D{emo} Day

One month ago today the hubby and I closed on our very "first" home.  Yes, we owned a one bedroom townhouse before this, but that does not compare to the responsibility that comes with a single family home, on almost half an acre of property.

The process for us to buy a home was very long and trying.  We sold our townhouse in November 2010 and we were lucky enough to have the opportunity to move into my in-law's while we saved up for a down payment and found the perfect home.  We knew we needed a place that had the space and the location to make it for the long haul.  We did not want to move again in 5 or 10 years; we wanted a house that we could settle into and raise a family.  Of course we don't have the largest budget in the world...and since we want a house big enough for a family, in a location with good schools and that was close enough to work, we created a very tough goal for ourselves.  We started our home search further West so that we could get "more house for the money."  We totally thought we'd get a new/new-ish built, colonial, two-story home.  But then as the months past, and deal after deal fell through (seriously, the house we bought was either our 4th or 5th house under contract), we worked our way East and closer and closer to work.

Our motto keeping us sane (along with the support of our amazing families and awesome realtor) through this whole process was "everything happens for a reason"...and it totally does.  We ended up right where we were meant to be, and oh so very far from where we started.  Our humble abode is a 1954 rancher in much need of renovation from the inside out (and just 10 miles from work...oh yea, that is 1/5 the distance we travel now).  Luckily, we learned of the FHA 203k Rehab Loan throughout our home search process...and with this loan and TONS of hard work, we can transform our fixer upper, in our dream location, into our dream home.

We wanted to start this blog so that our family and friends can check out the transformation of our home as it happens.  Not all of our family and friends live near by (although we wish they did, xo), so this way we can keep them involved in the progress.

Today was day numero uno of demolition inside the house.  I loved every minute of the crazy loud saws and sledgehammers crashing against the plaster and mesh walls.  I only wish I could be there every day as the changes take place.  Luckily, it's on our way back to the in-laws, so we can stop in after work and see the progress every day.  Many more posts and pictures to follow!

PS-We already made some dramatic changes to the outside of the property thanks to my beyond amazing parents who "camped out" at the house for two weekends and worked harder than I ever thought possible.  Those pictures and posts to come as well! :)