Submitted by: Shannon Cose, Realife Cooperative & Heritage Heights Resident Services Manager
What is Senior Cooperative Housing?
Are you looking for a home where you can enjoy your retirement without the burden of home maintenance? Senior Cooperative Housing offers an ideal solution for individuals aged 62 and over who want independence, social engagement, and financial benefits without the hassle of traditional homeownership.
As a cooperative member, you own a share of the community and have an equal voice in its operations. The cooperative holds the master mortgage, and residents purchase a share that grants them the right to occupy a unit. Monthly payments cover maintenance, repairs, and other expenses—eliminating unexpected costs. While residents do not assume personal liability for the master mortgage, they still receive tax benefits, including deductions for property taxes and mortgage interest.
Each cooperative share appreciates at a modest rate of 1% per year, allowing members to gain on their investment while keeping units affordable for new buyers.
A senior cooperative is governed by bylaws and an elected Board of Directors, ensuring that all decisions are made by and for the tenants. Each share has one vote, and only tenants may serve on the board.
Why Realife Cooperative Might Be the Right Retirement Choice for You
Retirement should be about freedom—less work, less stress, and more time to enjoy what you love. However, if you own a home, responsibilities like snow shoveling, roof repairs, or plumbing issues can get in the way of that freedom.
At Realife Cooperative, we offer a worry-free lifestyle. Forget about unexpected repair bills, your monthly payment covers maintenance, so you can spend more time doing what you truly enjoy.
With 11 spacious floor plans ranging from 659 to 1,350 square feet, you will not feel like you are downsizing. Plus, Realife is an affordable option, with share costs ranging from $24,309.44 to $55,113.28 and monthly charges between $645.00 and $1,360.00.

What’s Included in Your Monthly Charge?
- Housing Costs: Principal, interest, and mortgage insurance premium
- Utilities & Services: Electricity, heat, water/sewer, garbage collection, and cable TV
- Property Maintenance: Lawn care, snow removal, and repairs
- Interior Upkeep: Replacement of fixed items such as carpet, appliances, heating, and cooling systems
- And More!
Ready to Make the Change? Let’s Plan for Your Future!
Right now, Realife has two available apartments for sale—don’t miss this opportunity to take a tour and explore them firsthand! For more information or to book a tour, contact Shannon Cose, Resident Services Manager, at (712) 263-8169. Even if you feel you are not ready to make this change today, we encourage you to be added to our waitlist so that we can notify you when apartments do come up for sale.