I didn't have to sell my house, but I did have to stay living in a trailer for about four years until I got my "divorce debt" cleaned up.

I have now moved into a little house I just love. I think you may want to consider your finances. Another thing that I did after my divorce was I didn't make any major decisions for one year. This way I knew I was not reacting from grief. Considering this, renting might be a good way to go.

Hope this helps.

Hugs!

That's sound advice from Hurtinandhealin! While I got the farm in my settlement, I knew that I wasn't going to want to stay there forever -- too much hard physical labor -- so from Divorce Day, I kept considering my options. Finally put it up for sale in 2011 and got a solid contract in January 2013.

I moved 1,100 miles away -- to sunny Naples, FL -- and while I DID put a contract on a place before my actual move date (April 2013) that fell through. I ended up leasing a house down here. And you know what? I'm glad it worked out that way. I'm not "locked in" to anything and because the jury is still out as to whether or not I will stay here long-term, it's the smart move to make.

Unless you are 100% sure that you want to stay in your current location (city and/or state) you might be wise to find something you like to rent or lease. I know that as I have gotten a little older, NOT having to deal with yard work and maintenance is wonderful! Not saying that I wouldn't like to have a little outside space (besides my lanai), but for now this is great!

Think long and hard. xoxo

I knew I didn't want to keep the family home. I couldn't afford it and the upkeep was too much. Since my kids were in their Jr and Sr year in high school, I did not want to leave the district. I tried finding something to rent, but everything was big and had land which I did not want to mow or try to kid one of my kids to. I really didn't want to buy so soon, but I did end up with a home that was less than a year old and much closer to work for me. It also put us in the district for the college the kids are now attending so money was saved that way too. I love my little house. I agree with the others, don't make any permanent decisions until you have a real fix on your finances. Another plus to getting out of the marital home is you don't have all those old memories around. Some people have trouble with that.

I had to sell my house in a short sale due to X not paying, and am now renting a small, piece of crap house because it's all I can afford.

That being said, I am trying to find a nicer place to rent once I get a settlement. It is nice to not have to worry about paying for plumbing problems, etc. so renting is what I want to do for now.

Who knows when my divorce will go through, or if I will get the money I'm owed. I'll wait until I know my spousal, etc. before deciding if I want to buy. Although there are a lot of deals out there now.

Good luck to you :)

I stayed in the house. My youngest was still in school and I didn't want to upset them anymore than they already were. Overall, I think I made a good decision and will most likely be here for another 5 years is my guess. It is a lot of work, expensive and upkeep is tough - but hopefully, I'll have a bit of equity when this is all said and one. To rent a 3 bedroom would have been almost as much as my mortgage, so I figured I might as well just stay here and have some peace and quiet. We will see what the future holds.

Maybe I'll meet some hot construction/lawn & Garden/Eletrician/Plumber, who'll want to move in with me ha ha ha ha...

Good luck sister with whatever you choose.

I meant said and DONE... not one.

I had to sell the house(jail) was too big. The upkeep would have been a burden that I did not want to carry. I bought a condo. The rent would have been triple for what I paid for the maintenance fee, mortgage and property taxes. Last year I sold and bought another condo. Maybe buying a condo could be cheaper than renting while building up equity. Settle down for a few years and take the time to look for something that you really like. Hugs

I kept the house and took his portion of the equity as a lump sum to lower his child support payments. So I get 60% of what his tables amount should be.

My kids are younger so it was a good decision for us, no moving and disrupting their lives.

In the end it was a little piece of revenge for what he did to me.

I live in a nice house with no mortgage. So will my job I can easily carry the expense.

He took no equity so has no down payment for his own house. Also since he still has to pay a high amount of child support he can't save anything.

So I got a bit if happiness knowing kids and I are just fine and someday I will be able to sell this big house and move into something smaller.

I couldn't bear to remain in that house, which I designed, but in which I had felt trapped, sad, unloved and alone for too many years. I moved out into a small and easily-managed rental house until settlement went through. Then I bought the house I'm in now, which is a smaller version of the one I designed, with a lovely warm atmosphere unhampered by awful memories. For that reason, I don't allow arguing or fighting in this house, and my ex will never step through its front door. This is my safe place, and I love it.

love and hugs
kamary

We sold the house. Paid the estate agents and paid the remainder of the mortgage. Then I bought my own home exactly two weeks after the divorce which I live in with my son. My ex husband moved in with his sister. I couldn't bear to live in our marital house and he couldn't afford to buy me out so it was the only option. Considering we had a three bedroomed house, I've done well as I have a two/three bedroomed house that I love. It's all because of God. All the very best.

So, I'm getting ready to put the house on the market. I have spoken to an agent, done a walk through with her but I haven't signed an agreement with her yet. I didn't even consider listing it Buy Owner but my attorney is strongly suggesting that I do because I could potentially save the almost $30,000 in commission. My stbx says he thinks that's not a good idea because the house wouldn't be on the MLS. But, the houses in our neighborhood tend to sell very quickly and some even before the house goes on the market. Just lots of interest in our neighborhood. So, any thoughts? Anyone ever sold a house Buy Owner?

I'm keeping the house for now. refinanced - payment is low. I could stay there till paid off, but I think often about upkeep - both inside and out. Once my daughter goes off to college and I see how often she plans to come home, I will think about selling and getting a small ranch with tiny yard, or a condo. I do want a yard, but not a lot of yard work. However I want to wait to make a decision till I have a clearer idea of my future. Will I stay at this job? Will my mom need more help soon? (she's 86), will my son move out? (he's 22). There is a lot to consider. It's a changeable time in my life, and not only because of the divorce. A guy I am seeing has a tiny but adorable house, which is perfect for one person, but I couldn't see myself in something quite so small, because of kids, and holidays. etc...

Sell by Owner requires you do your homework. Basically, your market will depend on someone's visual interest from a neighborhood drive by. MLS allows additional and greater access of buyers which views your photographs. If this is a seller's market with few houses available, you've timed it right.

There are estate agencies that will charge a fee for MLS and/or for any other services such as contingency conditions and contract writing. You provide the actual physical leg work. Hope for a buyer who is pre-qualified who makes a decent offer and can close in 30 days. You might even get a bidding war or cash offer! If it doesn't work out, you can later option to do the traditional selling method.

Moving into a smaller, less expensive place is dependent on reasonable needs and affordability. For the matured single person who is a empty-nester, having long range vision might do you better when retirement years are approaching. Focus on safe location and well maintained neighborhoods. You might find a great deal. Good luck!

Tobywinn - you are awesome!!! You put this into clear quick answers so nicely! I hope when I go to sell I have a bidding war... I wish you were a realtor!

The 1st time my ex and I divorced...I bought him out of our 171/2 acre farm. When we got back together we bought a little house by the ocean with my credit and capitol...he had already blown his buy out. When we divorced the 2nd time...he bought me out. It was a small amount of cash. I had 2 dogs and couldnt find a rental that would take 2 dogs...so...I came across this little house I'm in now...it was in probate...because of that it was really cheap. I offered them 100$ more than they were asking and got the house. Just buying this house increased my assets in relation to the going market. I keep a very close eye on the housing prices...its a bit of a hobby...so I recognized that it was a gift. I had it all wrapped up in a 2 week period. So...I bought right away but I knew the market well....it was a positive move for me. I fixed up the basement and turned it into a rental suite...which in turn pays the mortgage...my earnings are free and clear other than the regular home expenses. My house at the farm is also rented out and pays that mortgage.

You have to weight everything up to match how you see yourself in the future. Sometimes you just have to take a leap of faith and sometimes you wait for your opportunity to arise...again...it all depends on what your dreams and goals are...Big Hugs...Kathy