How Do We Sell Our House During a Divorce When We Both Still Live There?

How Do We Sell Our House During a Divorce When We Both Still Live There?

By Tiffany Stock, Real Estate Agent, CA DRE #01466776

Tiffany Stock is a real estate agent in Danville, CA helping sellers (including move-up families, luxury sellers, and those navigating a divorce or probate sale) get their home sold, personally, start to finish. Call 925-989-2138 or visit www.tiffstock.com.

Short answer

Carefully, with clear ground rules. It can be done. Agree in writing on who handles showings, who cleans, where you'll each be during open houses, and how decisions get made. Let the agent be the one point of contact for both of you. That way nobody feels left out and nobody gets surprised.

This is general information, not legal advice. Follow any court orders, and talk to your attorney about anything involving your divorce.

Set the ground rules first

  • One agent, one plan. Both spouses hear the same information at the same time.
  • Decisions in writing. Price, price changes, offers, and repairs, agreed by both, or as your attorneys or the court direct.
  • Chores split fairly. Who keeps which rooms show-ready.
  • Showing schedule. Where each of you goes, and how much notice you need.
  • Personal items packed. Photos and anything that hints at the divorce should be put away. It's nobody's business, and it can invite lowball offers.

How I handle it

I hold a divorce real estate designation, and I treat both spouses the same. I send updates to both of you together, I stay neutral, and I don't take sides. My job is to get the house sold for the best result, so you can both move forward.

Step-by-step

  1. Talk to your attorneys about who has authority to sign and any court orders.
  2. Agree on the agent and the listing price range.
  3. Prepare the house together or through the agent, including staging if needed.
  4. List, show, and review offers with both of you informed.
  5. Close and divide the proceeds as your agreement or the court directs.

Common mistakes

  • Each spouse calling the agent separately with different instructions.
  • Tension showing during showings. Buyers can feel it.
  • Making decisions without checking with attorneys.

FAQ

Do buyers need to know we're divorcing?

No. It's private, and sharing it can weaken your negotiating position.

What if one of us won't cooperate with showings?

Talk to your attorneys. The court can sometimes set rules for the sale.

Selling during a divorce? Call Tiffany Stock at 925-989-2138 or visit www.tiffstock.com. She holds a divorce real estate designation and is a Master Certified Negotiation Expert (MCNE). Every conversation stays private.

Related reading: Can I sell our house during a divorce in California if my spouse won't agree? · Who pays the mortgage while our house is on the market during divorce?

Keller Williams Danville, CA. Equal Housing Opportunity.

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