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When you’re going through a divorce and the house has to be sold, one of the first questions that comes up is simple: do we fix it up first, or sell it as is?
I’ve worked with many divorcing couples over my 24+ years in real estate, and the answer usually isn’t what people expect. Most homes in a divorce don’t need major repairs. What they need is the right presentation, and a plan both spouses can live with.
Most Divorce Homes Aren’t Fixer-Uppers
There’s a common assumption that a home in a divorce must be run down or neglected. In my experience, that’s almost never true. I’ve never come across a distressed home simply because a couple is getting divorced. Most of these homes are in very nice condition.
So the real question usually isn’t “how much do we have to fix?” It’s:
- Does the house still look lived in and cared for?
- Can both of you agree on what to spend, if anything?
- Is there a deadline that limits your options?
Why Most Couples Still Want Top Dollar
Even when things aren’t great between two people, most divorcing couples want the same thing: to sell the house for the most they can so they can each start the next chapter of their lives.
A lot of times, selling isn’t even a choice. In a two-income household, one spouse often can’t afford to keep the home because they’d have to buy out the other spouse’s share of the equity. Selling becomes the cleanest way for both people to walk away with their share.
Fixing It Up: When It Makes Sense
Updates can be worth it when:
- Both of you agree on what to do and how to split the cost
- There’s no tight court deadline forcing a quick sale
- The work is small and visible, like fresh paint, fixing obvious wear, or touching up a tired room
The goal isn’t a remodel. It’s removing the little things that make buyers wonder what else hasn’t been taken care of.
Selling As Is: When It’s the Right Call
Selling as is is usually the right choice when:
- You have a court deadline you have to follow
- One spouse has already moved out
- The house is sitting vacant
But here’s the key: “as is” doesn’t mean “as it sits.” Even when we’re not doing repairs, I still work to make the home look as presentable and market-worthy as possible, because that’s what protects your price.
The Real Problem: The Half-Empty House
The biggest issue I see in divorce sales isn’t repairs. It’s when one spouse moves out and takes half the furniture with them, and the house suddenly looks barren.
Empty rooms photograph poorly, feel smaller in person, and make it harder for buyers to picture themselves living there. Depending on the situation, options include:
- Virtual staging for the listing photos (clearly labeled as virtually staged so buyers know what they’re seeing)
- Hiring a painter to freshen up walls that show marks where furniture used to be
- Rearranging what’s left so each room has a clear purpose
- Bringing in staging pieces for key rooms like the living room and primary bedroom
Every house is different, and the right fix depends on what’s left in the home and what you’re both willing to spend.
When You Can’t Agree on Updates
This happens more than people think. One spouse wants to update the house, and the other doesn’t want to do a thing.
When it reaches that point, it sometimes has to be worked out between the attorneys to find a resolution. My job is to give both of you the same clear information about what updates are likely to return and what won’t, so the decision is based on facts and not frustration.
Showing the Home While One Spouse Still Lives There
Having one spouse living in the home during showings can be smooth or it can be a real challenge. It really depends on how contentious the divorce is.
The good news: most couples, even when they’re not getting along, work together to get the house sold. Keeping the home clean and ready for showings is one of the easiest ways to protect the price for both of you.
How I Work With Divorcing Couples
When I represent a divorcing couple, I’m not on either spouse’s side. I’m there to get the home sold for the best result for both of you.
- Every answer goes to both of you by email, so no one is ever left in the dark
- I give both of you the same pricing data and the same advice
- I’m happy to work with both attorneys to keep the process moving
The best time to call me is before the divorce decree is finalized. That way I can connect with both attorneys early, and the plan for selling the house can be built around what actually works in the market.
Watch: How Do You Know What to Update Before You Sell?
Thinking About Selling During a Divorce?
You don’t have to figure this out alone. Whether you decide to fix things up or sell as is, I’ll give you both honest, data-backed advice and help you get the house sold so you can both move forward.
Book a time on my calendar, and let’s talk through your options.
Related Posts
What Repairs Should I Make Before Selling My Home? Should You Paint Your Home Before Selling? Should I Renovate Before Selling My Home? If You Are Divorced, Can You Be a First-Time Home Buyer?
