Should I Keep or Sell the House After Divorce? What Rhode Island Homeowners Should Consider

One of the biggest decisions divorcing couples face is what to do with the family home. It’s more than just a property—it’s where memories were made, children may have been raised, and routines were built. But when a marriage ends, the question becomes practical: Should I keep the house, or is it better to sell it and move on?

As a Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert (CDRE™), Jennifer Cosgrove of Greenwich Bay Brokers helps Rhode Island homeowners navigate this emotionally and financially complex decision with clarity, compassion, and professional expertise.

If you're facing this choice, here's what you need to consider.

1. Can You Afford to Keep the House on Your Own?

The biggest factor is often financial. A mortgage that was manageable with two incomes might become a burden with one. Beyond mortgage payments, consider:

• Property taxes
  
  
• Homeowner’s insurance
  
  
• Utilities and maintenance
  
  
• Emergency repairs
  
  

If you’re considering keeping the home, be sure you can handle these costs independently—or with spousal support, if applicable.

2. Will You Need to Refinance?

In many cases, one spouse wants to stay in the home and “buy out” the other’s share. That often means refinancing the mortgage into their name alone, which requires good credit, stable income, and lender approval.

A refinance may also impact your monthly payment or loan terms. A real estate expert and mortgage advisor can help you understand whether refinancing is possible—or practical.

3. Do You Qualify for a Buyout?

A buyout means one spouse receives their share of the home’s equity, either in cash or through an asset trade. Before agreeing to this, you'll need a current, accurate home valuation.

Jennifer Cosgrove provides fair market value assessments rooted in real-time local data and Rhode Island market knowledge—ensuring both parties can move forward with confidence.

4. What Are the Emotional Impacts?

Staying in the marital home may feel comforting at first—but for some, it can prolong emotional healing or keep painful memories alive. For others, it may provide much-needed stability, especially if children are involved.

Ask yourself:

• Will this house help you move forward or hold you back?
  
  
• Is staying worth the financial and emotional investment?
  
  

This is a deeply personal question—and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

5. Would Selling Be a Clean Break?

Selling the home and splitting the proceeds can often bring a clean, neutral end to the financial entanglement. It may also allow both parties to start fresh in homes that better reflect their new lives.

The right real estate agent can ensure the home is marketed professionally, sold at top market value, and handled with fairness to both sides. Jennifer Cosgrove is specially trained to do just that—while remaining neutral and aligned with court or settlement requirements.

6. What Does the Court or Settlement Require?

Sometimes the decision is made for you. In Rhode Island, divorce settlements or court orders may direct the sale of the home, or outline timelines and conditions for a buyout.

Jennifer works closely with divorce attorneys and mediators to ensure all agreements are followed, timelines are met, and the real estate process does not interfere with legal proceedings.

Final Thoughts: Make a Smart, Informed Choice

Whether you choose to keep or sell the house, it’s important to make that decision based on facts, finances, and your future goals—not just emotions.

With her unique training as a Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert, Jennifer Cosgrove helps Rhode Island homeowners make informed choices about their properties during divorce. She’s here to guide you through every option with clarity, empathy, and expertise.