Compassionate, objective guidance for selling your home during separation or divorce. As a neutral third-party real estate agent in Des Moines, I work with both spouses and their attorneys to ensure a fair, transparent sale—on a timeline that meets your court requirements and personal needs.
You don’t have to have everything figured out before we talk.
100% private. No obligation. Neutral guidance for both parties.
Selling a house during divorce in Des Moines doesn’t have to add more conflict to an already difficult time. Here’s a straightforward, transparent process designed to reduce stress and keep both parties informed at every stage.
We start with a private conversation—together or separately, whichever you prefer. I’ll listen to your situation, understand your timeline and goals, and explain the process from listing through closing. If attorneys or a mediator are involved, I’m happy to include them from the start.
Both parties are heard. No one is sidelined.
I prepare a detailed Comparative Market Analysis using current Des Moines sales data—not emotion, not guesswork. Both spouses receive the same report at the same time. If there’s a pricing disagreement, an independent appraisal provides a number both sides can trust.
Fair pricing that reduces conflict before listing.
Professional photography, strategic listing, and marketing with clear, equal communication to both parties. I provide documented updates on showings, feedback, and offers. Schedules are coordinated around both parties’ living situations, including children and separate residences.
Full transparency. Same details, same time, no surprises.
I coordinate the closing process with your title company, attorneys, and lender—making sure all court-required documentation is in order and deadlines are met. Proceeds are distributed according to your divorce settlement or court order.
A clean, compliant closing. No loose ends.
When you’re selling a marital home during divorce, you need an agent who doesn’t take sides. As a neutral divorce real estate agent in Des Moines, I represent the transaction—not one spouse over the other. Both parties receive equal service, equal information, and equal access throughout the entire process.
Disagreements are normal and expected. When they come up, I rely on objective data—CMAs, independent appraisals, and market evidence—to give both parties a factual foundation for decisions. For questions beyond real estate (legal rights, financial implications, tax consequences), I defer to your attorneys and financial advisors. My role is to keep the sale process moving forward fairly, not to make legal or financial decisions on anyone’s behalf.
Selling a home during divorce isn’t the same as a standard sale. It involves more people, more emotions, and more moving parts. These are the specific ways I handle the complexity so you can focus on what matters most.
I can hold separate conversations with each spouse when needed—no favoritism, no shared details that weren’t agreed to, and clear boundaries that protect everyone’s privacy and emotional safety. Whether you’re both in the same room or communicating only through attorneys, I adapt to what works for your situation.
Divorce often means separate residences, shared custody schedules, and restricted access. I coordinate showings, inspections, and meetings around both parties’ real-life logistics—including children’s routines, work schedules, and temporary living arrangements—so the process doesn’t disrupt more than it has to.
I understand how divorce proceedings work and can align the sale timeline with your court dates, settlement deadlines, and any conditions set by a judge. If a court-ordered home sale in Iowa requires specific documentation or approval steps, I make sure nothing falls through the cracks.
Every piece of paperwork—listing agreements, offers, inspection reports, closing statements—is organized, accessible to both parties and their attorneys, and formatted to meet court requirements. Your legal team shouldn’t have to chase down documents.
Every divorce home sale is different, but having a roadmap makes the process feel less overwhelming. Here’s what a typical timeline looks like in the Des Moines market. Timelines may shift based on court approvals, negotiations between parties, or seasonal market conditions—but I keep everyone aligned and informed at every step.
Documents You’ll Need (Attorney-Ready Checklist):
Gather what you can—your attorney can help with the rest.
Timelines may adjust based on court schedules and negotiation pace. I keep both parties and all attorneys informed of any changes.
Commission is typically paid from the sale proceeds at closing, which means neither spouse writes a separate check. The specific split—whether it’s proportional to equity or divided evenly—is part of your divorce settlement agreement. I don’t determine how costs are allocated; your attorney and the court handle that. My job is to make sure the sale generates the best possible outcome for the property.
Yes, and many divorcing couples prefer it. As a neutral third-party divorce real estate agent, I work with both spouses equally—same information, same updates, same access. This avoids the added expense and complexity of two competing agents and helps ensure the home is priced and marketed to serve both parties’ interests. Your attorneys remain your independent advocates; I focus on the real estate transaction.
This is one of the most common challenges in a divorce property sale, and it’s solvable. I provide a detailed CMA with comparable sales data from the Des Moines market so both parties can see exactly where the price comes from. If disagreement persists, we can order an independent appraisal—a licensed appraiser’s professional opinion often gives both sides a number they can accept. Most couples find common ground once the data replaces the emotion.
In the current Des Moines market, homes typically sell within 30–60 days once listed. However, a divorce sale may require additional time for court approvals, settlement negotiations, or coordination between attorneys. I build these realities into the timeline from the start and keep everyone—both spouses, both attorneys, and the title company—aligned with deadlines.
If one spouse has relocated, the sale can still move forward as long as both parties (or their attorneys) are in agreement and any court requirements are met. I coordinate showing access, signatures, and communication so that the absent spouse stays fully informed and involved in decisions—whether they’re across town or out of state.
That’s more common than you might think, and it’s okay. When direct communication between spouses isn’t possible, I work through your attorneys or mediator. Each party still receives the same information and the same opportunity to weigh in on decisions. The sale process doesn’t require you and your spouse to be in the same room or even on speaking terms.
I work directly with your legal team throughout the process. That means sharing listing documents, CMAs, offer details, and closing timelines with both attorneys (or your mediator) so they have what they need to advise you. I’m not affiliated with any law firm—I follow the direction of your legal counsel and stay in my lane as the real estate professional.
Selling a home during divorce involves more than real estate. I work collaboratively with your existing professionals and can also connect you with trusted partners when you need additional support.
If you already have an attorney, I’ll coordinate directly with them. If you’re looking for a family law attorney experienced in property division and divorce settlements in the Des Moines area, I can share names of professionals other clients have worked with successfully.
When couples are working toward an amicable resolution, a certified mediator can help navigate disagreements about the home sale without escalating to litigation. I can connect you with mediators who understand real estate timelines and property division.
Understanding the financial impact of selling versus keeping the home is a critical decision. Divorce financial planners (CDFAs) can help you evaluate your options, and I’m happy to provide referrals if you don’t already have one.
I am not affiliated with any specific law firm, financial practice, or mediation service. I always follow the direction of your legal team.
You don’t need to have all the answers right now.
Whether you’re just starting to think about selling, already have a court order in hand, or somewhere in between—I’m here to listen. This is a calm, judgment-free conversation about your situation, your timeline, and what selling your home could look like. No pressure. No obligation. Just honest, neutral guidance from someone who has helped Des Moines families navigate this exact transition.
What to expect:
It’s okay if you and your spouse are not on the same page yet. Both spouses can be included in the conversation, or we can start with just one.