Navigating the complexities of divorce cases can be emotionally and logistically demanding, especially when real estate assets are involved. As a family law attorney, you’re already balancing your clients’ legal, financial, and emotional needs. What if there was a way to lighten your load while ensuring your clients receive the best possible results in dividing their real estate assets? This is where working with a Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert (CDRE) can transform your practice.
What is a Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert?
You might wonder what a Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert, or CDRE, is. Simply put, a CDRE is a real estate professional with specialized training in handling divorce-related real estate transactions.
As one of the less than 1% of realtors nationwide who hold this certification, I’ve been extensively trained to handle even the most high-conflict cases with neutrality and precision. My experience as a licensed real estate professional since 2002, combined with my CDRE designation, equips me to act as a neutral third party, guiding clients through the division of their real estate assets with professionalism and care.
Key Questions Every Attorney Should Ask Their Real Estate Partner
When choosing a real estate expert to handle divorce transactions, there are key questions you should ask to ensure they’re the right fit. Here are some of the most critical questions, along with how I approach these scenarios as a Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert:
- What is your protocol for access, meetings, and communication if restraining orders are involved?
When restraining orders are in place, the safety and comfort of all parties involved are a top priority. I strictly follow the court orders regarding property access and ensure communication remains separate and equal. There are no joint meetings or calls—everything is handled with care to respect boundaries while staying neutral.
- Do you represent buyers on your divorce listings?
No, I do not represent buyers on any divorce listings. Remaining neutral is a cornerstone of my approach, allowing me to act in the best interest of the divorcing homeowners without any conflict of interest or financial gain. My sole responsibility is to the sellers.
- Do you buy divorce listings as investments?
Absolutely not. As a CDRE, part of my code of ethics is not to seek financial gain or invest in any divorce-related properties I manage. My role is to provide unbiased, ethical expertise—and nothing more.
- What is your protocol for involving the non-titled spouse in the sale?
Even when only one spouse is on the title, I believe both parties deserve an equal voice in the sale of the property. While my fiduciary duty lies with the titled owner, I use an addendum to the listing agreement and suggested court order verbiage that permits me to communicate with both parties, ensuring transparency and equality.
- How do you ensure the distribution of proceeds follows the court order?
I double-check the instructions provided to the closing officers for consistency to ensure that proceeds are distributed strictly according to the court order. We ensure the court order is clear and detailed enough for closing officers to follow without ambiguity.
- Do you disclose to buyers or their agents that this is a divorce listing?
Confidentiality is key. I never disclose that a home is a divorce listing to buyers, their agents, or in any advertising. As a CDRE, I’m committed to preserving my clients’ privacy during and after the transaction.
How a CDRE Can Elevate Your Divorce Practice
Partnering with a Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert can benefit your clients and legal practice in countless ways. Here’s how:
Neutrality and Trust: As a CDRE, I’m trained to handle high-conflict situations while maintaining neutrality, ensuring both parties feel heard and valued.
Stress Reduction for Clients: Divorce is already overwhelming; having a real estate expert manage the logistics of selling a shared home makes the process smoother.
Improved Client Satisfaction: When clients feel their assets are managed fairly and professionally, it reflects positively on you as their attorney.
Streamlined Transactions: My proven systems and processes ensure a seamless selling experience, even in the most complex divorce cases.
Let’s Work Together
Imagine the confidence you’d have knowing your clients’ real estate transactions are handled by an expert specializing in divorce cases. Not only will it take some of the weight off your shoulders, but it will also elevate your client’s experience during one of the most challenging times in their lives.
Handling real estate in divorce cases doesn’t have to be complicated when you have the right expert on your team. I aim to help family law professionals like you achieve the best possible outcomes for your clients without the added stress.
Partnering with a Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert (CDRE) means you’re working with someone who prioritizes neutrality, ethics, and results in every divorce real estate transaction. If you’re ready to elevate your practice or navigate your divorce with confidence, let’s connect! Follow us on social media and visit: https://linktr.ee/homesbyrondahopper