Zachary and Kristin Kostantewicz set out to find their first house nearly three years ago.
After several false starts and plenty of obstacles, the duo landed their dream home.
Plus, the couple felt ready.
Credit:Grace Cary; Benjamin Ronde; Phamai Techaphan | Design: Kailey Whitman
We just really wanted a house so we could start building our life together, Zachary says.
After a couple of years, they checked back in.
They were outbid not one, not two, but five times in a row.
Credit:Courtesy of The Kostantewicz Family / Design: Kailey Whitman
It crushed us, Kristin says.
We figured wed probably never get anything because were so young.
Instead, they made a plan.
As a first-time homebuyer, the options are very overwhelming, Kristin says.
In other words, a solid home in which to build a family.
This just feels like where we start.
This just feels like where we start.
It checked off everything on our list, Kristin says.
Turns out, it had been their first home, too, where theyd raised four children.
They were thrilled to see it go to an appreciative young couple embarking on a life together.
There were a few concessions.
The homes a little more rural than Kostantewiczes wanted.
Anything more urban meant skimping on size.
And while theyd hoped for turnkey, they have lots ofhome projectsahead of them.
Were finally able to relax and focus on us, and our family, and just enjoying life.
Theyll slowly remodel their way through the home, room by room.
Thats what were most excited about, to make a place of our own, Kristin says.
Its always been our dream.
We dont have to worry about, Whens our lease going to be up?
Whens thehousing market going to fall, so that we can finally get in?
We have been in that mode for so long.
Were finally able to relax and focus on us, and our family, and just enjoying life.
