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Splitting House and Heart

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 311291

Divorce Splitting House and Heart

 

Divorce is tough and selling a house can add to the stress. An ill-timed sale may lead to financial difficulties and prolong the process. With a bit of thought and support, you can get through it. 

Before putting up a "For Sale" sign, make sure to give your divorce decree to your real estate agent. This document outlines who makes decisions regarding the sale, the listing price, and who is responsible for repairs. Without it, your agent could be lost, so it’s important to share this right away.

When choosing a real estate agent for a divorce sale, look for someone who is experienced, patient, and calm to help maintain a peaceful atmosphere during this emotionally charged time. They can provide support while you navigate the process.

Taking care of your home is important, especially after one spouse moves out. Failing to address repairs can lead to issues and make it harder to sell later. 

Who is responsible for repairs?  Resolve this issue early to maintain the house in good condition.

If you're married and selling your primary residence, you may not have to pay taxes on up to $500,000 in profit. Just make sure to meet the rules and consult a tax professional! 

Divorce is an emotional rollercoaster, making it easy to mix feelings with financial decisions. Focus on finding a solution instead of rehashing old issues.

Keep your divorce private when selling your home. Please don't disclose your situation to buyers, as it may result in lower offers. Stage your home to appear normal, such as leaving both you and your ex's clothes in the closet. 

Selling a home during a divorce can be tough, but with understanding and the proper support, it can be a smoother journey.

Selling Your Home

Call Margaret Rome

Posted by

Margaret Rome
HomeRome Realty
Broker/Owner/Realtor®

Baltimore, Maryland


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Comments(10)

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Ed Silva, 203-206-0754
Mapleridge Realty, CT 203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Associate Real Estate Broker

A divorce sale has issues and the listing agent better be prepared to travel a lot as it is often not possible to get both parties in the same room.

Jun 08, 2025 02:34 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400

Ed Silva, 203-206-0754

Divorce situations can bring unexpected issues from various parties. Many years ago, I had a settlement that required three separate rooms each with council.

Jun 08, 2025 04:11 PM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Margaret - divorce and dissolution of any kind can be difficult.  Combine that with real estate and it doesn't become any easier.  

Jun 08, 2025 04:55 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400

Michael Jacobs  

Going through a divorce and dealing with real estate can be a wild ride—hold on tight. 

 

Jun 08, 2025 04:22 PM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

These are good tips for those who need to sell a home due to divorce!

Jun 08, 2025 04:56 AM
Kat Palmiotti

Yes, Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400 - When I divorced my first husband, neither of us wanted the house because there was either going to be a negative net when sold, or a very small positive. I wound up with it. I became a landlord to try to hang on to it while it gained equity. The first tenant left in the middle of the night after not paying two months rent - ants/bugs/old food left there. Tried to clean it up with two toddlers in tow. Argh. Put it on the market and didn't even care what I got. Just wanted to get rid of it.

Yes, there are a lot of stories out there!

Jun 08, 2025 06:39 PM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400

Thanks Kat Palmiotti,

Another topic, we all must have a few stories to tell.

Jun 08, 2025 04:25 PM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Good Sunday morning, Margaret.

Thank you very much for sharing your experience and advice.

Have a productive week.

Jun 08, 2025 06:20 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Margaret. Once purchased a home from a divorcing couple. The wife wanted nothing to do with the process and the husband intended to do nothing to facilitate the sale. In fact, he did not even perform to the terms of the contract. What goes around comes around. And subsequent to closing I put all of his remaining stuff on the curb. He was surprised. My response was I did not trash it.

Enjoy your day. 

Jun 08, 2025 06:36 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400

Wayne Martin, Very good response to that seller!

Jun 08, 2025 04:23 PM
Lew Corcoran
Better Living Real Estate, LLC - East Bridgewater, MA
Expert guidance. Exceptional results.

Thanks so much for sharing this insightful post, Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400. I really appreciate your practical tips and thoughtful approach. It makes a tough time a little easier with advice like yours. 😊

Jun 08, 2025 12:52 PM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

Thank you! Lew Corcoran

I'm glad to hear that my tips are helping. We all have tips on how to make stressful transactions a bit easier.

Jun 08, 2025 04:32 PM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Margaret a divorce decree is also a very important document that is needed if financing is required for another house.

Jun 08, 2025 04:38 PM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400

George Souto,

Another reason to get the paperwork when signing the listing agreement.

.

Jun 08, 2025 07:27 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good evening Margaret,

With the divorce rate what it is you are bound to be a party of selling a home where the sellers are divorcing. It's imperative to have a calm demeaner and not get caught up with either seller....maintain boundaries is crucial.

Jun 08, 2025 06:48 PM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400

Dorie Dillard Austin TX 

 With many divorces, you may work with sellers who are splitting up. Stay calm, avoid taking sides, and establish clear boundaries.

 

Jun 08, 2025 07:36 PM
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® CRS,ABR,PSA,RCS-D, CFSP
Big Block LPT Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
Coastal San Diego, Veteran's & Retirees Services

As a Real Estate Collaborative Specialist in Divorce I can share that Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400 is offering sage advice here. I also want to point out that well before your settlement conference, you should contact an agent with this understanding Like Margaret does or an agent like me (an RCS-D) or have your attorney do so. RCS-D's specialize in helping homeowners avoid the 5 Deadly Mistakes of Divorcing Homeowners. Waiting until you have your divorce decree often comes too late for RCS-D REALTORS to assist you effectively.
You only want to work with divorce trained REALTORS.

Jun 14, 2025 07:46 AM