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Young House Love » Moving, Selling, & Buying » Selling Our House By Owner & Buying A New House (Whirlwind!)

| By Sherry Petersik | November 5, 2010 | 647 Comments

Selling Our House By Owner & Buying A New House (Whirlwind!)

To the tune of Katy Perry’s “Hot N’ Cold”… WE’VE BOUGHT AND WE’VE SOLD!

Well not really, but we’re headed in that direction. As of 5:57 pm yesterday evening we got word that the the last of our negotiations with some potential buyers of our house have gone through, so the contract on our home is officially “pending.”

Contract Sale Pending Sign

Which means that the contract that we’ve got in on our sweet new house (yes, we fiiiinally found one) should move right along as well (since it was contingent on selling ours first). In fact if all goes well, in a little over a month we’ll be moving from our current house directly into our new casa. Holy bananas. We’re geeking out over here (high fives, jazz hands, the charleston, my own spin on the Elaine-from-Seinfeld dance, the whole nine).

You’ll have to excuse us for not sharing anything sooner. We just wanted to be sure this new found casa could really be ours before getting all excited-slash-attached and making a big ol’ blog-nouncement about it (it would’ve been such a buzz kill if things fell through). But now that both contracts are well underway (inspections have even been completed) and are only dependent on the lending process going smoothly – which should be fine, fingers crossed – we’re ready to shout the good news from the rooftops internet.

We’ll fill you in with all the how-we-priced-&-marketed-&-sold-our-house-by-owner details soon, but first let’s chat about our new house. We’re on the brink of obsessed. Picture us doodling our new address with hearts all over our notebook. It’s a total throwback to how can’t-sleep-excited we were about our current house back in 2006. And we’re so grateful to have that feeling again – especially because we were beginning to doubt that we’d find anything that gave us butterflies. But the moment the front door swung open and we found ourselves standing in our future entryway (complete with some amazing built-ins) we just knew. Which means I broke out my creepy permasmile and probably scared the realtor. So much for a poker face.

Speaking of the realtor, we ended up using a buyer’s agent after calling her to see one of her listings and, well, one thing lead to another and she ended up showing us this other home that she felt would be a better fit. We were skeptical at first because it was one we had already nixed during a late night realtor.com hunt. Why did it get nixed? Get this. It had a carport.

Contract No Carports

I stupidly decided that we strongly prefer an enclosed garage (for storage reasons, bug control reasons, and so-people-don’t-know-when-we’re-gone reasons). So I ruled out all homes with carports. Little did I know that odd parameter was keeping us from finding The One. So we begrudgingly agreed to see the house anyway, and the rest as they say is history. Even more amazingly, the sellers of the house were offering a credit to cover the entire cost of enclosing the carport to create a garage. Is that proof that it was meant to be or what? So the lesson here is to widen those parameters because your perfect house might be right under your nose (and hiding behind a carport).

But enough jibber jabber, let’s meet the future Casa Petersik. Admittedly, it’s not a Jeff Lewis exterior (yet) but we probably wouldn’t buy it if it was already there. And yes, it’s more than a little reminiscent of our current home at first glance, but the inside is larger, more flexible, and it runneth over with potential.

Contract House Filtered

THE STATS:

  • Age: 1960’s
  • House size: around 2,500 square feet
  • Lot size: .75 acres (almost exactly the same size as our current lot, but it’s more square and less long & narrow)
  • Bedrooms: 4
  • Bathrooms: 3

THE PROS:

  • Gave us that “this is IT” feeling the moment we walked inside
  • Open & flexible floor plan that will accommodate a growing family and a home-based business
  • Three modestly sized bedrooms just like the ones we have now PLUS a large master bedroom with an ensuite bathroom & a walk-in closet
  • Great blank slate with tons of potential (we love all the projects that we see when we look around)
  • Large centrally located kitchen- which makes it perfect for family gatherings (we can’t wait to knock out some walls)
  • Amazing neighborhood near our family with great schools (it’s actually very close to where we live now)
  • It’s a ranch, just like our first love house (we were open to all house types, but 50 yr old ranches never fail to steal our hearts)

THE CONS:

  • A bit larger than we expected we’d like (but still very much within our budget)
  • The landscaping will be more of a challenge than our current home’s (but we do love a challenge)
  • There’s a carport (but oh happy day, we get a credit to transform it into a garage)
  • The lot is less private than our current lot (but we have plans to change that)
  • We can’t think of anything else (we’re blinded by love I tell you)

Oh, and I guess we can meet this one minus the artistic photoshop filter. Ooh. Ahh. So crisp and non-blurry.

Contract House Unfiltered

We’re so glad that we found our perfectly imperfect house. The potential is so thick you can cut it with a knife. So cross your fingers that all continues to go well for everyone’s loans and that we end up closing in mid December without any hiccups. Until then you’ll find us gushing about our future home, playing around with paint swatches, brainstorming all sorts of layout ideas, virtually shopping for every room, charging the batteries in John’s drill, organizing and paring things down, packing, and just generally being freakishly excited. We can’t wait to share the next chapter of our lives with you guys.

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Filed Under: Moving, Selling, & Buying, Our First House, Our Second House, Saving Money

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Comments

  1. Avatar for annabelvitaannabelvita says

    November 5, 2010 at 10:44 am

    aaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!! Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaauhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
    DIY HERE WE COME!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 5, 2010 at 10:45 am

      Best. First. Comment. Ever.

      xo,
      s

  2. Avatar for StephanieStephanie says

    November 5, 2010 at 10:48 am

    Awesome! 2,500 square feet! That is great for a growing family! Take it from me; we have an 1,100 sq. ft. house with two kids. I would love a house about 2,000 sq. ft. Maybe someday. Can’t wait to see all you do to the new house! Congratulations!!

    Reply
  3. Avatar for KatieKatie says

    November 5, 2010 at 10:48 am

    WOW! Congrats! The new house looks great!
    Enjoy the excitement!

    Reply
  4. Avatar for LyndseyLyndsey says

    November 5, 2010 at 10:49 am

    Wow! Congrats!!! Can’t wait to see what you will do!!!

    Reply
  5. Avatar for AnnieAnnie says

    November 5, 2010 at 10:50 am

    I can’t wait to see all of it!!! Moving right before Christmas will definitely be an adventure!

    Reply
  6. Avatar for MarthaMartha says

    November 5, 2010 at 10:50 am

    Congrats!! The new place looks great. Can’t wait to get a peek inside!! Time to start packing!!

    Reply
  7. Avatar for KNatGUKNatGU says

    November 5, 2010 at 10:50 am

    HOLY BATMAN!

    Congratulations, is seemed to happen so fast! Way to Go. It does look strikingly similar to your current abode :) Can’t wait for the onslaught of picture from inside.

    Reply
  8. Avatar for mistymisty says

    November 5, 2010 at 10:50 am

    Is it odd that I’m freakishly just as excited as you are????

    Reply
  9. Avatar for LauraLaura says

    November 5, 2010 at 10:50 am

    CONGRATS! I am excited for you and excited to see all the changes you make!

    Reply
  10. Avatar for BrittanyBrittany says

    November 5, 2010 at 10:51 am

    WOOOOOHOOOO! So pumped for you guys :) :)

    Reply
  11. Avatar for AmandaAmanda says

    November 5, 2010 at 10:51 am

    Super exciting can’t wait for more details!!!! Congrats!

    Reply
  12. Avatar for KateKate says

    November 5, 2010 at 10:51 am

    I can totally empathize with your excitement…I too love that initial thrill of floor plan drawing, color swatch viewing, mental furniture rearranging, etc. I can’t wait to see the inside and follow along as you remodel Dream House: The Sequel! Congrats!!!

    Reply
  13. Avatar for CarlaCarla says

    November 5, 2010 at 10:52 am

    CONGRATS!!!!! Oh this is so exciting!!! Can’t wait to see it all come together for you!!

    Reply
  14. Avatar for ValerieValerie says

    November 5, 2010 at 10:52 am

    CONGRATULATIONS, can only imagine how excited you are! We have had our place on the market for 4 months and have only had 1 showing! Would love to know your secret to such a fast sale!

    Reply
  15. Avatar for BetBet says

    November 5, 2010 at 10:52 am

    Congratulations! From the outside it looks so much like the home I grew up in (east of Richmond). Hope the move goes smoothly and I can’t wait to see what you do with it.

    John, I would like to see how you can incorporate some Wahoo decor/gear into this new house. With Sherry’s permission, of course! ;-) We have a navy Virginia throw in our burgundy/navy/yellow-gold living room.

    Reply
  16. Avatar for NikkiNikki says

    November 5, 2010 at 10:52 am

    I’m so excited for you guys and can’t wait to see what you do when you get your new place!! EEEEEEEEEE!!!!

    Reply
  17. Avatar for Jeannine @ Small & ChicJeannine @ Small & Chic says

    November 5, 2010 at 10:52 am

    Congratulations! What a quick sale for this market!

    Reply
  18. Avatar for Amanda @ Our Humble A{Bowe}dAmanda @ Our Humble A{Bowe}d says

    November 5, 2010 at 10:52 am

    Congrats on buying AND selling!! And, wow, the new house looks so much like your current house. Can’t wait to see the inside and what you all do to it.

    Reply
  19. Avatar for KteKte says

    November 5, 2010 at 10:52 am

    CONGRATS!!! I can’t WAIT to see all the projects you’ll have coming up!

    Reply
  20. Avatar for ChristiChristi says

    November 5, 2010 at 10:53 am

    YEA!!!!

    Congrats! I am so excited to see your new projects!

    Reply
  21. Avatar for Holly WestHolly West says

    November 5, 2010 at 10:53 am

    I LOVE IT!

    I cannot wait to see the inside and what you guys do to this place so I can live my DIY dreams vicariously through you.

    Congratulations!

    Reply
  22. Avatar for JennyJenny says

    November 5, 2010 at 10:53 am

    Yippee! Fingers crossed, but I’m sure it’ll be smooth sailing! Can’t wait to see how you transform this new home!

    Reply
  23. Avatar for Cait @ Hernando HouseCait @ Hernando House says

    November 5, 2010 at 10:53 am

    That’s so exciting!!!!! Can’t wait to see the inside, and the projects, and… everything!!

    Reply
  24. Avatar for Emily B.Emily B. says

    November 5, 2010 at 10:54 am

    I just screamed some crazy giddy gibberish behind my cubicle….SO EXCITED!

    Reply
  25. Avatar for Sarah YoungSarah Young says

    November 5, 2010 at 10:54 am

    Congratulations it is beautiful! So Happy for you guys, thank you for taking us on the journey with you!

    Reply
  26. Avatar for LindseyLindsey says

    November 5, 2010 at 10:54 am

    Congrats! It seems like that all happened really fast!

    Reply
  27. Avatar for Jen MJen M says

    November 5, 2010 at 10:54 am

    Congrats guys!! It looks great, can’t wait to see the inside!

    Reply
  28. Avatar for E.LefebvreE.Lefebvre says

    November 5, 2010 at 10:55 am

    Congratulations!

    Reply
  29. Avatar for HilaryHilary says

    November 5, 2010 at 10:55 am

    I knew your house wouldn’t last long, given its perfection and internet fame. New place looks great- and the carport really isn’t that bad. I’ve definitely seen some horrifying ones, and that one looks at least like it mirrors the house’s roofline.

    I’m waiting to find out what stays and what goes…and more big plans. I’m sure you will leak out the information little by little. Crumbs for the DIY crazed to find and eat up. Just like Hansel and Gretel.

    Reply
  30. Avatar for LaurenLauren says

    November 5, 2010 at 10:55 am

    Totally excited for you and totally jealous. We also have a contingent contract and our house has been on the market since September. Can’t wait to hear your selling secrets in a crappy market–ASAP!! Happy closing vibes to you!

    Reply
  31. Avatar for NicoleNicole says

    November 5, 2010 at 10:55 am

    I’m so excited for you (and more DIY project posts)!

    Reply
  32. Avatar for paigepaige says

    November 5, 2010 at 10:56 am

    Awesome, blossoms! So glad it is yours–congratulations!

    Reply
  33. Avatar for BethBeth says

    November 5, 2010 at 10:57 am

    Congrats on buying and selling! I can’t wait to see pictures of the inside and see what you do with your new home!! Good luck with the move!!

    Reply
  34. Avatar for Andrea (Lil-Kid-Things)Andrea (Lil-Kid-Things) says

    November 5, 2010 at 10:57 am

    Yay! We close on our house on the 24th. SO exciting! Congrats on finding the one!

    Reply
  35. Avatar for CarrieCarrie says

    November 5, 2010 at 10:57 am

    I am soooo excited for you guys…I even got that gitty feeling in the pit of my stomach for ya! And I love that it’s another brick ranch (as I my casa is a brick ranch which is part of the reason why I feel in love with your blog…not to mention that my fiance and I will also be having our wedding in our backyard next April…but enough about me.) Congrats! Congrats! Congrats! I can’t wait for all the new juicy renos!

    Reply
  36. Avatar for peytonpeyton says

    November 5, 2010 at 10:57 am

    You had me at the trees…

    Reply
  37. Avatar for KristaKrista says

    November 5, 2010 at 10:57 am

    How exciting! I can’t wait to start seeing your new house projects! Congratulations!

    Reply
  38. Avatar for ClareClare says

    November 5, 2010 at 10:57 am

    Yay! I’m so giddy excited for you all! Congrats!

    Reply
  39. Avatar for kerikeri says

    November 5, 2010 at 10:58 am

    WOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOO! CONGRATS!!

    I feel like this is the older sister of your current house…the barbie to your skipper, you know? so similar from the front they could be a matched set, yet a little more mature…
    congrats again, fingers crossed!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      November 5, 2010 at 10:59 am

      Hey Keri,

      So true! It IS the Barbie to our skipper!

      xo,
      s

  40. Avatar for Ms.HMs.H says

    November 5, 2010 at 10:58 am

    Congratulations!! I am in a DIY-induced-anticipatory-coma over here. Sooooo excited to see what you two have in store for your new abode!!!! =)

    Reply
  41. Avatar for Nicole S.Nicole S. says

    November 5, 2010 at 10:58 am

    Congrats! Can’t wait to see what you do with the new place!

    Reply
  42. Avatar for KateKate says

    November 5, 2010 at 10:58 am

    SOO Excited for you guys!! Can’t wait to see the inside!

    Reply
  43. Avatar for Katie @ Domestiphobia.netKatie @ Domestiphobia.net says

    November 5, 2010 at 10:58 am

    Congrats! Can’t wait to see the inside!!

    Reply
  44. Avatar for ElizabethElizabeth says

    November 5, 2010 at 10:59 am

    YAYYYYY! and I love the best. first. comment. ever. part Sherry! I can’t wait to hear more about it!!

    Reply
  45. Avatar for Katie@J&K Homestead[email protected]&K Homestead says

    November 5, 2010 at 10:59 am

    Can’t wait for the TRANSFORMATION to begin!!! Soooo excited for you guys!

    Reply
  46. Avatar for RachelRachel says

    November 5, 2010 at 10:59 am

    YAY!! Congrats!!!

    Reply
  47. Avatar for HollyHolly says

    November 5, 2010 at 10:59 am

    AHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH AAAAAAHHHHHHH I’M SO EXCITED FOR YOU GUYS!!!! I can’t WAIT to “join you” on this new adventure!!! SO seriously excited for you guys :)

    Reply
  48. Avatar for GreenInOCGreenInOC says

    November 5, 2010 at 10:59 am

    Over the moon for you!

    And for me, since I’ll get to see so many before & after pictures!!

    Reply
  49. Avatar for BradBrad says

    November 5, 2010 at 10:59 am

    Huh? What just happened? It looks like the house you live in now…the 2 trees, red brick, dark shutters, white columns.

    Reply
  50. Avatar for Mary AnneMary Anne says

    November 5, 2010 at 10:59 am

    Pretty scary how geeked I am about this! Congratulations!

    Reply
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John and Sherry smiling against pink backgroundHey, we’re John & Sherry. We’ve fixed up 7 homes, written books, designed products, started a podcast, and then downsized & moved to the beach! Here you’ll find over 3,000 DIY projects & home updates. More about us…
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