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Are you working with any "silver splitter" divorces?

By
Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899

Have you heard about the rise of "silver splitter" divorces? How can we best serve them?

Wow I knew divorce rates were rising nationally but didn’t have a clue that among US adults ages 50 and older the divorce rate has roughly doubled since the 1990’s by 109%! According to a March 2017 Pew Research report divorce is becoming less common for younger couples and the so called “grey” divorce is on the rise!

Why would boomer –aged couples be calling it quits?

According to experts at the American Bar Association there are 5 reasons:

  •        Woman now work and have earned their own retirement assets and income
  •        Lack of financial security and debt
  •        Empty-nest syndrome
  •        Dating websites
  •        Marital dysfunction

Life expectancy is now longer and those stuck in an unsatisfying or less-than fulfilling marriage are less willing to stick it out than decades before.

According to the Huffpost, a 2015 study from the American Sociological Association found that 69% of divorces among the “gray” couples are initiated by women! I was astounded by this percentage but more women are working, independent and desire a better quality of life. They are educated, have work skills and are able to take care of themselves and many are eager to be on their own.

With so many boomer-age couples divorcing how does this affect the real estate market? For most they will sell their home to obtain their equity to spit up or one will buy the other out. One will rent or buy, one may keep the home or both may be buying another residence that best fits their new lifestyle. Either way this means there is a new segment in real estate that needs to be serviced.

When you think about it maybe its easier to work with this group than a divorcing family with young children or teenagers in the home. One thing for sure it is imperative to listen closely to both parties and work for both, not taking sides..be there to get what both are desiring, a win/win transaction. Taking a professional approach about the process and communicating to both parties always ensures both parties to be receptive and cooperative. For spouses who have not been active in the workforce there are challenges they will face and we must be sensitive to their issues.

I‘ve been experiencing transactions with “silver splitters” and I feel I’ll be working with more and more with the divorce rate moving upwards. I’m a good listener and take time to understand my client’s needs. I have references in hand and proven solutions and systems in both buying and selling. I’m a business manager who will guide you through the process and help you make the important decisions whether you’re buying or selling or both.

I offer professional guidance serving residential home buyers and sellers. Reach out to me at 512-346-1799 or dillard@reloaustin.com and let’s talk and see how I can help.

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I specialize in Listing and Selling homes in the NW Austin Area. I use my experience to guide clients through the process, whether selling or buying. It’s a beautiful thing when your career and a passion come together. I love what I do!

 

Comments (69)

Bill Dean
Haggerty Team St. Louis, Mo. - Fenton, MO
William Dean - Broker, Salesperson

I have never heard this expression.  I also am a bit surprised the numbers are that high!  Hmm, maybe I should read those papers my wife keeps asking me to sign?

Jul 15, 2017 11:07 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX

Jul 15, 2017 02:31 PM
James Dray
Fathom Realty - Bentonville, AR

Good afternoon Dorie.  Come on now make two to three more comments and you'll hit the 3 million mark..

Jul 15, 2017 11:34 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX

Thank you!! I made it!

Jul 15, 2017 02:30 PM
Mary Hutchison, SRES, ABR
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate-Kansas City Homes - Kansas City, MO
Experienced Agent in Kansas City Metro area

I see this trend too and I'm not surprised that women initiate it.  After decades of taking care of other people, the kids are gone and the hubby is thinking about retiring--women can think about 'I want to focus on ME and be happy with what I want to do the rest of my life".  I personally know at least three women who are going down this path--they are much happier and ready for the next chapter.

Jul 15, 2017 12:16 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX

I see it too.

Jul 15, 2017 02:30 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Dorie such an interesting post.  I do work with divorcing couple from time to time but I haven't noticed a huge increase lately.  Here we go - you're almost at 3,000,000!  Woo Hoo! Let's get the champagne out!!!

Jul 15, 2017 01:03 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Hi Anna Banana Kruchten, CRS ,

OMG I made it over the 3 million point mark! Popping that champagne!!

Jul 15, 2017 02:29 PM
Marte Cliff
Marte Cliff Copywriting - Priest River, ID
Your real estate writer

Congratulations on passing 3 million!

I came back over because I forgot to say thanks for the song - I love running into oldies like that one.

Jul 15, 2017 05:01 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

                            Thank you Dorie Dillard And congratulations on passing 3 MILLION!!!!!

Jul 15, 2017 05:45 PM
Dave Halpern
Dave Halpern Real Estate Agent, Inc., Louisville, KY (502) 664-7827 - Louisville, KY
Louisville Short Sale Expert

I'm not surprised. It's easier to socialize these days via social media. It's easier to escape terrible relationships.

Jul 15, 2017 06:32 PM
Lou Ludwig
Ludwig & Associates - Boca Raton, FL
Designations Earned CRB, CRS, CIPS, GRI, SRES, TRC

Dorie

 Neil Sedaka has it right in his song Breaking Up Is Hard To. But it is happening at a higher rate.

Good luck and success.

Lou Ludwig

Jul 15, 2017 08:43 PM
Lou Ludwig
Ludwig & Associates - Boca Raton, FL
Designations Earned CRB, CRS, CIPS, GRI, SRES, TRC

Dorie

Congratulations on the gold star feature on an outstanding post.

Good luck and success.

Lou Ludwig

Jul 15, 2017 08:45 PM
Ginny Gorman
RI Real Estate Services ~ 401-529-7849~ RI Waterfront Real Estate - North Kingstown, RI
Homes for Sale in Southern RI and beyond

Yes Dorie, I too have seen a number of these in our area and many of my associates are dealing with them too.

Jul 16, 2017 04:10 AM
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

Thanks, Dorie,  I had never heard of the term or knew about the increase in senior divorce rates.

Jul 16, 2017 04:56 AM
Michelle Finnamore
Toronto GTA, Alliston, Newmarket - Vaughan, ON
Preparing your property for sale

HI Dorie, we definitely see this segment of the population ticking up in our work as well.

Jul 16, 2017 05:34 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

I recently spoke to a friend who indicated when the children grew up and left, she was concerned that she and her husband would have nothing in common anymore. In fact, they have been enjoying getting to know each other again and their relationship is even stronger. Unfortunately, there are many who find the empty house results in two strangers just sharing space.

Jul 16, 2017 05:49 AM
Sheila Anderson
Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ
The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

Good morning Dorie. Very insightful and probably a good segment to work with.

Jul 16, 2017 05:50 AM
Kristin Johnston - REALTOR®
RE/MAX Platinum - Waukesha, WI
Giving Back With Each Home Sold!

Great post!  I can see why Kathy chose to high light it this week

Jul 16, 2017 07:25 AM
Sham Reddy CRS
Howard Hanna RE Services, Dayton, OH - Dayton, OH
CRS

Great advice!!!

One thing for sure it is imperative to listen closely to both parties and work for both, not taking sides..be there to get what both are desiring, a win/win transaction. 

Jul 17, 2017 05:19 AM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

I've had 3 sets of clients divorce this year - all in their late 40's and 50's.  So hard to watch that.  I sold them homes and have sold 3 properties, going on 4 for them.  Argh, besides me being in that category!  Very cute including the video!

Jul 17, 2017 03:06 PM
Dorte Engel
RE/MAX Leading Edge - Bowie, MD
ABC - Annapolis, Bowie, Crofton & rest of Maryland

Dear Dorie,

The clients in this group that I see just got tired of putting up with stupid behavior by their exes or soon-to-be exes. Welfare of children often seems to be a motivating factor for the breakup, because they do not want bad habits modeled. 

Jul 21, 2017 11:28 AM
Gary L. Waters Broker Associate, Bucci Realty
Bucci Realty, Inc. - Melbourne, FL
Eighteen Years Experience in Brevard County

I am working with divorcing couple right now but they are younger. Still, its a touchy situation for them. 

Jul 27, 2017 05:31 AM