Real Estate Moves to Make Before You Divorce
If you’re reading this, you may be standing at the edge of a big life change — one that’s emotional, complicated, and full of decisions you never thought you’d have to make. As a real estate professional and someone who’s worked with many clients navigating divorce, I can tell you this: the decisions you make before the divorce is finalized can have a lasting impact on your financial future.
Here are the key considerations I share with clients in your shoes:
1. Know Your Numbers.
Before emotions take over, gather the facts. Get an accurate market value for your home from a trusted local agent (not just a Zestimate). Understand your mortgage balance, property taxes, home equity, and any liens. This is your starting point for every conversation that follows.
2. Don’t Rush to Sell Without a Plan.
Many couples feel pressure to list their home immediately. Sometimes that’s necessary, but often it’s worth pausing to strategize. Could one party buy the other out? Would renting the property for a year give you breathing room? Rushed sales rarely produce the best outcomes.
3. Consider the Long-Term Costs of Staying.
It’s easy to be attached to “keeping the house” for stability’s sake, especially if kids are involved.
But ask yourself: can you realistically manage the mortgage, taxes, insurance, and upkeep on one income? Your financial comfort is as important as your emotional comfort.
4. Think About Timing and Taxes.
If you’ve owned your home and lived in it for at least two of the past five years, you may qualify for a capital gains exclusion when you sell — but your filing status after divorce can change the math. Talk to your CPA before you sign anything.
5. Keep Emotions Out of Appraisals.
This is one of the hardest parts. The home you built together holds memories, but in the eyes of the market, it’s worth what buyers are willing to pay. Staying objective protects your equity. Divorce is hard enough without adding preventable financial regret to the mix. If you’re uncertain, involve your divorce attorney, financial advisor, and a real estate agent, or better yet a real estate advisor, who understands the nuances of selling during a separation.
If you’re facing these decisions and want clarity before you act, contact me for a confidential conversation. Together, we can create a plan that protects your equity, preserves your options, and positions you for your next chapter.
Looking for more information? Connect today with Peace Nguyen!
