Behind the Boxes:
Stories about making big moves
More than just a change of address
Jen is a long-time friend who’d spent 11 years living in what she thought was her forever home. When she realized her three-bedroom MCM home no longer fit her life, she decided to take a leap of faith into a much cozier place … a one bed/one bath home with a big deck and back yard for her dog Lebowski.
What made you realize it was time to sell your home?
It was a very unexpected moment. I had a consultation with a designer to discuss some major updates I’d planned on making to my house. As we were talking I realized—I don’t really want to do any of this! What I actually wanted was a completely new place. I was absolutely shocked, but I am so glad I listened to that little voice.
I think I had a much better understanding that every house is imperfect and has its issues, so it’s a matter of being clear about what I was willing to accept and work with. I also didn’t remember ANYTHING from when I’d bought a house years ago, so I relied heavily on Leah to educate me on the process.
What was it like buying your second home vs. your first?
What are you most excited about in your new home?
My “new” home is more than 110 years old and has been through several renovations and updates in its lifetime. Unlike my previous MCM home, it possesses very little of its original features, so I don’t feel obligated to keep it in a certain style or time period. It is a blank slate, and it can be anything I want it to be. And because it’s under 600 square feet, I get to spend way less time cleaning and way more time living!
How did you choose your neighborhood, and what are your favorites parts about it?
I wanted a vibrant and more centrally located neighborhood. My first apartment was in Hyde Park/Oakley but I bought my first house in a neighborhood where prices were lower. I honestly didn’t think I’d be able to afford a house here, but it worked out perfectly because I was looking for a much smaller place this time around.
I love how walkable this neighborhood is—sidewalks everywhere, and Wasson Way is at the end of my street. Being able to walk to Ault Park, to the grocery store, to the post office, and to so many different shops and restaurants makes me really happy on a daily basis.
How would you describe
your style?
In this house, I’m taking a totally different approach … I am using color and being much bolder in my design choices. Having a tiny place has turned me into more of a maximalist; I want every square foot to offer something interesting to look at. I often have a hard time deciding between a beach shack vibe or an eclectic glam aesthetic. We’ll see what style wins out in my upcoming renovations!
What was your “a-ha” moment when buying your place?
I had to accept that what I wanted and needed in a house previously was very different than what my current/future self wanted and needed. Once I looked at everything through that future perspective, I was able to see this was the right decision, even though it felt scary and uncertain at times.
What was a must-have in your new home?
Lots of outdoor space was important for both me and Lebowski; I need to garden, and he needs to play :) I love that between my front porch, back deck, and back yard, my outdoor space is even bigger than my house! I also have a bonus room in the form of a large shed, which has turned into my woodworking/ project shop.
How have you made this house your own?
I’ve done a lot of little projects in the first year and a half, like installing hardwood flooring in my bedroom, landscaping my front yard, hanging rods and curtains, painting walls, and adding a vintage storm door. This year I have some bigger plans that will make a huge difference—I’m painting the siding and shutters and completely gutting and rebuilding my kitchen and bathroom. I’ll share pictures when it all happens!
Some before pics…
Some after pics…
What advice would you give someone who’s starting to look for their next home and selling their current home ?
-Get super clear about what’s important to you. Your house has a huge impact on your daily quality of life, and you want to buy a place that ultimately makes your life easier and more enjoyable.
-Expect some conflicting feelings. I loved my previous house so much and even though I knew it was time to sell and was looking forward to a new place, I was really sad about it at times—I had so many wonderful memories and expected to live there for a long time. But it’s important not to let your emotions get in the way of making sound decisions for your future.
-Work with a realtor you trust. I knew Leah had my best interests at heart and she was going to guide me in the right direction no matter what came up.
-It’s hard and takes up a lot of time, so make decisions that add ease. Especially if you buy before you sell, your financial and mental focus is going to shift toward your new place and your new life. Be realistic and honest with yourself about what you have time to do with the house you’re selling, both before you list it and as you’re negotiating any post-inspection requests from the buyers.