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Life Transitions

Selling a home in a divorce.

Two people, one asset, and a process that has to hold up if anyone reviews it later. Matt has spent years on exactly these files, working alongside attorneys and, where the court has directed the sale, to that direction.

The Problem

Why these sales stall.

It is almost never the market. It is that two people who no longer agree on much have to agree on a price, a plan, and a set of terms, and the usual listing process gives them no neutral ground to do it on.

  • Each side has been told a different number by a different agent.
  • One party wants speed, the other wants the highest possible price.
  • Neither trusts information that arrives through the other's channel.
  • Repairs and access turn into leverage instead of logistics.
  • The court date arrives before the property is anywhere near ready.
The Approach

One process, both sides.

Matt works as the neutral party in the middle. That is the whole job, and it only works if it is visible.

  • A valuation built on comparable sales and documented in writing, so neither side is asked to take a number on faith.
  • Every update, offer, and piece of feedback goes to both parties and both attorneys at the same time.
  • Communication in writing where the situation calls for it, so there is a record.
  • Repairs and access handled as logistics, with a schedule both sides sign off on.
  • Where a court has directed how the sale is to be handled, Matt works to that direction and documents compliance.
  • Offers evaluated on net proceeds to each side, not on the headline price.
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Common Questions

Questions people actually ask.

Can one spouse list the house without the other?

If both are on title, both normally have to sign the listing agreement, and both have to sign to sell. Where the parties cannot agree, the court may direct how the sale proceeds. What applies in your situation is a question for your attorney. Matt's role starts once there is authority to sell.

Who decides the price?

Ideally both parties, working from the same documented valuation. Matt builds that valuation on comparable sales and current market data, presents it to both sides and both attorneys at the same time, and puts the reasoning in writing. Where the court has directed a process for setting price, that governs.

Will you talk to my attorney?

Yes, and to the other party's attorney. Matt has worked alongside family law attorneys for years and has been retained as an expert witness, deposed, and called to testify. He can provide documentation, written updates, and testimony where those are needed.

What if we do not agree on repairs?

Matt scopes the work, prices it, and shows what each item is likely to return at sale. Most disputes about repairs are really disputes about money, and they get easier once both sides can see which repairs pay for themselves and which do not.

Can you keep this private?

Yes. Nothing is marketed or discussed with anyone outside the file until there is a decision to move forward, and Matt does not discuss the circumstances of a sale with buyers or their agents.

Do you take sides?

No. The value of a neutral is that both sides can rely on the information. Matt will give both parties the same answer to the same question, including when the answer is one nobody wanted.

Matt Bingaman is a licensed California real estate salesperson, not an attorney or tax advisor. This page is general information only and is not legal or tax advice.

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Commercial Land & Luxury

Commercial property involved as well?

Commercial Land & Luxury handles the commercial side of a divorce, including investment property, land, and business real estate.

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Working through a divorce and the house has to be dealt with?

Confidential. No pressure. If selling is not your best move, Matt will tell you.