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Getting a Divorce? 3 Ways to Prepare Your Home and Yourself

Divorce is an emotional rollercoaster. Whether one person has already moved out or you’re trying to cohabitate until you’ve decided who is living where and getting what, feelings have a way of spilling out even if you don’t intend them to. As a Realtor with both personal and professional divorce experience, I’ve been on both sides of the table; I’ve been through the splitting up of assets in my own divorce and advised my divorcing clients through the sales of their homes. Read on for three lessons I learned in the process.

1. Your Home is Your Most Valuable Asset

It may be tempting to take out your anger or apathy on your home – let the grass grow out as an expression of your own feelings of abandonment or ignore the leak in the bathroom, because why should you be the one to pay for it? As tempting as that may be, it’s important to keep in mind that your home is typically your most valuable asset. Regardless of whether you’re selling it, or one person is staying and the other going, the condition of your home will affect its value for both an appraisal and for potential buyers. 

It’s important to take care of your home and address maintenance issues quickly, especially if you are putting the home on the market. If your home is already showing signs of deferred maintenance, you might even consider a new coat of paint and attending to the little details you’ve been putting off. Worried about the bill for home maintenance at a time of uncertainty? Compass Concierge, an exclusive Compass program can front the cost of home improvements to get your home ready for sale, so it will sell faster and at a higher price when you’re ready.

2. Know Your Home’s Value - Right Now

The market is changing fast with higher interest rates recently implemented and talk of more on the horizon, so what was true of the market six or even three months ago, may not be true of the market in another three months. With the help of Compass high-tech valuation tool, your Compass real estate agent can estimate the value of your home in today’s market faster than ever. An experienced Realtor has the expertise to check the data against current trends to advise you, so you can make the best choices for you and your changing family dynamic. 
 

3. Plan Ahead

Get out ahead of the inevitable changes by preparing yourself and your home for the next steps. Even if one person is remaining at the property, deciding what items are staying and what is going and with whom sooner rather than later will make the transition less overwhelming when you are ready to move on - emotionally or to another home. Consider what information either the person staying in the home without the other, or a new buyer might need to know, and consolidate it - appliance warranties, sprinkler valves, the extra garage door opener. Planning for the little things that you can control will give you a sense of empowerment when faced with events you can’t control.

If you’re looking for a Realtor with the financial acumen and emotional intelligence to help you through the difficult mid-divorce home selling process, I can help you make the most out of your transition to your new life. As your real estate agent, I will respect your privacy, while also understanding and listening to your needs with complete discretion and confidentiality.  Contact me for a personal consultation.