Selling a House During a Divorce? Here are the Top 8 Things You Need to Know

What If My House Won’t Sell During a Divorce in Maryland?

what if I can't sell my house fast in a divorce

If you’re going through a divorce and you’re trying to sell a house in Maryland, you might be wondering, “what if my house won’t sell during a divorce?” That’s a good question to ask, and it’s one that we get asked a lot.

In fact, according to a recent survey, nearly 1 in every 5 people who are going through a divorce in Maryland also have a house that they’re trying to sell. And while it’s certainly possible to sell a house during a divorce, it can be a bit more challenging than usual.

Here are a few reasons why your house might not sell during a divorce in Maryland:

Housing Market Conditions in Maryland

The housing market in Maryland can be tough at times, and it can be even tougher to sell a house during a divorce. It could also depend on what part of the state you live in, whether it’s Baltimore, Glen Burnie, Westminster, Frederick, Silver Spring or Pikesville. If the market is slow, there may be fewer buyers looking for homes, and those that are looking may be more willing to negotiate on price. If you’re thinking about selling your house during a divorce, it’s important to do your research and understand the current market conditions. You can get this information from a real estate agent or by doing your own research online.

Your House is Simply Overpriced

If you’re asking too much for your house, it’s less likely to sell. Buyers will compare your price to similar homes in the area, and if yours is priced too high, they’ll likely move on to another option. It’s important to price your house competitively. You can do this by getting an appraisal or by working with a real estate agent who specializes in divorce sales. It’s also important to factor for the condition of your Maryland house. If it needs a new kitchen or a new roof, you need to consider that before agreeing on a fair price. You may need to consider selling as-is to a legitimate cash buyer if you need a fast sale.

Does Your House Need Repairs?

Retail buyers are less likely to want to buy a house that needs work. If your house needs repairs, such as a new roof, new floors or a fresh coat of paint, it’s important to make those repairs before you list it for sale with a realtor. You can get estimates from contractors to get an idea of how much repairs will cost. Once you know how much repairs will cost, you can factor that into the price of your house. Sometimes the easiest route to a fast sale is to bypass the realtor and sell directly to a cash buyer, who won’t require you to make any repairs to the house.

What if You are Involved in a Messy Divorce?

If your divorce is particularly messy, it can make it difficult to sell your house. Buyers may be hesitant to buy a house if they think there could be any legal issues down the road. If you’re going through a messy divorce, it’s important to try to keep the process as amicable as possible. This will help to ensure that the sale of your house goes smoothly.

If your house isn’t selling during a divorce in Maryland, there are still some things you can do to increase your chances of selling it.

Get Your House Ready To Sell

paint and make repairs to sell your house fast

This means decluttering, staging, and making any necessary repairs. Buyers want to be able to envision themselves living in your home, so it’s important to make it look its best. You can declutter your home by getting rid of any unnecessary furniture, belongings, or decorations. You can also stage your home by making it look like a model home. This means adding fresh flowers, decluttering, and making sure the house is clean and tidy. Sounds complicated and time consuming, huh? Well, remember that you can skip this part altogether by selling your Maryland house to a local cash buyer.

Price Your House Competitively

It’s crucial not to fall into the trap of asking too much for your property, as it could result in your house languishing on the market. Instead, take the time to conduct thorough research and gain a solid understanding of what similar homes in your area are selling for. This knowledge will serve as your compass, guiding you towards an appropriate pricing strategy. By pricing your house accordingly, you increase the chances of attracting potential buyers who are actively seeking properties within your price range. Remember, setting a competitive and realistic price can be the catalyst that propels your house from a stagnant listing to a hot property in demand. And in a divorce situation, you may not be able to wait out a house sale for too long.

Work With a Home Buyer or Real Estate Agent Who Specializes in Divorce Sales

selling a house to a legitimate cash buyer

When selling your house, especially during a divorce, it’s essential to enlist the expertise of a real estate professional who specializes in divorce sales. These professionals understand the unique challenges and sensitivities involved in such situations and can provide invaluable guidance throughout the process. By working with a specialized house buyer, you can ensure a swift and fair sale of your property. They will leverage their experience to help you determine a competitive price for your home, taking into account market conditions and comparable sales in your area. Moreover, a real estate professional proficient in divorce sales will develop a targeted marketing strategy to attract potential buyers specifically interested in properties like yours. They will handle the advertising, open houses, and inquiries, streamlining the selling process for you. By teaming up with a real estate agent or professional specializing in divorce sales, you can have peace of mind knowing that you have a knowledgeable pro on your side, dedicated to selling your house quickly and for a fair price.

Consider Selling Your House to a House-Buying Company

We have already touched on this, but as mentioned previously time is often of the essence when you need to sell your house fast in Maryland. Legitimate house buying companies will buy your house directly, so you can avoid the hassle of listing your house with an agent. House-buying companies typically offer cash for homes, and they can close quickly. This is often the best option if you’re in a hurry to sell your house.

Here are some divorce statistics for Maryland that you may find helpful:

  • The divorce rate in Maryland is currently 2.4%. This means that nearly 1 in every 4 marriages in Maryland ends in divorce.
  • The average divorce costs around $13,000 in Maryland. This includes legal fees, court costs, and other expenses.
  • It takes about 10 months to sell a house in Maryland. However, this can be longer during a recession or if the house is in need of repairs.

If you’re going through a divorce in Maryland, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. There are many resources available to you, including real estate agents, divorce lawyers, and financial advisors. With the right help, you can get through this difficult time and come out stronger on the other side.

Selling your house during a divorce can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be impossible. Divorce is draining financially, emotionally and often physically. Add in stress of needing to sell your house fast and it becomes overwhelming. However, there are options available to you and you need to enlist a real estate agent or a cash house buyer to guide you through the process and get you the cash you need so that you can move on to the next chapter of your life.

The Sellers Dilemma: Realtor or Cash Buyer?

When it comes to selling your house, you have a few options. You can work with a real estate agent to list your home on the market, or you can sell to a cash buyer. Each option has its own set of pros and cons, and it’s important to weigh them carefully before making a decision. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between selling to a cash buyer and using a realtor, so you can make an informed choice.

Selling to a Cash Buyer: Pros and Cons

Selling your house to a cash buyer can be a quick and easy process. Cash buyers are typically investors who have the funds available to purchase your home outright, without the need for financing. This means that the sale can be completed much faster than if you were working with a realtor. Even though a cash buyer may offer a lower price for your home than you would get on the open market, the trade-off is a faster sale with no need for repairs or even cleaning the house.

Selling with a Realtor: Pros and Cons

Selling your house with a realtor can be a great option if you’re looking to get the highest possible price for your home. Realtors have access to a large network of potential buyers and can help you market your home effectively. They can also provide valuable advice on how to stage your home and make it more appealing to buyers. However, working with a realtor can be a slower process than selling to a cash buyer, and you’ll need to pay a commission fee to the realtor. Not only that, most realtors can only get you top dollar if you are willing to spend some money on repairs and clean up.

Timeframe for Selling

One of the biggest differences between selling to a cash buyer versus using a realtor is the timeframe for selling. Selling to a cash buyer can be a much quicker process, as they typically have the funds available to purchase your home immediately. This can be a great option if you need to sell your home quickly, such as if you’re facing foreclosure or need to relocate for a job. However, working with a realtor can take longer, as they’ll need to market your home and find a buyer. This can be a better option if you’re not in a rush to sell and want to get the highest possible price for your home.

Cost of Selling

Another important factor to consider when deciding between selling to a cash buyer or using a realtor is the cost. Selling to a cash buyer may result in a lower sale price for your home, as they typically offer a lower price in exchange for the convenience and speed of the transaction plus you will likely not pay closing costs or realtor fees. A cash buyer is also willing to buy the house in any condition so that you don’t have to spend money on fixing up the house to get a better listing. On the other hand, working with a realtor may result in a higher sale price, even when the closing costs and realtor fees are paid.

Control and Flexibility

One advantage of selling to a cash buyer is the control and flexibility it offers. With a cash buyer, you have more control over the timeline of the sale and can often close the deal faster than with a realtor. Additionally, cash buyers may be more willing to work with you on specific terms of the sale, such as leaving certain items in the home or allowing you to stay in the home for a short period after the sale. However, working with a realtor may offer more flexibility in terms of negotiating the sale price and terms of the contract.

The Bottom Line

It’s never any easy decision when it comes to selling your house, no matter what the reason. But let’s break it all down with this recap on the pros and cons of both paths to getting the best value out of a home sale:

Pros & Cons of Selling to a Cash Buyer

PROS

  • Quick and easy process: Cash buyers can close on your home in as little as 10 days, which can be a great option if you need to sell your home quickly.
  • No financing required: Cash buyers don’t need to get a mortgage, which means they can move faster and be less likely to back out of the deal.
  • No need to clean, make repairs or spend any money on the sale. Cash buyers generally buy your house as-is and only need you to take whatever you plan to keep out of the house prior to closing.

CONS

  • Lower price: Cash buyers typically offer a lower price for your home than you would get on the open market. This is because they don’t have to factor in the cost of financing.
  • Less flexibility: Cash buyers are less likely to be flexible on the terms of the sale. For example, they may not be willing to let you stay in the home for a few weeks after the sale.
  • Potential for scams: There are a number of scams involving cash buyers, so it’s important to do your research and only work with a reputable company.

Pros & Cons of Selling with a Realtor

PROS

  • Higher price: Realtors have access to a larger pool of potential buyers, which can lead to a higher sale price.
  • More flexibility: Realtors are more likely to be flexible on the terms of the sale, such as the closing date and the price.
  • Less risk of scams: Realtors are regulated by the government, which makes it less likely that you’ll be scammed.

CONS

  • Slower process: Selling with a realtor can take longer than selling to a cash buyer, as the realtor will need to market your home and find a buyer.
  • Higher cost: You’ll need to pay a commission to the realtor, which can eat into your profits. You are also likely to pay closing costs.
  • Less control: When you sell with a realtor, you have less control over the terms of the sale.

When you are ready to make the decision, I highly recommend you reach out to a trusted, credible Maryland cash buyer, such as We Buy MD Homes for a FAST, FREE, NO OBLIGATION cash offer. This will at least give you an idea of what your house is worth before you make your final decision. We are BBB A+ Accredited and we will show you exactly how we make our offers.