How to Choose a Realtor during or after Divorce

• Selling or buying a home during or after divorce?
• Traits of a good realtor
• How to interview multiple realtors

One of the most significant parts of the divorce process for many divorcing couples is deciding what to do with the marital home. If you’re selling your home during or after divorce, you want a realtor who can guide you through the process with expertise. 

Selling or buying a home during or after divorce?

Selling the home you shared with your spouse can be an emotional process. It’s helpful to find a skilled real estate agent who understands the unique dynamics of selling a home during or after divorce and can navigate any challenges that may arise.

In some cases, one spouse may wish to keep the home and buy out the other's share. If this is part of your settlement agreement, you may need to work with a realtor who can help you find and purchase a new home as well. 

A realtor who specializes in divorce real estate can be a valuable resource during this difficult time. They can help you to make informed decisions that serve your long-term interests.

Traits of a good realtor

Here are some traits to look for in a realtor.

Experience

An experienced realtor who has worked with divorcing couples – or perhaps been through a divorce case themselves – can relate to the unique challenges and emotions involved in the division of property and the selling or buying of a home amid divorce. The guidance and support they offer courtesy of their past experiences can help you feel more “at home” as you work through the process.

Do you want to keep your home in your divorce settlement but feel unsure how to afford it? Learn more about mortgage refinance here.

Market knowledge

A good realtor has a strong grasp of current real estate market conditions and trends in your area. This helps them get an accurate valuation and price your home competitively.

An agent with marketing knowledge can advise you on the optimal listing price given factors such as location, size, market value, the condition of the property, and even the property tax rate in your area. Overpricing or underpricing your home could lead to a longer time on the market or reduced profits. A realtor who understands the market can save you money and help you move on to the next phase of your life more quickly.

Do you know how your marital assets should be divided? A lot depends on whether you live in an equitable distribution or community property state. Find out if you live in an equitable distribution state here.

Professionalism

A professional and ethical realtor communicates clearly, promptly, and compassionately. They are responsive to your queries and requests, which is especially helpful if you’re in a hurry to sell your home. They are mindful of deadlines and help keep you on track. In short, they are reliable and possess the highest standard of professionalism.

Personality

A realtor with a compassionate and empathetic personality can make a big difference in your experience. You’ll feel more comfortable discussing your needs and concerns with someone who is understanding and patient. Look for someone who is willing to listen to you and who can offer practical solutions that meet your unique needs.

Scope of services

A realtor who offers comprehensive services will be able to help you with everything from listing your property and marketing it effectively to conducting open houses, negotiating offers, and closing the deal. They should also be able to help you find a new home, if you plan to buy after the divorce. 

Having a realtor who offers a broad scope of services is helpful because you have a single point of contact to handle all aspects of the transaction.

How to interview multiple realtors

It's important to interview multiple real estate agents before settling on one to help you sell your family home. You might get referrals from friends, relatives, or colleagues who have recently gone through a divorce. You might attend open houses or call local real estate agencies to find an agent who specializes in divorce real estate.

When interviewing realtors, ask about their experience working with divorcing couples and what services they offer. Also ask for references, and check their online reviews to learn about their professional track record.

Trust your instincts when choosing a realtor. You want someone who understands your situation and with whom you feel comfortable. This is especially important if you’re selling the home jointly with your ex-spouse, as everyone involved must be comfortable with the realtor.

At Hello Divorce, we know divorce is complex, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. That's why we offer a range of services to meet the diverse needs of our clients. Whether you need help with mediation, legal document preparation, or divorce coaching, we’re here to support you every step of the way. 

Check out our free-to-use home equity buyout calculator, which can help you determine how to divide your home's equity between you and your ex-spouse.