Divorce is never easy—emotionally, financially, or logistically. When a marriage ends, there are many difficult decisions to make, and one of the most complicated is what to do with the family home. Whether you shared it for a few years or decades, a house isn’t just property—it’s memories, routines, and a major asset that’s tied to both your finances and your past.
At Howell Properties LLC, we’ve helped numerous Ohio couples going through divorce who needed to sell their home quickly, fairly, and with as little stress as possible. If you’re facing divorce and wondering what your options are, this guide will walk you through the key steps, pros and cons, and the simplest way to move forward.
Why the House Becomes a Major Issue in Divorce
A house is often a couple’s most valuable shared asset. But when the relationship ends, questions arise:
- Who gets to stay in the home?
- Who is responsible for the mortgage?
- What if one spouse wants to sell and the other doesn’t?
- How do we divide the equity?
- What happens if we fall behind on payments?
In many cases, the best solution is to sell the house and split the proceeds. Doing so offers a clean break and prevents future legal or financial complications.
Common Scenarios for Divorce-Related Sales
Every couple’s situation is different, but we often see one of these scenarios play out:
- Neither party can afford the home alone after the divorce.
- One party keeps the home but struggles to refinance or maintain it.
- Both want to walk away clean and use the equity to start fresh.
- There’s equity in the home that needs to be divided fairly.
- There’s negative equity or missed payments, creating urgent pressure to sell.
Regardless of the situation, selling the home can provide both parties with clarity, closure, and financial breathing room.
Challenges of Selling a Home During Divorce
While selling is often the best path forward, it’s rarely easy when emotions and legal issues are involved. Here are some common obstacles:
- Disagreements Between Spouses
One spouse may want to keep the house while the other wants to sell. - Missed Mortgage Payments
A split household income can make it hard to keep up, affecting credit and urgency to sell. - Slow Traditional Sales Process
Repairs, staging, and showings can take months and add more stress. - Legal Delays
Court proceedings can slow down or complicate the home sale timeline. - Property Condition
Homes may be outdated or neglected by the time they hit the market.
Your Options When Selling the Home
If you and your spouse have decided (or been ordered) to sell the home, here are the most common paths:
1. Traditional Sale With a Realtor
This is the most common route, but it’s not always ideal in a divorce. You’ll need to:
- Agree on repairs, listing price, and showings
- Split commission and closing costs
- Wait 30–90+ days to close
- Communicate frequently with your ex-spouse
2. Refinance by One Spouse
One party may try to buy out the other and refinance the mortgage under their name. This only works if that spouse qualifies alone and has access to enough cash or financing.
3. Sell As-Is to a Cash Buyer
This is often the easiest and least stressful solution—especially when both parties want a fast, clean exit. At Howell Properties LLC, we buy houses as-is and work with both spouses and their attorneys to ensure a fair and efficient sale.
Why Sell to Howell Properties LLC?
We specialize in buying homes from owners in challenging situations—including divorce. Here’s why many Ohio couples choose us:
✅ No Repairs Needed
We buy homes as-is, even if they need work or haven’t been updated.
✅ No Realtor Commissions
You keep more of the proceeds with no 6% agent fees.
✅ Fast Closings
We can close in as little as 7–14 days if needed.
✅ Clear Communication
We work with both parties and legal reps to ensure transparency and fairness.
✅ Privacy and Respect
We understand this is a sensitive time. You’ll be treated with empathy and professionalism.
Real-Life Example
We recently helped a couple in Dayton who were divorcing after 15 years. Neither could afford to stay in the home alone, and listing with a realtor would’ve taken months they didn’t have. They contacted us separately—we worked with their attorney, made a fair cash offer, and closed in under two weeks. Both walked away with their share of the equity and peace of mind.
How the Process Works
Selling a home during divorce doesn’t need to be complicated. Here’s how we streamline the process:
- Contact Us Separately or Together
We’re happy to communicate with each party or through legal counsel. - Schedule a Walkthrough (Virtual or In-Person)
We evaluate the condition and market value of the home. - Get a Fair Cash Offer
No pressure, no obligation. - Review With Your Attorney or Mediator
We’ll provide clear paperwork and timeline options. - Close on Your Timeline
We work around court dates, moving timelines, and financial needs.
What Happens to the Proceeds?
Once the sale is complete, the proceeds are typically divided as outlined in your divorce agreement or court ruling. This may be a 50/50 split or adjusted based on other assets, child support, or debt obligations.
Our team will work directly with your legal counsel or mediator to ensure proceeds are distributed correctly and fairly.
What If the Home Is Behind on Payments or Underwater?
If you’re behind on mortgage payments or owe more than the home is worth, don’t panic. We may still be able to:
- Negotiate a short sale with your lender
- Buy the home and help you avoid foreclosure
- Help you minimize further credit damage
Every situation is unique, and we’re happy to walk you through your options.
Common Questions
Q: What if we don’t agree on whether to sell?
You may need to let the court decide or have your attorneys negotiate the terms. We can provide documentation to help.
Q: Can you work with our mediator or divorce attorney?
Yes. We regularly work with legal professionals to coordinate fair, legally sound transactions.
Q: What if one spouse already moved out?
We can still buy the property. We’ll coordinate signatures and communication separately if needed.
Q: How fast can we sell?
We can typically close in as little as 7–14 days, depending on your needs.
A Fair Exit for Both Parties
Going through divorce is never easy—but selling your home doesn’t have to add more stress to the process. Whether you’re both eager to move on or need a fast resolution to a legal dispute, Howell Properties LLC offers a simple, fair, and fast solution.
We’ll buy your house as-is, coordinate with both sides, and help you both move forward without the headaches of traditional listings, repairs, or drawn-out negotiations.
Start Your New Chapter—On Your Terms
Selling your home after divorce can be the first step toward emotional and financial freedom. Let Howell Properties LLC help you make that step smoother.
📞 Call us today at (419) 273-7355
💻 Or request your free cash offer at howellpropertiesllc.com
We’re here to help you find resolution, relief, and a clean slate.