A House Update
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Time for a House Update
Let me start this post by saying,
From the minute I first let you in on our unfortunate house news, you all have been so generous and compassionate. Whether sharing your own similar stories or checking in to see if we have updates, I have felt so much love and am truly grateful to my community of readers. (If this is your first time here, head over to catch up on my Charlotte Moves series.) It’s been a while since I gave you an update so here it goes.
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We sold the house. Which is bitter bitter sweet but ultimately what needed to happen and the first step in moving forward. We haven’t told the kids because the buyers are graciously allowing us to rent back for a few months so we have until the end of the year give or take. We feel that the unknown is far more alarming for kids than the reality so we’re hoping to tell them everything when we know a little more about where we’re headed. We didn’t purchase this home to flip it after three years and the market is terrible where we are so the whole process has been discouraging and disheartening and, frankly, very sad but (cliché alert) it is what it is.
I’ve always loved older/ dated homes and coming into a space and bringing it back to life. (See our first home as evidence of this.) Don’t get me wrong, there is still plenty of work to be done on this house, but we took a big hit despite the improvements we made in our short time here. I only mention because it’s made me second guess my approach to buying homes a bit. Buying an older home that needs some love has typically been a win-win for us as the purchase price is more affordable and the act of infusing love and updates is what makes me happy. We didn’t get a chance to bring this home to ‘turn key’ status and that was a big problem for most buyers. I worry that the days of people coming in to preserve an older home or maintain the history are dwindling and that makes me sad. I truly think some of the people who walked through our home would have demolished the whole thing to make room for new construction if they could have. (Thank goodness for our Historic District Commission!)
So, Charlotte, where are you headed. Well… we don’t know. Until Mark is employed, we just can’t make any big decisions so here we stay. I’m not a big fan of hypotheticals so I try not to get too worked up about the what-ifs. If the end of the year arrives and we need to clear out of this house, then… we’ll figure it out. Our kids started school as usual so our first priority is keeping them as happy and comfortable as possible! I’ve been able to work easily enough on blog projects and have had fun sharing more smaller craft projects.
I have a few exciting things to look forward to this fall. On Wednesday, September 5, my Rachael Ray episode will finally air so check back on my Television Page as I’ll try to add a clip! Remember the Halloween decorations I obsessively collected last fall? Well that shoot will be published in our local Fairfield Magazine next month. And last, but certainly not least, our Christmas decorations will be on full display in the December issue of Better Homes and Gardens! I try to remember all the wonderful things that are coming up and do my best not to linger on the uncertainty of the future or the disappointment and loss associated with the sale of our current home.
When the time comes, I’ll share details of our next step with you. From packing up a house filled (FILLED) with things to house hunting to the logistics of moving a family of seven. In the meantime, we’re still here making a mess every day, doing projects, and planning for fall and Halloween. Knowing that you guys are invested and visiting the blog and part of this journey has been a source of real comfort so again… thank you.
Lots of love to you and your family! I’m certain that something great is on the horizon for you all. <3
Thanks, Friend. I’m hoping that’s totally true… ready for the horizon to arrive! 🙂 xx
You.Are.Amazing! That is all!
Thank you, sweet friend. Keep on keepin’ on. 🙂 xx
We all will travel with you to your neW home and your new adventure. Thank you for sharing your life wiTh us.
Thank you for all your encouragement! xx
Glad youll get to stay the rest of the year. (Im sorry for the all caPs, it wont let me reforMat.) id be willing to bet youll look back on this episode yeaRs from Now and see the good in it. It stinks right now bUt there will be perpective in the HINDSIGHT. Our move from ca to az was bittersweeT as well, but now we look back and realizE it was for the good in many ways.
That’s just the way my theme does it. I tried to write a disclaimer to folks, but it’s hard to notice! 🙂 And yes… I hope you’re right. Onwards and… onwards. xx
Transition is hard! Especially when it’s out of your hands. HOPING YOU’LL have some answers soon. ThaNks for updating Us, and foR including us–just strangers!
Thanks so much, Diane. I appreciate it! xx
Oh Charlotte! I can Totally relate to being stuck in a sort of limbo. Im glad to hear that you Are able to stay in your home for a bit longer while things get figured out. Praying that all things work out for the beSt for you and your family! Xo
Thanks Carli. Tough stuff but… in the grand scheme, we’re so fortunate. xx
I know it is a good thing, selling your HOme,but it really is a dirty rotten shame. You have put so much of yourself into that home. Adulting blows. I will send good vibes your way and hope YOur Hubby finds work soon. It really has been fun watching you DIY this BEAUTIFUL historic HOMe, but sure the next home will be just as ENTERTAININg. Best WISHES to you and yours Charlotte.
Thanks, Laurie. So hard. Financially… emotionally. Ready to close this chapter and move on. xx
Charlotte I admire your spirit. I know things are tough. We want to move from where we are to a house with a real yard instead of one meter, but right now we have to stay put and make the best of the situation. One baby step at a time. I’ve also been looking for work and have found the market a lot tougher than I expected. You are not alone in this madness!
Thanks, Mary. Yeah… such a sad reality to see how much work and love has gone into this house and all for nothing. xx
Charlotte, you’rE my girl even though we have never met. Just chatted a little on ig. Wishing you and your fam all things good alWays.
xoxo Thanks, Bobetta! I appreciate your sweetness!
I love your outlook about your move. we have our home on the market as well, and it does seem that everyone wants a home perfectly suited to them when they walk through the door. we have always enjoyed making a house our home once we move in! i look forward to your next chapter and am sure good things are coming for your beautiful family!
Thanks, Beth! There are times when my outlook’s pretty grouchy… not gonna lie. But the reality isn’t going to change so… one foot in front of the other we go! xx
FReakin’ adulting! It’s So stupid sometimes. I hope the next step is UNEXPECTEDly amazing beyond what you can see now!
Thanks, Melissa! Capital “S” sucks!
cHARLOTTE, i’M LATE TO THE PARTY… i SAW ON INSTAGRAM THE NOTICE THAT YOU’VE RENTED A PLACE IN THE INTERIM AND CAME SEARCHING FOR MORE DETAILS (THANKS FOR POINTING ME IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION).
i ALWAYS APPRECIATE YOUR CANDOR AND HONESTLY ABOUT THINGS. IT’S NOT ALL PICTURE PERFECT… yOU’RE A FABULOUS, STRONG, SMART WOMAN WHO WILL REBOUND. if ANYONE CAN TAKE SHITTY LEMONS AND TURN THEM INto award winning lemonade, it’s you!
Awww… thanks so much, Tanja. Yeah. It hasn’t been the year we expected, but what can you do, right? xx