How fast can a well prepared Lakeville home sell? After nearly 47 years in their home on Italy Path in Lakeville, Jim and Judy decided it was time for maintenance free living. With a pre-listing inspection, a clear preparation plan, and accurate pricing, their home sold in 6 days for $426,000, slightly above its $425,000 list price, in July 2026.
The story: 47 years, one home, and a new chapter
Jim and Judy called this house home for nearly 47 years. When they were ready to trade yard work and upkeep for maintenance free living, they had not sold a home in almost five decades, and a lot had changed.
We started with a plan, not a sign in the yard. We walked through what buyers in this price range expect, what was worth doing before listing, and what was not. Jim and Judy decided how much they wanted to spend and how much work they wanted to take on, and I gave them a list of trusted local companies for painting, cleaning, and repairs so they could choose who to hire.
We also scheduled a seller's pre-listing home inspection. That let Jim and Judy find and address key issues on their own timeline, before a buyer's inspector ever walked in. When the buyer's inspection happened, there were no surprises, and the closing went smoothly.
The results
| Italy Path | Result |
|---|---|
| List price | $425,000 |
| Sold price | $426,000 (about 100% of list price) |
| Days on market | 6 |
| Lakeville median days on market, July 2026 | 26 |
Six days is roughly four times faster than the Lakeville median that month. That speed came from preparation and pricing, not luck. When a home is priced right on day one, the most motivated buyers act quickly.
In their own words
"In the selling of our home of 47 years and 10 months, Liz was phenomenal. She helped us all the way."
"Liz was very professional and knowledgeable. It had been 48 years since my husband and I had last sold a home and much had changed. Liz came to our home with a packet of information that discussed the process of selling our home and what the prices were for homes like ours. Liz talked about the importance of pricing correctly. She gave us options as to how much we wanted to spend and how much we wanted to do in preparation for selling our home. My husband and I felt that we had a voice in the process. Liz knew what features buyers were looking for in homes like ours. She was able to tell us where to buy and what to buy in regards to fixtures. She has an interior designer's eye and our home looked so good when it went on the market. Liz always had a list of companies that we could call whether it be for painting or cleaning the carpets. There would be more names on the list and we were able to choose the company that we wanted. Liz suggested that we have an inspection done to see if there were any issues that needed to be addressed prior to putting the house on the market. It ended up being a wise decision. Liz said that sometimes the buyers will have an inspector come in and the inspector will find issues that the buyers want addressed before the closing. We were able to address the issues that were raised by the inspector. We took care of the issues and the buyers were pleased and didn't request another inspection. It was a process cleaning out our 5 bedroom home. Liz would check in with us to see how we were doing and if she could help in any way. It was very reassuring to have Liz with us during the whole process. My husband and I are very pleased with how everything turned out. We feel that Liz priced our house correctly and because of that our house sold quickly."
Judy, Italy Path seller, via RateMyAgent
"Great Lakeville realtor."
"Liz is friendly, professional, and an excellent 'coach'. She guided us through getting our house ready, and gave us good local resource contacts to use. In hindsight she gave accurate information regarding pricing the home to entice prospective buyers and sell quickly. Closing process went smoothly with no surprises. We're very pleased and highly recommend her. Her experience shows."
Jim, Italy Path seller, via Google
Thinking about downsizing in Lakeville? Start here.
Jim and Judy's story is one I hear often. You have been in your home a long time, the house is bigger than you need, and the yard and upkeep take more of your time than you want to give. Here is how I walk clients through downsizing, at any stage of life.
1. Decide what "right sized" means for you
For some people, that means one level living. For others, it means no lawn to mow or snow to shovel. Around Lakeville and the South Metro, common options include association maintained townhomes, one level villas, condos, and communities designed for maintenance free living. Knowing your must haves early keeps the search focused.
2. Start sorting early
Clearing out a home you have lived in for decades takes longer than almost anyone expects. Start room by room, months ahead if you can. Decide what moves with you, what goes to loved ones, what gets donated, and what gets sold. Estate sale companies and donation pickup services can take a lot of weight off your shoulders.
3. Get a pre-listing inspection
This is one of the best decisions a long time owner can make. Homes that have not been on the market in many years often have items the owners simply stopped noticing. Finding them first lets you choose how to handle them, on your schedule and budget, instead of negotiating under pressure after a buyer's inspection.
4. Prepare the home with a plan, not a wish list
You do not need to renovate. You do need the home to show clean, bright, and cared for. Fresh paint, clean carpets, updated light fixtures, and small repairs usually give the best return. I help clients decide which projects are worth it and connect them with trusted local vendors.
5. Price it right from day one
Your first two weeks on the market bring your most motivated buyers. A home priced accurately draws them in quickly. A home priced on hope often sits, then needs a price reduction, and can end up selling for less than a correct price would have brought at the start.
6. Plan the timing of your sale and your next move
The biggest worry I hear is "What if my home sells before I find my next place?" There are several ways to handle it, including selling first and negotiating extra time to move, buying first with the right financing, or lining up both closings closely. Talk this through with your agent and lender before you list so the timing works for you.
7. Lean on your team
Downsizing is emotional as well as practical. You deserve an agent who checks in, answers questions, and keeps the process moving so you can focus on the next chapter.
Frequently asked questions about downsizing in Lakeville
When is the right time to downsize?
There is no single right age or season. Most people downsize when the home no longer fits their lifestyle, the upkeep feels like too much, or they want to free up equity for the next chapter. Starting the planning early gives you the most control over timing.
Should I update my home before selling if I have lived there for decades?
Usually you do not need a major remodel. Focus on fresh paint, clean flooring, updated fixtures, and repairs. A pre-listing inspection helps you decide which items matter most to buyers.
What is a pre-listing inspection and is it worth it?
A pre-listing inspection is a home inspection the seller orders before the home goes on the market. It lets you find and address issues on your own terms, which often means fewer surprises and a smoother negotiation once you have a buyer.
What maintenance free housing options are there around Lakeville, MN?
Options around Lakeville and the South Metro include association maintained townhomes, one level villas, condos, and communities built around maintenance free living. The best fit depends on your budget, how much space you want, and which services the association covers.
How fast can a home sell in Lakeville?
It depends on price, condition, and location. In July 2026, the Lakeville median was 26 days on market. Jim and Judy's home on Italy Path sold in 6 days thanks to careful preparation and accurate pricing.
Ready to talk about your next chapter?
Whether you are downsizing next spring or just starting to think about it, I will help you build a plan that fits your timing, your budget, and your home.
Get my home valueSearch Lakeville homes
Liz Sandwick, REALTOR®, Coldwell Banker Realty
952-491-3685 | Liz@CBRealty.com
Equal Housing Opportunity. Sale information from NorthstarMLS, deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Reviews shared with the sellers' permission.