Going through a divorce is often a time of extreme stress, especially when you both agree that it’s time to sell the home and find a new place to live. If you’re ready for a fresh start, consider these tips to make the transition as smooth as possible.
Find an Experienced Realtor
When you and your spouse have made the decision to divorce, you’ll likely begin the process by finding a reputable divorce attorney. Most couples recognize the importance of finding a good lawyer, but fail to realize that a realtor is just as important when a home sale is involved in the split. After discussing the details with your attorney, hire a real estate agent (bonus points if they have experience selling homes for divorcing clients) to help sell the home as quickly as possible.
Price the House Reasonably
If you and your ex are going to split the proceeds after the sale, you may be tempted to list the house for more than it’s worth (and revise the price later). While it’s true that it’s a seller’s market in most areas of the country, it can still hurt your chances of selling quickly if the home is overpriced. For best results, take your agent’s advice and agree on a reasonable sum.
Create a Backup Plan
If all goes according to plan, your home will be off the market in just a few weeks after it’s listed. However, we all know that life can be unpredictable, so it’s best to make a formal agreement with your former spouse about how to handle issues that might pop up. For example, do you know exactly how you’ll handle the expenses if the inspection comes back showing significant issues, such as a faulty roof? To avoid unwanted surprises, work with your ex and attorney to come up with a backup plan. It’s better to work out the details ahead of time than be caught off guard if the home needs repairs.
Clear Out the Space Early
Getting divorced certainly isn’t pleasant, so you may be feeling overwhelmed throughout much of the process. Even though this is a difficult time, it’s important to keep your main goals in mind as you navigate this new chapter. Although it may be tough to stay on top of your daily life as you begin the separation, make it a priority to clean out the house as soon as it’s officially for sale. Family photos and personal touches make a home less appealing to potential buyers, so be sure to remove anything that could detract attention from its best features.
When you’re ready to sell your home, get in touch with us. We have extensive experience buying and selling real estate, so we’re happy to help you with the process.
