The House Where We Began

After eight years of renting and creating countless memories in various apartments, Ericka and I finally decided it was time to take the big leap and buy our own house. With excitement and a healthy dose of anticipation, we began our search for an affordable home in Omaha, determined to find the perfect balance between price and comfort. Omaha, known for its friendly neighborhoods and strong sense of community, offered promising options that fit our budget without compromising on quality or location. We scoured listings, attended open houses, and debated the pros and cons of each property, all while envisioning how we would personalize each space to truly make it our own. This journey was not only about finding a roof over our heads but also about planting roots and crafting a place where our future stories could unfold. The hunt, though at times challenging, was filled with hope and excitement—each low-price gem we discovered brought us one step closer to turning the dream of homeownership into reality.

Navigating the home-buying process without a realtor was both challenging and empowering for us. Determined to stay within our tight budget, we took to scouring the internet for affordable listings, carefully filtering through countless low-budget homes that promised potential but required keen judgment. To get a tangible sense of each property’s condition and neighborhood vibe, we dedicated several weekends to visiting various open houses. These visits proved invaluable—not only did they allow us to envision ourselves living in these spaces, but they also helped us identify hidden gems and avoid costly pitfalls that photos alone couldn’t reveal. Although it took extra effort and a steep learning curve, our hands-on approach gave us greater confidence and control over our decision and would hopefully lead us to a home that fit both our needs and budget.

As we scrolled through houses online, a quaint and charming house located on a quiet street of North Omaha caught our attention with its inviting curb appeal and brightly painted trim, exuding an undeniable sense of warmth and character. The vibrant flowers in the garden and the cozy porch swing made it seem like a perfect little haven. Before entering the house, we decided to walk around its exterior for a closer look at the yard plus the details of the siding, doors, and windows. Soon our eyes were drawn to the unsettling sight of several bullet holes puncturing an exterior wall. This stark contrast between the home's outward charm and the harsh marks of violence told a compelling story about the complex realities of the neighborhood—where beauty and hardship coexist side by side, reminding us that every place has layers waiting to be uncovered. After that experience, we decided North Omaha wasn't the right area for us.

Next, we visited a house in Hanscom Park which had clearly seen better days; originally a charming single-family home, it had been subdivided into several cramped apartments, each struggling to maintain a semblance of functionality. The transformation felt more like a desperate attempt to cram in as many units as possible, rather than a thoughtful renovation. Peeling paint, creaky floors, and outdated fixtures greeted us at every turn, revealing just how much of a fixer-upper this place truly was. The cramped kitchens and bathrooms were barely usable, with signs of wear and neglect glaringly obvious. Despite its potential to become a cozy neighborhood gem with abundant care, the sheer amount of repairs needed—from structural fixes to modernizing outdated electrical systems—made it clear that this property would require significant investment and effort before it could be livable again. Walking through the fractured space, we couldn’t help but imagine the stories those walls held; however, we felt our limited skills wouldn't be capable of breathing new life into this forgotten relic.

Searching Central Omaha for potential homes, we pulled up to a charming house that initially caught our eye, only to witness an unsettling sight that quickly changed our minds. As we approached, a bird suddenly swooped down and disappeared into a small hole nestled within the eaves of the roof. Curious but concerned, we watched as the bird not only landed but also crawled comfortably inside, clearly using the crevice as a nest or shelter. This unexpected discovery raised immediate red flags about possible structural issues, pests, or neglect, and served as a definite 'no' on our list. After all, the idea of sharing a living space with unwelcome wildlife is far from appealing, so we checked it off our list and hightailed it out of there.

While searching the area surrounding Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo, we came across a property so memorable that it almost caused us to quit our house hunt. The main floor seemed promising with its lofty ceilings and minor damage; yet, as we ascended to the second floor, our hopes quickly diminished. There were no ceilings to be found; we gazed open-mouthed at the exposed wooden beams holding up a roof riddled with holes, allowing sunshine to be visible and the elements to pass through unhindered. This damage was more than just an eyesore; it signaled expensive repairs and inevitable water damage that would certainly affect the entire structure. The basement tour only intensified our dread, featuring what we half-jokingly named the “child-eating furnace.” This enormous, archaic, and intimidating heating system appeared more fitting for a medieval castle than a contemporary house. Its loud, clattering sounds were disturbing, and its massive presence dominated the basement space, leaving us baffled about how it had been installed. With heavy hearts, we ended our search for the day and returned home, convinced that a suitable house would never be found.

A few weeks later, Ericka was working at the VA Hospital when an elderly veteran casually mentioned that he was putting his house up for sale in Benson and invited her to come take a look. Intrigued by the opportunity, we arranged a visit while dreaming of finding a charming home nestled in one of Omaha’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Online, we learned that Benson is known for its eclectic mix of historic homes, local shops, and a strong sense of community, making it an appealing spot for us to settle.

As we drove up to the house on 65th Avenue, we couldn't believe our eyes – a delightfully charming house nestled perfectly among a canopy of large, majestic trees that lined the yard like silent guardians. The sprawling branches created a serene, shaded front yard, their leaves rustling gently in the breeze, adding to the home's inviting and tranquil atmosphere. The well-kept lawn, dotted with vibrant flowers and lush greenery, hinted at the care and love that had clearly been poured into this little haven. It was the kind of place that instantly made us feel at home, evoking a sense of warmth and nostalgia, as if stories of laughter and comfort lingered in the very air surrounding the property. This quaint abode, tucked away beneath nature’s embrace, was more than just a house – it was a peaceful retreat beckoning us to imagine the wonderful memories to be made within its walls.

The moment we stepped inside, the first thing to greet us was a stunning oak staircase that seemed to command the entire space with its sturdy newel post made of rich, warm oak. Its polished banisters gleamed under the natural light pouring in from the south facing piano window, inviting the outside world in. The high ceiling added an airy grandeur to the space, accentuating the room’s openness and allowing light to dance freely across the beautifully textured walls. This breathtaking combination of architectural elements created an immediate sense of welcome and awe, making it clear that this was a home where craftsmanship and style harmoniously intertwined.

Beyond a generous archway stretched the living room, where two tall, double-hung windows highlighted an aged carpet and well-worn furnishings that conveyed a cozy, well-lived ambiance. Fortunately, we managed to look beyond the furniture and recognize the sturdy construction and charming architectural elements of the house. This enhanced charm extended into a roomy dining area bathed in natural light from towering windows. Centered in the space, a substantial oak table seemed to whisper stories of dinners gone by, while a telephone gossip chair against the wall recalled images of housewives from a bygone era. The interplay between the timeworn décor and the enduring legacy of the house transported us through time, proving that beauty and functionality can harmoniously exist, even within the simplest of environments.

Nestled just off the dining area was a quaint, snug bedroom radiating a sense of comfort and appeal, ideal as a master suite or a guest room. Adjacent to the cozy sleeping quarters was a compact kitchen, cleverly arranged to make the most of its limited space. Despite its diminutive size, this kitchen featured a generous peninsula and brand-new appliances, which was certainly an advantage. One of the kitchen’s four doors opened straight to the backyard, allowing fresh air and sunlight to flow in while providing easy access to an expansive deck. Another door led to a small but practical bathroom, equipped with a storage closet cleverly fashioned from a sealed-off staircase that once led to the servants’ quarters. Behind a third door, steep stairs descended to the basement. Though unfinished, the basement was spacious and clean, containing the characteristic large furnace, a coal storage room, and a cellar entrance.

Finally, ascending to the upper floor revealed an inviting and intimate layout that strikingly combined practicality with charm. At the top of the stairs was the larger of the two bedrooms, illuminated by natural light pouring through two tall windows and featuring a small closet clearly insufficient for both our wardrobes. One dormer window housed another modest bedroom with a slightly bigger closet, which we imagined would serve beautifully as a nursery if we chose to have children. The other dormer contained a simple bathroom with all the necessary amenities, its understated design contributing to the home’s warm and lived-in atmosphere. At the end of the narrow corridor, we found a tiny, unheated room – an intriguing little space brimming with potential, whether used as a quiet reading nook, compact storage area, or even a walk-in closet to compensate for the bedroom’s limited storage space.

From the instant we crossed the threshold, the house captured our hearts – its distinctive charm, abundant natural light, and welcoming design resonated with us unlike any other property we had seen. So certain were we about our choice that we bypassed the conventional realtor-mediated process, opting instead for direct negotiations. This approach not only saved us time and expense by eliminating intermediaries but also fostered a clear and trusting relationship with the sellers. Impressively, within just a month, all documentation was completed, the keys were handed over, and we found ourselves settling into our dream residence. The entire journey was both empowering and swift, transforming what is typically a stressful ordeal into an exhilarating and unforgettable start to our new chapter.

After moving in, several immediate tasks required our attention. While cleaning the upstairs carpet, the dirty water – laden with chewed toothpicks – led us to remove it, unveiling stunning hardwood floors beneath in both bedrooms. Noticing that every white-painted wall bore stains from years of use, we refreshed each room with a new coat of paint. Furthermore, we converted the small room at the end of the upstairs hallway into a closet by purchasing and installing a closet system from Home Depot.

These minor improvements satisfied us throughout our first year in the house, but with the decision to start a family, more extensive renovations became necessary. We stripped the carpet from the main floor to reveal original hardwood beneath and enlisted professionals to sand and finish these floors with a clear polyurethane coating, since the task required expertise beyond our abilities. Both bathrooms featured plastic tiles halfway up all four walls and carpeted floors. While we didn’t mind the emerald-green tiles downstairs or the pink ones upstairs, some were cracked and irreplaceable. We did, however, mind the carpeted floors since they were impossible to keep clean. Consequently, we installed new floor tiles, added wooden wainscoting to the walls, and updated the fixtures in both bathrooms. Ultimately, the small renovations and updates reflected our personal style perfectly, transforming it into a true home.

As months turned into years, the house began to truly feel like ours. Each improvement we made – whether it was painting the kitchen cupboards, turning the bedroom upstairs into a nursery, or transforming the basement into a welcoming playroom – added pieces of our personality and love into the home. As neighbors stopped by to welcome us, sharing stories of the neighborhood and offering tips on local spots to explore, they became our friends and support system. We found ourselves savoring morning coffees on the front porch, playing with Joannis in our backyard, and spending quiet evenings surrounded by the warmth that only a true home can bring. Looking back on the rollercoaster of searching, negotiating, and renovating, we realized that the challenges had made the victory sweeter. We weren’t just owners of a house – we were the stewards of a home filled with promise, comfort, and countless memories yet to be made. And with that, the dream we both held for years was finally realized: a place to call our own, in a community we loved, where our story would continue to unfold.