Lately, we’ve been throwing around the idea of buying a new house. While we love our current home, it’s overrun with toys. More space would be ideal, especially if we plan on expanding this family one day. We also would love to live closer to M’s workplace. Right now he drives about 45 minutes to get to work and an hour to get home. After searching high and low for quite some time, we found a brand new home about 20 minutes away from his workplace. We fell in love. So this past weekend, since we had a three-day weekend due to it being M’s Friday off, we scheduled a tour to see the home. (This was M’s second time to see it. We were that serious.) We drove our hour to get to said home, and lo and behold the home was magical. I could hear the angels singing. The house is almost 100% complete; the appliances still need to be put in and paint needs to be refreshed, but every single detail was just what we’ve envisioned our dream home looking like. This was the kitchen. My dream.
But then this was the back yard. Womp womp. It’s as small as it looks. It’s not even the back yard. It’s a side yard. The real back yard was just as “big” and was split because of the elevation. Cue the crickets.
While we could make this yard work for us (really, we could make it work), it had us second-guessing some things, like would this really be a great yard for this crazy little girl to play? The neighborhood’s amenities weren’t what we were used to either. While sitting nicely in a golf course community (a huge plus), the neighborhood lacked a community playground, pool, and walking trails. It lost some of its magic when I realized that it was missing those things. Those perks are what we love about our current neighborhood and love about the ‘burbs in general. Could it be that this wasn’t the house for us?
We were so torn all weekend. We walked away and went to eat Mexican food instead.
Even Charlotte was pondering the whole ordeal.
When in doubt, run it out.
The next day we went about business as usual and worked on our home. We went to the nursery and replanted some flowers in the front yard.
Charlotte’s the boss of us, you know.
We ended the day with a swim in our neighbor’s pool. Charlotte of course hated it.
Yet we were still left going back and forth about what to do with the house we saw on Friday. We slept on it again, and Sunday we took our mind off of it with some amazing brunch and family time.
Miss Sassy Pants makes it hard to take life too seriously, but she also makes us seriously worry about life. Like should we move?
Do we give up family amenities and rely on other things to take their place? Do we take on a bigger financial investment in order to make more room for things to come while giving up other things? Do we move closer to M’s work and move out of our comfort zone, our current area? (We would really be moving out of our comfort zone if we moved to the house we saw.) But would it be worth it? We don’t know. Ultimately, we’re sitting on the decision that maybe it’s just not our time yet.
When we bought our first home, the home we live in now, we both were so excited and certain that this was the place we were going to call home. The buying process was super easy, and just like that, we made a house our home, which makes me think that we are definitely making the right decision to stay put. We LOVED the new house we just saw, but there was just too much uncertainty. We’ve prayed about it, weighed the pros and cons, and are comfortable with staying where we are for now until we feel 100% certain that a move is the right decision. I just hope the next house we move to has a kitchen similar to the one above. Otherwise, this might be the house that got away.
Have you ever gone through anything like this? How do you weigh the pros and cons, especially when looking for a new home? What are deal-breakers for you? These are the things I’ve been thinking about all week. I’d love to hear any advice you have on deciding when the time is right to make such a big change.
And because Monday was National BFF Day, I’ve teamed up with some of my favorite blogging friends to give away 100 dollars cash to you and 100 dollars cash to your BFF! All you have to do is follow us on Instagram, and you’re done. You can enter below.
Also, don’t forget to enter the Huggies #UltraHug contest giving away 10 $2,000 grants to a community project near and dear to your heart. You can find out more info here!
Hope you’re having a great week so far! Talk to you soon, sister.
House decisions Are so so hard! Even though our house is smaller our backyard is amazing and I love that with having 3 little kids. But that kitchen- ah amazing!
Our house is on the smaller side, and so is our backyard. But we love it. As much as this little one of mine loves being outdoors, a yard is definitely important. We loved the house, but we were just too unsure. Maybe next time! I hope. :)
That kitchen IS amazing, but it is hard to say if that is worth skipping on all the local amenities you have in your current place. Fingers crossed the next house has such a great kitchen too.
Thanks, Courtney! It certainly is big gamble. And we’re not very big gamblers. Lol. I’m hoping our next house will be just right for us, but as cautious as we are, I’m sure it will be! Thanks for the encouragement! Xoxo
LOVE that kitchen! We are kind of in the same boat as you guys. There are so many beautiful houses out there, but we have an emotional attachment to our first home. It would be really hard to leave it unless we felt 100 percent confident with a change!
XO Kelly,
http://www.dettecakes.com
Exactly, Kelly! And it’s not so much our home, it’s our neighborhood. But I’m sure when we do decide to move, it will be exactly where we’re meant to be. :) Same goes for you, I’m sure! Xoxo
House decisions Are so so hard! Even though our house is smaller our backyard is amazing and I love that with having 3 little kids. But that kitchen- ah amazing!
Being a grown up is so hard haha, I struggle too with making these same types of decisions. That is a beautiful kitchen, but I think you have to know in your heart if it is right. If you have too many cons I’d say wait it out. Good luck on your house search for your little fam!
Isn’t it though?! I’ve really been praying about it, and a part of me says yes, and then a part of me says no. Thanks so much for the well wishes! I’m sure it will all work out exactly as it should. :) Have a great week, Alissa!
That kitchen IS amazing, but it is hard to say if that is worth skipping on all the local amenities you have in your current place. Fingers crossed the next house has such a great kitchen too.
Oh so hard. Just went through this. I’d say, don’t rush it – identify the area you want and a few things you are not willing to “sacrifice” and then wait. Also, you’ll “know.” It’s just like who you marry- I was always told, if you have one doubt about getting married, don’t do it. Same with a house:). GOOD LUCK!!! Oh, and we just moved closer to Jeff’s office, it’s changed our lives. He is SO much happier. xo
Yeah, we’re good with our decision to stay put. I wanted it to be the one, but it just wasn’t. I totally get what you’re saying too, because that is exactly how I see it too. Glad your move went well!
LOVE that kitchen! We are kind of in the same boat as you guys. There are so many beautiful houses out there, but we have an emotional attachment to our first home. It would be really hard to leave it unless we felt 100 percent confident with a change!
XO Kelly,
http://www.dettecakes.com
The market for our current house size is so hot right now so for the past 6 months we have gone back and forth so many times. More space and another bathroom would be nice but those are truly, truly the only things I really “need” in another house. Location to the kids schools and activities is really my true need and we are so centrally located that it makes life easiser…furthest my kids go to any school is 2 miles!! 6 years ago we had a contract on our house and almost moved and I just kept feeling unsettled…the buyers asked for something and we conceded and then that night I prayed…I sometimes need a for real smack me in the face sign as I can reason anything into a sign….and the next day the buyers pulled out of the sale. I knew God had answered my prayer in a way I could not deny. So keep praying and looking at pros and cons!
Love to hear how God works! And we are definitely going to stay here for a little longer. We don’t have a pressing need to move, beside the fact that M wants to be closer to work, so we’re okay with saying no to the new house. Sounds like you have a great place, too!
A home purchase is one of the hardest decisions to make. We go back and forth as well, but I’ve learned to love our home. Yes we could use a larger yard as well (not as small as that one though) but the latest and greatest isn’t always that great. It sounds like you live in a really great community.
Thanks, Tiffany! Yes, we love our community so much. It will be hard to say goodbye if we ever to. And your insight is so appreciated. Being an adult is tough sometimes! Lol.
Buying a new house is a huge deal! I think you will know when you’ve found the right one. There will often be compromises you will make but ultimately, you will know in your gut of its the one or not. The closer commute would be nice, obviously, but having a nice community is nice too. It sounds like where you are at now is a great place. Good luck in your decisions, mama!!
Tell me about it, girlfriend! And I think so to. As much as I wanted it to be the right one, it just wasn’t. We are happy where we’re at, and when the time comes, I know we’ll both feel a peace about it as well as excitement. :) Thanks, Alycia!
Decisions on a house are so hard because they are always filled with emotions! That kitchen is amazing, but I think the yard and neighborhood amenities would be a deal breaker for me. About five years ago, we decided we wanted a pool. I had the great idea to just move to house with an existing pool instead of building one at the house we were in and absolutely loved. Long story short, I never loved the new house, even with the pool. We left some great neighbors, as well as my favorite floor plan ever. And one year after moving, we had to move overseas. Anyway, I will always regret that move, so my advice is to give it thorough thought, prayer and consideration before making a move. :)
Thank you so much for sharing your story Tanya! Big decisions like this are definitely not taken lightly around here, but there’s a fine line between trusting and taking a leap of faith or fear keeping you from you things…which is what I’ve been battling. I do think though that our gut said to stay put, and I’m trusting that is the right decision. :) Happy weekend to you!
Being a grown up is so hard haha, I struggle too with making these same types of decisions. That is a beautiful kitchen, but I think you have to know in your heart if it is right. If you have too many cons I'd say wait it out. Good luck on your house search for your little fam!
Our house is on the smaller side, and so is our backyard. But we love it. As much as this little one of mine loves being outdoors, a yard is definitely important. We loved the house, but we were just too unsure. Maybe next time! I hope. :)
Thanks, Courtney! It certainly is big gamble. And we're not very big gamblers. Lol. I'm hoping our next house will be just right for us, but as cautious as we are, I'm sure it will be! Thanks for the encouragement! Xoxo
Exactly, Kelly! And it's not so much our home, it's our neighborhood. But I'm sure when we do decide to move, it will be exactly where we're meant to be. :)
Isn't it though?! I've really been praying about it, and a part of me says yes, and then a part of me says no. Thanks so much for the well wishes! I'm sure it will all work out exactly as it should. :) Have a great week, Alissa!
Oh so hard. Just went through this. I'd say, don't rush it – identify the area you want and a few things you are not willing to "sacrifice" and then wait. Also, you'll "know." It's just like who you marry- I was always told, if you have one doubt about getting married, don't do it. Same with a house:). GOOD LUCK!!! Oh, and we just moved closer to Jeff's office, it's changed our lives. He is SO much happier. xo
The market for our current house size is so hot right now so for the past 6 months we have gone back and forth so many times. More space and another bathroom would be nice but those are truly, truly the only things I really "need" in another house. Location to the kids schools and activities is really my true need and we are so centrally located that it makes life easiser…furthest my kids go to any school is 2 miles!! 6 years ago we had a contract on our house and almost moved and I just kept feeling unsettled…the buyers asked for something and we conceded and then that night I prayed…I sometimes need a for real smack me in the face sign as I can reason anything into a sign….and the next day the buyers pulled out of the sale. I knew God had answered my prayer in a way I could not deny. So keep praying and looking at pros and cons!
A home purchase is one of the hardest decisions to make. We go back and forth as well, but I've learned to love our home. Yes we could use a larger yard as well (not as small as that one though) but the latest and greatest isn't always that great. It sounds like you live in a really great community.
Buying me a new house is a huge deal! I think you will know when you've found the right one. There will often be compromises you will make but ultimately, you will know in your gut of its the one or not. The closer commute would be nice, obviously, but having a nice community is nice too. It sounds like where you are at now is a great place. Good luck in your decisions, mama!!
Decisions on a house are so hard because they are always filled with emotions! That kitchen is amazing, but I think the yard and neighborhood amenities would be a deal breaker for me. About five years ago, we decided we wanted a pool. I had the great idea to just move to house with an existing pool instead of building one at the house we were in and absolutely loved. Long story short, I never loved the new house, even with the pool. We left some great neighbors, as well as my favorite floor plan ever. And one year after moving, we had to move overseas. Anyway, I will always regret that move, so my advice is to give it thorough thought, prayer and consideration before making a move. :)
Yeah, we're good with our decision to stay put. I wanted it to be the one, but it just wasn't. I totally get what you're saying too, because that is exactly how I see it too. Glad your move went well!
Love to hear how God works! And we are definitely going to stay here for a little longer. We don't have a pressing need to move, beside the fact that M wants to be closer to work, so we're okay with saying no to the new house. Sounds like you have a great place, too!
Thanks, Tiffany! Yes, we love our community so much. It will be hard to say goodbye if we ever to. And your insight is so appreciated. Being an adult is tough sometimes! Lol.
Tell me about it, girlfriend! And I think so to. As much as I wanted it to be the right one, it just wasn't. We are happy where we're at, and when the time comes, I know we'll both feel a peace about it as well as excitement. :) Thanks, Alycia!
Thank you so much for sharing your story Tanya! Big decisions like this are definitely not taken lightly around here, but there's a fine line between trusting and taking a leap of faith or fear keeping you from you things…which is what I've been battling. I do think though that our gut said to stay put, and I'm trusting that is the right decision. :) Happy weekend to you!
That is such a tough decision! I think the yard is a big deal so I probably would have walked away too..even with such an awesome kitchen. You’ll find the perfect one eventually or you can even remodel a kitchen to make it look like that if it has a good yard.
Sorry for the late reply! It’s clearly been a hectic month. :/ Our quest continues, but it’s looking more and more like we’ll continue to make our home our home. ;)
That is such a tough decision! I think the yard is a big deal so I probably would have walked away too..even with such an awesome kitchen. You'll find the perfect one eventually or you can even remodel a kitchen to make it look like that if it has a good yard.
Sorry for the late reply! It's clearly been a hectic month. :/ Our quest continues, but it's looking more and more like we'll continue to make our home our home. ;)