Going through a divorce is arguably one of the most difficult times in a person’s life. It can be hard to know what to do next and how to rebuild. The separating couple might already be in agreement on how to handle the split of their property, which helps. For instance, one might wish to stay in the home while the other one moves on. In that case the court would exercise its authority and transfer the property from one spouse to the other. If neither of the spouses wish to stay in the home, or they can’t come to any agreement on their own, it would become a court ordered sale of a house in a divorce. Here, the judge would create a stipulation that states the house is to be sold in accordance with the dissolution of marriage.
When you need to sell a house during a divorce you have 2 options:
- Sell it to Osborne Homes
We buy houses as-is. It’s Quick, Easy, we Pay All-Cash and you can Start Today.
- Go with a Traditional Sale
Warning: This is likely to be a Long, Drawn Out, Costly and Potentially Problem-Filled sale.
At a time when emotions are already running high, adding in the chore of selling your house during a divorce, one in which you’ve likely created many memories together, is daunting. While it can be difficult, there are some things you can do to make the process of selling your home go as smoothly as possible. For one, you could consider making it a quick and easy all-cash sale, and selling your house to us here at Osborne Homes. We buy houses as-is and you can get started today.
But if you still want to know what it would entail to sell your house the ‘traditional’ way during your divorce, here below is what that would look like.
Steps for Selling Your House the Traditional Way During a Divorce:
First thing’s first: Get your finances in order
When you are going through uncertain times in your life, especially selling your house during a divorce, it’s important to keep track of all your expenses so you can be as frugal as possible. You want to come out on top so that the divorce doesn’t drag you down financially – It’s common to see but it is totally avoidable! Some things you could do are contacting your credit card companies to inform them of your situation. These institutions might be able to help you skip a payment or increase your line so you can maintain a good credit score. If you have any assets in just your name, consider selling them off – things like cars, jewelry, or furniture – and set the money aside. Make sure you are getting the right amount of child support and alimony. You might also find a way to be creative with your living situation – maybe you can move in with a friend or family member temporarily, while you get on your feet. We know it’s a scary time but maintaining your financial picture is important right now.
Declutter your home by downsizing and consolidating your belongings
Getting a divorce and selling a house is not a simple thing no matter how you look at it, but once you’ve decided to sell your home the traditional way, you will need to begin preparing it for the inevitable extra-critical eyes of buyers. These buyers have a licensed agent on their sides and are likely looking at a dozen or more houses in the area. If you want your house to be seriously considered, you will need to start getting serious and begin the process of decluttering. Embody the mind of a minimalist. Sell what you don’t want and box up the rest of it. You are moving anyways. In fact, you may already be staying with a friend or family member. Consider getting a storage unit, moving your things into it and making the house you’re trying to sell look as clean and bright as possible.
Make necessary repairs and updates before putting the house on the market
It’s not uncommon for a home to need major repair before putting it on the market. So while you are decluttering your home, it would be smart to order an inspection. Find out what absolutely has to be done and then also create a list of the little things that might make a big impact on your buyers’ first impressions. There might be twenty things you could do that won’t cost much more than just time. Replace old scratched up door handles or cupboard faces. Paint the walls. Install some nice blinds. Change light fixtures out for something more modern. Yes, there are many repairs you might need to make, big and small, before your house is ready to be sold on the traditional market. This sure makes a quick ‘as-is’ sale to Osborne Homes start sounding a bit more appealing now, doesn’t it? Just things to keep in mind when considering selling your house during a divorce.
Stage your home, take some good photos and get it listed
Can you imagine your home looking so posh that it could literally be featured on the cover of a high-end Home-and-Style-type magazine? This is nearly the condition you need to get your home in, in order to have it ready for the photos you’ll be taking for your MLS listing. You could rent furniture from a local staging company, if needed, or add little touches here and there on your own; a big table centerpiece or some fresh new towels can make a big difference. Even still, with all this effort you’re putting in, be prepared for offers to come in that are lower than you were hoping for. Negotiate until you reach an agreement that’s fair for both parties involved, go through all the steps involved with the contract, then finally close the sale and move on with your life! Getting a divorce and selling a house the traditional way is not much fun, but, unfortunately, we all live and learn now, don’t we?
Selling on the traditional market can be potentially problem-filled
It’s true, selling your house the traditional way usually takes a long time and costs more money than you ever imagined it would—and divorce is an environment where time and money are already delicate areas. To sell your home on the regular real estate market, you’ll likely need to make repairs, hire a real estate broker, stage the home, have professional photography done, get it listed on the MLS and wait for a buyer to come along with a decent offer… And hope that the sale doesn’t fall through once finally under contract!
Skip all of the hassle and sell your home to Osborne Homes
When you are faced with a court-ordered sale of a house in a divorce we make the whole thing quick and easy, and this could be just the relief you need during such a difficult time. When we buy your house, you won’t be required to make any repairs or wait for a buyer to come along. It’s a process that moves along quickly, where you walk away with all-cash for the home and can move on with your life. That’s what we do here at Osborne Homes. We buy houses all over California. You can sell your house during your divorce to us, as-is, and start the process for an all-cash sale today.
