Stillwater · Move-Up Buyers
Moving Up to a Larger Home in Stillwater
Sell the home you have outgrown and buy the one you need, with both moves planned together.
Moving up in Stillwater
Stillwater's homes range widely in age, so a move-up search here often starts with one choice between older and newer. I'm Lesley, a REALTOR® with Bridge Realty.
What should a move-up buyer look for in Stillwater? You want space that solves today's problem, in a home whose age and upkeep you understand. Historic neighborhoods such as South Hill have many older homes, and those homes come with their own questions about the roof, foundation, wiring, and past updates.
Compare more than square footage
- Exterior plans may need review. If a home is in a historic or design review district, an addition or exterior change may need city review.
- Property taxes rise with price. We check Washington County's property tax lookup and compare the full monthly payment, not the mortgage alone.
- The river brings a flood check. Homes near the St. Croix River and Lily Lake need a look at FEMA's flood map.
- Your commute still counts. Route 294 runs to downtown St. Paul, and your drive depends on where in Stillwater the home sits.
Selling the home you are in
If your current home is also in Stillwater, we price it against recent sales in its own neighborhood. If you have kept the character of an older home, we show that care to buyers in the listing. The city's Heirloom Homes and Landmark Sites program recognizes owners who do that. If your home is somewhere else, we handle that sale too, so one team coordinates both closings.
You can read more on our move-up buyers page, see how we approach selling in Stillwater, and visit our Stillwater page. If you want to compare a nearby city, our Woodbury page is a good next read.
Plan your Stillwater move
When you tell us what your current home is missing, we build a short list around it and plan the order of the sale and the purchase. We also show you what your current home may sell for, so the budget for the next one is clear from the start. If you plan an addition, we check the review rules before you commit.
You can send us a message or call (651) 661-4770.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I buy a bigger home in Stillwater before selling mine?
Options include a contingent offer, a bridge loan, or a home equity line. A lender can tell you which ones fit your finances.
Will my property taxes go up when I move up?
They usually do, since taxes follow value. We check each home in Washington County's property tax lookup and compare the full monthly payment.
Can I add on to a historic home in Stillwater?
It depends on the property. The Community Development Department at 651-430-8820 can tell you whether a home falls in a district that needs review, and we check it with you before you buy.
Get your home plan
Tell Us About The Home You Want
Outgrowing your home?
Do You Actually Need More Space? Ten questions, about two minutes.
Homes For Sale In Stillwater
See every home on the market in Stillwater right now, updated from the MLS.
Stillwater
What move-up buyers looks like in Stillwater
Stillwater sits on the St. Croix River in Washington County, with a historic downtown, the 1931 Lift Bridge, and a nearly five-mile river loop trail.
Stillwater is a river city we know well, close to Lake Elmo, Oakdale, and Woodbury, and its older homes take a careful look before you buy.
- The homes
- Historic homes in older neighborhoods such as South Hill. Exterior changes in a designated historic district may need city review.
- Schools people ask about
- Stillwater Area Public Schools (District 834) serves Stillwater and 17 other communities. Confirm the assigned school for any address.
- Getting around
- Metro Transit Route 294 runs between downtown St. Paul and Stillwater, with a park-and-ride at the St. Croix Valley Rec Center.
- Nearby
- The St. Croix River, the 1931 Lift Bridge, and a nearly five-mile bicycle and pedestrian loop trail into Wisconsin.
- The trade-off
- Downtown sits in a historic district on the river, so parking is managed with permits and time limits, and some exterior projects need design review.
Move-Up Buyers: keep exploring
Ready to make your move with Lesley The Realtor?