The Top Mistakes to Avoid When Selling a Home During Divorce

Divorce is hard enough—selling your home during one shouldn’t make things worse. For many couples in Rhode Island, the family home is their largest shared asset, and deciding what to do with it can be one of the most emotional and financially complicated parts of a separation. If you’re in this position, it’s essential to avoid some common mistakes that can cost you time, money, and peace of mind.

As a Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert (CDRE™), Jennifer Cosgrove of Greenwich Bay Brokers specializes in guiding divorcing homeowners through the real estate process with professionalism, neutrality, and care. Here are the biggest mistakes to avoid when selling your home during a divorce in Rhode Island.

1. Pricing Based on Emotion Instead of Market Data

It’s natural to feel attached to your home—especially if it holds memories. But overpricing because of emotional value can lead to long days on the market, lowball offers, and disappointment. Your home should be priced based on current market trends, recent comparable sales, and objective value.

Pro Tip: Work with a local expert like Jennifer Cosgrove, who understands how to balance emotional ties with strategic pricing that attracts serious buyers.

2. Not Using a Neutral, Divorce-Savvy Real Estate Agent

Many divorcing couples choose a friend or family member as their agent—but this often leads to conflict or a perception of bias. A divorce-trained agent knows how to stay neutral, work with both parties, and follow legal agreements related to the sale.

Jennifer Cosgrove is trained to work with attorneys, mediators, and courts to ensure that the transaction meets all legal requirements while minimizing tension.

3. One Spouse Refusing to Cooperate

Refusing to sign documents, declining showings, or delaying communication can stall a sale indefinitely. This is especially common when one spouse isn’t emotionally ready to let go.

What to do: Set clear expectations from the beginning and communicate through a neutral party when needed. A CDRE™ acts as a buffer, helping both parties stay focused on the goal.

4. Overlooking the Legal Timeline and Court Orders

In Rhode Island, the court may dictate when and how a property can be sold during a divorce. Failing to follow these timelines or misunderstanding your legal obligations can delay or derail the sale entirely.

Solution: Always involve your attorney and your CDRE-trained agent in planning the sale timeline and execution.

5. Not Preparing the Home for Sale

Some divorcing couples don’t want to invest any effort in staging or repairs. But neglecting basic presentation can impact your final sale price—sometimes by tens of thousands of dollars.

Even small improvements like deep cleaning, neutralizing décor, and fresh landscaping can help your home sell faster and for more.

6. Rushing the Process

While it’s understandable to want closure, rushing into a sale without proper planning can leave money on the table—or cause bigger legal issues later. Take the time to price correctly, complete necessary paperwork, and ensure both parties are protected.

Final Thoughts: A Smooth Sale Is Possible—with the Right Support

Selling a home during a divorce can feel overwhelming, but with the right real estate expert by your side, it doesn’t have to be. Jennifer Cosgrove brings unmatched experience, neutrality, and compassion to Rhode Island homeowners facing divorce-related sales.

If you’re navigating a separation and aren’t sure where to begin with your property, Jennifer can help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Contact Greenwich Bay Brokers today for a confidential home consultation with Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert Jennifer Cosgrove.