As people enter their 50s, 60s and beyond, priorities often shift. The maintenance, upkeep, and demands of a traditional single-family home — from snow removal and yard work, to stairs and general upkeep — can become burdensome. Many homeowners begin thinking what do I need to do to sell my home, what projects do I need to do to get the highest value for my home and what type of housing should I think about moving into.
Selling The Home
When selling your home there are two critical areas to consider; what is the state of the current market and what are the steps I should be taking to prepare the home to receive the highest value possible. Receive detailed information for both of those subjects click here.
Remodeling & Home Improvement: Cost vs. Value (What to Know Before Selling)
If a homeowner is ready to sell a decision should be made regarding what renovations/improvements should be made (if any). Knowing which home improvements tend to provide a reasonable return on investment (ROI), especially in the Twin Cities market helps to make an informed decision and will help to avoid spending money unwisely. To see what the data show for 2024 click here.
If you plan to sell soon, modest updates that improve appearance, energy efficiency, and basic functionality are usually smarter than big remodeling projects. For bigger projects try to do these 2-5 years from when you are thinking of selling, they likely will not pay for themselves entirely in resale value but you will get some enjoyment out of using the space.
Housing & Living Options for 55+ and Seniors
A key question when you sell is where do you move to. Avoiding the challenges of owning traditional single family housing can quickly be outweighed by a poor choice for your new living situation. A brief description of some options available is below.
- Independent Living / 55+ Condos or Villas — Low-maintenance, often single-level or age-friendly homes (condos, detached villas/cottages, or small homes) suited for older adults who are largely independent and want to avoid the burden of yard work, snow removal, or home maintenance.
- Senior Apartments / 55+ Rental Communities — Apartment-style living for older adults, generally independent living but often with amenities and social features; useful for those who want convenience but don’t want to own property.
- Assisted Living — For individuals who need help with daily tasks (bathing, dressing, medication, meals, mobility), but still want some independence. These communities often provide care, meals, social activities, and minimal household worries.
- Memory Care / Residential Care / Skilled Nursing — For seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, or more advanced care needs; environments are secure, staff trained for memory care, and services include 24/7 care, medication management, safety support, and structured routines.
- Subsidized or Affordable Senior Housing — For seniors on a fixed income or needing financial support: subsidized apartments or public housing for older adults can be a viable option.
Each option carries trade-offs — autonomy vs. support, ownership vs. rental, maintenance vs. convenience, cost vs. services. Click here for detailed information regarding the different types of housing options.
There is a wide range of multi unit senior-housing options in the metro — from affordable 55+ condos/apartments, to high-service assisted living and memory care — giving clients flexibility based on budget, health, and lifestyle goals. For a detailed list of multi unit options in the Twin Cities click here.
