That's right, folks. As of the first of this week, we're officially off of the market. And sadly, no, it's not because we've accepted an offer or closed a sale. It's by choice.
David and I have said all along that once the baby came along, we didn't want to focus on selling the house. Baby time is... well, baby time! A time for he and I to adjust to being first-time parents, a time to love on our brand new little one and a time to just enjoy life. Not a time to conduct house showings.
Now that we're less than five weeks away from my due date, we've done a lot of talking and praying about what to do. We've talked it through with family, friends, co-workers, blog friends (in fact, Jamie was awesome with her helpful two cents!!), our agent and even other realtors out there, just to get a diversified opinion. And I think the consensus was resounding: do what's best for your family.
It didn't take long for us to decide that meant taking the house off of the market. There's really no way we can have showings between now and when pea pod arrives. And there's certainly no way I'm going to let house showings interfere with cuddling my sweet little newborn. If we're not going to show for a few months, what's the point of keeping the house on the market?
So, off the market it came.
I'm a little sad... we really wanted to sell the house before the baby came, so David wasn't making the long commute with an uber pregnant wife and then a newborn. But I'm more so relieved... it feels good to know we don't have to have the house in tip top condition to show at any moment. The pressure is off, for a lack of better words.
The game plan, as of now, is to have a sweet, healthy baby. Good plan, right? ; ) Then, in a few months, we'll reassess the moving situation. I'll be on maternity leave for awhile, so hopefully towards the end of that, I'll have some time to refocus on selling our home. Until then, we're more than thrilled to bring pea pod home to this house. To our beloved home! We trust that this was all in the plan from the beginning, so we're okay with what's unfolding. In fact, we embrace it.
I receive so many sweet emails and comments checking in on the status of our house sale that I thought I owed you guys an update. Plus, I know many of you are dealing with similar circumstances... it's tough to wait on a major life change to occur when it's out of your hands! But in our case, we're here... we're setting our roots back in for the baby... and we're going to cross the house selling bridge again when we're ready : )
If you'd like to learn more about our house selling process, check out some related posts: prepping the exterior of the house for selling, our guest bathroom makeover to please prospective buyers, weighing the pros and cons of being pregnant while trying to sell the house and my tried and true favorite house selling tips.
good for you! you can relax and just enjoy that new baby! :)
ReplyDeleteI think that is a great decision! Now you can just enjoy yourself!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a great idea. Enjoy!
ReplyDeletea wise decision, you have quite a bit on your plate at the moment!
ReplyDeleteSounds brilliant to me... at least this way, you know and you aren't sitting wondering what would have happened had you put your house on the market and maybe you're better prepared for next time and it'll get snatched up with an incredible offer.
ReplyDeleteRelax and enjoy the next few weeks!
ReplyDeleteI think you are making a good decision. After my first son was born I was so overwhelmed with everything that I couldn't have even imagined moving. Once you get into a bit of a routine after the baby arrives, you will begin to feel ready again. Best of luck with everything!
ReplyDelete-Shelley
Very wise choice! Xo
ReplyDeleteWhile I know you were hoping to lessen his commute, moving and the stress of having a newborn would have been more stressful than just the commute. And, it is fitting that the little man come home to the beautiful home you two have created. It really shows all the love you have sunk into it!
ReplyDeleteNow...can't wait for that baby to get here!!
It does sound like a relief for you. I remember the stress of trying to keep the house perfect for showings- no fun. BUT, y'all have an awesome HOME that you'll enjoy living in and bringing baby home to.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Meghan!! Good decisions momma!! Xoxo shel
DeleteThat sounds like a great plan, Michelle. If only it were as easy as putting it on, selling it, and then finding yourself the perfect new house, all lickety split! But the silver lining is that you'll be able to bring the new babe home to that house that you love. We moved when my firstborn was 5 months and it was great timing….he was too little to be disturbed much by the move, but big enough that I could wrap my head around the while process. Enjoy focusing on your belly and this special time!!!
ReplyDeleteI bet you will look back and be glad it happened this way!
ReplyDelete--Katie
@ Creatively Living
God always has a plan. I am happy that it will relieve some stress for you guys! Yay more time to focus on baby! :0)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you will get to spend your energy where it counts, with your family :-) And who knows what could happen down the road!
ReplyDeleteOh, I am so happy for you three. That is a huge weight lifted off while you focus on beautiful baby. And like Megan said, what a wonderful home to begin baby's life and then move forward. Hugs to you. Happy to hear you are at peace with your choice.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you are making the right decision for you and your family. Everything will work out the way it's supposed to. Having a healthy baby trumps selling a house any day. :)
ReplyDeleteGlad you are doing what is right for you and your family. The first few weeks after baby are so hectic, it will be nice that you are not adding house showings to the mix. Our house was always a wreck after having a baby, and the last thing I felt like doing was cleaning. I believe everything happens for a reason, and who knows maybe down the road you will find the perfect house with the perfect commute, the timing will be right, and you will be so glad you stayed where you are a bit longer. We moved when I was pregnant with my daughter and then again when she was six months old, and it was CRAZY.
ReplyDeleteEverything happens for a reason. So glad you'll be able to enjoy your little bundle without the stress of trying to sell a home. He's so blessed to have such smarties for parents!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great game plan! Enjoy the next few anticipating that sweet baby---and then how nice to be able to relax and enjoy the arrival!
ReplyDeleteAt the end of the day, you have only so much time to focus on being a Mommy. Enjoy this time and while I know the Hubs is dealing with the stress of a commute, I am PROMISE you he want a happy wife more than than anything. If this makes your lives easier, then by all means do it and embrace it. 5 weeks and counting -- so exciting!!!!
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine what it must be like to be preggo, wanting to nest and having to have your house in tip top shape.
ReplyDeleteI remember when I tried to sell my condo I was running late to work one day and did not have time to make my bed. Of course that was the day a realtor decided to show it and when she called for access I had to lie and tell her I was home sick.
It is such a stressful process and one that you don't want clouding this happy time in your life. Plus, now you get to enjoy all of the upgrades you did to sell it :)
Good for you guys! That's one big decision to make, but I think you guys are totally making the right decision! That time with baby is going to be beyond perfect :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your decision. Sounds like you gave it a lot of thought. We sold our first home two years ago and it was a very busy time. From the look of this craptastic economy, I would think interest rates are going to stay low for a couple years. You'll probably still get a great rate when you do decide to sell.
ReplyDeleteI know it's not what you originally wanted, but I know you're relieved to not have the uncertainty hanging over your head. so thrilled you'll be bringing H home to that beautiful home you've created!! xo
ReplyDeleteIt must feel SOOO good to have a decision made...now just relax and enjoy these last few weeks alone with David. Now you can put your feet up and not stress about keeping your home spic and span 24/7! Everything happens for a reason- your little boy was meant to come home to this house!
ReplyDeleteGreat decision, Michelle -- you need to be able to focus on your upcoming adventure with the little one! For every thing there is a season... :-)
ReplyDeletexo Heidi