When your mom or dad starts talking about moving, the house usually isn't the first worry. You want to know where she'll live. You wonder if she could stay home with some help. Most families don't think about selling until they know where she's going.
You can call me before any of that is settled. I'm Lisa Dunn, a realtor with RE/MAX Results, and I work with Woodbury families who are in this spot. While you figure out the next place, I can tell you what the house is worth and which fixes make sense. Once there's a move date, we'll plan the sale around it.
Many families call me when they're still unsure. That's a fine time to start.
Where can my parent live in or near Woodbury?
Senior cooperatives
The seniorcooperatives.com directory lists one senior cooperative in Woodbury. It's Applewood Pointe of Woodbury, at 6050 Lake Rd. (55125), for people 55 and older.
Oakdale is close by and has two more co-ops. Cardinal Pointe of Oakdale is for 55 and older. Estoria Cooperative Oak Marsh is for 62 and older.
Senior apartments
If she'd rather rent, the Washington County CDA has two senior apartment buildings in Woodbury.
Cobble Hill Apartments, 2600 Cobble Hill Dr., is for 55 and older. It has a heated underground garage.
The Glen at Valley Creek, 7995 Afton Rd., is for 62 and older.
To ask about leasing at either one, call 651-714-9190 or go to washingtoncountycda.org.
Places with help close by
If she needs some help day to day, these offer both independent and assisted living:
- Saint Therese of Woodbury, 7555 Bailey Rd.
- Stonecrest (Presbyterian Homes), 8725 Promenade Ln.
- Woodbury Senior Living, 7008 Lake Rd.
Wedgewood North, 10025 Antrim Ct., is a small assisted living home run by HomeTown Senior Living.
What if she wants to stay home?
Moving isn't the only answer. If you're not sure yet, the Stay, Modify or Move scorecard can help you think it through.
Minnesota Aging Pathways is also a good call. It's a free statewide service. They help with comparing housing options, Medicare and long-term care planning. Call 1-800-333-2433.
Should we sell the house before she moves?
It comes down to two things. Does she need the money from the house to pay for the next place? And how long could she carry both homes?
We can talk through both on a call. You can also read more here:
- Should you sell before moving to senior living?
- Buy or rent in your 60s?
- The "What will I net?" worksheet
What will the house need before it sells?
Most Woodbury homes aren't old. About three in four were built in 1990 or later. So the house you grew up in may still feel fairly modern.
What makes it hard for her now is usually the size. There are bedrooms no one sleeps in and a yard to keep up. There may be stairs she climbs many times a day.
I'll walk through the house with you. I'll tell you which updates are worth paying for and which ones you can skip.
Who else helps with the move?
My part is the house. I price it, help decide on updates, and time the sale around her move.
I don't do the packing or clean-out myself. If there's a lot to sort, a move manager or an estate sale company can handle her belongings. I work alongside whoever you choose.
If there's an estate or trust, an attorney may be part of it too.
You can read more about how I work on my Downsizing page.
Local help while you plan
Washington County CDA keeps the senior rental housing list and handles affordable rentals. 7645 Currell Blvd., Woodbury. 651-458-0936.
City of Woodbury Parks & Recreation runs senior programs at Central Park, 8595 Central Park Pl. These include Tai Chi for arthritis and fall prevention, card groups (bridge, cribbage, 500 and mah jongg) and caregiver support. You'll find them in the city's seasonal Senior Newsletter at woodburymn.gov.
Common questions
Do you come to Woodbury for a home review?
Yes. I work across the east metro, including Woodbury and St. Paul. My office is in Edina, and I come to you.
What's your next step?
The move might be a year or two away, or a few weeks. Either way, I can help you sort out what comes first. The 30-minute call is free, and there's no pressure.
Nearby areas
St. Paul · Roseville and east metro
This is general information, not financial, tax or legal advice. Please talk with an attorney, tax professional or financial advisor about your situation.