I’ve always kind of thought there were three types of home buyers. Those who think they know what they want, those who don’t, and those who only have to look at one property because they know exactly what they are looking for, right out of the gate.
Our First Apartment: The first place we stepped foot in, we rented.
The First Mobile Home: Hadn’t seen the place in years, but my grandparents owned it so we said yes, sight unseen.
The First House: Saw a flyer posted at the bank, looked at the house, bought it.
The House in the Cookie Cutter Development: Saw an ad in real estate magazine, called the realtor, spent 5 minutes looking around, bought the house.
The House with the Hardwood Floors: A neighbor was buying in the same neighborhood, we went to check out the neighborhood, walked through the house, bought it.
The First House We Built: While bringing my husband lunch at work one day, I drove past a new development being built, liked what I saw, had a house built.
The House Where This All Started: My neighbor Chino had mentioned a new development his family was building, we drove out there the next weekend, took a look around at the lots, and had him build us a house.
The HOA House: With less than a month to find a home, and looking for something we could flip in a few years, I walked into the neighborhood, looked in the windows {the property was vacant at the time} called the realtor, made an offer and bought the home.
Our {what I’m hoping will be} Forever Home: I found the listing online and immediately knew…. This was the one. I showed the listing to the HH, and my parents and they loved the home as well. But being experienced home buyers at this point, we all quickly came to the conclusion that the home was:
1. Too big. After all, we were planning on downsizing.
2. Priced more than we were anticipating on spending.
3. The property was going to be a LOT of maintenance. {The HH and my parents were worried about this one, I was not}
And so, even though in my heart I knew, this was the one…. the HH and I kept on looking {online}.
Everyday {and sometimes 3 or 4 times a day} I’d hop online and check for new listings. Then this past fall, the HH and I spent several days driving around different parts of the Northeast, looking for that quintessential New England town we would hope to call home someday.
There was one town in particular I was eager to show him. It was a town The Girl and I had driven through on one of our prior spring break adventures. I had found an amazing old house online that was for sale a few months earlier. The house had since sold, but we were in the area, so my daughter and I decided to drive by the home and through the town just for kicks. And we both fell in love with the area.
Fast forward to this fall and that trip to New England with the HH…
One afternoon we stopped off at a pizza place and ordered a pie to go {to save time, we were town hunting after all and didn’t want to waste 30 minutes sitting down in a restaurant}. Anywho, because my husband refuses to eat food in the car, we put the pizza in the back and drove off to the next town.
Which just happened to be, the town The Girl and I had fallen in love with over a year earlier. AND, the house I thought was the one… it just happened to be in that town as well.
Yada yada yada, we drove up and down the road the house was on like 3 times. SLOWLY looking at all the homes on the street. And finally on our third drive by, we pulled over on the side of the road and parked the car. You know, just so we could get a better look at the house we weren’t going to buy.
Hungry, I got out of the car, grabbed a slice of pizza, sat in the back with my feet hanging out over the licence plate and sent a text to the realtor on the for sale sign asking if it “Would be okay to walk around the property… was it vacant? Would that be alright?”
“No, the house is currently occupied, but you should be able to make an appointment to see the home tomorrow” the realtor texted back.
I quickly told her we wouldn’t be around, and basically let her know what we were up to {driving all over New England looking at different towns} and she said to let her know if/when we wanted to make an appointment to check out the property, she’d be happy to show it to us.
And that was totally fine with us… Because really, we weren’t going to buy this house. We were just looking around at different towns at this point. We hadn’t even decided if we were going to put our house up for sale yet and the place was more {size, price, land} than we were looking for. It made ZERO sense to waste anyone’s time {the homeowner, the realtor, or ours}.
Well, we eventually did put our house up for sale, and it sold like crazy quick. And during those months in between, a house would pop up that we kinda sorta thought was nice and in the general area {but not the exact town we were both pretty much in love with at this point}. However not one of the homes that came up for sale during that time compared to the house we had parked our car in front of, earlier that fall. You know, the one we weren’t going to check out because it was more of a house than we were looking for.
But I’m telling you, that house, it kept circling back to us.
Waiting for us to get on a plane and GO LOOK INSIDE.
And so finally we did.
I think the first words out of my mouth once we were finally inside a good 30 seconds were, “Wow, this isn’t what I was expecting. The house is so….. so, tight. The pictures online make it look so much bigger than how it feels.”
Cozy, or {the British meaning of the word} homely would have been a better word choice than tight…. But this house, this house we waited so long to take a look inside…. it instantly felt like home. I knew, without a doubt, this is where we belonged within the first 2 seconds.
The HH and I ended up checking out the property for a solid 2 HOURS. Then we stopped for a bite to eat before driving back to the hotel to call the realtor and make an offer on the house. Soon after that, I was back out there for the home inspection, this time, with my buddy Heather from Massachusetts in tow to see what she thought of the place. And, of course, she loved it. 
Finding this house…. It was like coming up for fresh air.
When you know, you know. So follow your heart. Even when things seem like they may be a little out of reach, if you don’t take that chance, you’ll never know.
Have a WONDERFUL Thursday!
~Mavis
More stories in this series:
- The First Apartment
- The First Mobile Home
- The First House
- The First Home in a Suburban Development
- The House with the Hardwood Floors
- The First House We Built
- The House Where This All Started
- The HOA House
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Mrs. C. says
Wow! It’s not clear, but the house you passed by with The Girl – did it sell, and later go back on the market, and that’s this house?
Mavis Butterfield says
No. That particular home had already sold by the time The Girl and I had driven by it. But it was the town we had fallen in love with. The house I knew was the one though, it was in the same town we both adored. And as it would turn out, the HH really liked the town too. 🙂
Lisa says
Welcome to the NE, Mavis! ! We are West Coast transplants (me from Idaho, my husband from the Seattle area) and have loved living on the East Coast for nearly 25 years. We thought we would stay for a few years then return to the West, but like Dorothy, we’ve realized that there’s no place like home and the thriving metropolis of Stormville, NY is it. The scenery is gorgeous, the people are kind and down to earth, the weather is lovely and there’s always something to do or experience. I’ve followed your blog for several years and have appreciated your wit and wisdom. Thanks for sharing your life us. I hope you love it here as much as we do!
Sarah says
Congratulations, Mavis!!!
Michele says
We here in the PNW will miss you. How can we just possibly run into you at a bakery when you are across the country? I’m so happy for you!! Can’t wait to see the pictures and follow you on this new adventure. 🙂
Cindi says
I hope you will tell us a little more about the house — how much land? Does it have any outbuildings? Any other ool features?
We ended up in a bigger house than we thought we would be in when we retired, but it’s been right for us. I can’t wait to follow your adventures in your new place.
Lynne says
Congratulations, Mavis! This is so exciting. How soon will you be able to move? Can’t wait to follow you along this new journey!
Mary3 says
So did the HH change jobs? get a transfer? how are you going to mange this? And while the house may seem bigger than you want, you will want the space when your parents visit and the Girl and Monkey Boy have families and come to visit. But it will be hard on your kids with them in the PNW and you on the East Coast. Can’t wait to see the new adventure. When do you move into the new house and start your new adventure on the East Coast? Or are your parents and your kids moving East also?
Nan says
Mary, I have the same questions. I moved far away from my hometown and was only able to visit a couple of times a year. My kids had school and there was only so much vacation. We always lived where the job was and moved for a transfer only.
Glenda says
Be happy!
Kari says
Congratulations, Mavis! I am beyond excited for you, and I am beyond excited that we get to follow along on new adventures with you!
Leslie J Honcoop says
Happy for you to have your forever home…but a little sad that I won’t continue to share the time zone/climate as you! And I’m worrying about Mrs. HB…what will you two do without each other?!
Carrie says
My partner and I have been on the hunt for mountain property for about 3 years now. We want to build a small cabin for vacations and possibly retirement, we are only in our mid 30s so we have some time to ponder that. It has been a challenge to find the right place and everything acceptable is much too expensive or lacks something like a stream or privacy, etc. We seem to be getting closer to finding the right piece of land. Last weekend we were visiting a piece for the second time and decided to drive completely down the road to see what else was out there, there was a FSBO, we called and it sounds great and we are going up this weekend to walk it.
In the meantime we have been able to save quite a bit of money while we are looking so we may be able to pay cash. This makes me so happy. My partner is the real money saver and I am the find a deal and cut costs person (he thinks I’m batty for unplugging the tv every night). He is so good at getting by with very little it’s amazing (except food- this 140 pound man can eat!). Your advice on saving money has helped me over the past few years. Thank you Mavis!
Tami Lewis says
I am so excited for you!
Tonya says
I’m so glad you found the perfect home. It was waiting for you. You make decisions much quicker than me. I tend to over analyze
So excited for your new adventures. Love your enthusiasm for life.
The cat clothing drive was precious. And the pancake sprinkles, liquid gold!!
Kathie S. says
Congratulations! Welcome to the NE and you will get your wish for snow.
RebekahU says
Awesome blossom apple possum!! ☺️
So happy for you! We’ve moved 15 times and each time has been an adventure. So happy for you!
Jillbert says
How exciting! We’re planning to move (back) to New England once our youngest finishes high school in 3 years. I grew up in CT and husband and I lived in Boston for 14 yrs before moving to the midwest (DH grew up here, went to college in VT then Boston where we met. We wanted to raise our kids around his family so moved to MO). Our oldest son left for college in Boston 2 years ago and our daughter is headed there this fall. So, when baby finishes high school, we are outta here! I have loved living in the midwest but the pull of the coast is strong and my heart never left.
Carolina says
The one house that you did not write about in your saga, was the New England one, that you bought, kept for a while and then sold. What was the story on that one? The photos that you posted of that one, when you owned it, made me think that it was in Maine. And I am guessing that this time, you did NOT buy in Maine again—or did you? I hope that you bring the snail mail suggestions for bakeries that I sent you, with you so you can check them out when you come east. Thank you again for turning me on to Aldi’s as well as a couple of bakeries right in my area, that I had not tried before you reviewed them.
Leanna says
I am wondering about that one too.
DebbieB says
I am curious about that house too, at the risk of seeming too nosy lol! When you bought the other house in New England that was never the plan for it to be the forever home? As much as you love NE seems like it would have been hard to sell as every home has some emotional attachment. Good luck with the new one. I am very happy for you!
livingrichonthecheap says
Seriously – not going to show us more! You’re killing us 🙂 Happy for you!
Rynda Gregory says
Congratulations! Your attitude toward life is inspiring. I look forward to reading more about this great adventure. Cheers!!
Robyn says
I’ve always lived on the west coast but I in my heart I feel I was meant to be an east coast person. Too old now to make the move and kids and grandkids here so guess I’ll continue to live vicariously through reading yours and other east coast bloggers that I enjoy so much! Congratulations Mavis- your persistence and following your heart have led you to your true home place!
Teri says
CONGRATS! I love that you say it’s like coming up for fresh air. When do you plan to move? Much happiness to you!
Margaret @ Live Like No On Else says
Tell us more Mavis…dying to know!!!
Emily Brower says
Girl- you know how to build suspense! I cannot WAIT to see the whole thing. You deserve a happy homestead. Best wishes to you both on your East coast adventure.
Silke says
Congratulations, Mavis! I’m so happy for you.
And thank you for sharing your story with us.
It helped me to handle with my neighbors.
Now we are also preparing to move. It feels so
good.
Good luck to you
Joely says
Congratulations Mavis, from a born and bred New Englander. Welcome home!
debbie in alaska says
Although I live in Alaska now, I am a born and raised New England-er and one day when I am old and gray I will probably find my way back there — seeing as my family and my husband’s family are all still there. (fun fact: my husband and I grew up together, went to jr high and high school together, same circle of friends, and our families live 3 streets apart in CT — but we didn’t reconnect and fall in love until 22 years later … in Alaska.
And even though I am no longer in New England, I will root for the Pats and Sox until the day I die. 🙂
Congrats on your forever home finding you and you being courageous enough to say yes to it! Excited to read all about it.
Wendy says
Welcome to New England! My husband moved me here 20 years ago, and I haven’t regretted a single day. Can’t wait to follow your adventures, and if you’re close to Biddeford, Maine, be sure to check out the historic City Theater. It’s a gem.
Robin says
Can I say I’m a little bummed you’re leaving the PNW?? I just moved here and bought a house with a green house. Was planning on following your garden! But excited you found the house you wanted.
Richelle says
I’m with Robin! Sad you’re leaving the PMW, but happy four your next adventure!
Vy says
Congratulations!! When it’s right, it’s right 🙂 How much land did you end up with? (I’m getting ready to move in 18 months and I’m crazy curious about everyone’s land hehe)
Marcia says
I’ve enjoyed reading this saga. Reminds me a bit of the frugalwoods blog, and their little homestead in Vermont.
MEFM says
I was thinking about their blog too! Mavis needs to check it out if she hasn’t already.
Stephanie says
Have you done their Uber Frugal Month Group challenge? I’m doing it this month
MEFM says
Yes, I’m working on the pantry challenge now.
Lauren says
Just as my family and I are moving to Washington!! I was counting on all your tips for living there and now you are leaving! Oh well, seriously though, all the best to you.
Lissa says
Wow! How exciting! I’m so happy for you Mavis. Yours is the only blog I’ve read (almost) every day for years. Like, 6 years (maybe more). I just realized as I read the latest installment that I have no idea where you actually are. So much of my connection to your blog has been about a connection to place– my house, my garden, your house, your garden. It is kind of strange to have no real idea where you are!
In my weird, I-consider-a-blogger-my-friend, sort of way I can’t stop thinking about that HOA. Those letters were so mean spirited and unnecessary. People like that wonder why they have no friends and why their children no longer speak to them. I guess it takes all types to make the world go round. I sure hope I don’t have any of THOSE types in my future.
Have fun on your grand adventure and thanks for taking us along for the ride.
SandyF says
This is so exciting! But so many questions we have. I hope you are going to continue your blog-we love it and continuing it from NE will be such a joy.
My concerns with moving:
1. High east coast property taxes
2. Heating costs
3. Family far away (although sometimes that seems like a really good idea)
4.Aging far from family
5.oh-there is no #5-I just am so envious!
Cannot wait to hear where you settled and if your “kids” are joining you, HH job, etc etc. I am a native CA, but always feel at home in New England. My husband was born in CT ( that state is soon nice) and my son lived in NYC. I could live back there ( especially Maine or Vermont)
I have family in Quebec City (brrrr) Inquiring minds want to know!
Kristen Finnemore says
Congratulations Mavis from Woodstock CT. Welcome to New England (says me during a massive snowstorm)…. Love it!!
Marilyn says
I know exactly what you mean Mavis! I became an unexpected widow 31/2 years ago after only being married for two and half years. Didn’t do anything for a year but then found one son headed to Dubai for two years one headed to the mountains of Colorado and the other in Houston. I thought what am I doing here? Made my mind up that I was going to move to either Alaska or Colorado. Alaska was too hard being alone and too far to see kids so I picked Colorado.
Came out here February 3 last year and fell in Love he with the house at the Front door, everything I wanted. Cozy, wood burner bag stove and I could be semi self sufficient. My realtor wAs the one that said wait a second let’s check out everything before you jump. While he was doing that for me I was arranging furniture in my head! My son came out for the inspection for me. I have never been so happy like this, and I found out later my husband always wanted to live in the mountains of Colorado! So here I am with my angel on my shoulder and we are so happy! So happy for you too!!!
debbie in alaska says
thank you for sharing that. so lovely.
Mavis Butterfield says
🙂 I’m so glad you found your spot Marilyn!!!
CYNTHIA WRIGHT says
Just have to tell you, I LOVE these stories about your different dwellings and how things evolved and how they are part of you and your family’s history. Thank you for sharing these. Such things are treasures.
Melissa says
I agree. Just because Mavis is a blogger doesn’t mean she has to share every detail of her life. She’s been very generous in sharing about her house buying adventure. Congratulations, Mavis! How cool–your very own homestead!
Libby says
Pumpkin pine floors with square headed nails – excellent!
Welcome to New England – now you need to practice the accent ; ) and you do know it is dern cold here, right?!
With Mrs. HB taking early retirement, she’s coming to fly East and help you? Just don’t let her freeze in the -15 weather!
Thank you so much for sharing your house stories – they have been wonderful to read.
Teresa says
Best wishes to you and yours as you begin a new adventure! Thanks for keeping us in the loop. I think you have the makings of an excellent host of a bed and breakfast, but who am I to judge. Anywho, I hope your new adventure takes you to a special place 🙂
Nancy says
Congratulations Mavis!
How did you decide to pick New England? I live in San Diego, and my husband wants to move to Nashville where we don’t know a soul! I think we are going to go there on vacation just to check it out. Sounds like we’d better not check out any real estate unless we plan to start packing!
Looking forward to hearing the details.
Leslie says
That’s very exciting!
Deb says
So, I lived fairly close to where Mavis does for most of my life. Kids grew up, one lives in another hemisphere and one lives in Texas. Left my friends and comfort zone, bought a house via the internet
without ever seeing it (my son did the leg work), and moved to Texas. I love it! I love the sunshine (bought a house with a pool!) and spend four months a year with the overseas kid and her family so I never have to do winter again. Life is good. I highly recommend taking a chance.
Michelle says
Congratulations, Mavis! I’m so happy for you and can’t wait to read about your new adventures. Thank you for sharing with us!
Sue says
That dear sweet Lucy is going to be in dog heaven with all the snow every year. So happy you found your happy place.
wendy panozzo says
I can’t wait too see the place! Sooooo many questions! I’m looking forward to going on this journey with you and can’t wait to see what it brings!
Kim O'Dongohue says
Welcome to New England, are you here yet? Or missing your first nor’easter?,
Cindy M. says
Being on the other side of the country, away from your family, was never a factor? We moved to Spokane from Montana 12 years ago and having our son and his family 550 miles away is TOO far! I can’t imagine being further away! Thankfully, we do have our other son and his family here!
Mars says
Love this saga about your homes past and future. You know whenever you have a dream about a house, real or not, it represents YOU in the dream. This is because houses are filled with memories, and are the backdrops to our experiences, from the mundane to the dramatic. Our stories and our homes are inseparable from each other. Cheers to more stories and making your forever memories in your next house!
Linda says
I grew up in Maine, married a guy from out of state who was being relocated to PA, then moved to OH, again with the job. After 40 years away I still consider Maine ‘HOME’ though I don’t miss the winters. Mavis, I Truly wish you every happiness as you become a New Englander.
Megan C. says
Welcome to Massachusetts, Mavis! (I’m in the Amherst area) I am just thrilled that you fell in love with the charm of New England. I have been reading your blog for a long time and can’t wait to follow your gardening and penny-pinching tips for this area. I hope you stay warm! It’s wicked cold this week.
Stacey says
Mavis, I am so happy for you! Now you will be free to do your thing without harassment 🙂
Tamara says
So thrilled for you that you found your forever home!!! But come on girl and spill the details!!! Dying to hear more about it!!!!
Jessica says
Greetings from the NH seacoast area. Welcome to New England and congratulations on finding your forever home!
Heather T says
Can’t wait to see the inside and all your plans.
Cheryl says
You know it when you see it. My husband and I have bought home’s very quickly, too. As we have gotten older, we have tended to slow down more and analyze each decision to death. Vicariously enjoying your journey!