2019 was a big year for me personally and professionally. As I prepare to enter a new year (and decade!), I wanted to share some of my favorite projects and moments of 2019.
I would recommend this exercise for everyone, especially those of you who set big goals and have not fully reached them yet. Better yet, think back about where you were in 2010 and write down all of your accomplishments you have made in this decade. I love doing this because it helps to look back and find meaning in the more challenging times in your life.
While I have not yet hit the lofty goals I set for myself, I can see the stepping stones I have paved this year to get me a few steps closer to my goals! I learned SO MUCH this year and can’t wait to see what 2020 has in store for me and my family. Thank you for supporting me as I go on this fun (and sometimes awkward) journey, it means more to me than you know!
Favorite Projects & Moments of 2019
Completed the Drummond Flip House & Sold the Property
This is a huge accomplishment for me and Chris! Not only was this our first flip in a new city (Toledo), but it was our first flip that we did not live in for 2 years. I definitely think we nailed it. The most important step in flipping is getting the property at the right price, and we did just that. We bought this house in a vibrant neighborhood for a great price and made a profit we were both proud of.
Although I consider this flip a success, there were lots of lessons learned and many things I would do differently. The project cost more than we originally projected, it took longer than I expected (6 months) and we miscalculated the taxes we would owe which screwed up our numbers a bit. Luckily, we bought the house for a great price and were able to sell the house and make a profit. Taking that first step with investing can be scary because the stakes are pretty high and I am really proud of us for taking the leap and learning along the way.
From the Nest Podcast Was Born
Launching From the Nest Podcast with Chris was one of my favorite moments of 2019. I am really lucky to have a partner who believes in me and pushes me outside of my comfort zone. I never would have started a podcast on my own and it is so much fun gabbing with my husband about all of our real estate adventures.
Rental Property 2 was Purchased Site Unseen
We purchased our second rental property without an inspection and access to the interior. This was a BIG moment for us as real estate investors. We are still very new to buying investment properties and buying a property from someone who contacted me via Instagram was definitely a leap of faith. I love that we were able to share our process with you and how we came to the decision to make the purchase.
We Bought Our First Home in Toledo
We bought our first family home in Toledo! This was one of the biggest milestones for me and one of the most stressful. This home was definitely outside of my comfort zone in terms of pricing, size, the amount of renovations required, oh and it had a pool that terrified me with little kids. Chris and I had many discussions about this purchase and I am so glad we decided to buy this home.
One Room Challenge Dining Room Makeover
I completed my first Better Homes & Gardens One Room Challenge with the dining room renovation! This 6 week challenge was so much fun! I loved the community that this challenge created and watching all of the room transformations that were so inspiring.
Kitchen Renovation
This is my favorite project of the year! I LOVE our new kitchen so much! Determining the new layout was the most important piece of this renovation and I am so grateful we were able to add in a large island for friends and family to gather around. It is the heart of the home and the new layout and functionality of the space completely changes this home.
In the Press
Switching careers from ad tech to realtor/investor was a big change. In 2019, I learned a lot about how to be in sales and advocate for your self when marketing. I had a few of my projects published, I wrote my first article and partnered with a few fantastic brands.
- FrogTape 2020 Trends // Place of Zen & Painting Tutorial
- Homes.com Article // Investing in the Midwest
- Toledo City Paper Feature // Back to the Nest – House Flipping in the Glass City
- M Living Article // One Room Challenge Experience – Dining Room Transformation
And finally, joining a new real estate team and switching brokerages was a major move with my real estate career. I am now a part of the Rigali Group with Danberry and I so excited to learn from my amazing teammates. Looking to buy or sell a house in the Toledo area? Let’s chat!
Thank you again for being a part of the Bluebird Community. I love sharing my journey with you and learning about your passion projects at home! If you have a minute, share your New Years (or new decade) goals with me in the comments below!
Happy New Year!
