Since you guys are just about the sweetest folks around, I get so many emails and tweets every week from all of you, checking in on the status of us selling our house. There's actually been a lot going on behind the scenes lately, so I thought it was time for another update to fill y'all in!
In February of this year, David accepted a new job about 75 miles south of our current home. Based on the long commute, we immediately got to work on a couple of projects so that our house was ready to go on the market: we had the exterior painted, we did a mini-makeover of the laundry room and we completely made over one of our guest bathrooms.
our house's new exterior paint
the guest bathroom makeover reveal
The first month on the market was pretty slow with activity. Also, David and I were weighing the pros and cons of having the house on the market while we're pregnant. It's not an easy thing with so much going on! But we decided to push forward and actually lowered the price on the house in early April.
The first month on the market was pretty slow with activity. Also, David and I were weighing the pros and cons of having the house on the market while we're pregnant. It's not an easy thing with so much going on! But we decided to push forward and actually lowered the price on the house in early April.
our beautiful backyard
Once we lowered the price, we started having a TON of showings. April and May were filled with showings- I'd say an average of 2-3 a week! Most of the feedback we got was that the buyers loved the house, but had decided on something bigger... something smaller... something newer... something in a different area, etc. So we just kept chugging along with the showing process. I try to use my house showing tips to make each and every showing special!
About two weeks ago, some big ol' prayers were answered. David and I accepted an offer on our house and we went under contract. It was a great offer and they wanted to close by the end of June. Whaaaa? We had thirty days to find a new place to live! On the tails of recovering from my bronchitis a few weeks ago, David and I went into a mad dash to find new housing for us and our little pea pod. Yes, it was quite the busy time around the Ten June house!
Before we all get too excited though, I'll go ahead and spoil the cliffhanger- the buyers terminated the contract while we were on vacation last week. Wop wop. Apparently they got a little nervous once they received the inspection report and saw that some of the major units in the home- A/C, heat, etc.- are fifteen to twenty years old. Of course, we have had all of the units in the house inspected by certified technicians and we have them serviced annually... they're all in perfect condition and work like a charm. But they are old. And if you're not excited about that, then a sixty year old house probably isn't for you.
So here we are. Back to square one, scheduling showings and praying a great offer comes along. It's easy to get bitter about the situation- deep cleaning my house twice a week for showings is not on my list of favorite things to do- or resent the 150 mile round-trip commute David makes every day.
But guess what? David loves his job. Like, comes home every day and says "oh my gosh, I love my job." And we have a healthy baby on the way. Who's to say the stress of finding a new place to live by July 1 and actually moving to the new place wouldn't have been too much for me and pea pod? Or maybe we would have made the wrong decision about our new housing? Or perhaps a better offer is just a few showings away? Or maybe I'm going to throw the world's best Fourth of July pool party that we would have missed out on if we had moved before then? ; )
Once again, David and I have decided to step back and remember that our life is in the hands of the big man upstairs. I'm sure you can relate- you might not be trying to sell your house, but all of us go through struggles. Sometimes it's just so dang hard to comprehend why things are happening when you don't have an idea of how things will end up or what the big picture is. Life is definitely not perfect and can't always be simply organized by etching it in a day planner. Trust me, I've tried. David and I have just decided to have faith in God's plan and relax and roll with the punches until we learn what that awesome plan is.
Once again, David and I have decided to step back and remember that our life is in the hands of the big man upstairs. I'm sure you can relate- you might not be trying to sell your house, but all of us go through struggles. Sometimes it's just so dang hard to comprehend why things are happening when you don't have an idea of how things will end up or what the big picture is. Life is definitely not perfect and can't always be simply organized by etching it in a day planner. Trust me, I've tried. David and I have just decided to have faith in God's plan and relax and roll with the punches until we learn what that awesome plan is.
So that's what's going on with our house! Your thoughts and prayers are so, so appreciated. It doesn't look like we'll be making a move before our little dude arrives, but we're okay with that. I'm not sure we'll follow through with the self-imposed timeline we previously discussed and take the house off the market before the baby comes. We're honestly still so desperate to sell and move closer to our jobs, so we don't want to sacrifice any time... but things will obviously have to slow down with the showings, etc. come September. We'll just have to see how it goes, right?!
Hopefully my update inspires you to remember that although it may seem that life is tricky and keeps dishing out road blocks, just trust that everything will work itself out!
Aww man! Sorry to hear that it fell through, but it just wasn't meant to be! I'm glad you're chugging along though with the whole process :)
ReplyDeleteHate that it fell through, but with your positive attitude, I know everything will work out!
ReplyDeleteThe homebuying and selling process is full of ups and downs- but it sounds like you have the right perspective! Just keep seeing that glass as half full, and the right buyer will come along...one that is drawn to the charm and character of 60 year old homes! :)
ReplyDeleteMichelle, I love this post so much and your positivity and trust in god! It's so incredibly overwhelming and I wish you both all the best! Everything does happen for a reason and I think having a brand new baby and moving or being very pregnant and moving would just be too much!
ReplyDeleteYou are keeping such a positive attitude...selling/buying a house is so crazy, and I understand how frustrating it can be at times. Hang in there!!
ReplyDeleteMichelle, always so inspired and impressed by your positive outlook. I am such a believer in that really making such a huge difference. And I think it would be so sweet for lil' man to see that home before moving! :) Keeping my fingers crossed that all works out the way it is intended.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear it didn't work out but so happy to hear your positive spin on it! Throw an awesome 4th party!!!
ReplyDeleteRemember the days when an offer on your house meant that it was SOLD? Signed, delivered, done deal. Not the case anymore, unfortunately. We had 2 offers fall through on our home before one finally went through. My sister had 3. Not to scare you or anything...this was a few years ago when the market was in a free fall. But sheesh. Selling a house is such a pain. But it sounds like you have a wonderful attitude about it all!! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteGosh, the ups and downs of selling a house! I think it will all work out the way it's supposed to and you'll end up exactly where you're meant to be. It doesn't sound like spending the summer in your gorgeous house will be too bad any way! ;)
ReplyDeleteAmen. And I agree. It just wasn't your time....but your time is coming. ;) For sure--and if you guys had closed--that perfect house wouldn't have been available to buy--but when the "right" time comes--He will have that perfect house waiting for you guys. :)
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear things fell through, but your positivity is amazing! You and your husband are incredible for being able to approach the situation so optimistically! :)
ReplyDeleteI read this today and posted it on my fb status and it fits your situation perfectly so I will share. "God will make the pieces of your life work together for His purpose, even when we don't see tomorrow's provision.
ReplyDeletemy fingers are crossed for you! but yes, everything happens for a reason.... look at us. we sold our house and just before we moved into the new one our reason for moving fell through.... but it all worked out and we are so happy and thankful!
ReplyDeleteYou've certainly got the right attitude! We were in a very similar situation with our house on the market and me pregnant with our second child, but his new job was too far to commute each day, so he was only home on the weekends. We did this for over a year and finally closed on our house last month. We're not quite under one roof yet because we had a horrible inspection on the house we planned to buy, so we walked and are back to square one. Our situation is far from ideal and I often find myself in a real slump, but we know God has a plan for us, so we're trying to stick it out. Our third child is now on the way and we're hopeful to be together under one roof in the next few months. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI can appreciate this post. We've all been there where we have to take a step back and put our burdens on Him, instead of feeling negative or trying to take it all upon our own shoulders. Easier said than done, of course. Sounds like you have a great attitude!
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear! I'll keep putting out the 'good vibes' and some lucky person will come along and buy your beautiful home. Keep up the positive thoughts!
ReplyDeleteSelling a home is stressful. Selling a home with a new baby on the way, even more so! Sending up prayers for you two and the little pea pod!!
ReplyDeleteP.S. There are 6 homes for sale in our neighborhood (one right next door!!)
I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you guys that an even better offer comes along soon! I remember one of the first things our realtor said to us when we started looking for our first house was, "If it doesn't work out, it wasn't meant to be." He was obviously trying to protect us from getting too attached to anything we saw, in case it didn't work out, but I think that applies to sellers too. Sometimes - in life in general - we don't know why something wasn't meant to be for a long time afterwards, but I think you're right to trust that it will all work out for the best :)
ReplyDeleteYou've got the best attitude about this, even though I know it is a stressful and frustrating situation. I just know the right buyer will come along. Maybe the house you all are ment to have isn't ready yet so this is just keeping you in a holding pattern until then! :) All good things to those who wait!
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for the ups and downs, but it sounds like you guys definitely have the right outlook. And speaking from recent housing experience, things do happen for a reason (hint, hint).
ReplyDeleteAwe love your faith through this. The right family will through your door at the right time and love your house as much as you do:) Keep up the positive attitude!
ReplyDeleteYou have a great attitude -selling a home comes with lots of ups and downs - but staying positive is key! Have you guys thought about offering a home warranty? You can typically purchase one for about $300-500 a year and it will transfer over to the buyers when you sell. This can help to ease the minds of buyers when it comes to older homes. We have had one - with American Home Shield - on our Pittsburgh house (1954) and even in our house now (1980). It covers a lot - we had one of our a/c units replaced this year and all we had to pay was the $60 deductible rather than the $1500 it would have cost if we didn't have a warranty. Anyhow- just wanted to throw that out there.
ReplyDelete(Hope that my previous comment, which I didn't finish typing before I accidentally hit enter, didn't publish!!) Anyways, I will pray for you as your continue on your home purchasing journey, because I am currently on the opposite end and know how stressful it can all be. I too agree that everything happens for a reason, so maybe your dream buyers will knock on your door this weekend! XO
ReplyDeleteWhat?!! NOOO!!! Oh I am so bummed out for you, but admire your positive attitude. Offering a prayer tonight for the right buyer to come quickly:)
ReplyDeletex, Anna
Ugh -- what a roller coaster! give me the name of these scardy-cat buyers...I have a little something to say to them!! our house was built in 86, the ac/heat and water heater are all still original!! that's what home warranties are for!! ;) I know it's hard, but your attitude is so great, and you only want the sweetest of people who will love and adore your gorgeous house to live in it, right?!!? Missed you and your posts last week...came straight to my top 3 girls to catch up!! xoxox
ReplyDeletewe recently went through something similar. our house has been on the market since december, we had an offer fall through in february (also while we were on vacation...) and i'm due with our second the first week in september.
ReplyDeletethankfully, we ended up finding a good renter for our current house who will be moving in this Friday, but our new house is behind schedule and we'll have to move in with a relative until then.
i've had such a strong nesting instinct and it's been hard to accept that i won't be able to have the nursery and the house all perfect before my little one gets here. but, like you, i also had to let go and let God and just believe that things happen for a reason. thanks for the confirmation!
Oh, that had to be frustrating. You are right on the money about leaving it in God's hands! He is such a great provider. I mentioned in another comment (sorry, I am blog stalking you! ha) that we just sold our home. We got an offer and had to move in 9 DAYS! Um. It was crazy. We didn't have a place to live. I had just started a new job the week prior. Made for a rough week, but God has provided and provided while we continue to renovate our new (ok, 112 years old) home. Best of luck!
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