When a parent starts thinking about moving, the first questions usually aren't about the house. Where will she live? Can she stay home with some help? What will a new place cost?
Most families don't think about selling until they know where Mom is going. That's a good time to call me.
I'm Lisa Dunn, a realtor with RE/MAX Results, and I work with St. Paul families going through this. While you sort out where she'll live, I can tell you what the house is worth and what's worth fixing. Then, once there's a move date, we can plan when to sell so it fits that date.
You don't need to have it all figured out. A lot of my calls start with "we're not sure yet."
Can Mom stay home with some help?
That's usually the first thing to figure out. A little help at home can give her more time where she is. It can also give your family time to plan.
These are good first calls in St. Paul:
- Ramsey County senior services does MnCHOICES assessments for home care and long-term supports. 651-266-4500. ramseycountymn.gov
- Neighborhood Network for Seniors (Living At Home/Block Nurse program) is for people 65+ in Highland Park, Mac-Groveland, Lexington-Hamline, Merriam Park and Summit-University. They offer home safety checks, chore help, rides to appointments, friendly visitors and foot care on a sliding scale. 651-646-2301. neighborhoodnetworkforseniors.org
- Saint Paul Parks & Recreation has free drop-in senior fitness classes at some recreation centers. stpaul.gov fitness classes
- Minnesota Aging Pathways is a free statewide service. They can help you compare housing options and plan for Medicare and long-term care. 1-800-333-2433.
If you're trying to decide between staying and moving, you can take my Stay, Modify or Move scorecard.
Where could she live in St. Paul?
It depends on how much help she needs and whether she'd rather buy or rent. Openings and fees change, so call before you get attached to one place.
Senior cooperatives
The seniorcooperatives.com directory lists two senior cooperatives inside St. Paul. Both are for 62 and older:
- Zvago St. Anthony Park, 2265 W. Luther Pl. (55108)
- Realife Cooperative of Phalen Village, 1355 Phalen Blvd. (55106), on the East Side
These two are on opposite sides of town. Look at the neighborhood as closely as the building.
If the East Side feels like home, look just over the line in Maplewood too:
- American Cooperative on Lake Phalen, 1875 E. Shore Dr. For 62 and older.
- Cardinal Pointe of Maplewood. For 55+.
- Summerhill Cooperative of Maplewood. For 55+.
seniorcooperatives.com keeps a current list. My senior co-ops page explains how buying into a co-op works.
Senior apartments
If she'd rather rent:
- Lexington Landing (Presbyterian Homes), 900 Old Lexington Ave. S., in Highland Park. It has 55+ apartments with assisted living and memory care in the same building. That can matter if her needs change later.
- The Wellington (Presbyterian Homes), 2235 Rockwood Ave. Independent senior living.
- Central Towers, 20 E. Exchange St., downtown. Income-restricted apartments for 62 and older.
Assisted living
If she needs more care, there are assisted living communities licensed by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) in St. Paul, including:
- The Waters of Highland Park, 678 Snelling Ave. S.
- Highland Path (formerly The Pillars of Highland Park), in Highland Park
- Seven Hills Senior Living, on Selby Ave. in Cathedral Hill
You can look up any license on the MDH website before you visit.
Should she sell the house before she moves?
It mostly comes down to two questions. Do you need the money from the house to pay for the move? And how long can you comfortably carry two homes?
If you're not sure yet, that's normal. We can talk it through on a free call.
Read more: Should you sell before moving to senior living?
Who helps with the house and the belongings?
My part is the house. I'll help you set the price and decide what's worth fixing. I'll help you get it ready to sell without overdoing it. Then we'll time the sale around her move date.
The belongings are a separate job. An estate sale company or a move manager can handle those.
If there's an estate or trust, an attorney may be part of it too.
Do you come to St. Paul?
Yes. My office is in Edina, and I come to the house for the home review.
Where do we start?
Start with a free 30-minute call. Her move might be a year or two out or a few weeks away. Either way, I'll help you sort out what comes first. There's no cost and no pressure.
After that, I'll come see the house. We'll talk through whether to sell first or move first.
612-599-3484
Nearby areas: Roseville and east metro · Woodbury · Minneapolis
This is general information, not financial, tax or legal advice. Please talk with an attorney, tax professional or financial advisor about your situation.