Homeownership and Divorce: What To Do About Your House

The evil D word, nobody wants it, but it happens to 50% or more of us. Orange County sky rockets the national divorce average from 50% to 72%. Did you know that divorces spike in August and January? As summer winds down, we thought it would be a good idea to give you some pointers on this super touchy subject.

Listing your home during a divorce

MANY of our listings are divorce sales, and we strive to provide solutions to better protect our clients. It’s a HARD time, and we want to make it as easy as we can when it comes to the most important asset. For this reason, I just earned my RCS-D designation with Professor Kelly Murray, who has degrees from Stanford & Harvard Law. Watch this video to find out some important tips to a successful resolution of the house during a dissolution:

Real Estate Collaborative Specialist – Divorce

Did you know that less than 50 Realtors in Orange County, CA have this prestigious designation? Did you know the standard in divorce when it comes to real estate is an appraisal and a mortgage statement?? That’s IT.

• NO inspection reports
• NO previous title search for liens or secret mortgages
• NO insurance search to confirm the property can be refinanced
• NO preapproval to make sure the home can *actually* be refinanced by one party or the other on their own

Property division is permanent, and not all divorce attorneys are stellar when it comes to real estate handlings. Things you sign in mediation are binding, and sometimes you feel rushed into these decisions. CONTACT US for a no obligation conversation on how you can protect yourself before you ever walk into court or mediation.

Hard Scenarios You MUST Consider During Divorce

Scenario 1: “Oh, just let them keep the house.”

Are you sure about that? One late payment can be 100 credit points! Do you care about your credit score? Ask yourself: Can you or your ex ACTUALLY qualify for the refinance?

• For example: Can you use your alimony or support payments, and if so, how soon? Many banks have a 6/36 rule. They want to see 6 months consistent income, and receive evidence that 36 months of income will continue before they will lend.

Scenario 2: “It’s ok, I’ll just go buy another house.”

ASK: If you allow your ex to keep the house, will YOU still qualify for with your name on the old mortgage? Can you start your next chapter?

• For example: In the eyes of a lender, both parties don’t have 50/50 responsibility on a loan……you each have to pay 100% if the other defaults. Does this ruin your chances of qualifying for a second home in your name? Make it a point to find out before you make a promise you can’t keep.

Scenario 3: “I lost my job / health & I can’t pay.”

Consider what might happen in a worst case scenario. Would you be able to carry two homes to save your credit? Or possibly be willing to sell in a down market?

• UNFORTUNATE FACT: Only 25-30% of individuals regain homeownership 7-10 years after foreclosure. Don’t let your divorce put you into this pool.

If you need help deciding what to do with your house during a divorce talk to the proper Divorce Professionals who can give you the protection, tools, and timeline to make your future a success. We have an entire team waiting to assist you, from moving out all clutter for free to pulling the necessary paperwork to know what you truly owe and own on your properties.

Please reach out to Angie via phone or text anytime at 949-338-7408. Always confidential, always caring, always at your service.