It's exciting, nerve-wracking, and bittersweet all in one. This little house is more than just a house to me, it's my first home as a wife and mother. It's Theron's first home and for that reason it will always be near and dear to my heart. We've definitely started to outgrow this humble sized ranch and are looking for something just a tad bit bigger. We aren't looking for a mansion {nor could we afford it} but I do have a list of "must haves" in mind.
We're still staying in the same town because David already drives an hour and 10 minutes to work one way. [Yikes, right?!] Thus, moving closer to my work and our families doesn't make sense since it is the opposite way David travels. I used to hate that David had to drive so far. I used to complain about it a LOT. But you know what? I am thankful he has a job. A job he loves. A job he is good at. A job that provides for our little family and allows him to be off in the summers and home on the weekends. It's a far way to drive but he makes it. We will continue to make it, too.
Anyhoo, I'm getting sidetracked. Since we decided to officially put our home on the market we kicked things into high gear to clean up the place. We've spent our entire spring break cleaning, purging, organizing, decluttering, and depersonalizing [as much as I could-at least!].
For the living room I took down our Instagram posters and moved them to the playroom. I gathered a bunch of mirrors I was no longer using and put them on the wall. I simply wanted a space filler but I actually really like it. The Instagram posters look great in the playroom and I can't wait to share that space soon.
This is how our living room is looking these days.
I really love our West Elm sectional and round shaped coffee table. I'm not crazy about this exact round coffee table I chose, but the shape and texture is nice for Theron Drake when he's toddling all over the place. [He's run/walking everywhere---such a big boy!]
I absolutely am giddy at the thought of getting to start from square one with a new house and new space to decorate! We had our first showing over the weekend and I hope someone wants to buy our little home-sweet-home.
Do any of you have any house selling tips or tricks you'd be willing to share? Hit me with 'em!
xoxo
13 comments:
So exciting! We're getting the itch to move (after five years here) but we're probably a year away from going on the market. I do feel like I should start now with the purging, though! Good luck!
Very excited for you guys and thrilled to see what you do with a new space! But, I hope you never take down the tours of this house because it is one of my favorite spaces of. all. time. Congrats and good luck!
Ooo, fingers crossed. I think the key to staying sane during the selling process is to remember that it will happen. Even a few weeks seem like a really long time for a house to be on the market..but once you're in your new home you won't even remember how "long" it took!
Joi, I just love your outlook on life. You are so very humble. Good luck selling your house! It's definitely an exciting, emotional time.
I know for sure you'll have no problem selling that house- you guys have done some fantastic work and you are such a great decorator/stager. I truly believe that a good decorating and stage job can really aid in selling a house. It really helps people who don't have good vision for for judging potential in a certain house.
A few tips: are you taking the pictures? You should definitely request that you take the pictures if your reator doesnt have a pro taking them. Your pictures of your house are fantastic. Also (and I realize that you probably already have listing photos taken), but I would consider removing more items/decor than you think for the listing photos. I think your living room in the photos has a lot of textures and busyness going on- which for your blog is GREAT, but might not translate well for the purpose of a listing photo. Lastly, (and this is a real pain saver) do NOT choose Bank of America for your new home loan. Nightmare city right there. My best advice is to choose a smaller, local lender.
Good luck Joi, I can't wait to see what you do with your new house!
Looks like you have everything under control. Just make sure to depersonalize everything. People want to imagine them living in the space and seeing pictures of someone they don't know kinda kills the idea. Just make the space as neutral as possible but make them want to live there.
Congrats! How exciting! Good luck and I hope it sells quick so you can move on to something else. Can't wait to see what you do!
Congrats! How exciting! Good luck and I hope it sells quick so you can move on to something else. Can't wait to see what you do!
I have no brilliant advice, but I just wanted to tell you good luck. What an exciting time. With some stress mixed in.
I know you guys will find a great house and we will be waiting to see how you put your amazing stamp on it.
Good for you! We're about to do the same...our time frame is wishy washy, but I'd say by the end of the summer. You will be my inspiration - good luck!
Love the new livingroom rug. is it Navy? where did you get it?
Suuuuuper excited for you. I second Michelle in selling a house being a game of patience. It's going to happen, it just may not happen as quickly as you'd like. That was my experience anyhow.
But I have a feeling someone will snatch your house up right away. It's beautiful.
This is so exciting & I'm looking forward to following your new adventure. You know that saying, Home is where you make it (or something like that)? Well I think whatever new house you all move into, will be made "yours" in no time. It's what you do =]
The great thing is you're listing at the prime time of the year for people who are looking to buy! I agree w/ Leslie, on using your own photos for the listing. They're so much better than what an agent could probably take. When we sold our townhome, we had our friend, a pro photog take ours & it made a difference IMO.
It's going to feel like time's creeping by, esp. if you don't get an offer in that first month, but just keep the faith!
P.S. Dave's a saint for doing that commute & you're a saint for making it work esp. w/ a child! R has a 45 min commute each way & there are times when he doesn't get home until after Quinn's in bed. But like you said, extremely grateful he has a great job.
xoxo
Good luck with the move! We just moved into our first home and there is nothing better than starting with a clean slate.
I also love the new rug! I searched your blog to try and find a post with the source info without any luck.
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