If you’re in the process of getting a divorce, you’ll need to figure out what to do with any jointly owned property, like your family home. Selling the house is often the best option, but it can be tricky to do so because you’ll need to agree on the listing price, find a real estate agent, and go through the selling process together.
Here are a few expert tips on successfully selling a house you own with an ex-spouse.
1. Figure Out the Finances
The first step is to sit down with your ex and go over all of the financial details of the sale. This includes everything from setting a realistic asking price to figuring out who will cover what expenses during the sale process. You also want to ensure that you’re both on the same page regarding what you’ll do with the proceeds from the sale.
If your ex is difficult to work with, you may want to consider hiring experienced family lawyers to help you navigate the financial aspects of the sale. Because selling a house is a significant financial transaction, it’s vital to ensure everything is handled correctly. Legal assistance can also help if your ex tries to stall the sale or doesn’t want to cooperate. Once you clearly understand the finances, you’ll be able to move on to the next steps.
2. Hire a Real Estate Agent You Both Trust
If you want to avoid any arguments or disagreements, you both must hire a real estate agent you trust and feel comfortable working with. This person will be your guide throughout the entire selling process, so it’s crucial that you both feel confident in their abilities. They should also be familiar with the local market and understand the steps involved in selling a house.
Your real estate agent will be responsible for listing your home, marketing it to potential buyers, and helping you negotiate a final sale price. They will also be there to answer any questions or concerns you have along the way. Ask them to provide you with regular updates so that you and your ex are always aware of what’s happening with the sale.
3. Set Ground Rules for Communication
Since you’ll frequently be communicating during the sale of your home, it’s essential to set some ground rules early on. Decide how and when you’ll communicate, and stick to those boundaries. This will help keep things civil and prevent any arguments from happening. You want to avoid any emotional outbursts during the sale, so you must be respectful and considerate of each other’s feelings.
You can also set up a communication system with your real estate agent so that you’re both kept in the loop. Ask them to send you regular updates via email or text message. This way, you won’t have to talk to each other directly unless it’s absolutely necessary. If you have any questions or concerns, you can speak to your agent, and they’ll relay the information to your ex.
4. Be Flexible With Your Schedule
Regarding showings and open houses, be flexible with your schedule. This means being available at different times of the day and on weekends, if necessary. The more flexible you are, the easier it will be to sell your home quickly. You want to make it as easy as possible for potential buyers to view your home, so don’t make any restrictions that will make it difficult for them.
This can be difficult if you have young children or a busy work schedule, but it’s important to be as accommodating as possible. If you’re unavailable for showings, your real estate agent can hire a professional to do it for you. This way, you won’t have to worry about taking time off work or hiring a babysitter. Ask your agent for their recommendations on how to make your home more accessible for showings.
5. Don’t Let Emotions Get in the Way
Throughout the entire process, keeping your emotions in check is essential. This can be difficult, especially if you have a lot of memories in your home. However, it’s necessary to remember that you’re selling your house, not your memories. It’s also important to keep in mind that you’re not alone in this process. Your real estate agent is there to help you, so don’t be afraid to lean on them for support. They can provide guidance and advice if you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed.
Selling a house you own with an ex-spouse doesn’t have to be a nightmare scenario—if you follow these expert tips, that is. From hiring a great real estate agent to being flexible with your schedule, you can do plenty of things to ensure the process goes smoothly. So take a deep breath and remember that selling your home doesn’t have to be stressful—it can be pretty seamless if you just follow these simple tips!
