Your options for the house
| What it involves | Best when | |
|---|---|---|
| Sell and split the proceeds | A listing (30–90 days) or a direct cash sale (about 1–3 weeks) | Neither of you wants or can afford to keep it |
| One spouse buys the other out | An independent appraisal and refinancing | One of you wants to stay and can qualify for the loan |
| Keep it jointly for now | Shared payments and decisions after the divorce | You both agree on a later sale date |
Your separation agreement or court order controls what happens to the house. Work out the plan with your attorneys or mediator.
Why a direct sale can make this easier
- One number in writing. Both owners see the same offer and the same line-by-line net sheet, so there's less to argue about.
- No showings to coordinate. One walkthrough instead of weeks of keeping the house ready while you're also handling the divorce.
- As-is. No negotiating over who pays for which repair.
- A closing date you agree on. Proceeds are paid out at closing as your agreement directs.
What we need from both of you
Everyone on the title signs the contract and the deed. We're glad to send the offer to both owners, or to both attorneys, at the same time, and we stay neutral. We don't take sides or give legal advice.
The usual disclosure rules still apply: known material defects must be disclosed on the state form, even in an as-is sale.
If payments are falling behind
Divorce can strain the mortgage. If payments are slipping, look at your options early. In Maryland, foreclosure can move from a Notice of Intent to auction in a matter of months, and homeowners can sell at any point before the auction. The earlier you act, the more options you have.
Questions people ask
Can we sell the house before the divorce is final?
Often, yes, if both owners agree and nothing in a court order or agreement prevents it. Check with your attorneys before signing.
Do both spouses have to agree to sell?
Everyone on the title has to sign. If only one of you is on the title, ask your attorney how the house is treated in the divorce before you sell.
How are the proceeds split?
However your separation agreement or court order directs. The title company pays out the proceeds at closing according to those instructions.
Are there any fees or commissions?
No agent commissions and no hidden fees. In most of our purchases the seller's closing costs are covered, so the offer you accept is very close to the cash you walk away with. We put the numbers in writing before you sign.
Do I have to clean out the house or make repairs?
No. We buy as-is. Leave behind anything you don't want. Sellers must still disclose known material defects on the state disclosure form, even in an as-is sale.
Is a cash sale always the best option?
No. If the house is in great shape and you have months to spare, listing it may net more, and we'll tell you so. A cash sale trades some top-line price for speed, certainty and no out-of-pocket costs.
General information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Parlevu Global Services LLC is a real estate investment company that buys homes; we are not a law firm or a brokerage. We treat every homeowner the same and follow fair housing laws. Prefer to talk it through? Book a free call.