This next house we toured was pretty sweet. The owners had just dropped the price nearly $40,000 which suddenly put it within our range. The sellers had already moved out and after having the place on the market for 4 months were quite motivated to sell. And perhaps that fact would motivate us to buy? Let’s meet the house:
THE STATS:
- Age: 1977
- House size: 2,772 square feet
- Lot size: 0.4 acres of land
- Bedrooms: 4
- Bathroom: 2.5
THE PROS:
- Great deal
- Beautiful exterior and landscaping
- Polished details like crown molding, custom window shutters, and exposed beams
- Tons of extras like a Wolf range, two outdoor deck heaters, a car lift in garage, and a full yard irrigation system
- Kitchen needed lots of work (which we like)
THE CONS:
- Felt a bit too “fancy” for us
- Didn’t need much work besides the kitchen
- Schools and location were not ideal
- Still priced at the top of our range even with the drop
- Not as old and much bigger than we’re actually looking for
The funny thing about this house is that it’s actually one of the first we toured on the inside. And it initially wowed us so much that we actually did put in an offer (shocker, we know) – mainly just to see what would happen. We figured with our lowball price (we dropped it another 20K) and our must-sell-our-house-first contingency that we’d get kicked out immediately. They ended up being fine with the contingency but weren’t willing to budge on the price (which is completely understandable given their recent drop) so we walked away. At least it was a good dry run for when we make and offer on a house that we really want. Especially because in hindsight we want waaaay more of a beater than this house. one that’s even older, more modestly sized, and just begging for a makeover. Are you out there perfectly imperfect house?
Sarah W. says
I love that you’re sharing your house hunt with us. We bought our house a year ago, but I still like to check out open houses in our neighborhood – I’m kind of addicted to the hunt, I guess.
On a totally different note…Sherry – you were waaay too hard on yourself regarding your wardrobe choice for the Nate show. I thought you (both) looked fantastic, as well as coming across very smooth and natural on camera. Kudos to you both!
Tamisha says
It’s only too easy to get sucked in to the “amenities” like size and deal. Good for you for walking away. Having recently sold and then purchased houses in the RVA, I really think it’s important to go slowly. What you think you want initially may end up being not what you really want. Our house hunt started with a house that was too big (nearly 3K sq ft!) in a neighborhood that wasn’t ideal, and was totally already rehabbed. We ended up with the proverbial “worst house in the nicest neighborhood” which leaves us lots of room to move up!
Nuha says
just reading your house hunt adventures makes me so excited to buy our own house. I also want an older house with southern charm that I can DIY until the dogs come home. Good luck with finding the perfect home! Sometimes the hunt is the best part of all :)
Karen says
So, I guess you would have bought it if they accepted your offer??
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Karen,
I guess so, but we were certain that our low ball offer and contingency would eliminate us. Although we initially adored the house (enough to put an offer in), within 24 hours we came to our wits and realized it wasn’t the right one. And thank goodness the universe agreed since they kicked out our offer pretty much immediately.
xo,
s
Gordana says
Your pros and cons list for this house looks a lot like the house which my husband and I ended up buying last spring. We definitely felt it was “fancy” in comparison to our needs and the other homes we looked at, but it’s potential (such as renovating kitchen and bathrooms) and a great price won us over. From your edited photo, this house looks very charming and cozy – does it actually feel like that on the inside?
YoungHouseLove says
Yes, it was great inside. The only issue we had is that it would have been a hard layout to manipulate (we want something closed in that we can open up) and it was just too done for us. We get can’t-sleep-excited at the prospect of finding another house to lovingly bring back from the brink like we’ve done with our current house and this house just wouldn’t have made that possible since it was already pretty nice with the exception of the kitchen.
xo,
s
Teresa@where in the world? says
I love the phrase “perfect imperfect house.” I wish you luck as you continue to search. There are so many great opportunities for good deals on low maintenance homes right now, it’s hard not to be wowed by them. We’re holding out for a rambling ranch from the 1960s or very early 70s that has had minimal updating. It might just be a long wait.
:)
Krys72599 says
A lift in the garage??? OMG, my husband might be willing to just pack it all in and relocate!!! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve stood in our dining room window and looked outside into our driveway and watched him, laying on the ground, changing the oil in one of our vehicles, in the rain, or in the cold, or yes, in the snow…
Heck, I might even be willing to relocate! We aren’t spring chickens anymore!!!
Gordana says
That makes sense! I’m glad you guys are looking for a house to transform – it makes it so much fun for the rest of us to follow along. :)Good luck as you continue your search!
Elizabeth says
Wow…that’s a big step up in size! My current house is very small and I find that not only do I enjoy that it doesn’t take long to clean, I also really enjoy my small utility bills!
YoungHouseLove says
Amen Elizabeth! That’s what we were thinking when we came to our senses! It all worked out in the end.
xo,
s
Molly P-H says
YHL just wouldn’t be the same w/o a house that you four bring back from the brink (and I’ve only been reading YHL since THE NATE BERKUS SHOW … yeah, it’s still in all caps. it was that exciting.). Good luck with your hunt! Molly in Fla.
maggi says
Its all about perspective.
A house that does not need much work is a PRO for us, and a CON for ya’ll :)
mike @ the lil house that could says
I’m going to ask a personal question, mainly because I’m curious — so feel free to ignore :) Are you guys currently investing/saving for a retirement age? Are you saving, a la maybe a 529, for the little one?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Mike,
Yes, we have a SEP which we contribute to for retirement (since we’re our own business we don’t get one of those nice company matching 401Ks). We also have a 529 for Clara- gotta save those pennies for college!
xo,
s
Rachel says
I love these posts! The saddest thing about buying my house a year ago is that I don’t get to go house hunting anymore! It was certainly exhausting at the time, but it was so much fun exploring! I still haven’t canceled the real estate updates I get in my email. I figure it’s a good idea to know what’s going on with the market in my neighborhood, even if I really just like looking at the photos. ;)
Heidi H. says
I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have the willpower to say not to this house. I would throw all logic to the wind & buy this sucker. It’s like, a dream. My heart was racing a bit when I saw this pic & read that y’all put in an offer! It looks a lot like the house in Father of the Bride, which is one of my all-time favorite movie houses. Seriously, y’all are setting SUCH a good example of how to NOT be impulsive. Cannot wait to see the house you choose!
Sophie says
I’m quite sad that this house was in too good of a state for you guys… It looks SO pretty!
With you putting in an offer, I feel like you’re getting a lot closer to find the house that IS perfectly imperfect for you and your babies (furry or otherwise).
YoungHouseLove says
Wahoo! Any day now…
xo,
s
Tami says
I’ve got an amazing fixer-upper on the California coast for you! Our beach pad is in desperate need of some Young House Lovin’. Of course, you can’t have it. You can just come in, work your magic, blog about it, and head back east to *your* fixer upper. But I know that you need an ‘in-the-meantime-project’ right now… and, I’m here for ya. Always got your back guys.
brandt @ New House on the Blog says
Totally feel your pain, guys. We’ve been looking for a while now, and it can be rough. There’s just something about rolling up the sleeves, getting dirty, and knocking out walls that gets weirdos like us excited.
Take luck!
Cait @ Hernando House says
Isn’t it funny how things work out? We were IN LOVE with a house in our neighborhood that ended up being under contract, and then the people under contract found out it had a LOT of plumbing issues. Yikes! So glad things actually worked out in our favor with that one!
I’m so excited to see what house does work out for you guys!
Gina at Temporary Nest says
I would gladly take that house off your hands thank you! :)
Caroline says
Question: What happens if you sell your house but do no find house you love enough to buy? Will you rent or move-in with family? Just curious.
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Caroline,
We plan to institute an extra long closing on our house so that will buy us plenty of time to move into our new house directly. Fingers crossed…
xo,
s
Carly Marie says
I have loved watching you renovate your home and I can’t wait to see what you guys will do with whichever one you end up in! I am sure you will find just the perfect one…and I can’t wait to see it!!!
-Carly at Ruffles & Such
Adriene S. says
I like what I see so far! Good luck with the search, my husband and I looked for over a year and we finally found our fixer-uper a little over a year ago now. I like this house, but it reminds me a lot of your buddies’ home at Bower Power. Can’t wait to see what your guys get!
renee says
One of the cardinal rules of real estate is to spend the least in the best neighborhood. Sounds like you found a good deal in this house. Yes, it may not be too old, but the size is something you will definitely grow into as your family grows. The fancy stuff is a bonus! You can focus your energy on the kitchen reno and then you will surely find additional projects in the other rooms as you go along. Keep looking if you must, but keep in mind that if this property is as nice as it seems it will not be there if and when you change your mind. I’m excited for you guys! Good luck!
Danielle says
I really like this house – actually my house looks very similar except the garage is completely attached (no windows on that side of the house) – so it would have been nice to see the layout inside if it’s similar to mine. we just bought our house this year and there is a ton to do!
Becky says
I agree with you about loving a smaller house. Our house currently has 2 bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms…it is small, but sooo cozy and homey and just the right size for us. Not to mention easy to clean with low utility bills. We are planning to start a family soon and are going to be adding a master bedroom with a bathroom in the spring. We feel that then we’ll have just enough space for a family and will still get to enjoy our cozy home-y house!
good luck you guys with your home search!!
LauraC says
Oh my, I am finding that I am commenting more because each post is so great! Love this picture, and have to say, though this house is on the big side, you just might find you appreciate more space (and can find a good use for it). But I hear you on the extra cleaning- yuck! Keep having fun searching! You know you’ll find it!
tarynkay says
Wow, that is a huge house! What’s the siding material? If it’s wood, the maintenance/painting/annual mold-scrubbing on that would be a real con, too.
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Tarynkay,
Yup it was all hardboard siding. You’re right, it would have been a big job to maintain! Especially since it’s such a large house and we’re used to a no maintenance brick ranch.
xo,
s
Cordia says
I love that house and it wouldnt bother me one bit if all it needed was a new kitchen,lol. But I know you guys love a project. I am just ready for my house to be finished so I can enjoy it. Finally got some spackling done on our fourth bedroom’s walls, but no where near finished. So much to do!
Jen @ The Decor Scene says
That is a very nice house, but it doesn’t scream “YHL” to me at all. You will find what you are looking for with just the right balance of DIY projects and projects that are already done when you buy it.
I think back to when we bought our “ugly house on the block” 3 years ago and we are almost done with all of the projects….almost. But it’s so nice to still get completments from neighbors that are walking around the block. We bought a neighborhood together and it feels pretty good. (previous owners were jerks and divided the neighborhood). We aren’t moving any time soon though. ;)
Erica says
I love that you guys are doing this! That house, even in the stylized way you’ve posted it, reminds me of the one in the Father of the Bride movies (with Steve Martin and Diane Keaton). I have always always always wanted to live in their house, even though my style is more modern!
Nik says
I second what Heidi H said earlier. It totally reminded me of the house in Father of the Bride…and then if you watch Father of the Bride 2 and how much he loves his house…**sigh** I don’t know if I could have walked away. Way to go!! Have you ever thought of doing a new build a-la 1950s? I wonder if there are even contractors that would build you a new old-house.
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Nik,
We briefly thought about building but decided we love working with what we have, finding creative solutions, and saving something that needs serious help more than building something custom that’s “to order.” I guess we like a challenge! Haha. Not that building a house isn’t a challenge… John’s sister designed and built her house and with permits and setbacks it took nearly two years from start to finish! Maybe we’re not that patient either. Ha.
xo,
s
Amanda says
That looks exactly like my parents old house! They live in the Midlothian/Chesterfield area, and just downgraded to a much smaller home since they are empty nesters now. It was the third house my parents owned, and they always said the place was way to big, even with 3 kids and a dog. We never even used the formal dining room or living room.
Emily Rae says
Oh man, I love this house, but I can see how it might not be so great for you guys. My long-term goal, and something I wish more boomers were doing now, is to have a house w/ a mother-in-law apartment somewhere on in — even in the basement, and to rent it out to youngsters (like my current self).
Mike @HA says
I know it sounds funny but we chose our house over a slightly cheaper one that was a lot more move in ready. The other house had no where to go in sweat equity though and we wanted to be able to work on our house. Our parents might have thought we were crazy.
Kasey at Thrifty Little Blog says
Fun fact on 1970’s homes: my electrician AND plumber both listed them as favorites. While the charm isn’t always there, they agreed that the structures of homes in that decade were very sound while being up to code on most important building features. Their least favorites were 1980’s and beyond because of lack of construction quality.
YoungHouseLove says
That’s SO interesting!
xo,
s
Rebecca @ the lil house that could says
My husband and I did the same thing. We put an offer in on a house because the price was reduced and it was a good deal. Then we were like wait, what on earth are we doing?!?! So when they countered we just walked away. I thank myself every day for that decision, it just wasn’t the right house for us and we probably would be looking to move already.
But based on photoshopped picture, this one is my favorite of the houses you’ve posted so far :)
Rebecca @ the lil house that could says
Oh and one more thing!
I think that if you’re relieved when something doesn’t get accepted work out, you know you’re doing the right thing. But with the house we have now, I told my husband at one point that I would be DEVASTATED if something fell through. I think that’s a good instinct to follow :)
Kait says
All of the houses we can afford in our area are beat up and we are not the fix-it type at all! Can we trade places? I love your blog and hope that it will help us to be inspired to do a little work if we wind up in a “beater” as you call it :)
Dave says
Being an architect I don’t think there is any house that is to done. i could buy almost anything and completely half gut the house to make it tailored to my needs. I guess i rather have a “perfect imperfect house” a little more on the done side then needing to be redone as i get to put more of the money detailing and heck i get to see the house reach it’s true potential faster.
But remember what ever you pick out there the only thing that limits you in in design is Money and Imagination.
Beth says
While I think that house is lovely when I saw the picture my first thought was “that is so NOT what I expected them to be interested in.” It looks frou-frou even in the photoshopped picture and I just don’t “feel” you two in it. Like I know you so well and all. ;)
jody says
Oh, the joys of house hunting. After going through it last year and looking at SOOO many homes, we bought one that although we didn’t “LOVE” it was good size, good price, great schools & location.
Remember, you can always make a house into what you want – you guys got that down!! – but you can’t change location or great schools (think of bambino!!) And also try to remember, there is probably not a “perfect” house out there for you..but a very wonderful one that you will both agree to enjoy & love.
Have fun!!
Jen says
This looks just like the house I grew up in. The house isn’t located in Roxshire, is it?! (Or are you not allowed to reveal the location?!)
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Jen,
Nope, no in Roxshire. Must be a common look though!
xo,
s
claire says
Just curious . . .is this house not in the county? Was wondering why “schools not ideal” was one of the cons.
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Claire,
It’s in Chesterfield county, it just didn’t feed to James River High (which we’ve heard is amazing and is where our current home would feed to). We also have same-age relatives that will be going to James River (Clara’s cousins) so we’d love for them all to end up there together.
xo,
s
john says
why are you guys against a house of this size?
seems like you stress you want to stay modest, but then put an offer on a 2800 sf house…which is great…
but then you are concerned with the size again?
more size i would think means more projects, more rooms to make over, more areas to work and play….
i know our culture of bigger is better is not always right, but in you guy’s case, i would think more space (as long as in same price range) the better….
you guys work at home, you work is working on your home, etc.
i would think any extra rooms, space would be ideal.
i understand utilities go up, cost to furnish, etc.
but of course it will be your house, ha….just find it interesting
YoungHouseLove says
I just don’t want to clean all that house! Plus (as you mentioned) the costs of heating and cooling and generally maintaining a home definitely effects what we want. I grew up in a huge house (5000 square feet) but there were seven of us living there (which actually broke down to a modest amount of square footage per person, and we only had five bedrooms so some people shared rooms). I watched my mom heat, cool, and clean that monstrous house all the time, so I guess I want to rebel.
xo,
s
Jenn M says
I’m curious to know: you mentioned that you’re selling your house on your own (no realtors) but are you buying the same way, too? Do you set the conditions of the sale (i.e. contingent upon the sale of your home) yourself? If so, how do you feel so comfortable with that? Aren’t you nervous about doing that? (I think it’s great, but I only wish I could be brave like you!)
Most of the time I read your blog I’m so envious of how you teach yourselves how to do all of it! Way to go!!
P.S. John is it November yet… Aquatober is kicking my butt! I caved and had soda yesterday and today! Ugh, hurry up November, and get here already!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Jenn M,
We’re definitely looking at homes without a formal “buyers agent” but if we feel like it’s the way to go (perhaps they can negotiate a better deal or play intermediary for us at the seller’s expense) we’re open to that as well (although some sellers appreciate when you buy without an agent since they may save that 3% commission). We’re really just open to whatever happens and confident that we will be able to move directly from our current house into our new house since we plan to build in a 60 day closing on our house if it sells before we buy something (so we have time to find something and buy it before we have no where to live). We’re definitely open to adding language to those contracts to protect us since we have a little one to think about (John and I can crash on couches and put stuff in storage but for Clara’s benefit we’re sensitive to keeping things as simple and coordinated as possible). As for Aquatober, John almost caved and had a soda yesterday too- but he resisted. November is right around the corner! You can do it!
xo,
s
Nicole says
Remember the 1st three rules of real estate: LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION. :)
Emily says
Ok, sorry, I don’t mean to be critical, but if you aren’t serious about buying I think it is rude to waste a seller’s time writing up an offer. We had several lowball offers on our house that I just didn’t understand and it honestly never even dawned on me until now that they may have just been “practice runs”. It sure does stink when you are selling to get your hopes up about an offer. :( Not to mention a big waste of time and energy.
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Emily,
No worries! We had every intention of buying the house when we put in the offer (that’s the risk right, you’re legally liable so you better be serious) so it wasn’t a practice run from the start or anything like that. Initially we were so wooed by the house and the value and how nearly finished it already was that we couldn’t see straight so we went for it. Only afterwards did we come to our senses and realize that it wasn’t meant to be (so we walked away instead of raising our offer). The good news is that the night we decided not to negotiate on the price (in the hope of getting the house) since we decided it wasn’t right for us after all, someone else swooped in and bought it for the full asking price. I think they’re getting ready to move in in just a few weeks since it was vacant and ready to go when they put in that offer!
xo,
s
Jenny@Evolution of Style says
We are at the tail end of the home selling/buying process, and even though the “actual” timeframe has only been about six months, it feels like it’s been forever since we’ve been semi-looking for that “perfect” house for a few years!
Even though it’s been an exhausting process (we’re living with my parents until we close on November 15 – did I mention we have three kids?) – I have always loved house hunting, and I suspect I always will. In the meantime, I will continue to follow you guys on your search!
amber says
Whatever is meant to be will work out. I’m hoping you can find a house with even more available yhl projects than this one. I can’t wait for you to find “the one”.
Kim says
You guys will want that space when your kids are older. Believe me, it happens fast. And you will have not just your kids, but their friends as well. You want to be the house the other kids want to come to so you can keep an eye on things. You want enough room for your friends and their kids to have dinner/parties at your house. This is what you will be doing instead of going out. And you are young enough you can start paying that mortgage down and hopefully in 15 years be done-in time to pay for Clara’s college. I know it seems big now-but it’s not. It’s the perfect size. If it was 3000 sq ft. I would agree it’s too big. It looks adorable-GO FOR IT! You already did anyway. I am a 40ish person who’s been there.