Realife of West St. Paul ​offers the advantages of ownership with community living.  Cooperative housing is joint ownership of the entire property through the purchase of a membership-share.  This membership-share and monthly carrying charge is linked to a specific unit and based on the square footage of the unit that you occupy. 
A Benefit of Cooperative Living:  Affordable Costs and Strong Financial Planning
The Share Price is a one-time payment that purchases a membership-share in the Cooperative, making you eligible to occupy your home-unit with the tax advantage of home ownership.  Once you are approved, you are a Member-Owner!

The Monthly Carrying Charge covers your portion of:
  • The building and property's maintenance, mortgage, insurance, and real estate taxes
  • Operating expenses including up-keep of co-op owned appliances
  • Snow removal, mowing and grounds improvements
  • Heat, sewer, water, trash pick-up and recycling
  • Cable TV package
  • On-site management staff, maintenance and common area cleaning
  • Contribution to maintaining our healthy capital reserve funds!  We exceed our HUD-mortgage standards for reserves
Available but not included in your unit's monthly carrying charge:
  • ​Electricity
  • Phone/Internet
  • Underground heated parking
  • Personal Property Insurance
  • Fees for personal use of Guest Rooms, Great Room and Loft
View the current Monthly Carrying Charges and Share Prices
Working Together and Decision-Making
You Have an Important Role
Cooperatives are unique in that you have a voice in matters relating to the facility, governance and activites.  Living at Realife of West St. Paul gives opportunities to follow your interests, explore new ideas, engage with your community's neighbors and activities, and shape your community.
The Cooperative 'Team'
 1. Member-Owners
Elect the Board of Directors and vote on decisions made by the full membership.  Invest time and talents to the community through a variety of ways.
 2. Board of Directors
Comprised of member-owners: sets and approves policy, budgets, management services and acts as liaisons to committees.
 3. Management Services
On-site administrative and maintenance staff.
 4. Member-led Committees
Carry out the tasks for some functions of the Co-op and make proposals to the Board.  Members do not have to join a committee to make a contribution of their time and talents!