When You Find the “Right” Fit

While Chad Larsen helps his clients buy and sell their homes every day, it had been some time since he’d been on the other side of his own advice. His recent moving experience provided a fresh reminder of the effort and excitement that fuels a move (and the delightful sigh of relief when it’s all over).

We recently sat down with Chad to talk about his own journey – three moves within the same building – and how each transition reflects a new stage in life for him and his wife. 

This conversation centers around finding the “right” fit, but keep an eye out for our next blog where Chad shares the nitty gritty details of preparing your home to sell and making your move a successful one. 

And if you’re curious about the nuances and considerations that come with condo living, tune in to our recent episode of Setting the Standard - Conversations with Chad and Barry from the Berg Larsen Group. 

The Turning Point

Finding what’s “right” is something that evolves as we move through life. From your first apartment to the place you’ll retire, each one fits a certain moment in time. 

For years, Chad and his wife lived in a 2,800-square-foot home in Minneapolis’ Cedar-Isles-Dean neighborhood. It was cozy, familiar, and full of memories. But as time passed, the upkeep that once felt manageable began to feel like more than it was worth.

“One fall afternoon, as the sun was setting and a pile of leaves stood high, I had to leave for a showing,” says Chad. “I was leaving my wife to finish raking in the dark, again.” 

“When she looked at the yard, she declared, ‘I never want to rake again,’” Chad laughs.

That realization marked their new path – one that prioritized the more turnkey lifestyle they were looking for. 

Condo Life Is Calling

As a longtime Realtor, Chad already knew the appeal of condo living: prime locations, excellent amenities, and absolutely no yard work.

Their first move took them to the 27th floor of The Carlyle. The small one-bedroom unit included a den and captivating views of the city skyline at their feet. 

Chad recalls, “It was smaller than our house, but it was doable with our busy lifestyle at that time.”

After happily living there for a handful of years, they started to imagine what might work even better. 

When a slightly larger unit became available in the same building, they saw potential immediately. Making a lateral move was a no-brainer!

This unit offered a little more space, a true second bedroom, stunning river views, and plenty of room to personalize. Chad jokes, “We finally made it to the upper east side.” 

Evolving Needs

Years later, as work patterns shifted and both Chad and his wife found themselves home more often, space took on a new meaning. The condo that once felt perfectly sized began to feel a little tight.

“When you’re working from home, even a well-loved space can start to feel small,” Chad explains. “We realized that when we retire someday, we’ll be spending even more time here. We want our home to be a place that could really hold and enhance that next phase of life.”

When another ideal unit became available, they took it as a sign.

Finding What’s “Right” Again

The newest space is significantly larger. “It’s more gracious,” Chad says. 

“There’s a dining table where I can picture friends gathered for dinner. It feels settled – like we’ve arrived at the version of home that fits this chapter.”

Each home we inhabit is the right place at the right time, but our needs and interests shift with the seasons of life. As those changes unfold, so does our sense of what feels “right”. 

Every move, big or small, is simply a step toward living in harmony with your own life.