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5 Ways Real Estate Agents Can Help Clients Going Through a Divorce
As a real estate agent, you’ve most likely helped a client sell or buy a home while going through a divorce. With approximately 45% of marriages resulting in divorce in the United States, it’s no surprise many real estate clients are facing the need to sell off assets or acquire new ones. As their agent, there are several things you can do to assist them in this process.
Reiterate the importance of both parties working together to sell the home
If a couple navigating divorce is trying to sell their shared home, it’s important that both parties are willing to work with the agent to make the process as smooth and efficient as possible. There can be a lot of areas couples fight over in this process. Whether it’s an acceptable offer price, repairs to be done before listing, or who should pay for what—it’s important to advise them that being divided is going to cost more money and time. If they are only communicating through a divorce attorney, this could mean big money. According to homelight.com, “Every time your divorce attorney needs to negotiate…they’re going to charge you—and adds up fast at an average rate of $250 an hour.”
Be patient with your clients
A divorce causes a lot of emotions for those involved. As a real estate agent for someone navigating this life change, it’s important to remember to be patient. Knowing that some delays will occur during the home selling process is a must, especially when it comes couples going through divorce. Often, there will be longer debates over listing prices, offers and upgrades. There can also be financial circumstances that lead to delays. Whatever the case may be, a smart agent will help guide their clients through this process by showing patience.
Be responsive to your client’s needs
Great real estate agents understand that being responsive is a must for a happy client. This is never truer than when your client is going through a divorce. As an agent, you understand the emotions that come with buying or selling a home. Those emotions can be even more intense during a divorce. Be sure to be there to lend an ear, and offer advice when applicable.
Share your insights
Seasoned real estate agents have either handled several divorce real estate transactions, or have heard stories from other agents who have. In these situations, you have valuable insights to help guide your clients to making sound decisions. Share your experiences with past clients. What worked and what didn’t? How can you help move them forward to meet their shared goals?
Always navigate back to the end goal
There are a few scenarios that can play out during the sale of a home because of a divorce. Be prepared to navigate all three:
- One of the spouses wants to sell the home ASAP to just be done with the whole process, so any offer is an acceptable offer in their eyes.
- One of the spouses wants to make the sell of the home as difficult as possible and will find something wrong with every offer that comes in.
- Both parties are amicable and listen to sound guidance and want to sell the home and move on.
Regardless of the circumstance, be sure to always navigate them back to the end goal they discussed with you when you were hired.
Velocity Title helps agents get their clients to the table
No matter the circumstances leading your clients to sell or buy a home, at Velocity Title we put their needs first. With our in-house attorneys, industry experts and latest title technology, we understand how to navigate even the most complex transactions. At Velocity Title, you’re more than just a number. See why by clicking here, or contact us today.
