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.
Juliann says
I totally get it and I think it’s a really exiting thing! You only live once. Where we live there are so many tax benefits of buying and selling every two years…if you can do it, why not! Congrats to you two and a half, and I hope everything goes really well:)
Suzie @ cupcake monkey says
I knew it!! Congratulations!! I cannot wait to see all of your upcoming projects in your “new” home!! Good luck with all of this!!…it is going to be great!
[I have a picture of yours in my post today…I hope that is ok. I have credited you, of course. :)]
Misa says
WOW-this is so exciting! I’m thrilled because I kept wondering what else there would be for you to do in your current house. I can’t wait to see what you find!
Amy says
Congratulations! We are looking for a similar type of home, so this will be really fun to read about. I’m excited for you guys – I know you wanted a forever home, but to support the blog and your interests, you seem like you need a new project!
One thing I’m excited to read is designing a house now that you are parents. I’ve found that as my son (now 16 months) got more and more mobile, things tended to get stripped down. Hazards can be moved to higher places, of course, but in making an already-decorated house safe for a growing child, things can get difficult and lose their original luster. It has happened to my house, and when I’m in other people’s houses or look at pictures of yours, I automatically start thinking, “How are they going to change that? Do they know it’s not going to work for much longer?” I think starting from scratch is going to be a really positive experience for you and me both!
Kirin says
I am so excited for you all (and selfishly for myself since my husband and I just last night decided to sell our first house and start the hunt for a new one)! I can’t wait to see what tips you come up with for selling a house and/or shopping for a new one!
Cindy @ The Flipping Couple says
CONGRATS! I’m insanely jealous but so excited for you guys. Hope you guys have plans to share some sneak peeks of the adorable and disastrous houses you walk through as you’re house hunting. I looooove house hunting, even if it’s not for my own house. : )
Kate says
Congrats guys! My husband & I just bought a house last year. We used zillow.com to view all the homes, areas, values, and details. It really helped because it pulls from all the MLS listings. But, once you know exactly what you want, I would suggest talking with a realtor. We gave ours our “dream list” and he showed us a house that had just gone on the market that morning. It turned out to be “the one” and we were able to snatch it up quickly! Best of luck to you!! Can’t wait to see your new projects :)
Rebecca (Craving Simplicity) says
Yay! Congratulations! When I was growing up we moved every 5 years or so and I can’t imagine being in a house forever…it’s not in my blood! :)
Elizabeth says
Oh man…I am sad…and it’s not even my house! Clearly I don’t handle change well…lol!
Toonces says
I vote for Westham/Tuckahoe- in the West End near the intersection of Three Chopt and Patterson. Tons of charming old fixer uppers and fabulous schools (and nice neighbors!) Good luck!
Julie says
Congrats — can’t wait to see a brand-new scene for your amazing projects!! I’m in love with even older homes (1920s and 30s) so selfishly I hope you’ll find one of those. But I’ll follow along no matter what!
Julie says
I have to admit I was more shocked in your new roof post when there was a “you never know what could happen” response versus the old stand-by of “this is our forever home”. I knew then that it was just a matter of time. I had always wondered what would happen with the blog when your house was “done”, but now we know!
I have to admit I am a little sad, since one of the reasons I admire you guys and your home was that it wasn’t a McMansion and you were living in a modestly-sized home, like ours. It’s hard to take inspiration from other houses that have cathedral ceilings, great rooms, etc, when you’re living in a home built in 1951. But you said that’s what you’ll be looking for again, so I’m excited to see what you find! And of course, your new owners will be some of the luckiest people around.
Congratulations, and best wishes on your quest to prettify Richmond one home at a time!
Maria says
wow this is really nuts. i cannot possibly imagine buying a new house every few years… i bought a coop in nyc about 3 years ago and i feel like its still NEW! its just a very stressful experience. most people just redecorate when they get bored! i guess buying an investment property while still keeping your house is out of the question? that would be awesome. to keep your house and then fix up a new one to rent out!
i guess its shocking to everyone because you would always make comments about staying there forever! But at the same time you are a young, growing family, and will need more room for more babies! i wish you the best of luck on your new endeavor and i really pray that you get top dollar for your beautifully renovated home.
PS how are you going to part with that goregous kitchen! i know when i fixed my kitchen i said i’m tearing out my granite and bringing it with me, lol!
Danielle@Newlyweds Paradise says
I had a feeling after you guys had Clara, you may consider this. You guys need more room for a growing family. You home now is beautiful and a young couple or a young family would fit perfectly in it! Good luck!
Megan says
Hey guys!
So very exciting! I just recently (read, TWO WEEKS AGO) found your blog. You guys have done / are doing what my myself & my husband are doing as well! It was fun to see similar 50’s & 60’s era decore & styling in your home as in ours, and we’re so excited to continue with our renovations (big & small!)
Can’t wait to follow you both on your new journey. Heck, if you are ever up in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada…feel free to crash our home!
All the best!
Katie says
Congratulations!!! I, personally, am SUPER excited for you and what you will be posting in the future. I was just thinking the other day that as much as I love to check your blog out….daily, it didn’t stop me from wondering what else could be done as it seemed you tackled all there was to tackle in your sweet casa. I can’t wait to see the new Casa Petersik!!
Abby R. says
Are you moving just to have more projects, or is it also because the house has become too small for the three of you?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Abby,
We’re moving because it’s what’s best for our family and our business and our life in general! It’s win-win-win!
xo,
s
Samantha says
Well I did wonder what you guys would get up to once you got your home as you wanted it…then came Clara and that project kept your busy for a while….you’re not having another little bean are you, and needing more space for bean No2?
What will you go for this time, another same level home or a house, hey.. what about a self build in the back yard, and let your present home out for blogger holidays! See the Young House Love home in the flesh.. LOL
john says
Bon Air is probably one of the better places for what you are looking for. Tons of awesome, older homes in the City of Richmond, but in general the schools aren’t great.
The Ginter Park, Bellevue area has great older homes and alot are priced well below the west end of the city…or even Westover Hills….The West End has superior schools, but i think that stops after elementary, and you will pay a premium to live in that area.
what are you guys looking for in regards to room count and square footage? that would likely dictate where you will be going…well that and the schools.
i know you guys DIY all your work, but are you worried you over improved for the size of your home and area?
Tough market to sell, but great market to buy…..so it should all work out…
I work in richmond real estate and am interested in where you guys end up.
good luck
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks John! We’re definitely keeping an open mind about a lot of the things that you’ve mentioned, so stay tuned. We’ll keep you posted along the way!
Hey Samantha- Nope, I’m not prego!!!!
xo,
s
Adam says
Good for you guys! I imagine all the poor little design-neglected homes in the Richmond area are shaking in their sill plates with excitement!
elizabeth says
I thought you guys were starting to think about moving… since you finished the bathroom it seemed like most of the major projects had been tackled. I’m definitely looking forward to what you guys take on! I’m sure you’ll have lots of great posts about the transition from starter home to more established home, right? Great information for your followers who are on much the same path!
Congratulations on the big decision! Can’t wait to see what follows…
Heather M says
Congratulations you guys!! I, like many others, was wondering when this would happen. You guys like projects too much to stay in one place once everything is done. We are totally the same way. We moved into our house a few years ago and we’ve still got tons of projects. It’s so fun to dream about how to make a house YOUR HOME isn’t it? I can’t wait to hear all about the home search! Looking at houses has to be one of the funnest things in my book, and it will be so exciting to see all the new projects you get to tackle. Thanks for sharing your journey with us. And if you can’t find a house that fits you, you can just come live with us and help us remodel ours :) Free of charge, lol!
Elena says
Congratulations! My one concern is that I live too far away to buy your current house :)
Amanda says
I’m devastated for me, but happy for you. I rarely comment because I rarely have anything relevant to say, but I read every single post and often use your site to dig up projects to show my reluctant husband (refinishing a dresser, making curtains, plus more). I’ve recently completely finished our nursery for our little one (only a couple weeks older than your Clara), and I CANNOT imagine leaving that room behind. I’m the type that likes comfort and breathes a HUGE sigh of relief when a project is finished, and clearly you two are not :).
Good luck! Thanks for keeping all of your old content up and for taking us along on your journey.
Patti says
Woohoo Congrats! I’m so excited!!! Sooo looking forward to all future house posts to come!!
Meg says
Wow! What a surprise! I had started to wonder what you two would continue to blog about with the house in such a great state now. I’m excited to see you go through the process of buying a home, and to share with us new design and reno projects. Congratulations on your big decision!
Mindy says
YAY! We just moved into our new house (Sunday was our 1st sleepover night). I can’t wait to watch you guys turn a house into a home. I’ll be going through it right along side of you guys.
Kara says
That’s big news!! I only recently started reading your blog, but I’m really looking forward to seeing what you do with a new place.
Good luck!
Susie says
Good for you! We fell in love with our old house, fixed it all up, had no projects left. We also have 3 boys and knew we were in for a move eventually. We decided to sell and find a house that would be our “forever” house. It’s a somewhat scary plunge, but I look back and I’m proud that we did it. We’re currently in the process of doing many changes to our new place and it’s so fun to see it come together. It’s 23 years older than our first house and pretty much original.
It is a VERY hard decision to leave the place you made home for you and John, then for Burger and Clara. We felt the same way when we bought our first home 10 years ago and poured so much love into it, then brought our 3 babies home over the years. They learned to walk there, started to talk there, and called it their home too!
Your decision could not have been made without a LOT of deliberation by you, so as surprising as it is on your blog, it’s not like you just decided one day to sell your house the next–you’ll always have those memories and make many new ones in the new place.
Have fun! It will be great to see the process through your blog.
abriana says
WHAT! My jaw just hit the floor at work… wonder what my coworkers thought I was reading ;) SO excited to see the new house and can’t wait to see what you do with it!
Do you plan to do anything special to rememeber your first house? My husband and I are like you two– love moving into new houses to flip them– but I always hold the previous house in my heart and we love reminising about it! Was wondering if you have any ideas up your sleeves for a first house memory display. Or is that weird?!?! :)
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Abriana,
Well, we have this blog and all the pictures and posts to remember it by, but we’ll probably make some fun wall art or something else to memorialize our first love, er, house by!
xo,
s
Tracy says
Anne Soffee is a great Richmond area realtor. She deals with charming outdated homes. She’s on FB and livejournal and she writes for the Richmond mag (parental rites column).
Holly says
I’ll add my congrats to the list. I *really* am looking forward to reading all about your new adventure. Wishing you guys a speedy sale and the perfect “new” old house to add your special touch to!!
Karin says
Congratulations! I was just wondering yesterday when you guys were going to outgrow the current abode and move into a new project (oh, I mean house). Can’t wait to see how it all unfolds.
Katrina says
Back again from your response earlier (thank you for responding to my comment): You definitely have some good house PR to exploit in your flyer! As for the house selling process, we found that open houses were really not as effective as we would have liked – our best house views were from scheduled appointments. Our Realtor was wonderful at keeping the last minute and late night viewings to a minimum because she knew we were not quite as flexible with a 1 year old to care for.
The only other piece of advice I can suggest is to price your place competitively and know what your bottom line (must have this amount) is – we laid this all out beforehand and found it so valuable when offers began to come in (we were lucky enough to have multiple over the 28 days our house was listed for). It helped to separate the emotion (“our house is worth so much more”) from the business of selling our first home (“we need this much to afford a new house in this price range”). Luckily, our house had held its value despite the current market conditions.
Just think, you’ll have a new key to add to your key frame (I totally borrowed that idea and framed the keys to our first home for display in our new home).
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Katrina,
It’s true! We can’t wait to add a key to our key frame! So excited to see what unfolds! And to keep you guys all posted along the way!
xo,
s
Barbara says
Wow! I have to say that I too am sad – especially after all the love and time you just put into the nursery. I understand wanting to move on and all, but I always thought that your end goal was to fix it up and stay. I never saw you as “flippers”.
Regardless of what I think, I wish you luck in selling and buying a new home.
Cari says
I. Can’t. Believe. It. Seriously, shocked! Ok, now that I’ve had a “moment”, it makes sense. You guys do love some fixing up and your current house is a little tapped out in that area, and who knows, you might want to add on some additional friends for Clara and the Burg-man and you’ll def. need a bigger place! I hope your house sells super quick; can’t wait to start the journey with you on Casa Petersik the 2nd!
Wendy @ A Southern Accent says
That is so exciting you guys. I wondered how you were going to keep the blog going when you ran out of projects at your current home. Wishing you the best of luck with the market – I have a feeling it will sell fast! Can’t wait to see what you guys end up with and what this new, exciting chapter will bring!
melissa says
congratulations guys – and good luck! i just went through this process a few months ago. the market is still bad, but don’t let that get you down – the good houses (like yours) still sell fast, especially if you have a good realtor. our house was on the market for just under 2 months – and we got our full asking price. we also snapped up the one we purchased the first day it was on the market.
Rachel W says
i knew it!!! well i had a hunch anyway…
Kristin says
How fun! I’m certain that a buyer will snatch up your house pretty quickly… I’m sure it shows really well. You’re probably a realtor’s dream! Good luck on the selling and buying, and good for you for taking advantage of the ridiculously low interest rates!
Redlilocks {Swoon Worthy} says
But but but… I thought this was your forever house? *sniff*
Aww I’m very happy for you both of course and excited to witness the next stage in your housey dreams. But I can’t help but be saddened a little… it’s definitely bittersweet news! All the best of luck in your house hunting adventures!
Sophie says
At first I thought you guys were kidding, but when I realized you were deadly serious about this, I became excited.
I love your house so much, it’s such a wonderful place with so many memories, but you can’t stay in one place forever, no matter what you thought or wanted this time last year.
I hope you’ll keep us updated on the house search and the sale of your current home – we’re all so interested!
And I’m also glad in a way… I only found your blog in January so I missed pretty much the whole ‘fixing up’ part of your little fixer-upper.
I can’t wait to watch you guys create a new dream home for you, your darling little girl and of course, your fur baby. I’m so excited and I can’t wait to come along for the ride (:
Erica says
Wow! What a surprise! How exciting– it can be a little crazy, but it’s so worth it. We’ve been in our house for a year, and we absolutely love it. I wish the same for you!
Laurie says
Fantastic idea, I’m so glad you are both on board now.
It felt like it was coming, I thought the stenciling the floor was the last nail in the coffin, like what else can they do to this poor house to keep up the blog? oh no stop before, damn….
Anyway congrats, can’t wait.
amanda says
My family and I used to live in Forest Hill in Richmond until we had to move to DC for work. There are so many charming houses in that area, many with spacious lots and loads of character. Its also filled with young families. Its also a good place to invest. When we sold, a the absolute worst point in the market (last summer), we had sold it in less than a month for our asking price.
I can’t wait to see what you guys tackle next!
Stefanie says
So excited for you guys! I love reading your blog and your redos and design inspire me. Even though my husband and I only live in a small apartment and cannot paint and have a limit of what we can do, I try to take your fundamentals to mind and make our apartment feel like home :) I’m so excited to see where you end up, and something tells me with your wide fan base you won’t have very much trouble selling your house!
Jessica T says
We live in Michigan, just bought our first house, and are not even thinking of moving out of state (or moving anytime soon for that matter), but I did send my husband the link and asked if he wanted to move! I’m sure your house will not be on the market long!
Holly says
Oh! Please get another ranch!!! Everytime I feel my little ranch is completely lame and hopeless I come here and instantly feel better. I guess if you upgrade there’s always the archives! Good Luck!
Jen says
Congrats on such a big decision! I’m curious, especially given all the posts lately about how busy you are running the blog and caring for Clara…How are you going to find time to work on big projects again? It sure will be interesting to see how you gut bathrooms during naptimes :)
Carrie L. says
Wow…
I’m shocked! I have been following your blog for a while now and I have to say I am a little sad. I love your house and have enjoyed watching you transform it. I am happy for you though it is an exciting thing, congrats and good luck!