Sell your home
For the top-dollar
Selling your home requires expert skills and the right guidance. As your dedicated Realtor®, I handle everything from professional marketing to stunning photography, ensuring your home stands out and attracts top-dollar offers. Let’s work together to make your sale a success!
Your Trusted Expert in
Divorce Real Estate
Jim has completed over 80 hours of intensive training in family law and divorce real estate, earning his Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert (CDRE) designation. As a neutral third party, he helps divorcing homeowners navigate the sale process smoothly and fairly.
Held to a higher code of ethics than a typical realtor, Jim ensures professionalism and impartiality in every transaction. He has also testified in court as an expert witness, further solidifying his credibility in divorce-related real estate matters.
Full-service
What is a CDRE
A Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert (CDRE) is a real estate professional specially trained to handle the unique challenges of selling real property during a divorce. CDREs possess advanced knowledge in legal, emotional, and financial aspects of divorce-related real estate transactions, allowing them to act as neutral third parties in high-conflict situations.
They are skilled in working with divorcing couples, attorneys, and court systems to ensure a fair and efficient process while minimizing stress for all parties involved. Their expertise includes market analysis, equitable property division, and strategies for navigating the complexities of court orders or legal disputes related to real estate. By partnering with a CDRE, clients can achieve the best possible outcomes while focusing on their next chapter.
Only 10% of agents who apply are accepted into the CDRE program. They have extensive training and are taught by 3 Divorce Attorneys and a Circuit Court judge on the complexities of a divorce case. A CDRE also uses an exclusive listing process for divorcing home sellers.
Why Should a Divorcing Homeowner Use a
Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert (CDRE)?
Divorcing homeowners face a unique set of challenges when it comes to selling their property. The emotional, financial, and legal complexities of divorce can turn a typical home sale into a highly stressful and complicated process. This is where a Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert (CDRE) becomes essential. Here’s why:
1. Neutrality and Conflict Management
Divorce often brings heightened emotions and disagreements. A CDRE serves as a neutral third party, ensuring that both spouses receive fair and unbiased guidance throughout the home-selling process. Their specialized training helps diffuse tensions and keep the focus on achieving the best outcome for both parties.
2. Expert Knowledge of Divorce-Related Real Estate Issues
A traditional real estate agent may not fully understand the legal and financial intricacies involved in selling a home during a divorce. CDREs are specifically trained to navigate the complexities of court orders, property disputes, and legal deadlines, ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.
3. Collaboration with Legal Professionals
CDREs work hand-in-hand with divorce attorneys, mediators, and financial advisors to provide essential insights that help their clients make informed decisions. They understand legal terminology, court procedures, and the financial implications of property division, helping to prevent costly mistakes.
4. Protecting Financial Interests
Selling a home during a divorce isn't just about getting the highest price—it's about ensuring both parties' financial futures are protected. CDREs provide accurate market valuations, expert pricing strategies, and unbiased financial advice to help homeowners maximize their asset value.
5. Ensuring a Smooth and Efficient Process
A CDRE helps streamline the entire home-selling process, from coordinating showings and negotiations to ensuring that legal obligations are met. Their experience in handling divorce-specific real estate transactions helps avoid unnecessary delays and complications.
6. Reducing Stress and Emotional Burdens
Going through a divorce is challenging enough without the added stress of selling a home. With a CDRE handling the logistics, communication, and negotiations, divorcing homeowners can focus on moving forward with their lives.
7. Objective Decision-Making Support
In high-conflict situations, it’s easy for emotions to cloud judgment. A CDRE provides objective, fact-based recommendations, helping both parties stay focused on what’s best for their future rather than past disagreements.
Helpful
Valuable Resources
Below is a curated list of resources and contacts that can offer additional support and guidance for divorcing homeowners. These cover legal, financial, real estate, and emotional support services. As always, verify credentials and choose professionals or organizations whose expertise aligns with your specific needs and local regulations.
American Bar Association (ABA) – Family Law Section
Offers educational materials on family law and a directory to help you find local attorneys specializing in divorce.
Legal Aid Society
Provides free or low-cost legal assistance for those who meet certain income or case-specific requirements. Check your local Legal Aid branch for eligibility.
Local/State Bar Associations
Many bar associations maintain a lawyer referral service or pro bono programs for divorce and family law. Website: Varies by state (e.g., “StateName” Bar Association)
Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA)
CDFAs specialize in the financial aspects of divorce, helping you assess the long-term impact of property division, alimony, and other monetary decisions.
Financial Planning Association (FPA)
Find a certified financial planner (CFP) who can assist with budgeting, investing, retirement planning, and other post-divorce financial needs.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) – Divorced or Separated Individuals
Offers guidelines on filing statuses, deductions, and credits related to divorce, including the sale or transfer of a home.
Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert (CDRE)
CDREs have specialized training to handle the legal, financial, and emotional challenges of selling or dividing property during divorce.
National Association of Realtors (NAR)
Offers a directory of licensed real estate professionals; you can search for agents with experience in handling divorce-related transactions.
Local Real Estate Attorney or Title Company
Why: In some states, you may need an attorney or title company to navigate the legal paperwork for buying, selling, or transferring a home in divorce.
DivorceCare
Provides group-based support programs, seminars, and online resources to help individuals cope with the emotional impact of divorce.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Offers a “Find a Psychologist” tool and numerous articles on coping strategies, mental health concerns, and family well-being during divorce.
Therapy and Counseling Services
Search for licensed therapists in your area who specialize in divorce, family therapy, or grief counseling. Websites like Psychology Today maintain directories of mental health professionals.
Academy of Professional Family Mediators (APFM)
Offers a directory of certified mediators trained in family law to help resolve property division and other disputes amicably.
Local Community Mediation Centers
Many cities and counties operate non-profit mediation services. Search “Family Mediation” plus your city/county name for nearby options.
Online Divorce Support Groups
Platforms like Meetup, Facebook, or specialized forums (e.g., Reddit’s r/Divorce) can connect you with others going through similar challenges.
Religious or Community Centers
Local churches, synagogues, mosques, or community centers may host divorce support groups or workshops, even if you’re not a member.
Domestic Violence Hotline (If Applicable)
For those facing domestic violence or abuse, this hotline provides confidential support, safety planning, and referrals.
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) / Visit website
Mint or YNAB (You Need a Budget)
Mint: mint.com
YNAB: youneedabudget.com
Budgeting tools to help you track income, expenses, and savings goals post-divorce.
LegalZoom
While not a substitute for personal legal advice, LegalZoom offers basic document preparation and general legal information.
MyFICO
Provides credit score monitoring and education to help you stay on top of your credit status after separating finances.
These resources and contacts can guide you toward more tailored help as you navigate the legal, financial, and emotional challenges of divorce. Always do your due diligence in verifying certifications, reading reviews, and consulting with trusted professionals before making any major decisions. With the right support network—legal, financial, and emotional—you’ll be better equipped to manage the transition and build a stable, fulfilling life after divorce.
Divorcing Homeowner Checklist
A Step-by-Step Guide to Managing Your Home Sale
Selling a home during a divorce can be overwhelming. Use this checklist to stay organized and ensure a smooth transition while protecting your financial interests.
- Gather Important Documents:
- Mortgage statements
- Property deed and title
- Homeowners insurance policy
- Property tax records
- Purchase agreement
- Home appraisal (if available)
- Recent utility bills
- HOA agreements (if applicable)
- Determine Ownership Structure:
- Joint ownership
- Sole ownership
- Trust ownership
- Assess the Financial Impact:
- Mortgage balance vs. market value
- Costs associated with selling (repairs, closing fees, taxes)
- Equity distribution
- Discuss Your Goals with Your Attorney:
- Sell the home vs. one spouse keeping it
- Division of proceeds
- Legal obligations regarding the sale
- Choose a Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert (CDRE):
- Specializes in divorce-related property sales
- Neutral third-party guidance
- Coordination with attorneys and financial professionals
- Work with a Financial Advisor:
- Assess tax implications of selling
- Budgeting for post-sale financial needs
- Consult a Divorce Attorney:
- Ensure legal compliance in property division
- Address any disputes regarding the home sale
- Conduct a Pre-Sale Home Inspection:
- Identify necessary repairs
- Evaluate potential upgrades to increase value
- Agree on Home Improvements (if necessary):
- Budget-friendly updates to enhance curb appeal
- Decluttering and staging for showings
- Set Clear Responsibilities:
- Who handles repairs and maintenance?
- Who covers ongoing mortgage payments?
- How will the home be shown to buyers?
- Determine an Asking Price:
- Based on current market conditions
- Consultation with your CDRE and financial advisor
- Agree on Terms for Offers:
- Minimum acceptable price
- Contingencies and conditions
- Establish Communication Protocols:
- Decide how offers and updates will be shared
- Set boundaries for discussions to avoid conflict
- Prepare for Showings:
- Coordinate schedules for open houses
- Keep the home in show-ready condition
- Review and Sign Closing Documents:
- Confirm financial disbursements align with divorce decree
- Verify all obligations (e.g., mortgage payoff, taxes)
- Plan for Moving Out:
- Agree on move-out dates for both spouses
- Divide personal belongings in advance
- Settle Final Expenses:
- Utility transfers/cancellations
- HOA fees (if applicable)
- Update Legal Documents:
- Address change with financial institutions
- Update wills and estate plans
- Discuss Next Steps for Funds:
- Savings, investments, or purchasing a new home
- Paying off shared debts
Need help with
Your home sale?
Thinking about selling your home during a divorce? A Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert (CDRE) can help you navigate the process with clarity and confidence. Let’s make this transition smoother together.