At least it seems that way! I'm returning from a long weekend vacation (guess where I was from this picture!), and in reviewing my email I'm just astonished. In the last 7 days, I've received 13 requests for copies of the Senior Housing Directory. Seven are from people across the country who are moving BACK to Minnesota! Strange thing about us Minnesotans. We never seem to move too far from home (now, if we do we seem to find our way back without the proverbial popcorn trail!).
There are some quirks to Minnesota housing, and Minnesota real estate that you should know about if you're relocating to Minnesota.
It's tough for Twin Cities consumers to figure out the senior services maze. If you're relocating, it's even more confusing because of differences in real estate between states.
1. If you are interested in purchasing a cooperative your real estate agent may not be able to help. In Minnesota, senior cooperatives shy away from working with REALTORS. They often have their own internal waiting list. However, senior condominiums are sold through the MLS so you'll likely want to work with a REALTOR. Confusing, hunh? When in doubt, ask. A real estate agent proficient in the senior housing market can get you started in the right direction.
2. It's difficult to find an unbiased online resource that lists all the senior housing in one place, complete with pictures, prices and floor plans. It hasn't officially launched, but since you're here, I'll share a secret with you. I'm working on a remedy for this! Visit www.TheSeniorHousingSearch.com and you'll be able to search for Minnesota Senior Housing. Imagine how great it will be when we get pictures up!
3. If you have a home to sell in another state, and are relocating to Minnesota, you can get a real estate agent in Minnesota to start advocating for you before your current home is on the market. First, start by looking around on the internet and locate a real estate agent with the RSA, SRES or CSA designations. These are real estate agents who have taken the intiative to take some extra coursework about senior-specific real estate issues. Contact the agent and talk with them, ask questions, and see what kinds of services they can offer you to help you transition to Minnesota. Once you're satisfied, ask them to help you find a real estate agent to sell your current home. The Minnesota agent will recieve a referral fee for helping you interview prospective agents, and upon the sale of your current home. Now you have someone interested in helping you find a qualified real estate agent with a senior-friendly business that will keep an eye on the way your home is marketed and will be involved in your plans to relocate. Not a lot of seniors know about this or take advantage of it. Know YOU know.
Other articles:
Senior condominium or Senior Cooperative: what's the difference?
50 Questions for Seniors to Ask Before They Move
The Maze of Senior Services
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Posted by: john beck | December 28, 2008 at 11:04 PM