When divorcing homeowners need to sell their marital home, the choice of a listing agent often becomes a critical decision. While it may be tempting to hire a friend, a family member, or the agent who initially sold the property, divorce real estate is a unique and complex process that requires more than standard real estate expertise.
The marital home often represents the largest asset, the most significant debt, and the emotionally charged piece of a divorce. This makes the selection of a listing agent a decision that should not be taken lightly. A Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert (CDRE®) understands the intricacies of these situations and offers specialized skills and training to navigate the complexities.
Why Interviewing the Right Realtor® Matters
If you and your spouse cannot agree on a listing agent—or if they insist on hiring someone without specialized divorce real estate expertise—it’s essential to conduct a thorough interview. The agent you choose will need the ability to remain neutral, handle high-conflict situations, and ensure compliance with court orders regarding the home’s sale and proceeds.
Here are 11 critical questions to ask potential Realtors when selling a marital home during a divorce:
1. How do you settle disputes when the parties can’t agree?
2. How will you communicate with us?
3. What is your protocol if one spouse wants a lockbox and the other does not?
4. How do you handle repairs that need to be made if there’s a disagreement about who pays?
5. What is your protocol if the out-spouse wants access to the property?
6. What training do you have in handling high-conflict cases in family law?
7. What is your protocol for access, meetings, and communication if there are restraining orders in place?
8. Do you represent a Buyer on your divorce listings?
9. If there’s only one spouse on title, what is your protocol for involving the non-titled spouse in the sale?
10. How do you ensure that the distribution of proceeds follows the court order?
11. Do you disclose to Buyers, agents, or in any advertising that this is a divorce listing?
Why Choose a Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert (CDRE®)?
The reality is that most Realtors lack the specialized training required to navigate divorce real estate effectively. A CDRE® is uniquely qualified to handle intersection of divorce, financial, and emotional complexities that come with selling a marital home during a divorce.
Certified Divorce Real Estate Experts undergo rigorous training to:
- Address high-conflict situations with professionalism and neutrality.
- Ensure compliance with court orders.
- Protect both parties’ interests throughout the transaction.
Divorce real estate is not business as usual—it demands a Realtor® who understands the stakes and has the expertise to handle the challenges.
By selecting a Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert such as Shannon Lindstrom with RE/MAX Results, you’re not just hiring an experienced Realtor®—you’re securing a trusted professional who can guide you through one of the most challenging transitions of your life.
For additional guidance on navigating divorce real estate in the Twin Cities, Minnesota, contact me, Shannon Lindstrom, Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert (CDRE®), at 612-616-9714. She is here to help both parties achieve a fair and successful home sale.
Shannon Lindstrom, Realtor®, CDRE®, CREDS, CRS, GREEN, MILRES, MRP, VCA
RE/MAX Results
7373 Kirkwood Court No, Ste. 300
Maple Grove, MN 55369
Direct: 612-616-9714
Lindstrom_S@msn.com
Shannon@ShannonLindstromRealtor.com
www.ShannonLindstromRealtor.com
www.ShannonLindstrom.info
www.ilumniinstitute.com/cdre/shannon-lindstrom
www.MNDivorceRealEstateExpert.com
www.MinnesotaMilitaryVeteranRealEstateAgent.com
