Our clients come from all walks of life, and so, the decision to sell a home stems from a variety of different reasons. One thing they all have in common, however, is a deeply rooted feeling of wanting a fresh start– whatever that may be.
This was especially true for Nathan, our latest client, who was on the cusp of becoming newly divorced. His need to start over was tied to wanting to regain a sense of happiness that he felt he was starting to lose.
For Nathan, divorce was a shocking experience in itself. Combined with selling a home during a divorce in Dallas, Texas , he had felt stuck and unable to move in either direction. We learned from him that divorce can bring emotional turmoil that can feel at times paralyzing.
We realize that marriage is a bond between two imperfect people who choose to love one another. The journey to the altar is in itself, full of hopes, aspirations, and a promise to endure all the trials of life while strengthening each other every step of the way— the “I do.”
Unfortunately, for Nathan, the marriage agreement had a devastating impact– the “I do” became an, “I don’t,” and, “I just can’t anymore.” He was in dire need of healing.
If you find yourself in the same situation as Nathan, here are six things to consider to help you get through the process so that you can finally find peace and emotional recovery just like he did so that you can move on with your life.
1) Going through a divorce and selling a home are some of life’s most stressful events.
Arguments with your spouse pop up at the slightest chance and they continue in frequency, length, and intensity. It seems like there is a never-ending flood of vent up insecurity, criticism, pessimism, anger, and discouragement. Your sense of reality has been shaken because now you have to make drastic changes to your life that you weren’t prepared for– don’t worry, you are not alone.
Divorce is a package deal of painful emotions—and it can feel paralyzing. Where to start and how? Your mind is spinning. But you are not alone. Thousands if not hundreds of thousands have traveled this journey and were able to find relief, and so will you.
2) The greatest step towards relief is knowing what to do with your home.
Your home no longer feels the same way to you that it once did. It feels like you are trapped in a building full of bittersweet memories and it’s holding the two of you back from being able to move on.
You and your spouse have been contemplating about selling your home during a divorce in Dallas. The decision feels right yet you feel as if you are not in the right state of mind. The tiniest decision feels excruciating and exhausting.
You can feel the financial pressure mounting. Decisions to upgrade your home to be ready for the real estate market will cost hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars.
You also have to put yourself in the role of a designer when really, you don’t have the heart for it. You are not feeling your social self—you’re going through a divorce after all—but you still have to meet and interact with different realtors who are all giving you different advice.
3) Consult your divorce attorney to help you understand your options when selling a home during a divorce in Dallas Texas
Arguments between you and your spouse has become the norm rather than the exception, but this is the time to put your rampant emotions aside.
It’s a good idea to proceed into divorce negotiations calmly. The house is one of the most major and financially valuable shared asset. Selling a home during a divorce in Dallas is a complicated issue because it’s likely that you each contributed for the purchase of the home.
Dividing up the property is not easy however. You do not want to leave it up to the courts. Having a divorce attorney will help you understand all the legal ramifications that come with questions of ownership.
Most divorced couples are given two options regarding what to do with their home:
1. One is able to keep the home and buy out the other.
This can lead to the removal of the spouse’s name in the mortgage tile and/or property deed. From there, one can choose to use the home for themselves indefinitely or live in it until the home is ready to be sold.
Choosing to live in the home makes sense for those who have a child to raise. Without children, however, or with children who have already all grown up, divorced couples have very little incentive to keep the home.
2. The home is put in the real estate market and the assets are split between the divorcees
This is ideal for newly divorced couples without children, or with children who have left the home long ago, and who wish to maintain any resemblance of peace between them— this is likely what you and your spouse are looking for because the arguments have become too intense.
Many divorced couples have chosen this option because they too have wanted a fresh start, for the arguments to end.
The two of you may have reached your quota of frustration and want this whole process over with already. Selling the home is the much needed step towards a fresh start for both you and your spouse. Yet, most couples forget one important detail.
4) Putting the house on the real estate market is not a quick and easy process.
For some, they are not even able to sell their home during a divorce.
What does the real estate market look like? Does a market of potential buyers—for your home specifically—even exist? It’s not likely if you are selling your home in its as-is condition.
5) Know that Your home’s first impression is important when selling a home during a divorce in Dallas, Texas.
Buyers will scrutinize your home’s first impression. A poorly painted exterior and even a bent garage door can be a strong reason to turn buyers away. Buyers typically imagine what it’s like to live in a home 5, 10, and 30 years down the line. That’s because for many, the purchase of a home means more than simply owning property— it means stability and has emotional significance.
It’s necessary that your home goes through the proper renovations before heading to the real estate market if it is to even have a chance.
Yet, renovations are an energy drainer. They can take anywhere from six months to a couple years to complete. They involve hundreds of micro-decisions that you would have to make along with your spouse.
Unfortunately, couples tend to feel frustrated about the necessary renovations and argue endlessly.
6) A company can take care of the entire process for you.
When you are selling a home during a divorce in Dallas, Texas, We can take your home as-is right away.
We know exactly what types of remodeling your home needs in order to succeed in the real estate market. From the tiniest detail such as the color of a light fixture to the larger more intensive projects such as landscaping the entire backyard, we know what to do. Let us take care of all the decisions for you.
When Nathan was going through a divorce, he faced a rollercoaster of emotions that felt endless. Today, Nathan has the freedom to begin anew.
We know that divorce is a heartbreaking event and no-one can truly know how it feels until someone walks in those shoes, but we are here to help. Thankfully, the first step towards relief can be found by understanding what to do with your home. If you are wanting to be in the process of selling a home during a divorce in Dallas, Texas, and want the process expedited, let us take care of you so that you can be on your way to emotional recovery.
* A pseudonym has been given for purposes of confidentiality