Selling a home is a big project on a good day. During a divorce, every decision has two people, two attorneys and a lot of emotion attached to it. The couples who have the smoothest sales are the ones who agree on the basics before the sign goes in the yard.
Here are eight things I recommend settling first, ideally with your attorneys' input.
1. Both signatures
If you both own the home, you will both need to sign the listing and the sale documents. Make sure each of you is ready before we start marketing.
2. Who lives there until closing
Decide who stays in the home, who handles showings and who keeps it clean and show-ready. A clear plan keeps buyers coming and tempers down.
3. Who pays what
The mortgage, property taxes, insurance, HOA fees and utilities do not pause during a divorce. Agree on who covers each one until the home sells. Late payments can hurt both of your credit scores.
4. The list price, and how it changes
Agree on a price based on one neutral market analysis, and decide in advance how you will handle a price adjustment if the market calls for one.
5. How offers get approved
Set a simple process for reviewing offers and agree on how quickly you will both respond. In a competitive situation, a slow "yes" can cost you the best buyer.
6. Repairs and prep
Decide on a budget for paint, repairs and staging, and who pays for it. Often a small investment pays off at the closing table.
7. How the proceeds are handled
Your settlement agreement or court order should spell out how the money from the sale is held and divided. The title company follows those instructions at closing.
8. How you will communicate
Text, email or phone? I share the same updates with both of you, and with your attorneys when you would like, so everyone has the same information and nobody is paying for extra legal time just to stay in the loop.
Want this as a checklist you can work through together? Download my free guide, Your Home and Your Divorce. It includes this pre-listing checklist, a support team worksheet and questions to ask your lender. You can also read more on my Divorce and Your Home page or call me confidentially at 727-418-5756.
This article is general information, not legal or tax advice. I am a licensed Florida real estate professional with Compass, not an attorney. Please talk with your family law attorney and a CPA about your situation.