Friday, December 6, 2013

WE BOUGHT A HOUSE!

I could have titled this a lot of things, like "We Bought a Major Project" or "Blogging Has Given Me Waaaay Too Much Confidence".  Maybe "I've Lost My Freakin Mind" would be more appropriate.   Probably, "Where I Am and Where I'm Not" would be the best title. 
Really...nothing says crazy like starting a major renovation project at Christmas, right?  Did I mention that my wonderful friends from England are coming in less than 2 weeks with their 3 teenagers??  Uh-huh.
The low-down is this....we had a house all picked out and were waiting for the sale of our land to close (next week).  A house that was perfect, within our price range and didn't even need a drop of paint or anything.  One night, just a little over 2 weeks ago, at 7:15p.m.,Sam is sitting in front of the computer and I hear these words..."Danni, I think you should come take a look at this."  Okay...I felt like the girl in the scary movie who hears the noise downstairs and knows she shouldn't look, but goes anyway.  I walked slowly, but yes...I went.  This is what I saw.  I did not love it.
(More ugly pictures at the end of this post.)
 Of course it was a smokin deal....a 4bedroom house, 2 car garage, family room, fenced back yard, brand new roof, 1 yr. old appliances...for $74,000.00.  Smokin!  But...it was a fixer upper.  It needed a lot of work.  He said, "This house will be gone tomorrow.  We should go look at it first thing in the morning."  My stomach rolled, but I knew he was right.  My husband is an awesome, full-time realtor with a brokers license, he knows his stuff.
We looked at it at 8a.m., made an offer of $68,000 at 10a.m., it was accepted at noon.  We had an inspection on Monday and based on the inspection, and a 2 week close, we scored this lovely beast for $64,000.  We closed Wednesday.  Yep...2 weeks start to finish and this is where I'll be living in February.  I have a lot to do in a very short time.  
I will not be posting on my blog regulary for a little while.  Unlike my friend Suzan at Simply Vintageous.....by Suzan, who is awesome, and who can live AND blog in the middle of renovating her house, no... that will not be me.
I will not be reading and commenting on blogs, because I have just a little over 2 months to have this house move-in ready and I will need almost every minute of it.  I will miss you.  I will miss reading your blogs terribly.  (It's my favorite morning thing to do!)  I will most likely not have time to even reply to comments, which I will also miss terribly.  If I have time at all to be on the computer, I will be scouring pinterest and DIY sites for all of the cost-cutting ideas I can find. (Like right now pinterest has made me feel like I can build my own range vent hood as well as add a master bath!)  I will be gutting one bathroom and adding 2.  I will prime and paint every room and ceiling and put in all new flooring.  I will gut this kitchen and use those ugly black 1 year old appliances in a fabulous way.  And something I'm actually very excited about...I will try a new style in the family room, something I've always adored, but feared...Danish Modern. 
I do have one or two Christmas craft projects that I will post next week, and then I will be AWOL most of the time.  I will leave you with these pictures of my new "Money Pit".
My life is about to be insane and I will miss you all, but...I'll be back from time to time with updates.  
Have a lovely Christmas and a Happy New Year!

 

48 comments:

  1. I know your home will be spectacular and just the way you want it very soon! Don't be gone from blogging too long! -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures

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  2. Welcome to the crazy train!!! Take lots of pics...I can't wait! I'm already missing you and awaiting your return {sniff}.

    xoxo
    -andi

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  3. yay for you- such a fabulous price and yes, you can do this!!! I'm here for ya - ask anything at all. I'll get you the answers :)

    xoxoxoxxo

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  4. Two scariest phrases to hear: "I need to talk to you", and "I think you should come look at this". Run away!

    In this case though, it awarded you with a nice house at a great price.

    I recall Carol Brady proudly proclaiming that their Bunch home was Danish Modern. There was a BB marathon on last weekend! It could have provided some inspiration...?

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  5. Aaaghhhh! The pink room!?! Well, it's the Pantone color of the year, so that's one thing in its favor, hee hee.

    Danni, you did the absolute right thing! I am so excited for you. Every creative person should buy an ugly house. It's going to be so much fun for you! Take pics along the way, you will have blog fodder for ages.

    Woo! Congratulations!

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  6. Congratulations Danni! It looks like a wonderful house.

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  7. Oh how exciting Danni! What an amazing deal!!! We'll all miss you of course, but you go Girl!!! You can sooo do this!!! Those pics remind me of our house when we first moved in. It needed a lot of TLC and more. The only thing we loved about it was the space, and that is was in the country. If there's anything at all I can do to help please just let me know. I wish you all the best with this project. I'm sooo excited for you!!

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  8. Just think of it as a blank canvas with exciting things about to happen! LOL I'm sure it will be wonderful when you're finished and we want pictures then!!!

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  9. I am so excited for you, Danni ! A whole new chapter in your life and the house does not look all that bad ~ {except the pink painted room!} have fun, my friend and hope we chat soon !

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  10. Deep cleansing breaths...LOL...just remember that. I can't wait to see the finished project....Good luck and Merry Christmas

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  11. Oooh, I hope you keep that fabulous pink. ;) Congratulations and good luck.

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  12. So happy for you! Well not happy you will have so much work to do, but you know what I mean. Think of it as a journey. And the end will be amazing!
    I'll miss you!

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  13. Good luck and I will be waiting anxiously for you to get back!!! Did i say good luck ??? In this situation it wont hurt to say to it more than once! You will rock this for sure!

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  14. Firstly, CONGRATULATIONS on buying a house. It looks like it has great 'bones', a place to really make your mark. Good luck with it all, and take loads of pictures to show us after February !

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  15. All I see is potential with a giant capital "P"! It is a house without any personality and I know you can add that. I hope Santa brings you tools, ideas, and a ton of gift cards for Lowe's and Home Depot! TAKE PICS!!! hat is an order.

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  16. Wow! I can't believe you bought a house for that price and I can't wait to see all the projects you do there. Congratulations on your new place.

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  17. That's insane you can't even get land here for that price. But I think you're going to do an amazing job can't wait to see it, ill miss you but completely understand GOOD LUCK

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  18. Wow Danni - so so exciting!!!! What a score - we cant even get a new car for that price! Think we need to move!
    I am going to miss you so so much but know I will hear from you! Lots of love hun - and congrats to Sam too xxx

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  19. Blogland won't be the same without you but I know you will transform that house into a wonderful home! Sometimes life does get in the way of writing about it. LOL

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  20. I can't wait to see what you do, Danni! I'll miss you *sniff*

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  21. Congrats Danni. I am so glad you got such a great deal!! It looks like a wonderful house and soon you will make it your wonderful home!! Cheers to you guys!! I hope you have a fun Christmas and a very Happy New Years my friend!!

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  22. How exciting AND scary! I'll miss you and will look forward to your return. Don't forget to take lots of pictures every step of the way! Can't wait to see what you do with your new house.
    Merry Christmas!

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  23. Congratulations Danni!! So excited for you. What a fantastic deal too.. Even as a fixer, with that price it's totally worth it :)

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  24. We'll miss you, Danni...take loads of pics and don't kill yourself with your newly acquired confidence. ;) I do not doubt that you can pull it off, just don't hurt yourself. LOL

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  25. When I was younger Tim wanted to buy a house but it never happened and now we are happy renting and have no interest in buying a house, that said congratulations to you and I bet it will look bloody great when you have it furnished and everything

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  26. Congrats! I see the potential in this house and know that you have the talent to make it beautiful!

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  27. What a deal!! So excited for you and Sam! Congratulations! I can't wait to see what you share after all your hard work. Hugs and love to you. Sniff sniff, going to miss you...but more excited for this fun adventure you're on. xo

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  28. Congratulations girl! I am so excited for you. I know you're going to be up to your eyeballs in hard work but I hope it's a good experience. Oh how I wish that I lived close by. I'd definitely help you out. I know it's going to be beautiful. Like everyone said, take lots of photos. I'm going to miss you!

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  29. that is so awesome. What a great deal!! HAve fun. I am sure it will look wonderful once finished

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  30. Yay!! Congratulations Danni and Sam! 4 bedrooms...what a deeaaaal ! It looks so spacious and it actually doesn't look as bad as some fixer uppers that I've seen out there. Good luck with all the renovations, I look forward to seeing how it all turns out. Going to miss you !!! But I'm so happy for you both ~ Amy

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  31. Danni, congratulations on the house and I'm still open-mouthed over the deal!!! You will make it beautiful and amazing! Will miss you, my friend, but will keep you in my thoughts and enjoy this adventure! Thanks for your friendship and support in 2013 and wishing you the happiest of holidays and a fabulous 2014!!! Hugs!

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  32. Oh my, you really have taken on a challenge, but it will be worth it and I know you will rise to the occasion. Congratulations. You got a real steal. Be sure to keep us posted with updates.

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  33. Danni, I am SO excited for you. What a fun adventure you are about to embark upon. I will be looking forward to updates and pictures and when you are done, in February, I will look forward to catching up properly. Not gonna lie, you will be missed terribly but not forgotten. Congratulations!!!

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  34. Congratulations! I'm sure you'll make it look fabulous!!! Happy Holidays, my friend!~~Ang

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  35. Congratulations!

    I am just blown away by the price. Seriously, I think the doors my neighbor just put in her house cost more than the cost of your house. I didn't think there was anything, anywhere under $100,000. I know it is a fixer upper, but I know you are up to the challenge.

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  36. So I guess the brown couch isn't making the cut! Can't believe you're going to paint that pink bedroom.

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  37. Congratulations Danni! What a deal, even though it needs work, what a deal! (mind you, I have no idea what homes cost down your way, but up here, that's a steal! It would be an easy $200,000 at least)
    I'll be here waiting, like you have been patient with me and my erratic posting, reading blogs, online time. You have always been here for me, and you have no idea how much I appreciate that!
    And I can't wait to see the final renovations! You will be taking pictures and post about the renos when you can, won't you??
    Debbie :)

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  38. Oh wow!!!! This is so wonderful!!! How exciting....your world is about to get crazy and you will probably love it!
    That price was absolutely too good to pass up, you basically HAD to do it:)
    Danish modern, how awesome...I have a few cool pieces but no one room for them...vintage cabinet stereo and white naugahide dining chairs (that in no way match the wooden table they sit by!). Go for it, I'm sure you will love it.
    Congratulations. You obviously have a lot of fans who will wait patiently for your return:) Hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a happy, happy New Year:) Di

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  39. Wow, I can't believe I missed this post! First of all, congratulations, Danni! I am sure you will have your new home looking incredible :) I hope you will show us pictures once you have moved in.

    I eagerly await your return, sweet friend, and have a Merry Christmas. Hugs to you!

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  40. Instead of your busy schedule, posted this post just for us. House is looking beautiful as it has to be. Good luck with all your works. I found Extension Ladders to be very comfortable and safe tool while working with reenovation work.

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  41. You and that handy husband of yours will make it shine in no time! Can't wait for the big reveal in February - I spy some real potential for this fixer-upper! And may you enjoy the holidays with your guests from England :)

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  42. How did I miss this post? I thought I was at least keeping up with my blog reading, but had no idea you had sold and purchased something. Congrats and happy renovating!

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  43. Best of luck with the reno. The insanity will be worth it!

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  44. First of all Congratulations ! It looks like a wonderful house.
    We Buy Any House

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  45. Selling and buying a house could be challenging and time consuming especially when doing it for the first time. Homestead provides tips how to buy and sell your property and make the most out of the transaction.

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  46. Aren’t you lucky? You bought that house for that price? That is a steal! Of course, like you said, it needs some renovation, but overall, it’s more than worth what you paid for. When you say “ugly,” I’m not sure if you’re referring to the pictures or the house itself. Either way, I don’t think they’re ugly. The house in particular looks good.

    Deron Tucker

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