Challenges
What almost stopped this from happening?
Our first offer on a different house was rejected, and it was really disappointing. For a moment, it felt like the door had closed because there were barely any homes on the market within our budget.
Instead of forcing that one house, we paused, and not long after, we found a better fit. The house we ended up buying was closer to the beach, in a stronger location, and ultimately felt more “us.” But people overlooked it because it was ugly!
What risks did you take?
We bought the house sight unseen during COVID, relying heavily on a trusted local realtor. On top of that, we took on a full renovation.
It was definitely a leap, but it was a calculated one. My sister manages projects professionally, and I’ve been through renovations before. We trusted ourselves and our skill sets.
What was harder than you expected after closing?
Honestly, the ongoing ownership.
Renovation felt familiar. What surprised us was how much coordination it takes long-term — especially when you live in different cities. Communication was scattered, responsibilities weren’t always clearly defined, and we relied on a mix of spreadsheets, texts, and good intentions.
That’s where structure — or the lack of it — really showed up.
