Minimalist lifestyle

For those that haven't yet heard, Dan and I are putting our apartment up for sale. We are looking for a house in Abbotsford, wanting to move closer to "dirt", so to speak-- keep our equity growing. We've been looking for houses that have suite potential-- we don't mind putting in some sweat equity (aka labour) to get things how we would like.

Dan was browsing on MLS.ca the other week and he found a house that was a steal of a deal. We called our realtor and asked for a viewing. Well, let's just say we know why it was such a deal- it used to be a drug grow-op-- needed TONS of work and had lost its occupancy rights. It had been foreclosed upon and needed some tricky upfront cash financing in court. Too much red tape and too much work. We decided to pass this opportunity up.

Needless to say, however, it was interesting to walk through. I've never been to a grow-op before. Musty smelling, dirty, interesting electrical hook-ups.

We've been looking at some other places but then we decided we should stop looking since we haven't sold our apartment yet. Many houses will not accept "subject" sales. Dan and I worked hard on our last days off de-cluttering, taking things to goodwill, dusting, packing boxes, etc. Our realtor came and took pictures last week, we signed the sales contract, today a professional photographer came to take shots for a Virtual Tour. The MLS listing isn't up yet as it's still pending approval from the Real Estate Board but we'll keep you posted.

Dan loves it that we are living a "minimalist lifestyle" right now. He keeps telling me how great it is to come home and have no clutter lying around anywhere. Things are in their place, and if they are used, they are cleaned immediately and then put away. Our home is open to viewings even though it's not officially on the market yet.... It is nice to have things kept clean but it's a lot of work. The last thing we would want is for a viewing to occur and our place is a pigsty.

Our realtor told a story about how some of the places he's gone to view has had bras and underwear strewn about everywhere... I said, "It's a selling feature. 'Subjects removed'"!

We haven't even moved yet and I already feel sad to say good-bye to our apartment. I love it here. But I learning to trust God in the details and not to worry. Things will work out-- Dan and I just need to be good stewards of what we have. And besides, with a bigger house maybe I can plan an open house?? I love to plan parties.

I've been going to the library and getting books on decorating and party planning. I've got some good ideas that I will put into action as time goes by. My friend Karla (she follows by blog too-- I guess that makes her a blog follower?? ...eh Karla?!) and and I were talking about some themed parties we could host. I would love to do a garden party... Or maybe a Wine & Cheese party. Any other ideas for themes out there?

I guess I'm excited about moving into a house afterall... Should be fun to start another adventure!