Divorce

Why Use A Certified Real Estate Divorce Specialist?

Why hire just a realtor when you can hire a Real Estate Divorce Specialist who knows divorce and will ensure a fair outcome. You need a trusted, experienced, and knowledgeable Realtor® who can help with complicated issues and navigate you through the sale of the marital home. I have been an active Realtor with Royal Lepage since 2011 in the city of Maple Ridge and one of the first Certified Real Estate Specialist in British Columbia since 2016. I specialize in divorce real estate and my goal is to preserve home ownership and help you make the hard decisions. I work with a professional divorce team of trusted legal, financial, and real estate professionals, streamlining the difficult process of divorce. I can ease the stress and burden of my clients and help them get a new start in life. As a neutral listing agent, I mediate between spouses to help you and your ex negotiate the sale of your marital property. I educate you through the property division process so you will feel more confident, make better decisions, and ensure a better outcome. This will ensure a calm, safe environment and a level playing field during the selling process. Once the dust settles I work hard with you to get your finances in order to get you back into the real estate market. Learn more about buying a home after a divorce.  pride myself in consistently providing the highest quality professional real estate service. I put my client’s needs first and work hard to help them achieve their dreams. My clients are always number one, with loyalty, reliability, and exceeding your expectations at every turn. My utmost goal is to help my clients with making wise Real Estate decisions.

Working with a Certified Real Estate Divorce Specialist 

Divorce Realtors are skilled in mediation and conflict resolution. Divorce Realtors are also sensitive to the emotional challenges and provide support and empathy while maintaining professionalism throughout the selling process. I act as neutral third party, helping you with difficult decisions, and making the process smoother. I am an expert in divorce and have a unique ability to helping my clients move on to the next stage of their lives.

Choosing A Realtor® For Your Divorce - You want someone who is comfortable with talking about divorce and understands that the marital home, is a business transaction. I will guide you through the tough conversations that need to happen rationally and without bias.

Setting The Right Price For A Sale - Detaching yourself from your home is the easiest way to deal with the trauma of selling your marital home. Think of your house as a commodity, and you need to move it. I provide accurate property valuations based on market data to establish a realistic price to get it sold quickly and for a fair price. I work closely with divorce attorneys to ensure that any property sale aligns with the best interests and coordinate with any orders or agreements.

Marketing Your Property - I am an experienced full-service Realtor® with Royal Lepage Brookside Realty who can prepare, organize and professionally market your home for sale. I prepare a personalized a la carte marketing plan to suit your comfort level, utilizing what works to attract today’s buyers to get your home SOLD quickly and for top dollar. Networking with other agents, industry partners preferred clients, and the public.

I Know Your Competition - When selling your home. I am the best person to provide you with real-time information on the listings you are competing with within your market. Based on my research, I know the price and features of the competing properties and I know how to make yours stand out.

Helping You Find A Home After A Divorce - I can help you find your next home after your marital home is sold. Whether you are buying or renting, I can put you in contact with my preferred mortgage and financial professionals to help you make that next step.

Refer You To Great Professionals -  I will help you find the right lawyer, property inspector, tradesman, movers, and other service providers. I have a list of preferred businesses that I can recommend to you, saving you time and worry. I pride myself on delivering exceptional service and looking after your every need.

Code of Ethics

Transparency

It is our practice to be completely transparent throughout the real estate process. We are open, honest, and straightforward with clients about your property and all matters connected to the real estate transaction.

Confidentiality

We owe a duty to protect your private information and we are prohibited from sharing or using information your information, even after your relationship ends. Including your email, and phone numbers, reasons for buying or selling, minimum/ maximum price, and terms and conditions.

Loyalty 

We will act only in the best interest of our clients.

Full Disclosure

We owe our clients a fiduciary duty in a client/agent relationship. We will act solely in your best interests and disclose any material facts about the transaction.

Avoid Conflicts Of Interest 

We avoid any situation that would affect our duty to act in your best interests. Including representing another party in the real estate transaction, buying the listing for personal or investments.

Neutrality

We act as neutral mediators, facilitating communication between divorcing spouses. We maintain a professional and objective stance to prevent conflicts during the home-selling process.

No Dual Agency 

We do not take part in dual agency. We act solely for our clients and do not represent both buyer and seller in a real estate transaction.

Court Orders 

We follow protocols for any court orders that are in place.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if one spouse wants to keep the property while the other wants to sell it?

As a Divorce Realtor, I can work with both parties to explore various options for you to make the best decision that suits your situation and financial feasibility.

What is a Divorce Realtor, and how do they differ from regular real estate agents?

Divorce Realtors are well-versed in the legal, financial, and emotional aspects of divorce-related property sales. Hiring these specialized real estate professionals bring a unique blend of expertise in both real estate transactions and divorce-related complexities. They provide guidance while minimizing conflicts and make the process smoother for the divorcing couples.

What are the costs associated with hiring a Divorce Realtor?

 I do not charge additional fees for my services. My rates are very competitive and I typically charge a standard real estate commission. However, the benefits of my expertise often outweigh the costs.

How does a Divorce Realtor handle disagreements between divorcing spouses regarding property sale decisions?

Divorce realtors are skilled in mediation and conflict resolution. They act as neutral third parties to help divorcing couples make those hard decisions.

Do I need a separation agreement to sell the marital home?

No, it is not necessary but you do need a signed agreement between you and your ex of how the property will be divided. However, you will need a separation agreement if you plan on buying a property after the sale of the marital home.

Can I keep my divorce private while my home is on the market?

Yes, if you wish to keep your divorce private while selling your home, I can help you.

Will I have to speak with my ex during the process?

It is not necessary. If you wish not to speak to your ex, I can communicate with each of you separately, while keeping you both equally informed about the process, the status, and what to expect in the next steps.

Will you help me find a house to buy/rent?

Yes, I work with a team of professionals who will assist you with your housing, mortgage, legal, and real estate needs.

How will you market my home?

I prepare, organize, and professionally market your home to suit your comfort level, utilizing what works to attract today’s buyers to get your home sold quickly and for top dollar. My Marketing System targets three specific groups – brokers, neighbors, and buyers and includes professional photography, video, networking, open houses, online and social media marketing which buyers can view your listing 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

Which professionals do I need to hire to get through this process?

Divorce is a difficult process and it is important to have the right players on your team to guide you and support you through this challenging time. Finding the right professionals will help you make sound choices and keep you moving through. Your professional team should consist of a Divorce Lawyer/Mediator, a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, a Certified Real Estate Divorce Specialist, a Real Estate Lawyer, and a Mortgage Broker.

Judith Vandenberg Realtor Divorce Specialist