Compare Your Selling Options Before Deciding What To Do
There is more than one way to sell a home during divorce. The Lockhart Method™ helps homeowners compare timing, certainty, equity, repairs, occupancy, and future housing needs before choosing a strategy.
Why Selling Strategy Matters During Divorce
When a home must be sold during a divorce, many homeowners assume a traditional listing is the only option. While a traditional listing often yields the highest net proceeds, it also requires repairs, staging, showings, and time.
For some families, the priority is speed. For others, it's flexibility. And for some, maximizing every dollar of equity is the only goal. Choosing the wrong strategy can result in unnecessary stress, financial loss, or disrupted transitions.
The Lockhart Selling Options™
1. Traditional Listing
A standard market listing designed to attract the maximum number of buyers through MLS exposure, marketing, and open houses.
Best For:
Homeowners seeking maximum net proceeds and willing to prepare the property for sale.
When Not To Use It:
If the home needs major repairs you cannot afford, or if high-conflict situations make showings impossible.
Tradeoffs & Risks:
- Requires staging and keeping the home showing-ready.
- Timeline is uncertain (depends on market).
- Buyers may request repairs after inspection.
2. Cash Offer
A direct sale to an institutional buyer or investor, bypassing the traditional market completely.
Best For:
Homeowners who value speed, certainty, convenience, or need to avoid repairs and showings.
When Not To Use It:
If maximizing net proceeds is your primary goal and you have the time and resources for a traditional sale.
Tradeoffs & Risks:
- Typically results in lower net proceeds than the open market.
- Convenience fees may apply depending on the buyer.
3. Sell & Stay
Sell your home to an institutional buyer to unlock your equity, then rent it back for a defined period.
Best For:
Homeowners who need to divide equity immediately but need time to figure out their next housing move or let children finish the school year.
When Not To Use It:
If you cannot afford the market-rate rent for the leaseback period.
Tradeoffs & Risks:
- You become a tenant in your former home.
- Requires paying rent from your proceeds or income.
4. Renovate To Sell
Partner with a specialized contractor to make strategic updates (paint, flooring, staging) paid for out of escrow at closing.
Best For:
Homes that are dated or need minor repairs to achieve top market value, where owners lack upfront cash for improvements.
When Not To Use It:
If the home requires structural repairs, or if you need to sell immediately.
Tradeoffs & Risks:
- Extends the timeline before the home can be listed.
- Requires living through renovations or vacating early.
5. Trade-In Program
Use a specialized lender to unlock equity from your current home to buy your next home before selling the old one.
Best For:
Qualified homeowners who want to move immediately and sell their vacant home for top dollar.
When Not To Use It:
If you do not qualify for the bridge financing or if equity is limited.
Tradeoffs & Risks:
- Program fees apply.
- Requires qualifying for specialized financing.
Side-By-Side Comparison
| Feature | Traditional | Cash Offer | Sell & Stay | Renovate | Trade-In |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speed to Close | 30-60+ Days | 10-14 Days | 14-21 Days | 60-90+ Days | Varies |
| Net Proceeds | Highest | Lower | Moderate | Highest | Moderate |
| Showings Required? | Yes | No | No | Yes (Later) | No (Vacant) |
| Repairs Required? | Negotiable | No (As-Is) | No | Yes | Negotiable |
THE LOCKHART METHOD™
How The Lockhart Method™ Guides Every Decision
Understand Your Situation
Evaluate Every Option
Build Your Strategy
Coordinate The Right Professionals
Move Forward With Confidence
Get Your Property Decision Report™
Receive a customized analysis comparing your selling options, estimated net proceeds, and recommended strategies based on your unique situation.
Get Clarity Before You Decide
Clear, strategic answers to your most urgent divorce real estate questions so you can avoid costly mistakes.
Protect The Equity Before The Divorce Decree Protects It For You
Most homeowners focus on finalizing the divorce.
The larger financial risk is making a rushed decision about the house, home equity, refinancing, buyout terms, or future housing plans.
Understand the numbers, evaluate your options, and protect your financial future before signing anything.
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