Real Estate and your Divorce in OC – Protect Yourself!
A Divorce team on YOUR side
Going through a divorce is a stressful life event that unfortunately happens to about 72% of us here in Orange County, which is 22% over the national average. It is much more common than we think, and we are never prepared for it because we think we will be together forever. You probably know someone going through one right now. We hope it never happens to you or anyone else we know and love, but if it does we want you to know what you can do to make it easier. Divorce can also be one of the most lonely times for people, losing your best friend that you were going to spend the rest of your life with is far from easy. In order to make the process a little more easy, you need to find yourself a support system and a team that can help you through all of the legal parts that come with.
Who should be on your team?
Divorce Attorney
The last thing you want to think about our deal with during a divorce is what legal matters need to be settled. Having a good divorce attorney in your corner is key to helping it be an easy transition. If you don’t feel like doing research on divorce attorney’s don’t worry, we know the best one. Elisabeth Donovan is a member of our LeTip group that we see every week and we think she would be a great asset to your team. She is a certified divorce financial analyst and divorce attorney so she is at a higher level than other attorneys. She is experienced in separation and divorce, child custody and child support. She is passionate and aggressive, we’d want her on our team if we were in the same situation.
Lender
When going through a divorce homeownership and our credit can take a hit. You want a good lender on your side who will make sure you are able to purchase a home again. Derek Beisner is always one of your favorite lenders who also has his divorce designation. When one spouse says; ‘I’ll just keep the house,’ Derek makes sure not only they can afford it, but the spouse leaving can also afford to go off on their own and obtain financing. This is a critical step most divorcing couples forget to handle in mediation, and it usually ends up in one party being forced to sell or foreclose within 6 months to 1 year. We won’t let this happen to you.
Title
Sometimes debt gets so high in a separated household that second loans and Home Equity Lines of credit get taken out. Are you aware of everything that owed on your home, and every debt that’s connected to each of you? We have Mike with Team Langgle at your service to do a deep title search on all your assets, AND each party’s social security number, so nothing pesky pops up later. It’s important to know these things when you are dividing your assets equally!
Realtor
You know us and we weren’t going to leave your real estate agent off of your team. Having your trusted agent in your pocket during this time is so important. Whether you need to work with them to help you both sell your current home or you just need help finding your new home for your new chapter – having a real estate agent you trust and enjoy working with is key. We at the AskAngie team have the heart to help people going through a divorce. We’re not just trying to just sell your home we’re going to research and protect you to ensure you have a right size residence. Yes, sometimes that means sales, but frequently we just help put your ducks in order FOR FREE with no obligations. We work in conjunction with attorneys like Elisabeth to make sure every property concern is covered.
Insurance
Did you know insurance usually goes up on a property after a divorce? Or even worse, some properties are uninsurable due to new guidelines? Charley Hulsey with Pacific Partners Ins Agency can check your home(s) to make sure prices aren’t going up and you don’t get stuck in a pickle later with any insurance issues. If you’ve had too many claims recently, you could be in this boat. Be careful and let us confirm every single one of your bases is covered.
Credit Repair
Divorce can ruin one or both parties credit, and you’re going to NEED good credit to start your next chapter right! Sean Bruce with Executive Fix has flexible 3-18 month programs to help you boost your score back up and bounce back better than ever. Little things can make a big difference with your credit, and you have lots of big things to focus on. Sean cleans up your credit while you’re putting the other pieces back together.
Tax Advice
You may be moving to a new tax bracket or selling your home and paying Capital Gains. Irene Mack, CPA knows everything about the new tax laws and can help you understand what your new tax obligations will be. If you have back taxes owed, she can also assist to set you up with a payment plan. Having any outstanding tax obligations during the years that you were married can fall upon you both for years to come, and Irene can help you resolve that so you don’t have lingering issues.
Trust Advice
Are you breaking up or changing a trust? Rebecca Rainwater of Rainwater Family Mediation, LLC, is an experienced mediator and attorney who can assist you in preparing a trust to protect your assets and properties. She offers a personalized approach to each case and will work with you to create a plan that meets your unique needs.
Financial Advice
Need to change up your investments? Update your beneficiaries? Have fresh eyes take a look to make sure you are making the most out of what you’ve saved? Barbara Loos has been with Prudential for years and will take a look at your current investments with no obligations and let you know if she thinks you’re in a good place or she sees opportunity for bigger gains. Don’t lose sight of your long term plans during this difficult time.
Mobile Notary
With all the documents flying you’re probably going to need a notary, a few times. Nicki Walsh is so kind, caring, and compassionate, you’ll want her to help you with all your paperwork signings. She can come to you or meet you at the place of your choice.
Fix up crew
If you’re selling, renting, or even keeping your home but find out repairs are needed, we’ve got everyone you need to help you from Ken with Beacon Carpet & grout cleaning, to John with Reddel Draperies. Or maybe you don’t need anything ‘fixed’, but you can’t stand looking at the exact same house. Gina Lauren can come help you transform your space with her interior design expertise.
Clutter crew
Oh, and we also have the fasttrack number to Salvation Army. Most people call and it’s 2 weeks out and a 4 hour window…not us. We call and set an appointment TIME where they come and pick up EVERYTHING regardless of condition. It’s all part of our RCS-D designation relationships to bring you one less worry.
Emotional support
Obviously this is such a hard time with so much change. We’ve got you covered on that end too, with referrals for many therapists, help groups, churches, & holistic help practitioners to keep you operating at your best mentally. The more people you can have on your team to share the heavy load during this time will make your life easier and less stressful. Go ahead, lean on us!
Next Steps
Together with your team you will be able to mastermind the next steps of your life and where the new chapter will begin. Your divorce attorney will make sure you get everything you want and need throughout the divorce process. Then your lender and the rest of the team will make sure your credit, savings, and mindset stays strong so that you are able to buy again sooner than later. Lastly, your Realtor will help you find the perfect new pad for your next chapter, and you’ll be well on your way to your best life!
If you need more recommendations/advice or are currently going through a divorce and need our team to be your support system contact Angie at 949-338-7408.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Homeownership and Divorce: What To Do About Your House
The evil D word, nobody wants it, but it happens to 50% or more of us. Orange County sky rockets the national divorce average from 50% to 72%. Did you know that divorces spike in August and January? As summer winds down, we thought it would be a good idea to give you some pointers on this super touchy subject.
Listing your home during a divorce
MANY of our listings are divorce sales, and we strive to provide solutions to better protect our clients. It’s a HARD time, and we want to make it as easy as we can when it comes to the most important asset. For this reason, I just earned my RCS-D designation with Professor Kelly Murray, who has degrees from Stanford & Harvard Law. Watch this video to find out some important tips to a successful resolution of the house during a dissolution:
Real Estate Collaborative Specialist – Divorce
Did you know that less than 50 Realtors in Orange County, CA have this prestigious designation? Did you know the standard in divorce when it comes to real estate is an appraisal and a mortgage statement?? That’s IT.
- NO inspection reports
- NO previous title search for liens or secret mortgages
- NO insurance search to confirm the property can be refinanced
- NO preapproval to make sure the home can *actually* be refinanced by one party or the other on their own
Property division is permanent, and not all divorce attorneys are stellar when it comes to real estate handlings. Things you sign in mediation are binding, and sometimes you feel rushed into these decisions. CONTACT US for a no obligation conversation on how you can protect yourself before you ever walk into court or mediation.
Hard Scenarios You MUST Consider During Divorce
Scenario 1: “Oh, just let them keep the house.”
Are you sure about that? One late payment can be 100 credit points! Do you care about your credit score? Ask yourself: Can you or your ex ACTUALLY qualify for the refinance?
- For example: Can you use your alimony or support payments, and if so, how soon? Many banks have a 6/36 rule. They want to see 6 months consistent income, and receive evidence that 36 months of income will continue before they will lend.
Scenario 2: “It’s ok, I’ll just go buy another house.”
ASK: If you allow your ex to keep the house, will YOU still qualify for with your name on the old mortgage? Can you start your next chapter?
- For example: In the eyes of a lender, both parties don’t have 50/50 responsibility on a loan……you each have to pay 100% if the other defaults. Does this ruin your chances of qualifying for a second home in your name? Make it a point to find out before you make a promise you can’t keep.
Scenario 3: “I lost my job / health & I can’t pay.”
Consider what might happen in a worst case scenario. Would you be able to carry two homes to save your credit? Or possibly be willing to sell in a down market?
- UNFORTUNATE FACT: Only 25-30% of individuals regain homeownership 7-10 years after foreclosure. Don’t let your divorce put you into this pool.
If you need help deciding what to do with your house during a divorce talk to the proper Divorce Professionals who can give you the protection, tools, and timeline to make your future a success. We have an entire team waiting to assist you, from moving out all clutter for free to pulling the necessary paperwork to know what you truly owe and own on your properties.
Please reach out to Angie via phone or text anytime at 949-338-7408. Always confidential, always caring, always at your service.
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Orange County Real Estate Success 