Selling During a Divorce

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Jennifer Juliano, REALTOR®<br />Keller Williams Realty<br />Boston-MetroWest<br />Member: KW Luxury Homes<br />Mobile: (508) 294-0778<br />I’ll Make It Happen.<br />You’ll Make It Home.

Jennifer Juliano, REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty
Boston-MetroWest
Member: KW Luxury Homes
Mobile: (508) 294-0778
I’ll Make It Happen.
You’ll Make It Home.

By Jennifer Juliano

Life’s most stressful events—death, financial strain, health challenges, moving, and divorce—are often behind the decision to sell a home. While these situations are rarely glamorous, they’re often necessary. Can you navigate these life changes and come out okay? The short answer is yes.

For example, selling a home during a divorce adds emotional and logistical complexities. I’ve seen agents approach these situations with misplaced enthusiasm about approaching divorcing clients strictly as a source of business, something that, in my humblest of opinions, lacks both compassion and practicality. Others may assume that simply since they’ve been divorced themselves, they must be able to handle these sales better than others. The truth is that every case is unique, and neutrality is critical when representing both homeowners who are often struggling to even communicate with each other, never mind an outside party. An agent’s unconscious bias, experience with situations where that can be more highly charged than usual, or lack of sensitivity can unnecessarily escalate tensions.

Prolonging the process, whether by making showings difficult, intentionally overpricing, or resorting to spiteful actions such as late payments strictly to hurt the other—only adds stress and has long-term consequences, including damaged credit among other things. Years later, I’ve heard clients regret decisions made in the heat of the moment.

Collaboration and clear communication are key to successfully navigating these challenges. Agents must listen, stay calm, observe, and provide practical recommendations. Understanding legal and emotional dynamics—such as restraining orders or sensitive circumstances—can prevent costly, or in some cases, dangerous, mistakes. Transparency about the sale’s reasons to outside parties isn’t required and often works against the seller’s interests.

While selling a home tied to significant life changes can be emotional, it’s also a step toward a new chapter. You can confidently transition with the right support team while holding onto your cherished memories. A house may change hands, but your positive moments will always remain yours if you choose to keep them.

 

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