Divorce changes everything.
I know because I've navigated this personally

Yes — in most cases you can sell your home at any point during the divorce process, including before the divorce is finalized. In Washington state, both spouses must agree to the sale and the terms unless a court order directs otherwise. Working with a neutral real estate agent from the beginning helps prevent disputes that can delay or derail the sale.

Mortgage assumption is when one spouse takes over the existing mortgage in their name alone, allowing them to keep the home without refinancing. It can be a smart option when interest rates have risen since the original mortgage was taken out, or when one party cannot qualify for a new loan at current rates. Not all lenders allow assumption, and not all mortgages are assumable — this is something Suzanne can help you evaluate as part of your overall options.

Divorce itself does not directly impact your credit score — but what happens to shared debt during the divorce can. If a joint mortgage goes into default, or if one spouse stops making payments on shared accounts, both parties' credit can be affected. Selling the marital home and settling shared debt as part of the divorce process is one of the most effective ways to protect your financial standing going forward.

Selling before the settlement is finalized is common and often recommended — it removes one of the most contentious assets from the negotiation table. In Washington state, proceeds from the sale of a marital home are considered community property and are typically split equally unless your divorce agreement specifies otherwise. Your attorney will direct how proceeds are handled at closing.

Washington is a community property state, meaning that property acquired during the marriage is generally owned equally by both spouses. When you sell a marital home, both parties must agree to the sale, the listing price, and the terms — unless a court order mandates otherwise. Proceeds are divided per your divorce decree or settlement agreement. A neutral real estate agent coordinates with both parties and their attorneys throughout to keep the process on track.

Yes — and in many cases, using a single neutral agent is the most efficient and cost-effective approach. A neutral agent represents the transaction and both parties equally, without allegiance to either side. This is different from dual agency, where an agent represents both the buyer and seller in a typical sale. A divorce specialist like Suzanne is specifically trained to maintain neutrality and transparency with both parties throughout.

A Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert (CDRE) is an agent who has completed a rigorous, invitation-only 12-week program covering the legal, financial, and emotional dimensions of divorce real estate. There are fewer than 400 CDRE-designated agents in the United States. CDRE agents are trained to work alongside family law attorneys and mediators, understand Washington community property law, and are recognized by the court system as qualified neutral parties. Suzanne is currently completing her CDRE certification.

The timeline depends on the current market, the condition of the home, and how aligned both parties are on pricing and terms. In the current Eastside market, well-priced homes are selling in an average of 15 days. The most common cause of delays in divorce sales is disagreement between the parties — which is why establishing a neutral agent and aligned terms early in the process makes a significant difference.