What Happens to the House in a Divorce? Insights from Jeff Duneske, Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert in Metro Detroit

When a marriage ends, one of the biggest and most emotional questions is: “What happens to the house?”

For many couples, the family home represents not just financial value, but years of shared memories, stability, and identity. During a divorce, deciding what to do with that home can be one of the most challenging and consequential decisions you’ll face.

As a Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert (CDRE) and Northville Realtor®, I’ve guided countless clients across Metro Detroit, including Northville, Novi, South Lyon, and Plymouth, through this exact process. Here’s what every divorcing homeowner should understand about their options and how to make a smart, fair, and informed decision.

1. You Have Three Primary Options for the Marital Home

When it comes to the home, divorcing couples typically choose one of three paths:

Option 1: Sell the Home and Split the Proceeds
This is often the cleanest solution. Selling allows both parties to move forward with a clear financial break and equal division of equity. A CDRE Realtor® ensures the sale is handled neutrally, with full transparency on pricing, marketing, and offers.

Option 2: One Spouse Buys Out the Other
In this case, one party refinances the home in their own name and compensates the other for their share of the equity. Having an accurate, court-supported valuation from a neutral Realtor® is critical here to avoid disputes or overpayment.

Option 3: Deferred Sale (Co-Ownership)
Sometimes, the court allows the couple to postpone selling, especially if children are still in the home. This “deferred sale” can work in the short term, but it requires clear agreements on who pays the mortgage, maintenance, and taxes.

2. Why a Neutral Realtor Makes All the Difference

Divorce real estate isn’t about taking sides; it’s about protecting everyone’s interests.

As a Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert, I act as a neutral professional, focusing only on the facts: the market data, property condition, and the most strategic path to preserve value. My job is to communicate clearly with both spouses and their attorneys to ensure a transparent, conflict-free process.

3. Getting an Accurate Home Value During Divorce

Home valuation during divorce isn’t the same as a regular CMA. Courts and attorneys often require unbiased documentation, full disclosure of comps, and formal reports that can withstand legal scrutiny.

I provide court-ready valuations, backed by 25+ years of experience, local expertise, and objective market analysis, ensuring both parties can feel confident in the numbers.

4. How to Prepare Emotionally and Logistically

Selling a home during a divorce isn’t just about contracts; it’s about emotions.

My advice:

• Focus on facts, not feelings.
  Let data drive the decisions, not memories.

• Communicate through professionals.
  A neutral Realtor can be the buffer you need to keep things calm.

• Think long-term.
  Prioritize what helps you both move forward financially and emotionally.

5. Why Homeowners Across Metro Detroit Trust Jeff Duneske

With over 1,300 successful home sales and as one of Michigan’s top 1% Realtors®, I’ve worked with family law attorneys, mediators, and divorcing couples to provide clarity, fairness, and peace during a difficult time.

As a Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert, my role goes beyond selling homes; I help people make sound, strategic decisions during one of life’s biggest transitions.

Conclusion

Your home may be the biggest shared asset in your marriage, but how it’s handled in your divorce can shape your next chapter. Whether you’re considering selling, refinancing, or seeking a valuation, the first step is finding the right neutral expert to guide you.

📞 Contact Jeff Duneske, Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert
Serving Northville, Novi, South Lyon, Plymouth, and Metro Detroit
Visit Duneske.com or call (248) 939-9393 for a confidential consultation.