Your Complete Divorce Home Sale Checklist
Selling your home during divorce involves many steps. This comprehensive checklist helps you stay organized and ensures nothing is missed. Print this page or download it as a reference throughout your sale process.
Phase 1: Initial Planning and Decision Making
Pre-Sale Planning
- □Schedule consultation with divorce real estate specialist (Dr. Jan Duffy)
- □Get accurate home valuation for property division
- □Calculate equity position (home value minus mortgage)
- □Understand all property division options (sell, buyout, co-own)
- □Consult with family law attorney about property division
- □Review financial implications of each option
- □Make decision on property division approach
- □Document decision in settlement agreement or court order
Phase 2: Preparing for Sale
Home Preparation
- □Coordinate with spouse on sale preparation (if applicable)
- □Declutter and remove personal items
- □Remove family photos and personal memorabilia
- □Deep clean entire home (carpets, windows, bathrooms, kitchen)
- □Make necessary repairs (leaks, broken fixtures, etc.)
- □Paint walls neutral colors if needed
- □Stage home for showings (or hire stager)
- □Coordinate showing schedule with both spouses
- □Prepare home for professional photography
Phase 3: Listing and Marketing
Listing Process
- □Both spouses sign listing agreement (if required)
- □Set listing price based on market analysis
- □Professional photography completed
- □Virtual tour created (if applicable)
- □Property listed on MLS
- □Online marketing launched (Zillow, Realtor.com, etc.)
- □Open house scheduled (if appropriate)
- □Coordinate showings with sensitivity to divorce situation
Phase 4: Offers and Negotiations
Offer Management
- □Review all offers with both spouses
- □Evaluate offer terms (price, contingencies, timeline)
- □Negotiate offer terms if needed
- □Both spouses approve final offer
- □Sign purchase agreement
- □Coordinate with attorneys on agreement terms
- □Ensure agreement complies with court order (if applicable)
Phase 5: Inspections and Appraisals
Due Diligence
- □Schedule home inspection
- □Attend inspection (or have agent attend)
- □Review inspection report with both spouses
- □Negotiate repairs or credits based on inspection
- □Complete agreed-upon repairs
- □Schedule appraisal (if required by buyer's lender)
- □Address any appraisal issues
- □Ensure all contingencies are satisfied
Phase 6: Closing Preparation
Pre-Closing
- □Coordinate closing date with all parties
- □Review closing documents with attorney
- □Ensure both spouses can attend closing (or arrange power of attorney)
- □Arrange for mortgage payoff
- □Confirm lien releases will be obtained
- □Coordinate with title company
- □Arrange for final walkthrough
- □Plan for moving out (if applicable)
- □Cancel or transfer utilities
- □Confirm proceeds distribution per agreement/order
Phase 7: Closing
Closing Day
- □Attend closing (both spouses or with power of attorney)
- □Review and sign all closing documents
- □Verify mortgage payoff amounts
- □Confirm closing costs and fees
- □Verify net proceeds calculation
- □Receive proceeds distribution per agreement
- □Obtain copies of all closing documents
- □Turn over keys to buyer
Phase 8: Post-Closing
After Sale
- □File closing documents with county recorder (if needed)
- □Update address with all relevant parties
- □Cancel homeowners insurance
- □Consult with tax professional about capital gains (if applicable)
- □Keep all closing documents for tax and legal records
- □Confirm proceeds were distributed correctly
- □Move forward with your new chapter
Important Documents to Keep
- Home valuation report
- Listing agreement
- Purchase agreement
- Inspection reports
- Appraisal report
- Closing statement (HUD-1 or ALTA)
- Deed and title documents
- Divorce decree or settlement agreement
- All correspondence related to the sale
Get Expert Help with Your Checklist
This checklist covers the major steps, but every divorce home sale is unique. Dr. Jan Duffy helps you work through this checklist, ensuring nothing is missed and everything is handled correctly. She coordinates with attorneys, lenders, and other professionals to keep your sale on track.
Need Help Staying Organized?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Jan Duffy to discuss your situation. She'll help you work through this checklist and ensure your divorce home sale proceeds smoothly.
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