Divorce Client Checklist for Realtors®

√Has your client signed a (Partial) Property Settlement Agreement or has the court entered a Divorce Decree?

√How does the Agreement or Decree address the home?

√Have you reached an Agreement on the major assets of your marriage?

√Who will maintain exclusive use of the marital residence during the separation period?

√When have the parties agreed to list the home?

√How will a party be reimbursed for repairs to get the home in show-ready condition?

√How will the parties manage lowering the price? 

√How will the parties mediate disagreement?

√How will one spouse potentially buyout the other spouse—at what valuation?

√Before you give advice, understand the psychological interplay at work between the parties.

√Proving fault does not mean a client will be able to keep the house outright—and rarely alters property division by more than a few percentage points.

√Always use an honest, accurate home appraisal—a fudged report will disrupt the prospect of settlement.

√If a non-earner spouse is concerned of how to meet mortgage/expense payments during separation, have them speak to their attorney about a pendente lite/temporary hearing to ensure the home mortgage is paid until a decree/agreement is entered.

√You’ll know you truly understand the psychology of decision-making of your client when they rely on you for decisions, and how personally they show their gratitude at the end of the matter.

Complimentary book on divorce & custody available at SmithStrong.com.