SO, this post has been in the works since the end of July, and I cannot believe I finally get to say these words. We bought a house – a 1960s fixer upper – and are beyond thrilled to be moving. After 5 years in the PMQs across 2 bases (the row house // the duplex // the A frame – where we currently are), we are oh so ready to be in our own space.
BUY THE DREAM HOUSE KEYCHAIN HERE
We’ve been scouring the real estate MLS for months; watching, waiting, scheming. See, we very nearly pulled the trigger back in June, but that house sold after 2hrs on the market. Those of you who were playing along with me on IG stories lived the excitement and disappointment, but it drove home just how close we were to actual home ownership.
It also highlighted how quickly the market was moving. That, coupled with increasing Bank of Canada rates (& corresponding stress test thresholds) — and our own personal timeline — meant that we needed to get serious before the fall. So we kinda did!
I’ve been watching and monitoring listings on my own, but a few weekends ago we went on a drive to explore some neighbourhoods in full summer (because we know what they look like in the winter), and got really excited about a few places. None of them were in town though, they were pushing our budget, AND required a lot of work. They were a pass.
Later that afternoon I found another listing that had just been lowered into our price range – a 1960s fixer upper. The house was in pristine condition…. for 1962. All the finishes were original, no ill-fated renos in the 80s, no hack jobs with shitty tile to ruin the fun. The neighbourhood was exactly where we wanted to be (because location is the ONLY thing that matters in real estate) and on a cul de sac. PLUS, all the comps are well above what the asking price was. We got excited, booked a showing, and fell in love.
Turns out, most people who had looked at the house at full price, were looking to gut the place and pump 100k$ into the property. With the existing price tag, it wasn’t selling. So they lowered the price, and then we came along! We love the features of the house and have no plans to make anything an open concept monstrosity.
We love the 1960s kitchen with original appliances and cupboards. We love the wood panelled office. We love the giant wet bar and entertainment space in the basement (not pictured in this post). We love the two fireplaces. We love the fretwork in the living room. We love the bathrooms with original fixtures. We love the balcony that connects the living room to the master. We love the mature trees on the corner lot. We LOVE IT ALL. And most importantly, we felt it the second we walked through the front door.
So we got a realtor, made an offer, and BOOM! The house was ours 48hrs after walking through the door.
The real anxiety started once we went to the bank to get everything in order the next day. We got approved for the mortgage no sweat, but then CMHC (the organization that insures mortgages in Canada) had a system glitch the day our application was submitted. So instead of hearing back that same day, we waited a full 6 days before anyone realized there was a glitch. And then, with 24hrs to spare before the financial conditions had to be lifted, we got the ALL CLEAR. If you watched me lose my mind on IG stories, that’s what was happening. I was stuck between excitement and suspense, and that’s an awful place to be.
I also didn’t want to tell you guys, and then get denied on something, and fail oh so publicly. That would be no bueno. Which brings us to here. I can finally celebrate with you guys! I’m sharing a few quick shots now, but there will be a full house tour once we move in.
There will of course be updates in the house, and I’m looking forward to partnering with the best to do it.
Let me stop you now: Yes we’ve considered the possibility of a posting, and yes we have a plan. Haters, be gone!
Now, all that’s left to do is March Out of our Q, and move into the new place! So while I launch into an insane holiday season on the blog, I’m also moving. Wish me luck, and send gin with Diet Tonic my way. Also, if you’re local and want to help us move – holllaaaa.
BUY THE DREAM HOUSE KEYCHAIN HERE
Yay!! Congrats! Can’t wait to see you work your magic!
Thank you! Now I just need to find a bucket of money to do it with!
WOW! congrats, ariel! i am totally digging those pendants in the first shot and can’t wait to see you guys make this place your own while preserving its character.
Thank you! We’ve got plans of all kind for this place! Big, medium and small plans. And the best part is, there’s no real rush
Your house looks amazing! I can’t wait to see you insert your own style while maintaining the original features of this home.
Thank you! Me too! We’ll be making small visual updates, and a few more important ones!
please lord keep that awesome black iron room divider action. Congrats!
Oh YOU BETCHA! The realtors kept saying it could be removed, and I was like “WHY ON EARTH?!?!” Those babies are staying
This house is absolutely you guys!! congratulations!!
Thank you!!!! We can’t wait to get in there
Congratulations! Can’t wait to see you put your magic touch on this cutie!
I am so happy for you!! Now just Dm me the address so I can do a stalker drive by!
When do you move?
So exciting! I’m so glad you’re looking to keep the original features! I get so mad when I see everyone hitting houses and removing all of the charm!
Exactly! We want to accentuate and enhance, no remove!
Congrats Ariel! older homes are so much more fun than newer homes. it has a lot of character, You’ll do wonders in there!
Thank you so much Jolie! That’s exactly why we bought it 😉
Very exciting! So happy for you & can’t wait to see the color you bring to your beautiful new home!
Thanks Michelle!
Congrats!! I am so excited for you and so excited to watch what you do to it! I love all the period details! That fretwork!! <3
That fretwork is such a major part of the house! It’s stunning!
Omg I love everything about the new house! Congrats to you both.
Lura
Thank you so so so much! I may have to take a page from your book re: the kitchen!
Oh my goodness I’m so excited for you! Congrats! Cant wait to see how you make it yours.
Thanks Jess! Likewise!
congratulations!!! No more peel-and-stick!! :). As a PMQ-er I’m jealous of the amazing-ness of your new home and can’t wait to live vicariously as you make it even more fab!!!!
Thank you so much Darra! Peel and stick will ALWAYS have a place in my heart, but I’m ready for some permanence
congratulations! Your house looks amazing and I can’t wait to see it after you add your personal touch/style to everything!
CONGRATULATIONS! Now prepare to be broke forever. 😄 You will have so much fun here. I love that everything is original and in such good shape! Nobody else’s messes to undo. (That gets really expensive — ask me how I know!)
Congrats! That house has loads of potential!!
Sure does! And we’re the people to give it just what it needs
Its beautiful!! I love the iron work and the fireplace, and the built ins! Congratulations, can’t wait to see how you make it your own!
And those are just the features I’m sharing today! This place has it all! Just wait!
Cannot wait to see this house brought to life!
Me too! Thanks for following along
Congratulations! How exciting! Looking forward to seeing you make this place you. I’m sure out Will be amazing
Thanks Candie! We sure are excited
Ariel, it is fantabulous and looks soooooo you! I can hardly wait to see what fun and love and excitement you put into the place. I’m so excited for y’all! COngrats!
Thanks so much Cindy! I may even have enough room for chickens! 🐓
Congratulations to you both! Your smiles say it all. I look forward to seeing what you do to make this beautiful house your home. Bruce must be excited to have his own home turf 🙂
FINALLY! Someone mentions Bruce! That has actually been a topic of conversation – how much more space Bruce and the cats will have 😂
Congratulations! love the vintage feel.
Thank you 🙂 it’s what we fell in love with!
Ugh this house is gorgeous and I am so jealous – I can’t wait to see what you do with it!
Thank you so much! I am so excited to get into the space and start transforming!
Wow, you’ve got a real MCM gem on your hands! Some commentators we’re saying “prepared to be broke” but from what I can see from the pictures, I disagree! Looks like it’s got some good bones–wood floors, nice kitchen cabinets. Paint and Bringing in your awesome, modern furniture and accessories from your old place alone will work wonders!