Wohoo!!!
So early on Friday morning I posted my list of house hunting frustrations. By Friday afternoon I was actually well on the way to having signed and confirmed a contract on the house (above) which we viewed last Sunday. I couldn't mention it in the comments because I still had to talk to the building inspector (the deal could fall through in case anything regarding the inspection was iffy) and she didn’t call until late on Friday evening and I also had to put our current house up for sale and meet with our realtor about that (more on our sale tomorrow!)
Wille and I are super excited!
Let’s see how our new place does based on my priority list:
Top Priorities
* Safe surroundings for Mini and Bonus. No heavy traffic right next to the house and preferably some woodsy area or similar nearby. No woodsy area but a park just behind the garden. Check!
* Walking distance to the west bound “green” subway line so Wille can get to school fairly easily and get to his friends easily too. A 3 minute walk to the nearest stop along the green line. Check!
* Not further out than Vällingby, which is 3-4 more stops on the subway from where we are now. It’s in Vällingby. Check!
* A house we own rather than a condominium type of home. We’ll own it. Check!
Other than that we’d like
* 70 square meters (750 square feet) or larger (our current house is 82 square meters + basement). It’s a two story row house with a basement and the total size is actually a bit bigger than our current house. 99 square meters (1065 square feet) of living space and 53 square meters (570 square feet) of basement. Check!
* Large room for Wille so he can easily have friends over who can stay the night. Larger than now ideally. Check!
* A garden. I’d prefer smaller than currently (which is already small at 450 square meters / 4800 square feet). It’s tiny at 216 square meters ( 2325 square feet) so check!
* Proximity to a grocery store. A three minute walk to a giant super market. Yay! (We don’t have a good food store nearby right now) Check!
If I could pick and choose but still be realistic I’d like for the new place to
* Be built pre 1970 or after 1990. Ideally 30’s through 50’s or earlier than 1930’s. It’s from 1954. Check!
* Be around 100 square meters. 99 is close enough, don’t you think? Check!
* Have had major renovations done already such as electricity and roofing. It’s a fixer upper from 1954 and it’s been in the same family since it was built. It’s been vacant for almost two years. The roof was re-laid fairy recently (Check!) but I need to get a contracter, plumber and electrician in to see if the whole place needs rewiring and for some bathroom and kitchen work. There’s also a huge amount of cosmetic work that needs doing. Can’t wait!
* Be open plan or the have possibility to make it into open plan. It’s got a lot of potential, so check!
* Have a bathroom with a window. Happy dance!!! Check!
* Have nice neighbors who like cats. Haven’t met them yet so fingers crossed!
EDIT: Turns out a reader, Sarah, lives just across the street (How fun!!!) and it's a very cat friendly neighborhood. CHEEEECK!
I’m pretty amazed at how everything has fallen into place so quickly. I would never have guessed that we’d find, fall in love so quickly AND be the winning bidder.
So when are we moving? Our preliminary date for getting full access to the house is April 29. The house is empty so we could move in sooner but need to sell our current house first and we hope to have the new people in here by mid May. That leaves us a couple of weeks to get workers in and to do a bit of painting ourselves before bringing our stuff there.
The great thing is that because the house is empty we’ll get keys as soon as our down payment has been transferred to the sellers. We can’t actually start any renovations but we can bring contractors in for estimates and we can take measurements and plan our layout etc.
Yay!
Wonderful news ! How great for you ,Wille and furry members of your family!
I can't wait to watch the journey from a house to a home . Congrats!
Posted by: Susan | March 01, 2011 at 01:54 PM
I can't wait to be inspired by all the work you'll be doing in the new place. I look forward to reading you blog everyday!
Posted by: Rachel B. | March 01, 2011 at 02:01 PM
Sooo happy for you! Is yours the yellow one in the middle? Is that the front door?
It looks very sunny and cheery...
Congratulations!!!
Posted by: valeria | March 01, 2011 at 02:07 PM
Congratulations!!!!I am Happy for you!
Posted by: Cristina | March 01, 2011 at 02:08 PM
S U P E R !!!! i'm really happy for you two and what a quick move ;)
Bravo et bonne continuation :)
Posted by: corinne | March 01, 2011 at 02:10 PM
Exciting!! Congratulations!! Sounds like it will be a real blank slate, decor-wise.
Posted by: Steph/seenonflickr | March 01, 2011 at 02:23 PM
Congratulations! Read your EDIT and scanned all the other replies. Shame I didn´t understand Sarah´s message other than that I guess she lives on nbr 20...
But really great news! YAY!
Posted by: Petra from NL | March 01, 2011 at 02:28 PM
Congratulations!! Great news!
Posted by: Melissa @ HOUSEography | March 01, 2011 at 02:32 PM
Vad härligt med ett nytt hus! Stort, stort grattis. Och jag är nog minst lika glad som du och Wille eftersom det här betyder nya och spännande inlägg på bloggen. Yiiipiiiii!
Posted by: Bodil | March 01, 2011 at 02:52 PM
Congratulations Benita!!! I can't wait to see the inside and what you decide to do with it!
Posted by: Erin | March 01, 2011 at 03:19 PM
Hurray! It sounds wonderful and I can't wait to see what you do to the house.
Posted by: YSC | March 01, 2011 at 03:21 PM
It's the whole thing actually. I'm painting over the yellow though to make it all white. And picture a nice grey awning with that!
Posted by: Carlos | March 01, 2011 at 03:43 PM
Wow! You are REALLY fast! Congrats!
How condominium type of home looks like?
Posted by: jja | March 01, 2011 at 03:50 PM
Congratulations on the house! And I have no doubt you will get a great price on your current house, especially with your blog as advertisement. It's a win/win!
Posted by: foo | March 01, 2011 at 04:13 PM
Congratulations Benita, I am really happy for you and Wille!
Can't wait to see the inside...
Posted by: Linda27 | March 01, 2011 at 04:39 PM
so good news and the best you will have a lot diy projects and we will be so happy to follow the progres
congrats you deserved it
Posted by: Maite.marquez@gmail.com | March 01, 2011 at 04:49 PM
i'm very excited for all of us that you'll get to feather a new nest JUST FOR YOU and the nestlings. i hope you will take us along with you, every step of the way. you know i think young house love got a new house just to keep the blog going.
i am so psyched you already have a buddy across the street. if i were there i would bring you and wille and the keekees a maida heatter white pepper/ginger/lemon cake and a huge sack of coffee beans. hurray!
we know your specs for it. tell us your dreams for it.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/purejuice/5460159382/
mine are, that it is so nurturing and inspiring a space for you that your IBS goes away.
xxx
Posted by: jeannette | March 01, 2011 at 04:49 PM
jeez, can you drink coffee and eat spicy cake?
Posted by: jeannette | March 01, 2011 at 04:52 PM
i have one word for martin. pffffffffffffffffffffffffft is the polite one.
Posted by: jeannette | March 01, 2011 at 04:57 PM
Congratulations! What is most impressive is that you knew exactly what you wanted. I am sure you will also know what you will do decorating and fixing it up, too. I am so very jealous. I think why it is so hard for me to go forward with fixing up my own house is that I don't know what I want. So very happy for you since your last year was life changing, too.
Posted by: Ann | March 01, 2011 at 05:12 PM
Wow - congrats on the purchase! I can't wait to see the inside... and see what you do with it.
Also, I'm so amazed that the person who lives across from you is a reader of this blog. Incredible!
Posted by: r8chel | March 01, 2011 at 05:15 PM
I totally agree. It may be the biggest profit you ever get from blogging. And personally, buying a place in such perfect state would be my dream...
Posted by: Messy | March 01, 2011 at 05:44 PM
Oh my, another neighbour... Soon readers will be looking through the windows. ;-)
Posted by: Messy | March 01, 2011 at 05:49 PM
congratulations and blessings on your new house! I so very excited to see what you do with it!!!
Posted by: Anne | March 01, 2011 at 05:50 PM
Jag bor runt Vällingby och vet vilken typ av hus det är. Är väldigt intresserad av era planer på hur ni ska göra för att hotta upp utsidan, det verkade som ni hade sådana. Dela gärna med av skisser eller efter-bilder :)
Området är väldigt fint och lugnt tror jag. Promenadvägar och så. Sedan har ni ju hela Grimsta/Kaanan/Maltesholmsbadet/Hässelby slott att promenera i om ni vill lulla runt i skogen.
Lycka till!
Posted by: Annika | March 01, 2011 at 05:52 PM
So exciting! We moved into a new place last May and haven't gotten much done yet. I'm sure you're going to be more settled in than us in no time at all :)
Posted by: Amanda @ willful/joyful | March 01, 2011 at 06:02 PM
Wow! The house is super cute. I'm imagining what you are going to do with the garden. Don't know about you, but I love the striped awning, and it looks as though it will be bright and airy inside.
Posted by: Camille @ the vintique object | March 01, 2011 at 06:21 PM
Fabulous! Congratulations to you - and now to more new interior design projects which I hope you have time to share with all your fans. So glad for you!
Posted by: Tiya | March 01, 2011 at 06:30 PM
Congratulations to you Willie,Bonus & Minnie!!!! Can't wait to see inside.
Posted by: Dana | March 01, 2011 at 06:34 PM
Fantastic news. Congratulations!!! I'm sure you are excited to get started on the new projects and I can't wait to see what you create.
Posted by: Mirka Brulak | March 01, 2011 at 07:57 PM
Congratulations! I cannot wait to watch the process of moving house and setting up your belongings. It will be delish!
Posted by: Erin Kleider | March 01, 2011 at 10:41 PM
This made my day! I am excited for you guys!
Posted by: Paula | March 01, 2011 at 10:52 PM
I am so excited about your new place! Personally, I think potential is far more important than move in quality. You will make it you're very own - which is a priceless quality to a home. I can't wait to see what you will do - you are always an inspiration. Congratulations!!
Posted by: Alex in DC | March 01, 2011 at 11:18 PM
Well done Benita, feels like karma has had a little hand in making this such a smooth transaction.... Very happy for you and Wille... sending you both best wishes. xxx Enjoy your new blank canvas!!!
Posted by: Fiona Hart | March 01, 2011 at 11:33 PM
I am so happy for you. I can't wait to see you put your mark on the place.
Posted by: Sara | March 02, 2011 at 12:41 AM
Congratulations! It will be so fun to watch you work your magic in the new house, and I hope the old one sells quickly for LOTS of money!
Posted by: NancyKnots | March 02, 2011 at 01:13 AM
Grattis!
Ska bli kul att följa din (som vanligt stilsäkra) inredning av nya huset.
Posted by: vita_margarita | March 02, 2011 at 02:34 AM
Decaf with lactose milk, yes! And I'm always prepared to suffer a little for cake :).
Posted by: Carlos | March 02, 2011 at 02:46 AM
That particular awning is going I'm fraid, It's not pretty up close. I'm seeing something grey there instead...
Posted by: Carlos | March 02, 2011 at 02:47 AM
Condos are usually apartments in a building or row houses.
Posted by: Carlos | March 02, 2011 at 02:48 AM
Hi Benita! congratulations!!! You did it!!! And Super-quickly!!! Can't wait to see what you are going to do with it. Good luck for you 4!
Posted by: Noga | March 02, 2011 at 03:28 AM
Congratulations!
That was quick!
I am happy for you that it fulfills your wishes and requirements!
And now I am as excited to see the interior and the transformations you have planned!
Posted by: Annika | March 02, 2011 at 08:29 AM
All the happiness for you and Wille in the new house. In a way, all of your readers will be able to share the blessings of your new dwelling as you go along with your renovation magic around it and publish it in your blog! I loved the tradition mentioned above, so, I send you digital bread and salt from sunny Brazil!
Posted by: Claudia Martins Dietrich | March 02, 2011 at 09:21 AM
Congratulations and best wishes! Along with everyone I'm looking forward to seeing how you add your style to this charming looking home! I love the upper balcony...what room is that off?
Posted by: Martha | March 02, 2011 at 12:59 PM
It's off a den-type of room. We havenät decided 100% what to use it for yet. Home office perhaps.
Posted by: Carlos | March 02, 2011 at 01:26 PM
Congrats! As a new follower I def can't wait to see all the projects unfold. I have already ticked of some boxes on my list of things-to-do-someday thanks to the positivity and grace I found in your postings. I wish I had a neighbor like you, lucky Sara! (I do have great neighbors though:)
Posted by: Janet | March 02, 2011 at 02:43 PM
Grattis!! :)
Radhus är jättetrevligt att bo i. Och små trädgårdar är bäst...
Ser fram emot allt ert pysslande och byggande framöver. Lycka till!
Posted by: AnnaA | March 02, 2011 at 04:59 PM
Congratulations Benita! Really hope it all goes smoothly for you and Wille. Can't wait to see what you do with the place!
Posted by: Rebecca @ beautiful square feet | March 02, 2011 at 05:22 PM
yay! i really am thrilled for all of you.
Posted by: jeannette | March 02, 2011 at 11:03 PM
Yay...that's great. I am a quiet follower (yep I don't post much) but I thought I would this time. Finding the right place that ticks most if not all the boxes is hard so this is great.
I look forward to seeing your new projects and renovations.
Leslie
Posted by: Leslie | March 03, 2011 at 01:42 AM
i predict your blogging will bring added attention & hopefully top $$$... go with it! i'm soooo very happy for you & Willie & kitties! you'll have a clean slate to restart "your" life.
Posted by: christine | March 03, 2011 at 02:44 AM
CONGRATULATIONS! It's so exciting. I'm glad to know that we'll get to see lots of before and afters, new projects and rooms at your new home.
We just bought a new house as well and I can't wait to decorate.
Good luck selling your current home.
Posted by: Krista Of Hopeless Chest | March 13, 2011 at 07:12 PM