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.
Amy says
Congrats! Very exciting news. I can’t wait to see where you end up. I love House Hunters on HGTV – this is like a more exciting version of that!
And I must say, the way you handle negative comments is so refreshing. Thanks for being so graceful!
Nicole says
Great decision! I was thinking this would happen soon….there is only so much you can do to one house :) I can’t wait to see what you find!! I am hoping for something with very old and substantial woodwork and mouldings! Maybe even an original wood floor and an awesome fireplace with a chunky mantel! Good luck with househunting & the move!
candace @ thecandace.com says
I’m sad to see you move on from this little magical place you have created but I am so excited to see where a new place takes you! And, I’m thankful we get to go along for the ride! Best wishes!
Jennifer says
I am so excited to see the tour you guys go on! I am sure you will be posting pics, right??!!
We have a possible Richmond move in our future (if I knew more I’d snag your house now, but no since in getting excited yet!) But I LOVE Richmond (was married there)and am excited about the potential.
I too am looking forward to updating another house. One day I am going to put all the before and after pictures on my blog!
Keep up the great work!!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Jennifer,
We definitely plan to share our house hunting journey (although we want to respect the privacy of the seller of the houses that we tour) so we might stick to sketching floor plans and describing the pros and cons of potential homes instead of using MLS pics and stuff like that. Stay tuned!
xo,
s
Sharon S says
This is so exciting! Contrats to all of you. We have great friends who live in the Westover Hills area of Richmond and absolutely love it. Maybe you should check it out! Can’t wait to see what’s next!
Jennifer says
Congratulations on the big decision! I live in church hill and there are more fixer-uppers than I can count around this area…and selfishly…would love to have the Petersik’s as my neighbors! I make a mean Krispy Kreme bread pudding…just saying…GOOD LUCK!!
mribaro says
I wouldn’t be surprised if you sold your house in one week, like everything that you do with a smile and incredible luck. I keep my fingers crossed for a sale of your house that you would be very happy about.
Sandra says
Bellevue and Ginter Park are great areas that are in the city. I lived in Ginter Park growing up, but I also went to a private school instead of the city school. You may have trouble finding something with as much yard as it looks like you guys already have, but it’s certainly not impossible.
Courtney says
There is a wonderful home that could use your TLC for sale at 3804 Stuart Avenue. Mary Munford school district. Just sayin’….http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/3804-Stuart-Avenue_Richmond_VA_23221_M64599-67803?source=hp
I’d love to see what you could do to the place.
In all seriousness good luck selling/buying!
Natalia Beley says
That is great news!!! I was kind of thinking that with a new baby and maybe more on the way in the future your current house might get outgrown quickly! Those kid toys can really take over any size house quickly ;)
I’m so excited to see what your new place brings. I also want to say that I am always so impressed with how you guys save up for stuff and try to live within your means, very refreshing!!
Good luck and can’t wait to hear about this new adventure in your life!
Clara in Paradise says
Trust me, I am an expert (between my husband and I we’ve bought and re-furnished half a dozen homes in 10 years), but it’s going to be painful and exciting, but mostly exciting. Sometimes I daydream about the next home before we have signed on the dotted line of the current one.
I’ve said that some people are trees, they grow deep roots where they live, we are tumbleweeds. I like being a tumbleweed.
Ashley says
This is so exciting! I feel like I know you guys so I wanted to congratulate you!
My husband I just bought our first home, so I am a little bummed out we aren’t going to go through the “house searching” with you. But anyway, that is great news and I can’t wait to see what you guys come up with next!
P.S. I know this is a ways down the road, but I hope you leave up pictures of this house on the site as you makeover your new home!
Laura Hoffman says
My husband and I live in Greenfield (near Robious/Huguenot) in Richmond. We recently bought our home (it was foreclosed) and have been doing tons of work on it. Your blog is our motivator…and we love it! There is a newly foreclosed home across the street from us (on Esquire)…we would love someone to buy it and fix it up—as we are doing to ours. Good price for a good house…great schools (James River HS), etc. :) If you have any more questions, e-mail me at: [email protected] Good luck w/your search!
Maggie Rose says
I saw this yesterday, but it took me a day to process! Funny, because I was telling my bf Tuesday night about some of your “resale” talk from the roof and how you sort of avoided answering any “will you guys move” direct questions on that post. And yet I was still so surprised in the morning to hear that you were selling!
Now that I’ve had some time to be sad about it (so silly, it’s not like it’s MY first house!) I’m really excited for you guys. As fun as it would have been to see you squeak extra funtionality out of Casa 1 when your family grows again (I was convinced there was a garage overhaul coming!), it will be even more fun to get to see some wall ripping and kitchen gutting! A warm congratulations from Seattle (and hey, we have lovely homes here if you ever want a break from the East Coast!).
Heather @ The Cozy Cape says
Hey Guys!
Super exciting!! You guys said that you’d hope to get a buyer that was a reader so you could check in with them. Curious- if the buyer chose to change things up a bit, would it make you a little sad? You’ve put so much work into the house with your personal touches.
Can’t see what house you end up in!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Heather,
No way! We think it would be fun for someone to put their stamp on the place just like we did when we got it!
xo,
s
Sammy says
Just wanted to second the video-wish – I love to watch them ;)
MelissaOklahoma says
Wow…can’t believe you guys are moving! I’m sure that’s been said over 500 times. I thought you’d just add on to your place…but I understand and am super excited to see what you guys do with you new place! It’ll be so exciting to start from the beginning with you guys in a new place. :)
Jenny says
No way! I always thought this was your forever home! I thought you’d eventually add a second floor to it to make room for more kiddos, but I never thought you’d wanna move. It’s gonna be so weird seeing you in a different house, but I’m really excited for you!
Leigh Goodwin says
that is so awesome! i follow your blog religiously after my friend got me hooked!! i cant wait to see what you guys buy and do to your new home! my boyfriend and i are in the process right now of looking for a home to buy and do tons of DIY stuff. we LOVE it!!!
Amanda K. says
congrats! i’m glad to hear you’re staying in the richmond area.
my husband and i live in the museum district (practically carytown)and we LOVE it. our house was built in 1908 — definitely lots of charm and update-potential.
other areas we love: near west end, northside, westover hills
KathyL says
Ok, great, I can’t wait. A while ago, I read an article about a couple who fixed up their house and when they were done, bought the house across the street, fixed it up, sold it, and then bought another in the same block..thus really adding value to the whole neighborhood and making it a great place to live. This helped their desires to keep fixing, got to stay in the place they loved, and well, you can see all the advantages to this plan. You would have the know how to do this. Good luck with all!!! Kathy
Bella says
Hi,
1. Happy Blogiversary!
2. Someone probably said this already but if you are looking for a new Casa Petersik you should consider looking for a house with a few more bedrooms because from what I understood from reading the Clara posts is that you are planning on having a few more kids and I suppose it will be good to have seperate bedrooms for them
3. I’m sorry if 25 people wrote this already but right now I’m too lazy to read it all because it’s midnight in Vienna were I live and I haven’t gotten around to reading your blog in the last two days which is TERRIBLE because it belongs to my daily routine like brushing my teeth =)
Sometimes I even keep checking wether your second daily post is up already :P
Greetings from Vienna!
Bella
Jen @ The Decor Scene says
O.M.G……..I can’t beleive you are selling your house. After all you did with this house, you really haven’t had the time to enjoy it all. WOW. I’m very excited for you guys though. Can’t wait to see what you do in another home. It’s going to be weird to see another house on this blog. LOL! Lots of luck to you in your search. :-D
Amanda@Longroadset says
OMG! AWESOME!
My fiance and I recently had to make this decision, although we’re doing a renovation on steroids after the first of the year. We decided to crawl out of our sleepy little town to grand St Louis because my mom is not there, and it knocks off half the commute to see his family. So it just made sense.
We want to start small with a house essentially in the condition you’re looking for. I can’t wait to read all of your house hunting posts. They will be my bible of house hunting I am sure.
So happy for your guys. How many bedrooms are you looking for?
-Amanda
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Amanda,
We’re basically open to another 3 bedroom with an office or a 4 bedroom (that way we can dedicate one bedroom to an office while having room for two kids rooms and one master). Of course that means the office will still remain an office/guest bedroom/playroom, but we’re all about multitasking. To have room for another bambino someday (and a smidge more breathing room in the meantime would be grand)- as would two full bathrooms. Oh to dream…
xo,
s
Connie says
Whoo Hoo! That’s exciting news! It takes a lot of courage to move from such a lovely home. I know it will sell quick. Here’s a little tip for you. When looking for the “perfect” school, go to http://www.greatschools.org. This helped me pick the location of our house. It gives you information on test scores, comments from parent and the list goes on. It even gives the school a grade. It helped me, and I am sooo pleased with school kids attend. One of the best in the school district.
Krista Haws says
I can’t believe you guys are moving!! I’m a little sad, although I’m sure it’s been said before! :) Good luck with the hunt. I bet your house sells in a millisecond!
Sandy says
Wow! I’m sure there will be a little separation anxiety letting go .. but it will be quickly replaced with the excitement of a new space needing your brand of know-how and TLC. Good times! Looking forward to the new Casa Petersik and all the projects waiting to be shared! Good luck!
Denise says
Moving on will be a great adventure for you guys and all your readers, too! Plus, think what a wonderful home your lucky buyers will inherit. Now that you have Miss Clara, a kid friendly neighborhood will be as important as the new house. It is always helpful to check out the neighborhood traditions and festivities with your seller and other residents. I live on a farm now with lots of bees and bats, but I still miss our old neighborhood. Have fun!!
krstn says
Ok, really? Are you telling me that you didn’t sell your house in 5 hours or something after this post because god knows if I lived in your area and had some money, I’d buy it in 2 seconds!
I will never look at a ranch home the same way again (*tho I hate my 1995 version. The layout is HORRIBLE and there is no storage space whatsoever)
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Krstn,
Nope, it’s still on the market! But we’re crossing our fingers that someone falls in love soon!
xo,
s
Amanda says
I’m so interested to see how much of a difference your house is worth now than it was when you purchased it. I’m sure all the investments you’ve put into it you’ll notice with what you get for it!
Rachel says
No time to read the other comments, so forgive me if I’m repeating:
Your house is beautiful…but even with that, there must be a few tweaks you give it before showings…right? I would love to see what they are (since I’m trying to sell my house & most sites that talk about being show-ready involve !$$$! solutions or things that aren’t super-practical when you have 16 month old twins getting into EVERYTHING!)
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Rachel,
We’re definitely going to share those tweaks and projects as we tackle them before showings!
xo,
s
Kara says
Hey guys, just saw on your blog that you’re moving! My boyfriend and I live in a 1959 brick rancher (with a red door!) in the Northside of Richmond. Our subdivision is called Rosedale and it’s right between Hermitage and Laburnum. Schools are a big deal to me…no kids of my own yet but I am an elementary school teacher (over near your current home coincidentally:) ). The school where I live is called Holton and I’ve heard GREAT things from both parents and teachers there. It’s within walking distance of the neighborhood and is pretty cool and unique. You should check this area out! LOVE living here.:)
JoDi says
Wow! I am way behind on my reading this week and just read this. I know I’m late to the party but had to comment.
I am in shock but really happy for you! I was just wondering the other day (probably the day you posted this LOL) what you would do now that your house is pretty much finished. I was wondering if you would add on, or just start redoing rooms, or buy another house to renovate and sell. I can honestly say that I didn’t see you selling this one just yet and moving, but it makes total sense.
I started reading about a year and a half ago, so you were well along on this house. I am SO excited that I will get to see you do the next house from the beginning! I admire your ENERGY. At this point, I would be relieved that all the work was over and I could just enjoy the house! You guys really do amaze and inspire me. Some day I’ll send you some pix of the things I’ve done to my casa because of your inspiration!
All the best to you as you start this new adventure!
Rachel says
There’s no place quite like the Fan for raising kids! We love our 1901 row house and you can’t beat Fox Elementary. We love our evening walks and trick-or-treating on Hanover is the best ever. It’s a great community with LOTS of old houses that still need fixing up. Especially along Floyd Avenue and West Grace. Plus, it’s not like Burger REALLY needs a big yard, right???
Mary says
We live in Bexley neighborhood. It is off Providence Road..which is off of Courthouse in Midlothian. It is a great place with houses built in the 70s. So many of the houses need some updates and love. There are 2 lakes, a playground and great roads to walk on!
Sam says
I love following your blog and seeing all of your creative ideas! We just sold our house in Richmond in forest hill/stratford hills area (which we loved and adored for almost 8 years) and made the move to Ginter Park-Northside for a new project. We bought a house built in 1909 with lots of charm and character and plenty of fun options for creative renovation. What we love most about the Ginter Park/Bellevue area are the people and the community. We had a line of neighbors drop by our first few weeks with various baked goods, wine, flowers etc. There are kids galore! Holton Elementary is one of the best Elementary schools in the area and everyone adores David Hudson, principal. Be sure to put this neighborhood on your list to explore. Also check out the Learning garden (http://holtonlearninggardens.tumblr.com/). The whole neighborhood has been involved in supporting this initiative.
Sherri says
I’ve been following your blog for quite a while now and I must say I’m SHOCKED!
I thought this really would be your forever home, like you mentioned so many times in your posts :(
In the back of my mind however, I still thought you’d someday want more room for a growing family. Sad to see it go, but congrats for your new adventure!
Is it strange having so many people with thoughts about your personal decision to move?
-s-
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Sherri,
We figure if we share so much of our lives with everyone that they’ll definitely have opinions on our decisions as we go, so we expected the feedback from everyone!
xo,
s
Carrie says
Oh my gosh I get super busy for a couple of days and you go and try to sell your house behind my back?! : )
My reaction is much like Sherri’s, this is your forever home! But then I said that when I bought my house 2 and 1/2 years ago and I am itching to sell. So I understand. I am sad and excited at the same time (and would totally buy your house if I lived in that area) and wish you luck! (and feel like a dork for being emotional about it!)
Stephanie says
I so wish we were ready to buy although your place would be too small for my crew. We have four children and hope for more in the future…. bu we are in Richmond.
Candi Rodgers says
I can’t believe it, but I’m so excited. New projects! I’m so ready! This is almost as good as if I moved and started new projects! Probably more painless for me too! Wooo!
Rebecca Mulligan says
Wow, this is so exciting for your guys! Have you already listed on Zillow? We were working with an agent when we purchased our home but I actually found the house on Zillow before it had hit the general MLS. We bought a REO property 1.5 years ago and have been working our bottoms off ever since- your blog has been a constant source of inspiration (we too have done just about everything ourselves). Good luck!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Rebecca,
We haven’t listed on zillow yet but it’s definitely a plan!
xo,
s
JenH says
Congrats! That is a big decision and so exciting for you!
Hanover schools are top notch and there are many older homes that can be found, especially in Ashland. I’m a transplant from CT and have lived in the Atlee area of Mechanicsville for 12 years. You might want to check it out – I love it here!
Ben Woodard says
Hi!
A past client of mine suggested that I check out your blog. I’m not sure if you have interviewed any agents yet, but I’d love to get in line! Please keep me in mind!
http://www.BuyAndSellWithBen.com
Regards,
Ben Woodard
Coldwell Banker Vaughan and Co
804-337-6989
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Ben,
We actually already have an agent in mind, but thanks for the info.
xo,
s