Marc Bailey is experienced and knowledgeable in meeting the specific needs of maturing citizens of Hutchinson and McLeod County.  

Marc's clients count on:

• Expertise, patience and respect for your goals and timetables.

• An awareness of options and solid, reliable referrals for specific situations to explore those options.

• A variety of choices to reduce out of pocket expenses, gain cash, or create or defer income streams to either stay independent or finance assistance.

Preparing To Move:
Tips for seniors who are preparing to buy or sell a home

There are a number of steps to consider in preparing to buy or sell a home. If you approach the process by breaking it down into logical steps, you won't be overwhelmed.

• Making the Decision to Sell
  Plan for this event as you would for any important matter. Consider how your life has changed? How your financial status has changed? Where do you plan to be in 5 years?  
  
  At this point it's very important at this point to do a financial evaluation. Think of your current home as an asset. What is your home worth? Ask your Realtor to prepare a Competitive Market Analysis for you. This will allow you to estimate what the selling price of your home might be.
  
    
• Determining Options for Your New Home
  Whether you're going to buy or rent a new home, consider what features of your current home no longer meet your life needs. For example, is your home too large? Too small? Is it too costly to maintain? Has the style of the home become inconvenient for daily living? Has the location of the home become inconvenient?  

  Then consider what is important to you in a new home. Is it proximity to family, friends, or business? Access to transportation, stores, or medical facilities? Access to recreational activities? Do you want one floor living? Maintenance free living? Security and safety?

  Marc will work with you to explore new home alternatives that meet your lifestyle needs.
     
    

• Timing
  There is no magic formula for determining the exact amount of time it will take for you to sell your home and move into a new one. Talk to your Realtor about the factors that may influence the timing. For example, is your property in good condition? Will it appeal to a wide range of buyers? Will you be competing with other similar properties that are on the market at the same time?
  
  Ask yourself the following questions and discuss with your Realtor. Is there a specific date by which you must be in a new home or do you have flexibility in terms of timing? Do you need to sell your current home before you find a new home? Or do you want to be settled into a new home before you sell your current one?
  
      
• Preparing Your Home for Sale
  The keys here are to "downsize" (even if you are moving to a larger home) and "fix up."
  
  Sort through your possessions. Focus on one room at a time and determine which items you will be keeping. For the remaining items, determine which ones you will give to family members or friends, which ones you will dispose of through estate or tag sales, and which ones you will donate to charity.

  Identify any major repairs or updates that need to be made to your home. Your Realtor will be able to assist you in determining those items that are likely to affect the salability of your home.

  Take care of those minor repairs. Loose railings or torn screens give buyers the impression that a home has been neglected. These little things generally cost little time or money to fix, but they make a world of difference in how buyers view a home.

  Itemize the cosmetic changes that you need to make to your home. For example, fresh paint or new carpets show the buyers that a home has been well cared for and is ready to move into.

  Remember that a well groomed home creates a favorable impression. Keep up the exterior maintenance of your home. "Declutter" the interior
  
  

• Consult a Real Estate Professional
  Marc Bailey can help you every step of the way. Don't be afraid to ask questions.
  
  We share a common goal: To sell your home at the best possible price while minimizing the disruption to your life.

If you need information and guidance to help with the sale or purchase of a home, Marc Bailey can help.

Marc can help you make smart decisions about selling the family home, financing, buying rental property, or managing the capital gains and tax implications of owning real estate, among many other issues.