How Do You Sell a Home in Ankeny During a Divorce?
Going through a divorce is a difficult and emotional process, and selling a home in the middle of it can add even more stress. For many couples in Ankeny, their home is their largest shared asset, making it a key part of the divorce settlement. But how do you navigate the sale while ensuring the best financial and emotional outcome?
At Allison Hart Home Team, we understand the unique challenges that come with selling a home during a divorce. Our goal is to help you sell quickly, efficiently, and with as little stress as possible. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about selling your home in Ankeny during a divorce—including legal considerations, financial factors, and practical tips to make the process smoother.
1. Should You Sell or Keep the Home?
One of the first decisions to make is whether to sell the home or if one spouse will keep it. Here are the most common options:
A. Selling the Home and Splitting the Proceeds
For many couples, the easiest and most practical solution is to sell the home and divide the profits. This option allows both parties to move forward financially and emotionally.
✔ Eliminates shared mortgage responsibility
✔ Provides both spouses with a fresh financial start
✔ Prevents ongoing disputes over homeownership
B. One Spouse Buys Out the Other
If one spouse wants to stay in the home, they may buy out the other’s share of the equity. This often involves:
- Refinancing the mortgage to remove the other spouse’s name
- Paying the departing spouse their share of the home’s value
- Ensuring the remaining spouse can afford the home on a single income
C. Keeping Joint Ownership Temporarily
In some cases, ex-spouses agree to keep the home temporarily—for instance, until children graduate from school or until market conditions improve. However, this arrangement requires clear agreements on mortgage payments, maintenance, and future selling plans.
📌 Pro Tip: Deciding whether to sell or keep the home is a big financial decision. Always consult with a financial advisor or attorney before making final choices.
2. Legal Considerations When Selling During a Divorce
Before listing the home, it’s important to understand the legal aspects involved in selling a home during a divorce in Ankeny.
A. Who Has the Legal Right to Sell?
In Iowa, if both spouses are on the deed, both must agree to the sale unless a court orders otherwise. If one spouse refuses to sell, the court may need to step in.
B. Divorce Agreement or Court Order
If your divorce is finalized, your divorce agreement will outline what happens to the home. If the divorce is still in progress, a temporary court order may dictate whether the home can be sold.
📌 Important: Never sign any listing agreement or contract without ensuring it aligns with your divorce terms.
C. Choosing a Neutral Real Estate Agent
Working with a trusted Ankeny Realtor like Allison Hart Home Team ensures that both parties have a neutral, professional representative guiding the process. A skilled agent can:
✔ Help both parties communicate effectively
✔ Provide market insights for pricing decisions
✔ Handle offers and negotiations fairly
3. Preparing the Home for Sale Amid Divorce
Once the decision to sell has been made, preparing the home for the market is the next step. This can be challenging during a divorce, but staying organized can help the process move smoothly.
A. Determine Who Handles Prep Work
Divorce can make home preparation tricky. Decide in advance:
- Who will handle necessary repairs and updates?
- Who will pay for staging, cleaning, or landscaping?
- Who will be responsible for communicating with the Realtor?
B. Declutter and Depersonalize
Since both spouses are moving out, this is the perfect time to declutter and depersonalize the home:
✔ Remove personal photos and items
✔ Clear out excess furniture to make rooms look bigger
✔ Keep décor neutral to appeal to more buyers
C. Set an Agreed-Upon Asking Price
Work with your Ankeny real estate agent to set a fair and competitive listing price. If you and your ex can’t agree, an appraisal or market analysis can help determine the home’s value.
📌 Pro Tip: Overpricing the home due to emotional attachment can lead to delays in selling. A realistic price gets faster and better offers.
4. Handling Offers and Closing the Sale
A. Reviewing Offers Together
Once offers start coming in, both parties will need to agree on:
✔ Which offer to accept
✔ Any counteroffers or negotiations
✔ Final closing terms
B. Splitting Profits and Costs
After the home sells, you’ll need to determine how to divide the profits (or losses). Your divorce agreement may dictate this, or you may need to negotiate. Common costs that may be split include:
- Mortgage payoff
- Real estate commissions
- Closing costs
- Any repairs or concessions offered to the buyer
📌 Important: If a court has issued instructions on dividing proceeds, be sure to follow those legal guidelines.
C. The Closing Process
At closing, both parties typically sign the necessary paperwork. If tensions are high, arrangements can often be made for separate signing times. Once the sale is finalized, the proceeds will be distributed according to the divorce agreement.
5. Moving Forward After the Sale
Selling a home during a divorce can be emotionally and financially draining, but once the sale is complete, it’s time to focus on the future.
A. Finding a New Home
If you need help finding a new place in Ankeny, the Allison Hart Home Team can assist you in securing a new home that fits your new lifestyle and budget.
B. Managing Post-Sale Finances
Work with a financial advisor to manage proceeds from the home sale and set up your next financial steps.
C. Taking the Next Step
Divorce and moving can be overwhelming, but selling your home doesn’t have to be. With the right support, you can move forward with confidence.
📌 Need guidance on selling your home in Ankeny during a divorce? The Allison Hart Home Team is here to help you navigate the process with professionalism, discretion, and expert knowledge.
Final Thoughts: Selling Your Home in Ankeny During a Divorce
Selling a home during a divorce doesn’t have to be a battle. With careful planning, clear communication, and the right Realtor, you can sell your home efficiently and fairly.
If you’re facing this challenging situation, the Allison Hart Home Team is here to provide expert real estate guidance and help you move forward smoothly.
📞 Need help selling your home in Ankeny during a divorce? Contact Allison Hart at 515-210-5198 today for expert advice and a stress-free selling process.
