We have moved 12 times in 15 years. The first house we purchased we did not know to get an inspection. It was recently remodeled and we were sucked in by the new appliances and gorgeous flooring. Later we found out the addition did not have insulation and the HVAC was older than dirt. We had mice coming into our house during harvest time and nests of bees all around the home. We learned many lessons here- each of them making a promise to never take shortcuts. When we sold that house, the new family received a home they could be proud of. The next several places were small apartments. One of the apartments had a crime scene a few buildings down within weeks of moving in. The next house I am positive was haunted and had rats running like a heard of elephants throughout the attic every night. Then, a miracle happened. After a decade of Anthony working in the music industry and renting random places we could barely afford, we FINALLY were able to buy a home. It was the best feeling. Anthony placed the house under contract when we had no money in the bank. He always jumps and manifests life to fruition. Within 40 days, we were closed and moving into our new home. I could not believe it. It was our first new construction. The walls were so clean. The floor was so new! The appliances had never been used. This was the first time Anthony showed me what a “full circle moment” feels like.
We lived there for a few years and then relocated to our roots of Southern Illinois. We decided after visiting our family on a short trip home that it has always been our home. No matter how nice of a neighborhood we lived in, how many friends we made in Georgia, how successful our careers were, home is and always will be in Southern Illinois. We vowed to devote our energy into building our family’s legacy and our community’s legacy by simply following our passion and doing what feels right in our hearts.
In 2016, we purchased a 100 year old Victorian style home for $20,000. We dumped every cent we had saved into its renovation leaving no stone unturned. We did not even see the house before purchasing it. The foundation had no footers. There was no HVAC. The plumbing was as old as the house. But, Anthony doesn’t take no for an answer and moves progress a day at a time. After months of blood, sweat, and tears, we were finally ready to move in. The feeling of bringing the worst house on the block and turning it into one of the best houses on the block was a revelation. Homes change neighborhoods.
It was at this time that I realized houses are more than lumber, windows, paint, and doors. They are this beautiful works of art where families will spend majority of their lives. The kitchen will host holidays. These halls will have laughter and fingerprint throughout them. These yards will be where kids learn to throw a ball. The garage may be where a middle schooler starts his first band. These houses are homes. They are places where memories are created.
It was at this moment we decided our passion is building character into homes. For this reason, no Yellow Door home will ever be the same as the ones before it. Each is unique. Each has its own character. Each is inspired by the moments and experiences in our lives. Our homes are canvases where families can put their own imprint on them. It is a joy and an honor to be part of each of their stories and bring families a home they can be proud of for years to come.
We are grateful for the opportunity to continue this legacy throughout Southern Illinois.
