A New Chapter: Selling Our Crete Home

Hello, Postcard Jar friends! In this blog post, we’re sharing a story that’s been unfolding over the last few months—one that’s equal parts bittersweet and exciting. After years of calling Crete, Neb., our home base—the place from where we’ve hosted porch chats, where we dreamed up adventures, and where we built a family and a life filled with love and laughter—we’ve made the big decision to sell our beloved house and embark on a new chapter. Buckle up, because this is a tale of tough goodbyes, cherished memories, and trusting God with the road ahead.

Saying Goodbye to Our Crete Home

Selling our Crete house wasn’t a decision we made lightly. This is the place we moved into the day after our wedding in 2011, hosted college ministry gatherings, and turned our love for travel into Postcard Jar. Every corner of this house holds memories—the custom office where we planned our first big trip, the deck where we’d sip coffee and dream about the next destination.

Packing up feels like preserving a favorite postcard, and tucking it into our jar with care. Crete is where Ann grew up, where Steve spent most of his adult life teaching Spanish and guiding pre-teens, and where our daughter went to school K-12.

But as we sorted through closets and drawers (and maybe shed a tear or two), we realized this move isn’t an end—it’s a pivot. Just like when we bought our vacation home in Pawhuska, Okla., and turned it into Postcard Place, this is a chance to write a new story. We’re not leaving Crete behind; we’re carrying its memories with us. We’ll still take our annual anniversary photos, we’ll just take them with a different background. They’re a window into our lives, after all.

Our Crete Home: A Place We’ve Loved (Now Ready for You!)

We’re so excited to pass our beautiful Crete home (and the view)  to its next owners. This isn’t just any house—it’s been our sanctuary, filled with love and memories, and we can’t wait for someone else to make it their own. Picture this: a 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom ranch-style home that offers main-floor living tucked in a quiet cul-de-sac in one of Crete’s best neighborhoods. To be perfectly honest, we have the BEST neighbors in our cul-de-sac.

The Sunset Views From the Deck Delight

It has gorgeous sunset views over a serene pond, best enjoyed from the massive 70-foot deck we (well, RAFA Roofing and Exteriors) recently renovated. Surrounded by 18 mature trees and a professionally landscaped yard with mature trees makes you feel like you have your own private retreat—perfect for relaxing or hosting outdoor gatherings (and taking “Good Morning” videos). Plus, it’s just 25 minutes from Lincoln, so you get peace and quiet without being too far from the action.

Built for Main Floor Living

The main floor is all about easy living. You’ve got hickory wood floors, three bedrooms (including a primary suite), and a layout that flows perfectly. The primary suite has a jacuzzi tub and direct access to that amazing deck—imagine sipping your morning coffee with those water views!

The custom kitchen where Ann created 12 low-calorie soup recipes has Brazilian quartzite countertops (real stone, not a composite). It also has a gas stove, and a handy wine fridge tucked under the counter for easy access. There’s also a home office with two dedicated workspaces and a custom closet (from The Container Store) to keep everything organized.

The main floor keeps giving with a living room that’s got a vaulted ceiling and a cozy gas fireplace. There’s a dining area with a beautiful view and a super-functional laundry/mudroom with a custom desk and extra storage. It’s the kind of setup that makes everyday life feel effortless.

An Entertainer’s Dream is For Sale in Crete, Neb.

Downstairs, the walk-out basement is where the fun happens. There’s a state-of-the-art theater room with tiered levels, surround sound, and a projector—perfect for movie nights or cheering on your favorite team. We’re even leaving the theater seating for the next owners.

The open living area has a wet bar that’s great for hosting, and two spacious bedrooms, one with a built-in counter-high desk that’s ideal for crafts or studying. Step outside through the sliding doors, and you’re in the backyard. That’s where the pond’s tranquil views and fishing possibilities are right there waiting. There’s even a cement pad and wiring for a hot tub tucked away under the house in a cozy, private spot.

This home is truly move-in ready, with a brand new roof, fresh paint inside and out, underground sprinklers, and a 2 ½ car garage with custom shelving for all your storage needs. We’ve poured so much love into this place, and we know the next owners will feel it too. Want to see it for yourself? Our friend and realtor, Pam Leupold of Home Real Estate will be hosting open houses on Thursday, Sept. 25 from 5 – 7 pm, and Saturday, Sept. 27 from 10:30 am – 12 pm. You can also schedule a private tour by texting or calling Pam at 402.560-3866.

The Transition: Packing Up and Looking Forward

If you’ve ever moved, you know it’s a whirlwind! Staging our Crete home for sale meant decluttering years of memories—and making it shine for its next owners. As we pack up, we’re reflecting on the memories this house holds (like Easter in the photo below) and getting excited about what’s next. The process has been a reminder that home isn’t just a place—it’s the people, the stories, and the adventures waiting to unfold.

What’s Next for Postcard Jar and our travel agency?

Don’t worry—our wanderlust and our travel advisor business are still alive and well! This move doesn’t mean slowing down. If anything, it’s fuel for new adventures and more bookings. We’re already dreaming up blog posts about hidden gems we’ll discover, from the charm of small-town diners to the thrill of new destinations. And, of course, we’ll keep sharing our love for cruising—like our incredible voyage on the Regent Seven Seas Splendor this week. Postcard Jar is about chasing joy, and this move is just the next stop on the map.

We’re so grateful for this community—you, our readers and clients, who’ve cheered us on through every mile. If you’ve made a big move and have advice for us, drop a comment below! If you know someone who might be looking for a home in southeast Nebraska, please share this post with them. And if you’re ready to book a Regent Seven Seas cruise or another trip, we’d love to help. Leave us a comment below us or give us a call at 402.575.9624. Here’s to new horizons and the stories we’ll share along the way!

Travel well,
Ann & Steve Teget