On June 6, 2007, Ryan and I closed on our first home. So, Saturday was our two year house anniversary.
Our first day – It looked like this:
A little bit of a fixer-upper, I would say.
A little bit of a fixer-upper, I would say.
I don’t think I’ve shared the story of how we came upon our little piece of land on the blog yet, so today is the day.
The story of buying the house
We had been looking for a house beginning in the spring of 2007. We wanted something that was in need of some TLC and cheap. (Very specific, right?) We planned to fix it up and be in it after our wedding in December.
We had looked at a multitude of homes, mainly foreclosures. We even put an offer on one that we thought was perfect. We were outbid (blindly) by less than $100 dollars. But, in the land of foreclosures, the top dollar is key. We were very sad. We really wanted that house. I may have cried.
Then, we happened to drive by this house one day. It looked beat-up, but it was in a good neighborhood. It fit the criteria of being the worst house in a great ‘hood. We called on it. Ryan was working, so my in-laws came with me to look at the house.
It stunk. Like, literally smelled. Bad. The previous owners had actually left a dog in the house for a while before it was foreclosed (so sad), so it smelled like a dog had been left in the house with no way out for weeks. But, somehow I still liked the house. It seemed workable.
I liked the woodwork. I liked the yard. I liked the flow of the house. I liked that it had 4 bedrooms (although now it only has three as we converted one into a bathroom).
We decided to put an offer on it. We actually put the offer on it before Ryan had seen it, because we knew at this point how fast they go. I’m not sure why he trusted me, but he did. And, luckily for us, they took the offer.
A few weeks and many signatures, phone calls and faxes later, we took our new keys on June 6. Then, we went to the house again, with a shop vac, cleaning supplies and tools in tow.
(This photo was actually taken on the day we took possession.)
Oh… if only it only took some cleaning. In the first six months, we (and by we I mean Ryan and family) worked on the outside and the first floor. We moved in December of 2007 and finished the upstairs in July 2008.
Here’s the outside on June 6, 2009.
What is your favorite thing about YOUR house?
P.S. See the entire renovation with before and after photos.
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Laura cullison says
Love your transformation!!! We just purchased a similar style fixer upper. What is the exact color of green? Love the red door and flags. Very pretty
Kim Woodward says
The color was actually a vinyl siding color. I’m afraid I don’t know the exact color – it was about 8 years ago that we bought the siding. I’m sure there’s something similar still on the market.
Kristen | Popcorn on the Stove says
You did some impressive work with that house! It looks entirely different in the last photo! Joe and I still rent and I’m so nervous about actually buying a house. Granted, we have some time until we figure out where we’re settling down for real but it’s still nerve-wracking!
Kim Woodward says
It’s not an easy decision. But you’ll be great!
Anonymous says
I love the paint colors on this house. Could you please tell me the names of the paint for the siding, trim and door? Thank you so much!
the undomesticated wife says
Great renos! A labor of love I’m sure! I’m sure the neighbors were very pleased as well! 🙂
I hope that dog was taken care of…that makes me so mad! Why leave a dog locked up in the house to die? I mean, at least on the street (still not good) he’d have a fighting chance! Ugh! People suck!
Kelly says
We bought a home from it’s original owner, an older single woman. She hid a lot of things from us (ex: a large pee stain upstairs that literally made me sob my eyes out when I saw it and a deck that was not up to code). We are lucky to have handy people in our family and made the house our own. Anyway, my favorite thing about our house is that it’s ours and it reflects us!
Jami says
I love your blog. I’ve been following for a while, but just decided to go back and read from the start. We are buying our first home right now, and I can’t wait to start working on it and making our own. You have given me so many ideas. Thanks!
Freckles Chick says
*jaw hitting floor* OMG! Kim, it looks GORGEOUS now!
Yay for fixer-uppers! Will you come do ours b/c our house exterior seriously scares little kids and possibly grown ups though they won’t admit it.
delightfuldwelling says
Wow, you guys did an amazing job. I love the colors of the siding and the red door. I just painted ours red this weekend.
Mrs. 5C says
I’m excited about this new series! Every before and after I’ve seen on your blog thus far has been VERY inspiring. You guys did a great job, I’m glad you’re happy with it!
Yansy says
Awesome job, your house is adorable. Love, love the red door.
*claire* says
it’s obvious you guys have done so much! it looks great! i’m not sure i would have been as brave as you by seeing the potential in the “before” but i’m sure you’re glad you did
carrie of brick city love says
You & your dear husband have done such an amazing job fixing this place up. The outside is such a dramatic transformation and I know the inside was no picnic either. You should be SO SO proud of yourselves!!
Thank you for documenting the progress. I love reading your blog everyday.
Mrs. McB says
It is amazing how you all transformed the house. It looks amazing! 🙂
Emily says
Ahhh, I love every pic you post of your house. Two years, wow!! You two have truly made ít fabulous.
Melissa says
I love your house! I wish the outside of ours looked that good! We have been in ours for going on 5 years and it still needs some TLC!
Madeline says
WOWzers!! All your hard work really paid off! The difference is night and day!!
BabiesandBargains says
We bought a total fixer too! Its so rewarding seeing before and after of your hard work. Your house looks great!
Heather says
You guys did a great job. I haven’t seen the other houses that are next to you, but I think your house is probably the best in the hood now.