A guide to selling due to a divorce or separation

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Selling a property at the best of times can be both challenging and stressful, doing so after a relationship breakdown can often make it even more so.

Firstly, we understand. Many of our staff have been through the exact same challenges you are currently facing right now. I’m sure comments such as ‘things will get better’ are of no use at all, but seriously, they do and they will.

The good news is that there are specific measures you can take to help move forward and start a fresh chapter in your life, some of which we will cover in this blog. We have a comprehensive guide to selling due to a divorce or separation too. 

Our experienced team understands the complexities of selling a property during this trying time, and we offer our support and guidance as your partner throughout the process. 

Once the difficult decision has been made that the property is to be sold then we can help by offering the best possible advice as to the value of your home and the best way to proceed.

This blog will primarily reference divorce, but the same approach, processes, and tips can be applied to separation as well.

Preparing for Divorce: Covering the Basics

To ensure a smooth transaction, clear communication is essential. First things first, we require both parties to be in agreement, and we need full contact details as well as suitable identification.

Our team can provide you with a market appraisal of your property, either together or separately, as per your convenience. After agreeing on an asking price, we will prepare sales particulars and arrange for one of our valuation experts to visit your home before launching it into the marketplace. All viewings will be accompanied by a member of our sales team, and any feedback will be shared with both parties.

It is important that we know your onward plans as soon as possible to avoid any complications. You will need a Conveyancing solicitor to handle the sale of the property; we can assist you by contacting local solicitors who will provide you with a quote for the sale transaction. Your conveyancing solicitor will need to be giving joint instructions with regards to the distribution of the proceeds from the sale.

Admin plays a big part in the process too, so let’s make it as smooth as possible by addressing these important considerations early on.

Divorce can be a complex and challenging process, but being prepared can make it less daunting. From family finances to property and even pets, there are many factors to consider. 

Selling a property can be a challenging process, with many legal and financial considerations to take into account. Here are some useful tips to help simplify the process and ensure a successful outcome:

  • Seeking legal advice is crucial to understand any legal implications that may arise throughout the process. A qualified solicitor can guide you through financial settlements and offer support in negotiations.
  • If you have a mortgage, consider informing your provider of the situation. They may be able to provide assistance or offer options to temporarily reduce your mortgage payments while you sell the property.
  • Once you’ve hired a solicitor, it’s time to contact an estate agent (Sims Williams!). Ensure that both parties involved sign the sales agreement, even though only one is legally required. This will help create a smoother process for everyone involved.
  • Communication is key. Regular updates about viewings, feedback, offers, and progress are essential to reduce the risk of sales falling through. In case of conflicts, mediators can be used to help maintain transparency and keep the process on track.

 

Remember, selling a property can be an emotional experience, but by following these guidelines, you can ensure a successful outcome.

At Sims Williams, we take pride in our commitment to providing honest and accurate property valuations. We’re dedicated to serving our local communities with integrity and transparency. We’re here to assist you in making the most informed decisions regarding your property.

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Back in August 2022, we decided to sell our house. After having several estate agents in, we decided on Sims Williams and we are so glad we did. Michael was so thorough in detail and within a week (seriously!), our house was on the market with photos done and viewings arranged. We had lots of advice from Michael and any queries we had were answered promptly. When the house was SSTC (which also happened after only one viewing!), Karen then took over and was also extremely efficient, keeping us up to date all the time. This gave us absolute reassurance that Sims Williams made us their priority. Honestly, we can't thank all the staff at Sims Williams enough for making the sale of our house such a smooth process, having heard that selling your house can be really stressful. Thank you Sims Williams! We will certainly recommend you to anyone who wishes to sell their house.
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My agent's experience and deep understanding of the market were invaluable. They provided exceptional service, was always punctual, and was incredibly responsive to my queries. She turned what could have been a stressful process into an enjoyable experience. He was professional, helpful, and quick to respond.
Connor - Tenant - May 30th, 2023

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I recently purchased and sold through this company. I have had some terrible service in the past. These people were a pleasure to deal with. They kept me informed, managed my purchase and sale with total professionalism. I have no reservations recommending them. Thank-you SW.
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Jo from SW was a pleasure to work with. She made the whole process of letting a property effortless. Especially for someone who was new to the country. I would definitely recommend Sims Williams to anyone in the Chichester area who was looking to rent/buy/sell. Their team is very professional and will definitely help you with all your concerns/ questions. Thanks again!
Arjun - Tenant - Aug 24th, 2023

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Michael - Buyer - Jun 9th, 2021

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Myself and my partner were dealt with Jo and David at the Chichester branch and were beyond grateful for there help. They were very friendly and answered all questions and concerns that we may have had. There services were impeccable and we are now settled in our new home. We couldn't be more pleased.
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Jo helped us find a property in Arundel with success. We are a small growing family relocating from London to West Sussex, and Jo Mallett has made the experience seamless and smooth. I trust that the management of our rental will be good too. Thank you, Jo (and David) 🙂
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Megan was so helpful with helping us purchase our first home. She answered any questions we had and quickly, and kept us informed through the whole process. I would definitely recommend Sims Williams, we felt really looked after and Megan ensured we had a smooth purchasing process.
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