Why every realtor needs a divorce mediator in their back pocket

Every realtor is keenly aware of the importance of clear communication for the smooth sale of a home. They also know all about the frustration of communication breaking down and the sale derailing. When the news reaches the realtors ears that there is an impending divorce and the marital home will go up for sale, you can feel the stress level rise and the eyes start to roll.

But what if there was way for realtors to sidestep the need to tap dance through the roles of realtor, therapist and negotiator? 

Enter the divorce mediator! Whose job it is to facilitate clear communication and help the sellers settle on the terms of the sale.

By working with a third-party neutral, the stress level in the sellers goes down which speeds up the process. (Keeping the realtor out of the conflict keeps their stress level low too.) When stress is lower, communication is better and sound decisions can be made. 

To do this, the mediator asks the right questions to steer the couple to the necessary points of decision. For instance, 

“Should the house be upgraded or sold as is?”

“ What will be the listing price?“ 

“What is the lowest offer we will accept?“

“On what timetable will the house be vacated, offers received and accepted?“ 

I’m hoping at this point all the realtors in the readership are breathing a sigh of relief. 

“Yes! Now I understand if things could unfold this way. Things would be simpler, more peaceful, and more lucrative! “

After the mediator has worked with a couple (sometimes with the nuanced input of the realtor) The mediator can then provide written documentation of the divorcing couples’ agreements regarding every aspect of the timetable and arrangements for the sale of the house.

By directing the couple to a divorce mediator, the realtor is not only freed up to do what they do best, they are spared the energy and time draining effect of being along for the bumpy ride as the couple attempts to come to an agreement about the home. 

Additionally, client satisfaction for the realtor will be enhanced. Even stressed out divorcing couples will be grateful and soon acknowledge that “we couldn’t have done it this quickly and smoothly if it was left up to us. “

Here’s another wonderful trick that a mediator has up their sleeve:

In the written documentation of the couples’ agreement, there will be language committing the couple to returning to the mediator if unforeseen circumstances cause new conflict or indecision. The mediator addresses the issue and assists the couple in a timely resolution, thus avoiding any halting of the sale. 

In the field of mental health, it is widely recognized that a divorce, is second only to the death of a loved one in terms of its emotional stress. During times like this, our executive functioning can do a nose dive. Those under such stresses are best served by being directed to specific professionals who can help them address each aspect of the challenging process they need to go through.

Too often, realtors are caught in the crossfire. By directing a divorcing couple to a divorce mediator, realtors could not only save themselves stress, but also reduce the couples’ stress regarding the real estate sale. By helping a couple avoid litigation regarding every other aspect of the divorce, not just a sale of the house, a great service will have been done for them, especially if there are children involved, and they will be sure to thank you when the dust settles.