It may cost you a few thousand dollars upfront, but buyers appreciate having this information available, and that goes a long way toward building a relationship of trust and willingness to do business. FINDING THE RIGHT REALTOR®
DO YOUR HOMEWORK • Have they worked with divorcing clients? Do they know how to deal with people in conflict? • Check their references and talk with recent clients • Does he/she know the area? • Look for the right credentials • Research how long the agent has been in business • Review their past and current listings; how do their listing prices compare to sales prices? • Ask about other houses for sale nearby
Choosing the right listing agent is important. As obvious as this might seem, selecting the best real estate agent for you can be difficult. Most people personally know a real estate agent, but don’t jump headlong into working with friends who 1) may not be experienced at working with couples in the midst of divorce or 2) may not be impartial to both spouses. There are Realtors® who focus specifically on helping people who are going through a divorce. They are known as Real Estate Divorce Specialists. These agents have been trained in legal and tax aspects of divorce that even most divorce lawyers don’t know. If the house is handled improperly during the divorce, the result could be that one or both spouses end up ineligible to qualify for a mortgage for many years. A real estate professional experienced in the divorce niche can provide clients with step-by- step guidance to protect themselves legally and financially.
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