Here are some life updates. Cue the song ‘I Dreamed A Dream: the Glee version!’
I’ve been singing this song since I saw Les Mis last year, and it’s very fitting for all the life changes I’ve been through in the past six months.
The biggest update is that we sold our house.
It happened a lot faster then I ever thought it would. We decided to put it on the market in early 2026 and two of our realtor friends agreed to co-list as sellers agents (how could we ever choose?!). We used Ivy Haines at Nest Realty and Jeff Mattie at CORE – they were both awesome if you need a realtor!
Before we knew it, the house was staged and they were hosting a broker’s open for other realtors. It looked SO GOOD staged that I wish we’d hired a stager years ago!
The next day we had a full price offer before it even went on the market.
This entire process was extremely bittersweet. It’s very sad to think about the dreams we had for the house and all the memories shared there, from bringing Birch home from the hospital through the pandemic and into the major renovation we did thinking we’d live there for many years.
This house was my home for 11 years – the longest I’ve lived anywhere since I left for college. I was very attached to it. But we all know home is where the heart is, and my heart moved out last year.
Through the spring we sold furniture, moved valuables and junk, and cleared out the closets. Gosh it was so much work! And last month we said goodbye as the new owners moved in. It’s still a little hard to wrap my mind around, but life changes are never easy.
A Window Was Opened
And as these things go, when life closes a door, it opens a window. And sometimes a window with a very nice view!
I had just re-signed my lease and bought a new washer/dryer for my rental. I had no intention of moving and intended to stay at least another year. And then one night, when my parents were visiting, we went for a walk and I noticed one of the townhouses on my “I’d like to buy this when I’m ready” neighborhood was for sale.
I casually texted my realtor friend Ivy asking if we should go in “just to see what they are like.” During our walk through the next morning, I had that “when you know, you know” feeling. Everything about this townhouse was what I thought I would look for when I was ready to buy again. I spent the day trying to tell myself it was not a good time to buy a house. I crunched numbers on ChatGPT and asked my parents what I should do. And when it came down to making a decision, I couldn’t think of a good reason not to go for it.
So I made an offer, which was accepted, and we’ll be moving in later this month!
The new house is very similar to our rental, which I like for so many reasons, but it has all the upgrades I would want to actually buy. The number one feature in the new place is the worst thing about my rental: the view. Right now I look into my neighbor’s porch, and at the new place I look out on a mountain.
Current view:
It also has a gorgeous kitchen with nicer appliances, a better layout, more windows, an actual laundry room, a bonus loft space, bigger bathrooms, and the biggest selling point: an amazing rooftop deck for entertaining! We are also so excited to join this neighborhood community where there are lots of kids my boys’ ages.
While I’m not looking forward to packing and moving again, I know once all the dust has literally settled I will be so glad.
The boys and I are heading to Universal Studios Florida to celebrate the beginning of summer and all things Harry Potter. I’ll be back with all the fun of that trip in a week or so.
xx,
Kath
Tara says
I’m so happy for you, Kath!! And what a view!
Kath Younger says
I can’t wait!
Nancy says
How exciting! Your positive outlook and openness to all the possibilities of the future are bringing good things your way!
Kath Younger says
Thank you so much <3
cyni says
Kath – this put a smile on my face this morning – very happy for you – I can feel your anticipation in this post.
It sounds like it has a lot you were looking for – almost like it was waiting for you! And that view is amazing!
I understand your feelings about your old house – my husband and I are building a house this year and will be moving out of our house we have been in for 20 years. I am more attached to it than him and I know it will be difficult for me. I think about it too much now and we haven’t even moved yet?!
Wishing you and your kids much happiness in your new hood and new beginnings!
Kath Younger says
We have to remember the memories are still there!
Jamie says
I’m so happy for you! Congrats!
Kath Younger says
Thank you!
Danielle says
Congratulations on the sale and on finding your new home! What a great view!
Katharine says
Congratulations on your new home. It sounds perfect. Were you able to get out of the lease?
Kath Younger says
Yes thank goodness!! I was only out if they were able to re-rent it so it was a gamble how many months I’d have to keep paying, but they rented to the first people who toured it!
Chelsea says
Oh this is wonderful! Congratulations!
Kath Younger says
<3
Michele says
Congratulations on your new home!
Kath Younger says
Thank you Michele <3
Marcie says
Beautiful!! Thrilled for y’all —-congratulations!!!!
Kath Younger says
Thanks Marcie!
heather kittle says
Happy for this next chapter. Love isn’t always how you picture it and that’s okay. Everything happens for a reason.
Kath Younger says
So true. Thank you!
Wendy says
Congratulations on the purchase of your new home. Expect the unexpected!! It looks amazing, can’t wait to see it with your personal touches in it. Enjoy your vacation!
Louise RD says
Congrats on your new home! I’m sure you’ll create many great memories there, too:-)
Happy moving!
Kath Younger says
That is the plan 🙂
Rosie says
Huge congratulations Kath! I’ve been reading your blog for donkey’s years (before Mazen was born), and you’ve been through such a lot. It’s such a joy to see you doing so well. The new place sounds absolutely incredible! We’ve just bought our first home together after years of renting, and the number 1 thing I love about it is our gorgeous, rural view. There’s something about looking out on that much green, and sky, that feels so good for the soul! Wishing you and your family all the very best, and best of luck with the move! 🙂
Kath Younger says
Donkey’s years – love it! Thank you for all your support and congrats on your new place!! A view is everything!
Amanda says
How exciting! Congratulations!
Steph says
Congratulations!! So happy for you and looking forward to reading/hearing more about everything to come!