This is one of those posts that only a few of you will actually care about. No inspirational photos or ideas. Just messy, real life.
I have avoided officially announcing it (unless you are on Instagram) because I was afraid of jinxing it, but let’s be honest. Nothing is a secret for me. So as a means of explanation for being a bit absent and more scattered than usual …
We moved to the barn. And we accepted an offer on our house.
The good news
We accepted an offer almost a month ago and have been juggling all kinds of balls ever since.
After brief and civil negotiations, we moved onto inspections. Which led to some repairs and issues that needed to be addressed. Which led to dollar signs and too many phone calls and lots of appointments and a few tears (from me, because it was a lot going on).
And we’ve been frantically working to organize and pack and move stuff.
We have one more small load of “junk” that needs to packed up and moved into storage, but after two weekends, we are officially moved.
We were supposed to close on Nov. 3, which would have given us a week to make sure we didn’t forget anything major, clean the house well, repair and touch up paint, and shampoo all the rugs that will need to dry out before going into storage for the next year.
When it hit the fan
And then we got a huge bombshell – the buyers want us to replace the roof following the the roofing inspection report. (9 a.m., Edited to add: The reason the buyers are asking for the roof to be replaced is that the roofing inspector doesn’t believe it has at least three years of life. So that’s a concern for the buyers and the bank. But still a total bummer for us.)
So, that put the brakes on everything. And that’s where we’re at. Trying to negotiate how to get the roof replaced without going broke. A roof shouldn’t be a big deal, but the cost of replacing our roof was sky-high (almost 15 percent of the purchase price). It is a steep pitch, two stories, with at least three layers of shingles. Plus, it needs all new sheeting and has zero access for booms and whatever. That means a lot of labor.
The whole thing makes me sick. The roof is pretty much the ONLY thing not replaced on our house.
So we’re waiting to hear back from the appraisal and the buyers. Any good vibes, prayers and zen would be appreciated.
Then I realized I was cursed
Other crazy things that happened in the past week:
- We spent a small fortune in gas, as we tried to move everything from our house. How did we ever acquire that much stuff?
- I was in a minor car accident.
- We put tires on my car, only to find out they were installed backwards.
- The fridge in one of the rental properties went out.
- I tried use the kitchen helper as a stool and it didn’t end well for either of us.
- After moving all the large furniture into storage, Henry wasn’t much of a fan of sleeping in his room. I think it was too echo-y. Which means I was sleeping on the floor a lot.
- After moving to the barn, Henry also decided that sleeping by himself was for the birds. In his new barn room, there is just about an extra inch of floor space next to his bed to lie down (length and width-wise). That means it feels a bit like I imagine lying in a coffin to feel like.
You may not want to be near me. I’m clearly cursed.
But seriously, I love our people
No huge surprise, moving sucks. Selling your house sucks. That’s just the truth.
I’m legitimately never doing this again. (I’m not counting moving into the house when we build because it’s not really a MOVE, right?)
But seriously. Never. Ever. Ever.
Henry will have to drag me out of that house. To take me to the loony bin.
But you know what I’ve learned from this whole process?
We have seriously have the best people. So maybe we are not so cursed after all. (Kidding. We’re still totally cursed.)
- My parents, who let us literally move 90 percent of our home into their barn, took dozens of loads there on their own, and provided so much labor and free babysitting, it should be illegal.
- My brother, who is probably going to turn us into the authorities for all the free labor he’s provided. Most people call it slavery. We call it family.
- Ryan’s parents, who have watched Henry at all hours and helped finish the barn apartment details in these final stages. Also – they feed us a lot. Which is helpful when all I have in the fridge is a hot dog and four carrots.
- My friend Shannon, who has truly gone above and beyond what most friends would do – helping me unpack and organize the entire barn, shampooing carpets, babysitting Henry, and bringing me ice cream.
- Ryan’s friend Jon, who loaded up nearly all of our heavy furniture and appliances early on a Saturday morning.
- Michelle, who not only stowed away a truckload of moving boxes for us, but also checks in on me to make sure I haven’t gone off the deep end. (Still up for debate.)
- And pretty much every other person I’ve come in contact with in the past month – from my book club gals to craft night friends to blog buddies to strangers at Target. Every single person who I’ve regaled with my bad luck and give me sympathy and hugs and cookies.
So … we just keep on keeping on. And hope that this house closes and we settle into this barn.
Also – I’m hoping for reliable, fast Internet service soon.
(Is that too much to ask?)
More soon. I can’t wait to show you the barn – it’s really coming together.
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casacaudill says
Blerg. Inspections are the worst part of being a seller (I think) because it gives buyers a complete pass on being unreasonable. I hope you were able to come to a happy agreement with the buyers that you can live with.
Christine says
How about a roof update? Did you come to a resolution? Do you have a closing date (or have you already closed?)
Kim Woodward says
We are close. I’ll update when everything is set in stone. =)
christine says
fingers crossed!
Darlene says
Thank you for sharing your behind-the-scenes life. I think sometimes people expect perfection. One of my favorite lines from the movie “Letters to Juliet”….”Life is the messy bits”.
What a beautiful mess it is!
Kim Woodward says
Cheers! Life is indeed the messy bits. I wish I could get a little break from the mess, but that’s okay. thanks for the comment.
KNatGU says
I hear ya on never moving again. We moved last October and after we bought our house but before we moved in I said to hubby, I like this new house but it missing some things I’ve always dreamed of having in house so I reserve the right to move in another decade. Then we actually moved, I told him, nope never ever doing that again. Want to live in this house forever, who cares we don’t have a fireplace…..
Feel free to chant to yourself “this to shall pass” it is my goto mantra.
Kim Woodward says
Ugh. I hope that when we build we are so happy that we never even CONSIDER leaving. I mean, seriously, I’m exhausted just thinking about it.
Katrina says
Big hug Kim, I know your under lots of pressure moving / downsizing into a new space along with dealing with a roadblock on selling your house just sucks, i’m so thankful you have amazing family and friends that have been rallying by your side to make sure they can help. I know that must be the best feeling ever! Hang in there, I’m sending positive vibes of closing on your house and hopefully better nights rest for you and Henry!
Heather Longoria says
Holy cow, Kim!! I can’t believe you are still sane!!
Brittaney says
Oh Kim, I am so sorry. You’ve been on my mind so much lately. I’m so glad you have such a strong family unit to support you guys. I love you, friend. Xoxo
Amy says
Sending positive thoughts into the Universe. You said it best. Moving just sucks.
The best part–it has an ending!
Rachel says
Oh man, so much stress! I’m sorry things are rough right now, and I really hope things start falling into place soon. Big hugs to you 🙂
Colette says
How in the name of Pete did I NOT find your site sooner? I love your honesty and “realness”. I will be back, like all the time to see what you’re up to! This made my day!
Kim Woodward says
Thanks for stopping by, Colette.
Analisa says
Ugh…moving really is the worst. Crossing my fingers for you that all the messy parts will be over soon so you can relax and enjoy life at the barn. Can’t wait to see how it is looking!
Heidi says
That just stinks! You are definitely entitled to a whine! We had a roof issue with sellers at the last minute with selling a house before a corporate move. It was winter in MN and because they couldn’t get up there to inspect because of snow, they assumed the roof needed to be replaced. We ended up having to give them money to settle, but I was the holdout that said no. And you know what? I was right. 11 years later we went to see our old neighborhood on a trip back and they still have the same roof…so free money for them. But the important thing was getting the house sold and our family back in one state and while it got my ire up to pay for something that was fine, I just had to focus on the big picture and not their issues. You will get through this and look back with amazement at what you accomplished. You amaze me every time I visit your blog and I am in love with Henry – hope to have a grandchild some day that is just as cute !
Amber @ Wills Casa says
I feel the weight of moving in my chest for you. Sympathy pains. I am so, so sorry that all of this is happening all at once and in the middle of a huge life event. I will be praying for you and hoping for the best on the roof negotiations/repairs. Hang in there friend. It will get better. Enjoy the view with some coffee and a glass of wine. Not at the same time, but well I mean I guess you could. Either way soak up the country air and know everything will work out!!
Julia@Cuckoo4Design says
Oh gosh I so feel for you! I hope everything gets better and works out in the end.
Sara @ Russet Street Reno says
Thank goodness for alcohol!! We had a hellish move as well, but luckily we didn’t have to pay for any repairs. I know when I bought a house many years ago and the bank wouldn’t approve the roof, we negotiated to split the cost with the sellers. Would they pay for some of it? What a freakin bummer!!
Kelly @ Corner of Main says
Oh man, as if all this isn’t stressful enough, I can’t imagine getting the news about the roof! Ugh. Happy thoughts coming your way! I hope it all works out, and I can’t wait to see pics of the barn.
And you are a trooper sleeping next to Henry on the floor!!
Theresa says
Hang in there! I mean this as a compliment when I say if there was any one I knew that could handle life’s curve balls it’s you! Hoping things turn around!
Liz @ It's Great to Be Home says
Well, that totally TOTALLY totally sucks! I know this is such a stressful time, but just the fact that you’re able to author a coherent sentence in the middle of all of it means that you’re totally rocking this. Hang in there!
Amanda - Small Home Big Start says
Sorry to hear that you’re having a rough time, but it sounds like you’ve got a great support system.
The good thing about writing all this down in a post is that a year from now, you can look on it and laugh (although a year may be too soon, haha)
Kim Woodward says
Thanks, Amanda! It’s been a roller coaster, but that’s life.
Emily R. says
This all sounds horrible to go through and we all want to give you virtual hugs. Hopefully, the look of pure joy on Henry’s face and know this is the right direction for your family will pull you through all the crap. I am so happy that you have so much real life support and I hope you feel the internet support too.
Heart and Haven says
Oh no! I hope there will be a win-win fix for everyone involved in the house sale!
Depending on the type of loan the buyers are getting (unless they have significant down or an all cash buyer), the roof problem can impede the sale from the lender if not fixed prior to closing, even if the buyers still want the house.
When there’s a long list of inconveniences that are piling up, I have to remember to appreciate the little things. Like a hot shower – you have running water in your barn! 🙂
Can’t wait to see the pics with all the furniture set up and you guys all moved in. And I hope Henry adjusts to his cozy little room quickly! (perhaps an area rug to be less echo-y, and a night light would help?)
The day the house sale finalizes, remember to post a pic enjoying a glass of wine on your deck overlooking your gorgeous views…and finally Relax! 🙂
emily @ go haus go says
Oh gosh. It sounds like we are having a similar week. Backed into a car, a nail in the tire somehow led to four new tires and the inspection on our new home is less than stellar…. plus more. Right there with you. Nothing wrong with keeping calm and blogging about it!
Katie Newcomb says
Thinking of you, Kim! Its so hard to juggle so many things! Especially when they are big life things. I’m happy you have your people, that is the best and most important. I remember a couple years ago when it was cold rainy November with no kitchen and no heat I’d go in the shower and cry. You are not alone! It will get better and then you’ll be sleeping in YOUR bed in the barn so excited to be there 🙂
Denise in PA says
I feel so bad for you – that roof issue just stinks!!! I’m also sending good thoughts that this whole issue will resolve itself quickly ! Just breathe…hopefully soon, the pain of all of this will be behind you and you can just enjoy your beautiful new property. Hugs and best wishes!
daisy says
So sorry it hasn’t gone smoothly, but you Woodwards are tough stuff.
Prayers your way! ;0)
Andrea says
We’ve moved twelve times in 15 years, from our current base in Seattle all the way to NJ, and even Germany. It doesn’t necessarily get easier, but I’ve found I’ve gotten better at knowing which tchotchkes matter, and which don’t. We’ve also bought and sold five homes, and endured all the stress that goes with it (including still owning a house in KY, where our tenants have lived there longer than we did) I love looking at houses, but the business of the transaction…just hand me a roll of Tums!
Best of luck on your house. I hope it all goes smoothly from here!
Kim Woodward says
I’m bowing down to you! I don’t ever want to move or sell a house again – too much work and stress.
Tums for all!
Jaime Costiglio says
Oh no. Stinky in all directions but it can only get better right? Your new profile picture is beautiful though!
Trina @ Let's Just Build a House says
It will be ok! I remember the stress of moving into the new house, before it was done, without a kitchen..only a microwave a pizza pizazz, and 1 shower between myself, my husband and my dad who was providing free labor to us. It was a mess–and we didn’t have a kid to worry about just us, so I cannot imagine.
Don’t stress about the house and the roof, wait for the appraisal, work it out. Negotiate, negotiate, negotiate, then have a big glass of wine. It will help you sleep better on the floor 🙂
Kim Woodward says
Thanks, Trina! I really didn’t intend to be all woe-is-me about this post – just life right now. Lots going on and many balls to juggle. It will pass soon (I hope).
And thanks for the encouragement!
Trina @ Let's Just Build a House says
nope you are def entitled to woe-is-me sometimes! Especially when there is so much on your plate. But you will get through it!
Michelle E Black says
This is one heck of a first impression! Today I do something I never do and I blog hopped. Sometimes I am so busy living and creating in my Awesome life I don’t get to hop around and see what is happening to my other fellow creatives out there.
Know this…
Sometimes things have to fall apart in order to come together. As a result of a crazy move three years ago, an emotionally devestating loss and raising our three children I had moments of “Really????” Today I can honestly say that ALL of it had to happen to get to where I am today.
Hold on…Awesome is on its way!
Michelle E. Black
Kim Woodward says
Michelle, not sure what type of first impression this was, but hopefully not too bad. Just sharing a bit of my heart and life right now, but I’m certainly aware that life is pretty darn good and all of these things are such first-world problems. I’m also extremely lucky to have some amazing and supportive friends and family in our life. Thanks for the vote of confidence and thanks for stopping by.
Emily @ imperfect says
Moving is the pits. Seriously. Selling houses? I never want to deal with that crap again. I’m convinced that it sucks so that we lose our emotional attachment (any that you might have had…) to the old place. I’m so sorry you’re in the thick of it right now. Sending good thoughts your way…and a crate of wine. Maybe two.
Kim Woodward says
Thanks, Emily! Never again will I sell a house. I really thought this would go more smoothly than our last. But that’s real estate, right? Hopefully everything will come together soon.
cassie says
OH MAN!!!!!! my fingers are crossed that the roofing sitch gets taken care of soon- i am so sorry you are going through all of this. 🙁 if i were there i would bring you cookies.
Justine says
Oh no! You’re so close to being “home free’, it will happen soon. Sending good vibes your way!
Katie R says
I’m a little confused about how the buyers signed a contract and are just now asking for more. I’ve been through the house buying process several times and a contract is a commitment, not a stepping stone for more negotiations!
Kim Woodward says
Katie, I don’t think I was very clear in the post (that’s what I get for writing it at 11:30 p.m.). I’ve gone back and edited it a bit to be clearer. Basically, the roof inspection came back with concerns. While the contract was fine, it was contingent on inspections, etc. So the negotiations are trying to deal with things that came up from inspections. We’re still trying to work it all out, but we’re lucky that we’ve also been through the process numerous times and have a great team – including a realtor and our attorney.
Katie R says
Darn contingencies! I hope it is resolved really soon too!
Sandy says
Ugh – hang in there, momma! You’re doing great, and this too shall pass. Snuggle Henry close and take a deep breath! So glad you are surrounded by good peeps!
michelle@decorandthedog says
I’m really glad you introduced me to Shannon. She’s good people.
On the plus side, your blog is looking really cute (always important). Your family photos are super cute (definitely important). You have a barn to live in (that’s pretty cool). You have me as a friend (TOTALLY IMPORTANT)!!! Hope this week is the start of moving in the positive direction for you all!
Kim Woodward says
Thank you for reminding me of the important things.
Heather B says
Oh Kim, that is a lot to take on. I agree with the other poster, would they walk away if you didn’t fix roof? Is the roof leaking, causing issues, etc? If it is not, I don’t think I would replace it. Sounds like they are getting a great deal and not really anything to repair, I don’t know if I would replace the roof honestly. If you can maybe give them some money off the house and they can replace the roof themselves, but if you don’t think they will walk away or you can wait it out for another buyer I might do that.
Hopefully things will settle down some.
Kim Woodward says
I was a bit unclear about this – the buyers were totally within their rights to ask for the roof based on inspections. It’s a bummer for us, but we totally get where they are coming from. Hopefully we’ll get it all worked out.
Heather B says
That sucks, but hopefully everything will get worked out and you can get through it without anymore problems.
Michelle @ Ten June says
My momma always says, “this, too, shall pass!” Sounds like a fun adventure : ) Can’t wait to see the barn!
Kim Woodward says
I keep reciting that mantra to myself, too. It just seems that it all hits at once, right?
Heather says
Hope it all settles down soon! With all of the other improvements you have done over the years, I can’t believe they are hung up on the roof… hope it all comes to a good conclusion soon!
Kim Woodward says
Thanks, Heather! Crossing fingers.
Gretchen says
Ugh! Selling houses is THE WORST. We had two offers fall through before one stuck last time; I was a mess. Vibes for a quick resolution for you!! I want you to stop worrying about that so you can show us the barn 😉
Kim Woodward says
Ugh. I REALLY hope this doesn’t fall through. But life is life. We’ll get through it.
Amy says
Wait, wait, wait! They came back later and asked for a roof?!?!? Are they going to walk if they don’t get it?? They got a heck of a deal on your house, I don’t honestly think you guys owe them anything more. People always think they can ask for the moon in house negotiations, but that doesn’t mean you have to give it to them! Be Strong, Kim! They are in love with the house, and I doubt they would walk away at this point.
Kim Woodward says
It was part of the rider after inspections. I wasn’t very clear, but the buyers are totally within their rights. And they are also just trying to protect themselves. So, hopefully we can work it out.
Sarah says
Oh my goodness, Kim! That sounds AWFUL!!! I’m glad most of the drama is for a good cause, but yeah… I hear ya on never ever moving ever again. They’ll have to drag my cold, dead body out of my current house. 😉
Kim Woodward says
I was totally going to write that Henry would have to be dragging my cold dead body out of the house. But let’s be honest, he’ll send me to the home first. 😉
Shannon LaPay says
So glad you are moved in to the barn, it is always fun to help the Woodwards:) Even after falling in a trench… It is all about making memories
Kristi says
Oh Kim! What a bear of a story. I now how much stress is involved in the moving and real estate business. Hang in there momma. Have some coffee/ice cream/wine on your fabulous deck and leave all your troubles on the ground. You got this!
Kim Woodward says
Wine. All the wine.