Downsizing Done Right: Tips for Empty Nesters– Part 2: The Hidden Maintenance Burden of Owning a Larger Home.

Downsizing Done Right: Tips for Empty Nesters – Part 2: The Hidden Maintenance Burden of Owning a Larger Home.

When empty nesters in the Minneapolis Saint Paul metro area—especially in the south metro (Lakeville, Apple Valley, Eagan, Burnsville, Bloomington, and surrounding communities)—start thinking about downsizing, they usually begin with the financial picture. That’s smart. But there’s one major cost many people overlook until it’s too late: the ongoing maintenance burden of a larger single-family home.

After 20+ years in real estate, I’ve seen this play out hundreds of times. Homeowners get so used to the routine tasks that they stop noticing how much time, effort, and money they’re pouring into upkeep. Downsizing to a townhome or condo often eliminates most of that daily grind, freeing up time and peace of mind for the things that matter most.

The Daily & Seasonal Maintenance Most Empty Nesters Don’t Count It’s easy to focus on big-ticket items like replacing a roof ($15,000–$30,000), furnace ($5,000–$12,000), windows ($10,000–$25,000), or appliances. But the real burden is the ongoing, repetitive work that adds up to full weekends and constant mental load:

Yard & Lawn Care — Mowing, weeding, edging, fertilizing, watering. In Minnesota, that’s 6–8 months of regular work.
Snow Removal — Shoveling driveways, sidewalks, and decks—especially brutal in long winters. Hiring help costs $50–$150 per storm.
Exterior Maintenance — Painting trim, power washing, cleaning gutters, sealing decks, fixing minor siding/roof issues.
General Upkeep — Cleaning windows, pressure washing, minor repairs, seasonal prep (screens in spring, storm windows in fall).

After 20+ years in the same house, these tasks become autopilot. But they still steal time—time that could be spent with grandkids, golfing, traveling, or simply relaxing.

How Townhomes & Condos Eliminate Most of the Burden

Townhomes: Exterior maintenance (siding, roof, landscaping, snow removal) is typically handled by the HOA. You’re responsible for the interior and any attached garage, but the daily/seasonal grind is gone.
Condos: The HOA covers the building exterior, roof, landscaping, snow removal, and common areas. You only handle inside the unit. Many owners add renters insurance (~$15–$30/month) for personal belongings and deductible protection.

Yes, HOA fees exist ($200–$600/month depending on amenities), but they often cost less than hiring lawn care, snow removal, and exterior painters separately. Newer townhomes (last 20 years) tend to have lower fees, modern systems (vinyl siding/windows, updated fire safety), and better long-term value. \

The Freedom That Comes with Downsizing

Many of my clients sell their larger single-family home, buy a low-maintenance townhome or condo in the south metro, and use the extra equity for:

A second home in Arizona, Florida, Texas, or another warm climate to escape Minnesota winters.
A small lake place up north for summer escapes.
Travel, hobbies, family time, or retirement savings.

The biggest benefit? More free time—time you’ve earned after decades of homeownership.

The Bottom Line

Downsizing isn’t just about a smaller house—it’s about reclaiming your time and reducing the daily maintenance burden that comes with a larger single-family home. Property taxes and insurance often drive the decision, but the time savings are what most empty nesters feel the most.

If you’re an empty nester in Lakeville, Apple Valley, Eagan, Burnsville, Bloomington, or the south metro thinking about downsizing, let’s talk. As a real estate agent in Lakeville MN with over 20 years helping sellers and buyers make smart transitions, I’ll help you run the numbers, compare options, and find the right fit for your next chapter.

Ready to downsize right in 2026? Text or call me today, Tom Sommers with Coldwell Banker Realty, for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let’s make your move easier and more rewarding.