What to Do with a Property When Going Through a Divorce

Divorce is never easy and deciding what to do with the family home can be one of the most emotional and financially significant decisions you’ll face. Whether you're just starting the process of finalizing the settlement, it’s important to understand your options—and the impact each can have on your future.

In this post, we’ll walk you through what to consider when handling real estate during a divorce and how working with the right real estate professional can help reduce stress and protect your interests.

Common Options for the Family Home in Divorce

1. Sell the Home and Split the Proceeds

This is often the cleanest solution. Selling the home provides both parties with a fresh financial start and avoids the emotional and logistical complications of one spouse keeping the property.

Pros:

• Equitable division of equity

• Eliminates future mortgage responsibilities for both parties

• Provides cash that may help fund separate housing or legal expenses

Things to consider:

• Agreeing on list price, agent, repairs, and how to divide proceeds

• Timing the sale appropriately during the divorce process

2. One Spouse Buys Out the Other

In some cases, one party may want to keep the home, especially if children are involved. This typically requires refinancing the mortgage under one name and paying the other party their share of the equity.

Important factors:

• Qualifying for a new loan on your own income

• Determining fair market value of the home

• Agreeing on terms and timelines for the buyout

3. Co-Own the Home Temporarily

Some couples choose to delay selling and continue to co-own the property—especially when children are still in school or the market conditions aren’t ideal.

However: This option requires a high degree of cooperation and a clearly defined agreement about mortgage payments, repairs, and future sale timelines.

Tips for a Smoother Process

• Get a Professional Home Evaluation: An experienced real estate agent can provide a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) or arrange for an appraisal to determine fair market value.

• Understand the Mortgage and Title: Who is legally on the mortgage? Who is on title? This can affect how the property is divided and who is responsible for payments.

• Factor in Capital Gains: Consult with a tax advisor about how the sale (or transfer) may affect your taxes, especially if you’ve owned the home for several years.

• Work With a Neutral Real Estate Professional: It helps to have a trusted, neutral third party to manage the sale and communication objectively, especially when emotions run high.

Why the Right Real Estate Agent Matters

Divorce real estate transactions come with added emotional and legal layers. You need someone who can:

• Stay neutral and respectful to both parties

• Coordinate with attorneys, mediators, or financial advisors

• Manage timelines carefully during or after legal proceedings

• Offer privacy, professionalism, and clear communication

Final Thoughts

If you’re navigating a divorce and unsure what to do with your shared home, you don’t have to figure it out alone. A calm, knowledgeable approach can make a difficult situation far more manageable.

Call real estate professional Sandra Ramberg for guidance on your options, including a confidential property valuation. Sandra has helped many local homeowners through transitional moments with care, clarity, and expert strategy.

📞 Reach out today for a private consultation Sandra Ramberg 951-500-1998.

Serving Riverside County including Temecula, Murrieta, Menifee, Winchester, Hemet-San Jacinto, Perris, Moreno Valley and San Bernardino County including Beaumont, Banning, Yucaipa, Calimesa, and surrounding areas.