in Midlothian, and my husband and I are looking for a new house… but my husband insists on a NEW house meaning new construction. He doesn’t want to deal with the remodeling and repairs, but I think it could be fun! I mean, look how much you guys love it!
We have a ten month old baby boy, so if you ever want to get Clara together with my son for a play date, I’d love to meet you!
Congrats! I am going to try not to be too Debbie Downer, but as someone who has just listed her home, I feel I shoudl share my experience.
I have to warn you guys … the market is grim. It’s really absolutely rock bottom right now, and buyers seem totally scared off. I know every area is different and every seller/buyer is different, but I have had my home listed for over 2 months now at a price below our recent appraisal and we have only received one completely low-ball offer. We’ve been in our home for over 6 years and don’t think we will net one penny from the sale. It’s that bad.
Another lesson learned from me: do not torture yourself by house hunting until and unless you are well underway with a contract on your current home. We found the home of our dreams at an amazing price, and now we are in a real bind because we’re having trouble selling our home and have an agreement on the other home.
Just my two cents! I wish you the best of luck.
Thanks Mary! We definitely know it’s not the best market but we’re hoping that there’s someone out there who thinks our house is just perfect for them. You only need one buyer…
xo,
s
Wow! Congrats! I scrolled down to the bottom right away looking for a “just kidding” or something of the like, but this is the real deal, huh? Exciting! It’ll be great to hear your tips for selling your house, and searching for a new one. I’m pumped up!!
Wow. That’s really all I can say.
Congratulations and I’m sure the new owners of your home will feel so lucky to be in a house that was so loved and cared for. Can’t wait for the new adventure to start.
This is so bitter-sweet. I’m interested to see what you’re going to do with a new house. But, I’m also kind of sad that this house won’t longer be around. I dream of this type of house for when I get married, (HUGE YARD, small but big-enough-for-two house).
I’m curious though, how will the blog change? Will you still keep all of your house tours, etc etc. I would be sad to not be able to frequent the pictures (as I do now when looking for inspiration)
All and all, I knew it was coming! ;) Hehe, especially with your new roof post, you had commented on someone asking if this was getting ready for a move. Plus it will likely be awesome to have an office AND A guest room (assuming you’re looking for something bigger)
I’m excited to see how you take this new path and keep on following you two (er… four)
Hey Amanda,
The things that are here on the blog (House Crashings, our before and after page, etc) won’t be going anywhere! All of that content will be here for life and we’ll just be adding to it with new projects and another before and after tab of our future house. Not to worry!
xo,
s
WOW!!!! This is great news!!!! I can’t wait to see everything from the house tours to packing to moving day to the before and afters!!!
We are in the process of getting our house ready to sell and have been actively looking for another house for several months now as well. I consider you guys great mentors and look forward to following your process!
Good luck and congratulations!!!!!
WOW!!! At first I thought this was an “April Fool’s” type of psych-you-out post! Congrats on the big decision, you two, and good luck with all things house-hunting related :)
OMG! After I choked on my coffee at the shock of this announcement, I realized it makes perfect sense. There’s only so much you can do and think this will be a great thing for your family. Can’t wait to see where y’all end up and what y’all do with it!
I can’t believe it!!! So happy and bittersweet!
Your wedding venue!!!!
We are currently selling too and I am TERRIFIED at how long the process is! We haven’t had a single showing in the week and a half we’ve been listed! I hope it is not stressful for you guys!
Also – it was suggested to me that we get a St.Joseph homeselling kit…we did and burried him and all…but part of the thing is that you have to put the statue in a place of honor in your new home…I immediately thought of you and wondered if it would be a sin to spray paint him white! LOL!!!
Best of luck! I may need your help to find the right place for good ole’ St. Joe!
Bah! I knew this had to be right around the corner!!!
Good luck :)
wow! that’s such exciting news! There’s something very refreshing about moving and starting over. Can’t wait to follow you guys on the adventure and see what sort of house you end up in!
Congratulations!! Im sure this is very bittersweet for the two of you but extremely exciting as well! Cant wait to follow you on your journey!
We are getting close to finishing our house (except the kitchen) and we have already looked for investment property to fix up. We’ll see if that pans out.
http://ourhumbleabowed.wordpress.com/the-grand-tour/
Oh how exciting! Can’t wait to see the new projects.
I was sad that u r leaving this house..but then I feel its the right decision..as we readers will get to c more exciting stuff ;).. there was nothing major left at ur current house to do and I was kinda hoping that u guys do a major makeover of some sort… Good Luck guys…today I was thinking of skipping my college lectures..but I am totally inspired to work hard!! thank u !!
YHLers,
Can you do posts ala HGTV’s “House Hunters” and show pics of the potentials or the ones you look at and why they aren’t potentials? I love that show and I think it would be interesting to peek into the homes you guys look at!
Hey Keren,
Absolutely! That’s the plan! We are already touring a few houses and weighing the pros and cons, but of course we need a buyer for our house too. It’s going to be quite a juggling marathon for a while, but we’ll share all the juicy stuff with you guys along the way!
xo
s
Wow! That’s big news indeed! I’m happy for you and best of luck house hunting & selling. I have to say it’s hard to believe after all the work you’ve put in (especially that bathroom renovation!) that you’re going to leave! But again, what’s right for you is right for you and that’s awesome. Looking forward to your holiday decor posts and everything else too!
Hello, I must say I’m a bit in shock and maybe disappointed with your choice, even though I have NOT A SAY in the world! This whole time you both boasted on how much this was your forever home and how you’d make it work for future children. I almost feel you are giving in and maybe scared you’d run out of projects thus resulting in the blog/work not being there? I truly do hope you make the right choice, I’ll forever continue to follow your blog, I do love your creative work :)
Congrats on taking the first step. We sold and moved out of our first home earlier this year (after completing many a project and giving the whole place a brand new feel). I totally was not prepared for the emotions that came with locking it up for the last time. Still makes me a little teary eyed.
Anyway, I have a question that I thought of when we were in the process of selling and moving: how you think that your blogging about your beloved Casa may impact your selling the place? You definitely have a lot of visibility which may draw some potential buyers (plus), but do you think there could be a down side (an increased number of curious open house visitors / appointments who are not in the market to buy?). Do you worry that a buyer may shy away from purchasing a house that has had a lot put out on the web (security issue for them?) Do you even need to disclose this to them before they sign on the dotted line? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this.
Happy house hunting – good luck!
Hey Katrina,
Of course we’ll disclose that we’ve blogged about our house’s transformation when we sell the house (we plan to mention that it’s been in national magazines right on the flyer) since it’s something we’re very proud of and we hope the new buyer will be too! We do believe that if we had an open house it would just be filled with curious “lookers” instead of actual buyers, which is why we’re shying away from open houses in general and are going to stick to one on one showings which hopefully will attract people who are truly interested. We’ll keep you posted as to how it’s working out!
xo,
s
I definitely did not see this one coming. What a surprise! Something tells me that you will have many interested buyers…who wouldn’t want to live in the Young House Love house?!?
Best of luck!
I am actually kind of sad for some reason
We’re on the other end of the deal and should actually be closing on our first home at the end of October. GOOD LUCK with everything!
Thanks for the statement:
“you only need one buyer”
we’re hoping someone falls in love with our place too…and that is the perfect sentiment! thank you!
I can’t believe you’re moving! This is going to be so fun. We just sold our house with Zip Realty in Baltimore, MD and within 5 days we had 2 offers! I know everyone says the market is bad but if you have a top notch house it will sell! You will probably sell your house before it’s even listed! Oh the money you’ll save! Anyway, I’m so happy for you! Congratulations!!!
Awesome! I was wondering how long it would be before you guys decided to move on up! Especially since you want more children. I have a 1350 sq ft home too, and I can see having one child and still making it work, but past that I just can’t imagine how it wouldn’t be bursting at the seams. Congratulations!