Sa, I agree with both of the other answers. I think your best chances are to consult a local Realtor for a Comparable Market Analysis of what your house is worth in this market and price it to sell. Then you can buy the house that meets your needs in the Portage area. You don't want to settle for the limited options available to you in doing a trade, if there even would be options. Despite what you hear in the media things are selling if they are priced right and show well. You can view my website for tips on presenting your home well to buyers or email me your address and I can send you a booklet on this topic. Good luck!

Fri May 9 2008, 05:38

I think Ron is right about just selling it. Many of the Realtors in town (GR) are saying that they do trades, but it seems to be a lead generating gimmick.

I would think that thestatistical probability of finding an arrangement that you would find acceptable would be very low.

Fri May 9 2008, 05:00

You can advertise that you are willing to make a trade, though you will probably have better chances of just selling your home and making a cash offer on the home you want. I don't know your whole situation, you may have to pay taxes on the capital gains on your home, but there are exemptions to this. You may want to consult with a CPA to see if you qualify. While trading your home with someone in the Portage / Moorsbridge area is possible, you should be aware that in a market where buyers are already hard to come by, only searching out the person with a home in the Portage / Moorsbridge area that wants a home with 5 acres in Allegan is going to narrow the your odds of accomplishing your goal significantly. I hope this helped. If there is anything else I can do to help, please feel free to email me at rhouvener@kw.com.

Fri May 9 2008, 03:43