When you decide to get a divorce, there are a lot of issues that need to be dealt with that can be downright overwhelming and emotionally draining, I know having gone through one or two myself. One of the most emotionally charged decisions that must be made involves deciding the fate of the family home. Hi, I’m Sherri Echols, Broker Associate with RE/MAX Bryan – College Station and I am a certified real estate divorce specialist. The family home is more than four walls and a roof. For most, it’s the place where you’ve built a life with your spouse and often raised a family. There are typically many memories, and a lot of security, wrapped up in the family home. So, when it comes time to decide who gets the house in the settlement or if it is going to be sold, it is understandable that many people find it difficult to make these decisions. But making an emotional decision can have consequences. If you are early in the divorce process and trying to decide what to do with the family home, the sooner you decide the better. While having these discussions, here are four key questions you will need to ask. 1. Will the property be sold, and if so, when? 2. Which spouse will stay in the home until the property is sold? 3. Who will pay for the mortgage, maintenance costs, and other expenses associated with the home until it’s sold? 4. If one spouse wants to keep the home as part of the settlement, what arrangements will be made to do so such as refinancing or buying the other spouse out. If you have agreed to sell the home, now is the time to find a reputable realtor who can represent both of your interests and best guide you through the process of selling the home while going through a divorce. Please remember I am not an attorney or tax consultant, I’m just giving some free advice so be sure to speak to the appropriate parties during this difficult time. If this speaks to you give me a call so we can talk about what you need to get done. I’m your Community Market Leader Sherri Echols, a helping hand for a happy home.
