It’s an unfortunate reality that more couples decide to separate at the start of a new year than at any other time. It is always a stressful process, made even more stressful when there is jointly owned property involved. The best advice any solicitor would give you is to adopt a cooperative approach to the sale of your home and a good, understanding real estate agent can make that process much easier. But before jumping in to the sale of your assets, there are some actions you must take first.
Before contacting a solicitor:
- Get your finances in order.
- Estimate the value of each of your assets and liabilities (getting an appraisal of your property from a real estate professional will give you the most accurate figure).
- Make copies of all relevant contracts, certificates and agreements.
The next step is to get legal advice and determine if you can settle out of court or, if a mutual agreement is not possible, arrange a court hearing.
The earlier you can come to a mutually satisfactory agreement, the sooner you can start rebuilding your life. Often this begins with a decision of whether or not to sell. Selling is not your only option when dividing property as one party may choose to buy the other out.
If keeping the property is not viable, there is no option but to sell. That’s when finding the right real estate agent is critical, an agent with experience in these matters and knows how to handle the sale of a home during separation or divorce with sensitivity, care and discretion towards both parties.
At Shelmark, we have significant experience in handling sensitive property sales, including the sale of property for a couple going through a separation. One method we use that can help is to sell discretely, without a signboard or advertising on the open market. Many separating couples opt for this method of sale as it ensures privacy from inquisitive neighbours and friends during an intensely emotional and stressful time in their lives.
Selling discretely avoids scrutiny from others and keeps things private but doesn’t stop us from finding and securing the right buyer through our extensive database of buyers and qualified buyer connections. We can also work with you individually to help each of you secure a new home that meets your current needs and budget.
Contact Shelley on 0417 963 670 or Mark on 0411 552 309 for a private and obligation free chat to learn more about how we can help.