So, if you don’t know about Chip and Joanna Gaines, let me catch you up: they are amazing and Joanna is my spirit animal. I actually feel like we would be great friends, no joke, for real. I’m mildly obsessed with their show and watch reruns for fun. But like, who doesn’t?
I watch a season, go to an open house and I’m suddenly identifying load bearing walls, thinking of where I’m going to add some black shiplap and if the backyard can fit a pergola.
At this point Mike and I can only really afford a fixer-upper if we want to be the BEST neighborhood possible (“buy the worst house on the best street”). We’re willing to sacrifice a move-in ready home and undergo renovation if it means a better school district, neighborhood feel, a backyard, local parks and eateries, and overall peace of mind.
Making the decision to buy a fixer-upper has been nerve wrecking, let’s be honest. I have no idea how much renovations will actually cost us, no idea what condition the house will really be in once we open walls, and how much Mike and I (and some friends) can really figure out on our own. Part of me thinks we’re crazy but I know we’ll walk away with some equity when it’s all said and done, and have a customized house.
I’ll keep you guys posted. Here’s to hoping we don’t buy a money pit.
T
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