The Back Story of Selling our Home 

I don’t think I’ve seen Ashley smile as much on these videos as when y’all were leaving. You could tell she was ready to get out of there

Those buyers are really fortunate. They are getting an ultra-clean, well-built/renovated, warm home and land area. No junk lying around, no old poop from animals, no left-over financial problems, the whole home and out-buildings fully functional. Not everyone gets that. I hope they know how lucky they are

House flippers turn a property with the cheapest easiest labor and materials. You guys put your heart into everything you did. You are definitely not flipping this house.

What impresses me the most in your decision to move is how committed you were to that house. Every project you did was thoroughly planned and completed like a forever home. Even when you redid your headboard/side tables. They looked fine the first time, but you weren’t satisfied and redid them. Every house you leave behind is a beauty. Total respect for your efforts.

Whoever purchased your house is very fortunate. They can see how you restored the property ! So happy for you!

Don’t ever apologize for what’s best for you and your family. It will be fun to watch another renovation. Keep smiling 😊

Personally I love your non-attachment to the material goods. The pursuit of happiness is most important. Happy trails.

I couldn't stop smiling the entire time.

I don't know why you guys were shocked to have a lot of interest in your property, you made it beautiful.

How lucky are the new owners to get The House that Doug Built! Wow!! Congrats on this all!!!

Hearing Ashley say that she’s never been so anxious and angry somewhere just got me. So glad y’all have found a place where you’re happy!

Your life, your happiness, your decision... no apologies needed.

What a kind and thoughtful thing to do to record this process behind the scenes. You guys always find ways to include us. Thank you!

You leave the home spotless, I love that.

Not gonna lie, I got a little teary-eyed as you walked through the empty house. I’m so happy for you guys! Welcome to the south! 💕

STOP WORRYING ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE'S OPINIONS! YOU TWO ARE AWESOME PEOPLE!!!!! I hope I get the honor of bumping into you someday. God bless and have fun!

Amazing that the quality work you did and the 14 acres resulted in a sale of only $139,900. Someone got a great deal!!!

I keep clicking on this video becauae I cant stop watching the first 30 seconds when you asked her to smile. I smile with her every time, it makes me so happy.

I don't think you flip homes, you put too much time into your homes and you really think about how to make them liveable. I applaud you and I hope you do find your forever home.

Im so proud of you guys. Home is where your family is, not the house or even the land. Home is where you are all happy and at ease.

You can be proud that you left the new owners of your home, a beautifully updated home that will serve them well for years to come!

I am right there with you on the feeling of a place. If somewhere doesn't feel right, I'M OUT!

I'm happy for everyone. 😊

I've lived in Wisconsin my whole life and can't imagine living anywhere else. I can understand that it's not for everyone, but there is something special about putting on your warmest clothing on the coldest (calm wind) day of the year and walking around in the snowy woods, with nothing to warm you but your own body heat.

You did a fantastic job on that house and on the property. Any one who has watched your videos knows that you did a fantastic job on remodeling that house and shop .

When you rehomed the donkey, I suspected you weren't happy in that climates. Happy for your move you sneaky devil's. Lol

Your channel needs a “love” button 💕. I’ve definitely loved watching your family’s journey. I’ll never understand people who give a thumb down…you guys are doing amazing things and I pray you stick to never letting negative comments influence your life decisions. I hope you never give up your channel and am so looking forward to seeing your progress on this new adventure! We’re also moving to Florida 😍

Don’t know if it was intentional, but Ashley in that golden yellow blouse, looking like a ray of sunshine, so relieved and refreshed.

As I'm watching this, my husband and I are preparing to sell a Manufactured Home in Oregon. I feel every single one of the emotions that you're talking about. I'm so happy for you guys!!!!

Your the sweetest people. Seriously, how many others would be as considerate to keep us in the loop. Your just the best.

There was a young couple , that wanted to build a home together and make their happiness a reality. So that’s exactly what they did , and continue to do to this very day. And they like it when I tag along! Fun fun fun !!!!! I sure hope my future screen time includes you folks! That’s the plan for me. How exiting !!!

Welcome to Fl. Hope you enjoy it.

Florida could be another stepping stone, can see you in the Carolina's, Kentucky, Tennessee. Life is about the journey.

This took a lot of courage to post, thank you for sharing. So glad y’all were able to sell the house and move somewhere where y’all are happier 💜

Thank you so much for having the foresight to make all those little clips. We've never met, but you make us feel like we're friends.

I'm so impressed you two thought of making this video and waited till now to share your goals. I hope your new home brings you the comfort and happiness you long for.🥰

Florida is a learned life style. I hope you will be flexible and reconsider your feelings about air conditioning and bug bombing the house before you consider giving up on it. Oh to be that young again and willing to try new things!

My parents moved our family of 8 from Maine to Florida (Sarasota) without purchasing a house first! We settled in Merritt Island. Dad said he was tired of shoveling snow. 😊

I just found and watched this..right now I am where you say today we leave…so exciting bust scary too! Congratulations two years late! Btw that the prettiest 1974 manufactured home I have ever seen.

Ashley looks 10 years younger at the end. I don't think I've seen her that happy before in the videos. Cheers at reaching your new 'destination' or perhaps just 'next step in the journey' .. time will tell. So excited for you all! :-)

You really are diyfferent! I can’t imagine very many people being patient enough to keep a secret for so long and film the process like this. Bravo! This was a cool way to do it. I am continually amazed at your passion for anonymity, yet you have put yourself out to the world. Funny! The price you sold your property for is astounding to me. That property would be worth 2 million here in SW Idaho, without a house! But it would be hard to get a loan for it with a manufactured home, for sure. Those people who bought it are extremely lucky to get it with all the excellent work you put into it. I’m excited for your new adventure!

Glad you kept this a secret, wouldn't have wanted to watch if you were already planning to move.

RU-vid-Meisters. Content MASTERS. You filmed this segue ?Jan 2020 ? So, are we now tumbling into another deja-vu to be revealed as the next 'back story' in a coming episode? Back to the future! This is fun! Earlier, I observed you could do very well with a book to chronicle your journeys. After today, all I can say is hurry up before Hollywood calls. We are on the edges of our virtual seats for whats our next adventure. You guys rock!!!

Best part of being an adult is that you get to change your mind! You never have to feel stuck or stay somewhere you don't want to be. You and only you get to choose!" Hardest part is being brave enough to make the change! So never second guess your decision or apologize. In the end we all "throw something at the wall and hope it sticks" Good luck on your new adventure!

IMO you're smart enough to choose a lifestyle that many never dream of doing. You're able to try out different states and dwellings to live in AND you have 2 kids!! Very impressive parenting and business experiences. I think you're very balanced and advanced to do what you want. I don't see the problem with "flipping" every 3 to 5 years. It's s reasonable amount of time to really explore and get the most of a place and then profit. I admire how you operate regardless. Your kids are lucky to have such organized parents.

I haven't finished watching yet...it's past 2 am here in NZ and I'm really tired, but I just wanted to say to you both, I am genuinely so happy for you. Ashley has really suffered this past year, and it showed (I really felt for you Ashley), I get it, I hate the cold too. So glad to see there is light at the end of this tunnel ❤❤❤

Just seeing Ashley smile THAT BIG is so worth it !! 😁😁😁❤️ It was such a surprise to all of us , but I’m so happy for you to finally have accomplished your goals of moving south to warmer weather !! I can hardly wait to see all your projects as you transform this property into your dream home . I wish you health, happiness and many new fun adventures 🙏❤️!!!

Thank you for sharing that part of your life. The smile that is on Ashley’s face at the end is wonderful! I hope your family loves your new place and can be happy there. Life is too short to be somewhere where you are not happy!

Seriously! You ought to contact PBS or the DIY network or some cable station and submit this for consideration. You really ought to. You did a remarkable job of suspense and expectation and excitement--especially for us who watched you fix up the house. Great editing! Thank you!

It was so thoughtful of you to include us in your selling and moving process. Just curious of how you found and chose the Florida property. Looking forward to seeing what wonderful things y’all do to make the new home livable. Welcome home!

Thank you for being so faithful to us viewers! We appreciate the care you both take in everything you do.

Doug and Ashley I was excited for you guys when you sold your house but as you were filming you leaving I got a little sad, but when you got to your new property and had such huge smiles on your faces I was so happy and excited for you guys! I can’t wait to see the progress on your new home! Xoxo 😘

Congratulation! you guys did well.

You were such a good stewards of the land and I have no doubt that will continue with your new property. It’s so fun to go on this journey with you. I have never seen Ashley smile like she is now. I think this is so good for all of you. Best wishes.♥️♥️♥️

I've never seen Ashley smile so much! So beautiful!!

I'm so excited for yall, I so ready to see the new transformation to the new property. Please keep doing what yall are doing. Yall have no idea how much you change people's lives. It's because of you sir that I took on remodeling an old house we had. Once it was done we were able to move to our property that was payed for and sell our old house. We enjoy living debt free and I learned new skills! All thanks to yall. Yall changed the quality of my families lives thru inspiration we got watching your videos.

I am excited to see the Florida house renovations! You have such a nice family--I fully support your decision to do what ever you want! Not that you need anyone else's approval. You guys are so nice to share your life with us. You do you!

Wow. I absolutely loved the back story. A year and half in the making. I’m so very happy for you all especially Ashley, look at that smile. She’s so happy. Thanks. Take care :)

In my opinion, I do not think you should be apologizing for chasing your best life. This is one of the best videos you guys have ever made! I'm so happy for you, and wish you all the luck in the world for your journey.

oh honeys! for you to keep this record and not give us a clue - monumental task! thanks for the back story and all the feels! hugs from here!

Thank you for filming the process for us all to see. Congratulations 🥳

Thank you for having the foresight to film behind the scenes for us. You never disappoint.

I would love to buy any house you two rebiuld

People do outgrow their homes, it happens a lot. I'm glad you're turning over a new leaf.🍀

I love that you recorded these before you moved! So happy for you guys. God bless your family 🙏

Well done both of you. It's so stressful selling and buying a home. Here in the UK there is flipping homes for profit, but there is also what you're doing. We call it getting on the first rung of the housing ladder. Work your way up until you end up with your forever home.

That was awesome! You guys are modern pioneers. If Florida ends up not being your "home", you know you can always pick up and move again.

You people surely do take the bull by the horns don’t you. No sitting and wishing for you . It’s not working ? why ? what to do to make it work ? .....let’s do it !! My husband and I allowed ourselves to live in a state of unhappiness with our house situation for a long time . We were frozen by ‘what if’s ‘. After life kindly forced us into creating a new life we were freed and of course wondered why we had not got it all together earlier . You suffer the usual fears and anxieties , but you are fundamentally brave people who don’t allow those potentially crippling emotions stand in the way of making changes you know you need to make . Well done . Your new home will be wonderful . With the raw material of the verdant wild jungle , surrounding your oozing with potential new house , with your creativity and hard work it will become a paradise .

I love you guys! Thank you for letting me tag along on your journey!

You both always put a clean classy look to your renovations. Not to mention the renovations are very well done. You always leave a residence better than you found it. So even if it weren't a seller's market I think enough people watch this channel that you could sell your home in any state you live in no matter the financial market. 💛

Thank you for filming the whole process and taking us along! I knew pretty quickly that Michigan was not the right place for you so I wasn't surprised when you announced you moved. I have lived in Michigan my whole life and it certainly isn't for everyone. Especially the further north you go. We love Florida and visit often so I am excited to follow along as you make it your home. I absolutely love your new home and think it has great potential. I know you guys will be so much happier there. I can see it in your eyes. You all look so happy. Congratulations and welcome home.❤

Beautiful place, no wonder they scooped it up! 😊 ❤

Speaking of growing a garden in FL, I've been trying for 3 years. The pest pressures are extreme here and trying to grow organic has been almost impossible. Tried many of the standard organic options like neem oil etc with no luck.

Nothing but happy for you guys...thanks for sharing❣

Absolutely loved this video and totally understood why you kept things quiet. I'm excited for future videos, sending best wishes to you all, from lil ole me in the 🇬🇧

What a fantastic idea to record all that, absolutely loved this

💜Ashley, i hope you find the calm and the home you are seeking.💜 how brave to pack up and move in hopes of a better life. i admire you so much!!!

Seeing that big beaming smile on Ashley's face makes it all worthet. ♥️

You two are still my favorite RU-vidrs!!! Even though I KNEW the outcome I went through the emotions with you in this video!!! lol So exciting ...this is a whole new adventure!! Never a dull moment with you guys! Best of luck in your new home and I can't wait for the next video!!!!

an awesome video! unexpected as well! the buyers got a fabulous deal. so excited to see what's next. God bless ya'll!

Thank u for taking the time to make this video. I believe u guys as a family r exactly what is meant when someone says “ it’s not the destination it’s the journey”. Literally life as a daily experience. The hope and belief of the goodness in life is expressed so simply by u guys, and I’m sure the impact is felt everywhere. Thank u for taking us along.

I have lived in Michigan all 38 years of my life right on Lake Michigan, and I can’t picture living anywhere else. You only get one life...do what makes you happy! Glad you guys found your happy place! 😊

I can't believe I just watched a 43 minute video and if there were more of it, I would have watched it. Best thing on TV tonight. Can't wait to continue on the journey with you!

Definitely the biggest smile I have ever seen on Ms Ashley!!! Congratulations!! Can't wait for the next adventure!!

Scary but worth it, never give up stay strong.

Part of me was like "Awe..I bet the new owners have no idea that just about everything in that home was hand crafted". They got a quality home that's for sure. I love little man's welcome :)

I was reminded again of how much you put in to the Michigan home and how very nice it turned out. And you did it with the knowledge that it wasn't going to be your forever home. You needn't have worried about selling it. It's a beautiful property and everything you put into it and improved is well documented in your videos! Lucky, lucky buyers! Thanks for sharing the back story and again good wishes for the next part of your journey. Can't wait!

All they had to do was watch a few videos of your work as a sample of the quality that your build is. Exceptional quality work. Have a great life in Fl. Our daughter moved there from SD and loves it. I’m excited to continue watching your next chapter. You are so great at LIVING 🙏🏻🤗❤️

Ashley's smile at the end of the blog is so much bigger than I have ever seen. Congratulations and the best of luck in the new home.

I sold a manufactured home last year and just like you and Ashley It was a whirl wind. I went from a laid back calm life style to HIGH anxiety. I had plenty of 'paper bag' moments. I teared up when you expressed your anxiety. I felt that. You all handled it so well. So smart. My daughter and I also drove cross country with my car in tow. And, just like you and your family, am in a great place now. Took a month to find the buyer and a month to close. Thank you so much for thinking about us and quietly recording it all. And it was so clever and thoughtful. One year from now you will look back and really know you made the right decision. My admiration and respect to you, Ashley, Belle and Maverick. What a team!

What an amazing video. And so much thought through the process that you captured. Love it! Thanks for sharing. :-)

Ashley looks so so HAPPY!

What a journey for you all! I am so very happy for you! Excited for your next chapter!

I am sure the people that bought the house are going to be so happy because you did a great so clean work in it .

Wow, you guys are awesome, no one else would ever think to start a per vlog of what they are going to do. Absoulating amazing.

So, so happy and excited for you. You are amazing! So brave to follow your dream.

The scene leaving the property for the last time was cool and sad at the same time . Looking forward to the new property 👍🏻👍🏻

Hey Doug and Ashley...you both deserved to get a large price for your home. You both worked so hard.!!!

Love it! What a great idea to put something like this together. I would have never thought to do that a year in advance. 😂

Do what floats your boat and I'll follow your wake where ever you go! God Bless.