When we announced our plans to sell our current home and buy a new fixer upper, the number one question was… “why??” Why leave the home we worked so hard on over the last 3 years? Why leave a house that’s “done”? Why deal with the tumultuous current real estate market?

To put it simply, it was always the plan. This house was our first house. We went into it knowing that it would be 3-5 year project. It wasn’t our dream house by any means but it was a good investment. It was a typical builder-basic “starter” home. A blank canvas!

The birth and growth of my Instagram page was huge bonus. Our investment gained even more potential as content was now riding on every project. I’m so proud of everything we have done here, but we always had an exit strategy in mind. 

Because of our updates and the current real estate market we stand to make $150k+ on our home after just 3 years. Not bad for our first flip right?? But yes, while the market is a great time to sell, it’s a tough time to buy. If you have been following along on Instagram you know that it’s been a struggle to navigate and we aren’t having much luck. However, there is no doubt in our minds that NOW is the time for us to make this move.

The Why

Other than being an ideal time to sell, there are 2 more main factors that have led this decision.

Firstly, the ages and grades of our children. Because I have 1 daughter going into middle school next year and another starting kindergarten, we feel that this may be our only opportunity to make a life transition without effecting them negatively. Once they start school in August, we want them to feel settled. In that respect moving almost feels like it’s “now or never”. 

Secondly, I’m out of projects! Granted, I have so many ideas that I could keep myself busy for another 2 years in this house. But because of all the updates it’s already going to price at the top of the neighborhood, and any projects I do from here on out, likely won’t have a return on the investment.

Because of our ultimate goal to get into real estate, house flipping, and the business thats grown out of my Instagram, we have to make the smart financial decisions. We bought low to sell high… and we would like to do it again! Hence the hunt for a true fixer upper.

This sale from our current property will still allow us to get a more ideal square footage, location, and interest rate, but also cash flow more renovations and side investments. (Hello good content too!)

I hope that gives a better understanding of our decisions. Here’s what we’re searching for next:

• Potentially a 70s or 80s fixer upper
• Above all else- A good investment
• 2500+sqft
• 4+ bedrooms
• Large lot/privacy
• Good schools and location (But open to a wide range of areas)

We would also really love mature trees, a 3 car garage, tall ceilings in the living room, and a game room/flex space. We even told our realtor, “We don’t care if its ugly!” 😅

Ideally we will be able to beat this insane market by finding something other people may not see the potential in. So far, that doesn’t seem to be working and it’s been an exhausting process. No matter how much I tell myself not to get attached, you have to develop some sort of emotional involvement in a home to put an offer on it. You have to picture your family there, research the area and schools, and design it in your head to see the potential. It’s been consuming a lot of mental space. However, we’re hopeful that we will land wherever we are meant to!

Wish us luck and get ready for “A Dabbled Dwelling” season TWO!