Divorce generally results in one person retaining the family home and the other party buying or renting a new one. Whether you plan to sell your home or purchase a new one, your Raleigh divorce lawyer can help you establish a timeline that will help you transition as seamlessly as possible.
The first thing your Raleigh divorce lawyer may suggest is that you find a real estate agent who understands your unique needs. A seller’s agent acts in the best interest of the seller, while a buyer’s agent acts in the best interest of the buyer.
Finding a Real Estate Agent during a Raleigh Divorce
There are three reasons your Raleigh divorce lawyer may suggest that you find a real estate agent during divorce: you must sell your family home or you must purchase a new home – or you need to do both.
Some real estate agents specialize in working with people embroiled in divorce, according to NPR, and that type of agent may make the process easier on everyone involved.
Ask your Raleigh divorce lawyer if he or she knows a real estate agent who can help you. Your Raleigh divorce lawyer may be familiar with local professionals who have helped others in situations similar to yours. If you choose not to ask your Raleigh divorce lawyer for a referral, you can also search on your own. However, remember that family and friends who have worked with a real estate agent will be able to provide you with personal feedback about the agent before you take the leap.
What to Ask Your Real Estate Agent during Your Raleigh Divorce
As with hiring any professional, you should ask potential real estate agents about their backgrounds. How much experience do they have? What do they do to market homes in your area? What is their fee schedule?
Selling: If you are selling your home, ask your Raleigh divorce lawyer what the timeline looks like. Let potential real estate agents know that you are working with a Raleigh divorce lawyer and whether they can expect your spouse to be cooperative. Additionally, ask potential real estate agents what you can do to increase the value of your home before you list it.
Buying: During or after your divorce, you may be expected to move. Your Raleigh divorce lawyer will help you determine the estimated date on which you need to move, and you should pass that information on to potential real estate agents. Letting potential real estate agents know that you’re working with a Raleigh divorce lawyer can help them find a property that suits your new circumstances.
What to Discuss with Your Raleigh Divorce Lawyer
You’ll communicate with your Raleigh divorce lawyer often, and there are a few things you should mention if you are considering selling or purchasing a home during your divorce.
• Discuss your financial situation with your Raleigh divorce lawyer. If you cannot afford your family home on your own salary, your Raleigh divorce lawyer may advise you to sell it.
• Keep your Raleigh divorce lawyer updated on your living arrangements. When you move, your Raleigh divorce lawyer needs to know – it may affect your case in some way.
• Tell your Raleigh divorce lawyer if you encounter any snags in the selling or buying process. Your Raleigh divorce lawyer needs to know whether he or she needs to petition the court to allow you to stay in your current home or take other action.
Your Raleigh divorce lawyer should be able to provide you with guidance on whether you should sell your current home or purchase a new one; based on years of experience with clients in similar situations, your Raleigh divorce lawyer is always looking out for your best interests.
