I’m going to do something bloggers don’t do. I’m going to share real numbers. Here is exactly how we profited from our homes and how we afforded our dream home just before our fortieth birthdays. You don’t have to make big bucks to plan and grow wisely. It also doesn’t happen overnight. Nope, this is not… Read More How we afforded our dream home
Ten years ago Marcello and I were renting an over-priced, dumpy apartment with rusty appliances and brown stuff leaking from the shower. We were $18,000 in credit card debt and unsure how we would ever be able to buy our first house. Today we live in our dream home with a guest house for Marcello’s… Read More How we paid $18,000 of credit card debt in a year
I’m sorry I’ve kept you in suspense of my in-laws’ reaction to their new house! It took me awhile to figure out how to present it and edit the video. Friend, if you want to see a true reward to sacrifice and what grateful looks like, press play. Grab a tissue, this is going to… Read More VIDEO: Nonni see their new house
We’ve been here for a week and a half and I’m finally ready to give you a tour! Last week I shared our God story behind the house. I hope you’ll have a read because it shows where our hearts are and how we would like to use this blessing. The definition of a blessing… Read More VIDEO: New house tour
I’ve never felt like I was right smack down in the middle of God’s plan as I do right now. He clearly told us when to move and where to move. It wasn’t without bumps or stress, but His plan is clear for us, and that is to use this beautiful, undeserved home for His… Read More How God moved us
We’ve been waiting quite awhile for Marcello’s parents’ visas to be approved so they can move here from Italy. Then one day out of the blue in December they were approved! Just like that. And stamped with a very unexpected four-month timeline! That means by April we need to move someplace that can house all… Read More We’re moving!
The first night in a new house is stressful. You’re tired from moving. The home’s clean level is questionable. Boxes are everywhere. And somehow there is no toilet paper to be found. So, what do you need the first night in your new house? Here’s a list of things to consider for an open-first box (or… Read More Moving part 5: Family’s first night in new house checklist
We’ve had what seems like an extra-long closing time on our next house. The clock is torturing me as it drags out every tick of its hand. All I can do is plot and plan what I’ll do when I get my grubby little hands on it. Here’s my interior decorating plan for moving into our new… Read More Moving part 4: Interior decor process for a new house
When looking for a new house, we’re all nervous we’ll choose a money pit. And while it’s always a good idea to hire a professional home inspector before you buy, there are some major problems you might be able to spot yourself. Doing a little inspecting during your initial showing can save house hunting time… Read More Moving part 3: Problems to look for when buying a house checklist
There are loads of helpful, extremely detailed moving checklists out there that countdown three months out from your move. This is not that list. This is the list that hits the major checkpoints of moving — the ones you don’t want to forget when you’re packing and sorting like a tornado. I’d like to say… Read More Moving part 2: Change of address, services to stop, organizing checklist
During the process of listing our house, I’ve gotten some helpful advice from our friend/Realtor and done quite a bit of research on home staging. Here’s what I learned and worked on at our house: 1. Spruce up house exterior and landscaping. Lay fresh mulch and plant colorful flowers for quick impact. If your garage… Read More Moving part 1: Sell your house faster with these home staging ideas
We’ve decided it’s time to move. We still love our little house and are grateful to God for placing us here, but we have the opportunity to find something with more space, and we’re going to give it shot. It would be ideal if the boys could have their own rooms (they’re not sharing so well),… Read More Farewell to my boys’ first nursery