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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
Natalie says
ahhh congratulations!! That is so exciting! I seriously CAN NOT WAIT to see all of the fabulous DIY projects and transformations you guys do to this place! :)
susan says
Congrats! It reminds me of when we bought our 3rd home and moved right before Christmas with a 3 year old, 18month old and BTW I was 6 months pregnant. Somehow we did it and went on to live in that home for 14 years. I am so excited for you. susan
courtney says
Woohoo! We are moving into our own “fixer upper” too ; ) This month! You all have inspired us – I now have so many ideas and am so excited – can’t wait to see what you do with your new casa!!!
Vanessa says
I am so excited for you guys! I was gushing and my husband walked in and said, “What’s going on?” So I gave him your whole shtick in about 30 seconds and then quickly realized that I am slightly YHL obsessed! Thanks for inviting us all to join you on your journeys. I am excited for you and can’t wait to see what you do next. Best of luck!
Meredith says
Thrilled for you! ?? though…Are you ever scared of the work to bring an older home to current standards as far as effeicency with heating/cooling/plumbing/windows?
We are hunting right now but anything over 10 years sends my husband running the other way. We are in the Phoenix area and the 10-12year mark is when A/C units die and cost too much money to replace. He does not love the idea of needing to replace windows, roofs, anything that is old. He doesn’t want to deal with insufficient isolation, He want turn-key. I have other ideas so I guess until I am paying for the house, we lean to his side.
YoungHouseLove says
Good question! Since we learned all about that with our current house it doesn’t scare us in the least! We think it’s totally worth a little updating for the charm and character that can be found in an older house. Plus they’re built super solidly and have already stood the test of time, so in some aspects they scare us less than new constructions! Another thing to think about is if you can get an older home for 50K less than a new one, you can spend 50K updating it and making it pretty darn amazing and tailored to your every need (instead of generic and builder-basic like most pricier new construction homes). It’s definitely a personal decision tough. Good luck on your house hunt!
xo,
s
Cory says
This is so exciting! I can’t wait to see pics of the your new place!
Julia says
Congrats on finding a new home to love!
Michelle says
I am so excited for you guys!!! Congratulations! I’m interested to see the design choices you make in order to distinguish it from your first lovely home. I’m wondering, myself, if you’ll go with a bolder, warmer color palette (although I do love breezy neutrals and ocean colors so much!) Can’t wait to see the inside!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Michelle,
We’re definitely talking about adding more contrast and more hits of bold color and pattern for more of a sophisticated and layered look that’s not as washed out and beachy. At least that’s the plan… but who knows where our evolving sense of style will take us over the next few years!
xo,
s
Susanna says
Nice work on the new slogan! Perfect (of course I’d expect nothing less from you guys!).
kelly ann says
can’t WAIT for move in!!!!! :)
valerie J. says
Congrats you guys! I know you’ll make it fabulous and I’m looking forward to some great tutorials as well!
karen says
Alright!! So happy for you guys! Everything will work out!
Isn’t it such a great feeling when you find ‘the one’ and you can picture your life happening?!?!
Krista Haws says
I’m sooooo happy for you guys!! That is super exciting and I hope everything works out well! I will be sad to say “goodbye” to your current house though :)
Abby says
I like you new tag line! I wondered how you would change it!
Making it Lovely says
Woohoo! Congrats, guys!
Tanya says
Congratulations guys. Can’t wait to see the inside and what you do with the new place!
My question is – Have you had that moment yet where you realise you are leaving your first love behind?
I know I cried on and off for days when I left my first house love even though I LOVED the new house. It was just an emotional time. Or is it just me that cries?
Bring on the new renos! xx
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Tanya,
Yup, it’s definitely starting to sink in. We keep listing the things we’ll miss. This house was definitely our first love, so as excited as we are to move on to our new home, it’ll definitely be sorely missed (and I know I’ll shed more than a few tears).
xo,
s
Ariel says
I’m super happy that you found something already! Cannot wait to see all the new projects!
Kristin (aust) says
OMG I’m so exciting its like I’m moving too…. the sadness of leaving the familiar (and really beautifully renovated) current house to move on to new diy adventures…. Congrats on the sale and the purchase – I just can’t wait to follow the projects in the new house here from Australia :)
K x
Kristin (aust) says
Oh geez louise… embarassing typo…. I meant in my last comment that I’m so excited (not I’m so exciting… do I have tickets on myself or what!! Lol) :)
Megan says
Congrats you guys!
Is the interest rate on the 15 year mortgage higher or lower than the 30? I was told it was better to take the 30 year mortgage because of the lower interest rate and pay it off as if it was 15. This was almost 10 years ago so I don’t know how the rates compare today.
If you do visit your old house one day, you know what will blow your mind? If Clara can talk she’ll walk around the house and name things even though she wasn’t speaking when she lived there. That happened with our little girl. It was crazy. They are such sponges right now even though they can’t express themelves fully.
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Megan,
It’s lower on the 15-year mortgage for us (in the 3’s!!!), which is why we prefer it. If we end up with a 20-year we’ll still pay it off as if it’s a 15 though. As for the story about your daughter- that’s amazing! I would love to hear her talk about our beloved first house one day!
xo,
s
Sabrina says
CONGRATS guys! It’s been really fun following the road to buying your new home. So exciting! I can’t believe how much it looks like your current home at first glance. :)
pat says
Congrats on your new house – you guys are ambitious!
I recently found your tutorial about painting wood furniture from a long time ago. I followed your instructions about sanding, oil-based primer, coats of paint and then the glossy coat. The old desk that we use as a computer stand now looks great! But when I sit here, I can smell the top coats that gave it a gloss. Is there something I can do to get rid of the odor, or will it dissipate in time? I finished it about a week or so ago.
Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Pat,
It’ll definitely dissipate in time, but heat/sunlight speeds the off-gassing process up, so playing your item of furniture outside in the sun for a few days (just make sure there’s no rain in the forecast) can really help! Good luck!
xo,
s
Laura says
Congratulations all the way from Finland! I can’t wait to see all the new projects you’ll have lined up. Also please please write about the packing, and unpacking (weirdly one of my favourite things to do).
Sealicious says
Congratulations!!
Can’t wait to see all of your fun projects!
Brianne says
How exciting!! Looking forward to seeing what type of DIY projects you come up with!
Roost Interior Design says
Very exciting! I’m doing my first flip and am definitely getting addicted. Maybe not a good time but, oh well, somebody’s got to do it!
Good luck and can’t wait to see the transformation!
Amy says
Wow, congratulations!! I can’t wait to see interior photos and learn about your plan of attack for this new home. I’ll keep my fingers crossed that both transactions go off without a hitch.
Brooke says
Congratulations on finding your “new” home. My husband and I (also DIYers) are in the process of remodeling our 2nd 1959 rambler. We love that style, too. We looked at a range of styles and vintages and kept coming back… Like your “new” home ours in eerily similar to our last. Just a little bigger, with more possibilities! It’s been fun to follow your journey (we made the move 1 year ago in July). Good luck with your new adventure! Can’t wait to see what you do!
Amanda says
I’ve been without the internet for a couple of days and knew I was going to miss something! I’m glad you are getting everything worked out in the home department! Keeping a house on the market is hard work! Congratulations and I can’t wait to see what you do with it!
Heather says
Congratulations on the new house. We’re building and should be closing on our new house at the end of January, and I’m brainstorming ideas, so look forward to seeing your new house ideas for inspiration!
Beth says
Just wanted to add my congratulations to the pile!! Very excited for you and your family. Can’t wait to hear all about, well everything! Woo hoo DIY here we come!
Happy Closing and Happy Moving!!
Megan says
I never comment, but I read your blog almost every day! Thought this would be a great time to let you know how much I enjoy reading and tell you congratulations on the new house! Can not WAIT to see what y’all do with it-I know it will be absolutely gorgeous and continue to inspire my house’s interior!
Heather says
how exciting! I can’t wait to see what you guys do with this one! I hope the selling and buying continues to go smoothly!
Christy says
So happy for you all! Congrats and cannot wait to hear all the good deets!
anna see says
Yay! This is so very exciting!
candace @ thecandace.com says
Congrats!!! Weeeeeeeeee!! So excited for your family!
Tarcia says
This is so exciting. Congratulations. I can’t wait to see what your working with inside and what you do with it. I’m also looking forward to your selling tips.
Danielle says
Congratulations!!
Claire @ Claire K Creations says
Congratulations! That’s fantastic news. I am very envious of you both.
I’ll keep my fingers crossed that it all works out but it sounds like this one is meant to be.
molly says
Wow, that was fast! CONGRATS. Actually I’m mumbling and grumbling over here trying to type through my jealousy :)
Our house was on the market for 6 months without a single offer. And it kills me to see how easy it seems for others. The only way you’re gonna make me feel better is if you outline how you got your house sold. And FSBO, no less, which I was told was an absolute no-no in this economy.
PLEASE HELP. SOS. I have gone from Young House Love for our first house to Old Piece of Crap Hate.
But seriously, I’m excited to see what you do with the new place! Just frustrated and stuck.
YoungHouseLove says
We’ll definitely be sharing all the stops we pulled out to sell our house! The people who bought it have never heard of our site, so there are definitely buyers out there, with or without a blog!
xo,
s
Melinda says
Oh my gosh, congrats! You guys must be thrilled. Geez, how long was it from the time you hatched the idea to move til the time you bought and sold, like a month or something?! Crazy.
The new house does look A LOT like your current one from the outside! I absolutely can’t wait to see what you guys have planned for it and I’m so happy for you!
Nicole says
Congratulations!
Is it odd that I am very excited you have almost completed your house hunt? I love seeing your projects and found your blog about 6 weeks ago so it will be great to watch the development of this house as it transforms!
Kisses Cole
renee says
Congrats, John and Sherry! Looks like a lovely place to begin the next step of your life. Wish you the best!
Bridgette says
Woohoooooo, I laughed hard at the Elaine reference…but as happy as you are…that does not need to happen. You might make the realtor think you were having a full body dry heave.=) I can not WAIT to see all your porjects and room revamps as they happen. Good luck you two!!
Julie says
CONGRATULATIONS! What a great new chapter. Of course, we are all chomping at the bit to see pictures of the interior!
erin says
Congrats, first of all.
Will you let us locals know when you have your yard sale?
YoungHouseLove says
We’re not sure if we’ll be able to get our act together for a moving sale (and might use craigslist to move some unnecessary stuff) but we hope to keep the locals posted! So much to do, so little time!
xo,
s
Snickrsnack Katie says
I am so excited for you guys! It looks awesome!!!!
r8chel says
Congratulations! I was expecting you to choose something more different from your current home, but of course it makes total sense that you’d stick with the kind of house you already love.
Do the owners know that you plan to blog about all of your efforts to transform the house? I’d LOVE it if I could see a play-by-play of someone fixing up a house I used to live in!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey R8chel,
The owners of our future house didn’t know who the heck we are or about our blog, but we did disclose it to them, just as a heads up. Thankfully they were so excited and can’t wait to follow along as we make their old house over! They’re so nice we can’t wait to take their potential-drenched home to the next level!
xo,
s
Carolina says
I am looking forward to your moving tips! Congrats!!
Erin says
Congratulations! When I first saw the picture of the new house, I thought it was an old picture of your current house. I had to study it to see the differences. I can’t wait to see what you do with it!