Kari Musil, a retired teacher from Duluth, Minnesota, and her adult daughter, Angela Martin, have recently completed a prolonged search for an accessible home suitable for their needs. The process, spanning nearly a decade, culminated in a successful purchase late last year after a combination of financial changes and careful consideration of available properties.

Musil, 65, retired early in 2015 to care for her 33-year-old daughter, who has neurofibromatosis, a genetic condition that causes noncancerous tumors on nerve tissue. The condition necessitates the use of a wheelchair, making accessibility a key factor in their housing requirements. For years, they rented apartments together, with homeownership seeming out of reach. Despite this, they spent many hours browsing house listings in the Duluth area and its surroundings as a way to stay engaged during difficult times.

In 2024, Musil unexpectedly inherited approximately $325,000 from her late father. Though initially hesitant to use the money directly for a home purchase, she opted to clear outstanding debts, including student loans and car payments, significantly improving her credit status. This financial shift enabled her to pursue homeownership more actively.

Working with Jennifer LaMaster, a real estate agent from Remax Results, Musil examined several properties that could meet their criteria: a budget near $300,000, a single-level layout with at least three bedrooms and two bathrooms for accessibility, and space for music instruments and visiting family. Angela’s father, Bill, a musician, regularly visits, necessitating extra room for guests.

Among the properties considered were:

- A three-bedroom, two-bath ranch-style home in Cloquet, built in 1965, with original midcentury features and a detached garage. Priced at $240,000, it offered a sunny backyard and a manageable lot size but required significant renovations, including addressing basement cracks.

- A four-bedroom, 1,092-square-foot brick house in Duluth on a busy street with convenient access to a nearby shopping center and public transit. The property, built in 1957, was well maintained with updated kitchen appliances. It was listed at $315,000, slightly above their budget.

- A three-level, 1,791-square-foot house in Cloquet, dating from 1936, with a bedroom and bathroom on the first floor, additional bedrooms upstairs, and a finished basement living area. The home featured arched doorways, an open living and dining space, a patio, and a detached two-car garage. It was priced at $289,000.

While the ranch in Cloquet was appealing, Ms. LaMaster advised caution due to the extensive work needed and its limited size. The Duluth brick house had an ideal location but was above budget and situated on a busy street. Ultimately, Musil chose the three-level Cloquet home, drawn by its peaceful atmosphere during a site visit and its suitability for their needs.

Musil’s offer was the first and only received, and the sellers accepted. Before moving in late last year, she made modifications, including adding a bathroom on the top floor and remodeling the staircase to improve accessibility. During a recent winter storm, a neighbor’s help plowing their driveway reinforced their sense of community.

For Musil and her daughter, the new home represents both the conclusion of a long search and the start of a more stable, comfortable chapter. Musil emphasized her ongoing priority to establish a safe and supportive environment for Angela as they settle into their new residence.