7 things to know about selling your home during a separation or divorce
This post is part of our exciting new series that delves into the intricate world of real estate transactions during divorce or separation. We’ve teamed up with Divorce Real Estate Made Simple to offer you expert guidance, insider tips, and valuable advice to make this challenging journey a little easier to navigate.
Separating from your spouse is undeniably one of the most emotionally draining experiences you’ll ever endure. And navigating shared memories and sentimental value means the practical challenge of selling your marital home is considerably more complex than a typical real estate transaction.
To understand the complexities and considerations involved in selling while separating, we sat down with Property.ca Inc.’s Bram Sandow (a REALTOR® and Certified Divorce Specialist), and with Adam Linden, a broker who's also the brokerage's VP Agent & Business Development. Together, they form the divorce real estate experts behind Divorce Real Estate Made Simple.
What are some considerations when selling your marital home?
1. Impartial, expert guidance. According to Bram, “the majority of separations will be somewhat contentious when you have two parties at odds with one another.” So reaching out to a real estate friend or nephew to sell your home isn’t the best course of action.
In a separation or divorce, friends and family members are known to pick sides, which further complicates matters if they’re brought in to sell your place. Impartiality and expert guidance are key to ensuring both parties get what they need when selling a shared home. “Everyone communicates differently,” says Bram. “We always lead with empathy and match our communication style and delivery to the individual while remaining impartial throughout the process.” Clear, concise communication ensures both parties feel heard and understood. And get what they need.
2. Emotional awareness. Although each separation or divorce is challenging in its own way, kids (and even pets!) have a way of making an already emotionally charged situation even more stressful and problematic – who the kids will stay with, and where they’ll go to school are just some of the considerations separating spouses have to deal with.
“Emotional awareness is so important in these situations,” says Bram. We understand that the whole family is going through the separation—it’s never just the spouses.
3. Legal Guidance: When selling the home you share with your soon-to-be ex, it’s important to seek guidance from legal professionals who specialize in family law. And having an agent who can collaborate with your legal team to ensure a smooth and legally sound transaction makes all the difference.
“We don’t provide legal advice,” says Adam, “but we do understand the jargon and some of the legal requirements. And we know the right questions to ask: Do you have a separation agreement? Or a prenup? These are things to be considerate of when selling and we know how to navigate those obligations. We also tap into our vast network of lawyers, mediators, those who specialize in wills and estates, etc. to help our clients get the legal guidance needed to lessen their stress and anxiety.”
4. Financial Considerations. Selling your marital home involves financial implications for both you and your ex. From determining the listing price to negotiating offers, make sure to choose a REALTOR® who can leverage their expertise to help maximize the sale proceeds while considering your (and your spouse’s) financial goals and constraints.
5. Timing is Key. Depending on your circumstances, strategically timing the sale of your home can work to your advantage. Whether you're aiming to expedite the process or waiting for market conditions to improve, Bram and Adam provide personalized guidance to meet your needs and objectives.
6. Staging and Presentation. Presenting your home in the best possible light is essential for attracting potential buyers. “We work with professional stagers and leverage best practice marketing strategies to showcase your property's unique features and enhance its appeal in the competitive Toronto real estate market,” says Bram.
7. Future Planning: Beyond the sale of your marital home, it's essential to consider your long-term housing needs and financial stability. Whether you're downsizing, relocating, or exploring other housing options, Adam and Bram provide comprehensive, ongoing support to help you plan for the future with confidence.
Whether you’re just thinking about separating or are in the process of divorcing, get in touch with the experts at Divorce Real Estate Made Simple for the support you need during this challenging time, and a tailored approach unparalleled in the Toronto and GTA real estate market.
Looking for more content about this topic? Read our follow-up post: Why do I need a divorce real estate specialist?
About Divorce Real Estate Made Simple
Bram Sandow and Adam Linden, the experts behind Divorce Real Estate Made Simple, recognize the emotional toll divorce can take, especially as it involves significant life changes. Their exceptional team helps to streamline the process of selling your real estate assets and provides unparalleled support during this challenging period.
As Certified Divorce Specialists, these industry experts pride themselves on offering a customized approach that sets them apart: they blend decades of experience and market knowledge, coupled with compassion, confidentiality and unwavering dedication to guide you through the complexities of separation and divorce.
With Bram and Adam as your trusted partners, you're not just working with top-producing REALTORS®, you're gaining allies committed to easing your journey through this difficult and transitional phase.