It was a tough deadline, some might even call it impossible.

Mary, a senior from Bloomington, had to make repairs on her home under an order from the city. But, she had bigger priorities. Mary’s daughter, who lived at home with her, was struggling with her health, and taking care of her was Mary’s top priority. That meant pets, disrepair, debris, clutter, and other seemingly insurmountable issues inside the home made the city’s demands seem insurmountable.

“I lived there 30 years,” Mary said. “There was a lot of stuff in the house I didn’t know what to do with, and it needed a ton of repairs.”

Mary’s situation isn’t unique. According to Finance and Commerce, a source for industry news in Minnesota, roughly 6% to 12% of homeowners aged 60 and older plan to sell their homes every year. Some of those homes are like Mary’s and need critical rehabilitation — a fact forcing a sale when the repairs aren’t feasible.

“We knew we had to sell it as is,” Mary recalls. She got on the phone and called several places in the Twin Cities, landing on Homestead Road. “They were the quickest to reply,” Mary recalled. “They called me back immediately and were helpful, compassionate, and just very easy and pleasant to work with, so we didn’t look any further than that.”

Homestead Road is a local residential redevelopment company based in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. Since 2007, the firm has acquired more than $1 billion of residential real estate and invested over $80 million renovating homes across the Twin Cities — restoring properties in disrepair into move-in-ready homes for first-time FHA buyers and other working families. Unlike short-term house flippers, Homestead Road operates as a long-term redeveloper committed to the neighborhoods it serves, providing a stress-free alternative to the traditional home-selling process — particularly for sellers like Mary, facing a difficult and immediate transition.

“For many seniors, the idea of investing more time, money, and energy into fixing up a home before selling can feel overwhelming — or simply unnecessary,” said Andrey Sokurec, founder and CEO of Homestead Road. “The first and most important step is to recognize that you are not alone in this situation.”

Once Mary reached out to Homestead Road on Nov. 24, 2025, everything was taken care of, and she successfully closed on the sale of the property on Dec. 9, 2025, just 15 days later.

Selling a home “as-is” means the seller does not commit to making any repairs or improvements before closing. While buyers may still conduct inspections, the understanding is that the property is being sold in its present state. This approach reduces stress and eliminates the need to coordinate contractors, manage timelines, or invest additional funds.

When Mary decided to sell her home as-is, she had several pathways. She could have listed the property on the open market with a real estate agent. This option can expose the home to a wide audience and potentially result in a higher sale price, especially if there is strong demand in the area. However, it will involve showings, negotiations, and potentially a longer timeline and stress on Mary, who would have felt compelled to make the home presentable.

Mary’s second option was to sell directly to a cash buyer or investor. These buyers typically specialize in purchasing homes that need repairs and can often close quickly, sometimes in a matter of weeks. This route can be particularly appealing for those who want to avoid the uncertainty of traditional listings, minimize disruptions, and move on without delay. While the sale price may be lower than that of a fully renovated home, the savings in time, effort, and repair costs can make this a worthwhile trade-off.

The decision is ultimately up to the seller and their circumstances. It’s also important to note that large-scale repairs, such as replacing a roof or updating an entire kitchen, may not provide a full return on investment, particularly if you do not plan to stay in the home. The goal is to strike a balance between presenting the property in a reasonable condition and preserving your own time, energy, and financial resources.

Selling a home that needs repairs may involve compromises on price, terms, or timeline. However, these trade-offs are often balanced by the reduced stress and effort required. For many seniors, the ability to move forward without the burden of renovations is a significant benefit.

Mary definitely felt relieved working with Homestead Road. “Everything was just easy. There was no question or judgment that made it just a huge relief for me,” Mary recalled. “I would highly recommend Homestead Road to anyone needing to sell their house or needing to walk away from a bad situation.”

Planning the transition is just as important as the sale itself. Understanding where you will move next, how your finances will be affected, and what support you may need can help ensure a smooth process. Working with trusted professionals — such as real estate agents, financial advisors, or legal experts — can provide guidance and peace of mind.

Today, Mary is in her new residence and even got a housewarming gift from the folks at Homestead Road, who commissioned an artist to paint her previous home, so she can hang it on the wall of her new home. “I’m very thankful,” Mary said.

She can look at the painting to remember the memories and moments that made her home of 30 years so special — and the fact that it was not a burden hanging over her head thanks to her friends at Homestead Road.

Jim Lesinski is a team member of Homestead Road. To learn more go to: www.homesteadroad.com