Journey to Our Dream Home Pt. 2: From a Hotel Stay to Building Our Future
Over 2.5 years—through uncertainty, big decisions, and a global pandemic—our journey to finding (and creating) our dream home has been nothing short of an adventure.
When we sold our first home, we had no idea just how much life would change in the coming years. We found ourselves living in a hotel with our 10-month-old baby and two large dogs, caught in that unsettling in-between space of knowing what we wanted but not yet having it.
The real estate market after COVID was chaotic, unpredictable, and at times, downright frustrating. With a pending election looming and housing prices swinging wildly, it felt like a game of strategy just to find something that made sense for our family. But then, we found it—our fixer-upper in a quiet small-town bubble, tucked away from all the craziness.
At first glance, it wasn’t perfect. The house needed full renovations, but something about it felt right. It had space to breathe, a beautiful, lush garden, and a peaceful pace of life that immediately felt like home.
Two Years of Transformation
For two years, we lived in the house while it underwent a complete renovation. Floors and doors were ripped out, updates were made, and little by little, we watched our vision take shape. In the midst of all the construction chaos, we found something unexpected: a deep love for small-town living.
Instead of the fast-paced hustle we had been used to, we embraced the quiet rhythms of nature. Mornings with coffee in the garden, watching deer wander through the yard. Slower evenings, disconnected from the noise of the outside world. Life here wasn’t just about the house—it was about the feeling it gave us.
The Next Step: A New Build & Bigger Dreams
After two years of transformation, we knew it was time for our next step. We found a new build that checked all the boxes—modern, spacious, and perfect for the next chapter. At the same time, we welcomed our second baby, making this move even more meaningful.
Meanwhile, my husband earned his real estate license, and suddenly, our journey wasn’t just about finding a home—it was about building a future. We started saving and planning for investment properties, turning real estate into a long-term strategy for security and growth.
Looking Back, Moving Forward
From a hotel stay with a baby and two big dogs to living through a full home renovation, this journey has been anything but ordinary. But every step—from the chaos to the quiet moments—has shaped the life we’re building now.
We’re still on this path, but one thing is certain: we’ve learned to trust the process, embrace the unknown, and dream even bigger than before.
“From a post-COVID real estate whirlwind to a peaceful small-town fixer-upper, our journey of renovations, new beginnings, and big dreams has shaped the life we're building today.”
