I’d love it if every one of my columns could be about the rosy side of home ownership. But the reality is that a fair number of my clients will, at one point or another, face the unhappy prospect of divorce. In my role as an Ottawa realtor, there are several ways I can help them get through this painful time.
While a lawyer is the
go-to expert on legal matters, I like to make sure that my clients have taken stock of their
financial resources and weighed every option
before deciding whether to sell or to stay. Unless you’ve got a pre-nuptial
agreement, the value of your home will be equally split between you and your
partner. While one partner sometimes refinances the existing mortgage, most of
my divorcing clients agree to sell the matrimonial home and find individual
residences.
It
can be tempting to install that For Sale
sign right away, but taking the time to find a realtor who is responsive to
your needs will ultimately lessen your stress level. The right realtor will
provide valuable insights on choosing a next home, given your change in
circumstances. When the breakup is particularly angry or awkward, your realtor
should feel comfortable mediating between you and your ex-partner during the selling
process. And finally, a great realtor will guide you to a skilled professional
stager.
Staging
your home for sale is always important, but never more so than when you’re
selling because of divorce. It’s a fact that buyers will pick up on subtle
signs of a house divided; either they’ll be turned off altogether, or they’ll
treat it as an invitation for rock-bottom bids.
With
that in mind, do your best to reveal nothing about your estrangement. There’s
no need to hang a giant wedding photo above the bed – but do maintain the
bedroom as though it’s a shared space. If possible, clothing from both partners
should hang in the closets; if one partner is using a spare bedroom, it should
appear to be a welcoming space for guests. Naturally, legal papers should always
be kept in a safe, secure place.
As
your surroundings become more neutral, and your emotionally-loaded personal
items are boxed up, you’ll find it easier to begin planning for the next stage
of your life. Have faith: your home, sweet home is out there.
Visit www.bennettpros.com for all your real estate needs
