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Jody Bruns, CDLP, Niche Marketing Expert in Real Estate & Mortgage (Jody Bruns, LLC)

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Rainmaker
1,844,301
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

It is not good blogging ettiquette to ask a question & point to your post. Think if everyone did this? 

Ask a question - get help.

Oct 07, 2016 04:07 AM
Ambassador
1,452,819
Susan Emo
Sotheby's International Realty Canada - Brokerage - Kingston, ON
Kingston and the 1000 Islands Area

Most divorcing couples simply want the property sold so they can get on with their lives.  One that gave me headaches was a couple who decided to divorce in the middle of their listing - YIKES!

Oct 08, 2016 12:54 AM
Rainmaker
1,725,996
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

Can't say we have made any

Oct 07, 2016 11:12 PM
Rainmaker
7,836,134
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

I do not recall any mistakes.

Oct 07, 2016 10:19 PM
Rainmaker
846,475
Marco Giancola
Beachfront Realty - Miami Beach, FL
Realtor (305)608-1922, Miami Beach Florida

My biggest mistake was deciding to work with them! Talk about War of the Roses!

Oct 07, 2016 09:38 PM
Rainmaker
3,626,530
James Dray
Fathom Realty - Bentonville, AR

I don't, therefore I have no issues..

Oct 07, 2016 09:15 PM
Rainmaker
5,005,642
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

So far so good....treat both parties fairly and never take sides.

Oct 07, 2016 11:29 AM
Rainmaker
4,272,548
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

I learned to be extremely neutral!

Oct 07, 2016 10:20 AM
Rainmaker
1,622,432
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

I guess, the biggest mistakes can be taking sides or giving advice. I try to stay neutral and friendly to either party. 

Oct 07, 2016 07:45 AM
Rainmaker
4,882,355
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

Having them at closing at the same time.

Oct 07, 2016 01:50 AM
Rainmaker
466,731
Katina Hargrove 352-551-0308
Stake Your Land Realty, Inc. - Eustis, FL
Broker/Owner, SFR®, e-PRO®, GRI, AHWD, REALTOR®

Jody Bruns,

No room for mistakes when working with any customers.

Oct 08, 2016 08:02 AM
Rainmaker
3,416,038
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

Most mistakes can be avoided by treating each party equal and letting them know that. There is always one spouse that is angrier than the other and that causes problems

Oct 07, 2016 10:48 PM
Rainer
213,263
Dennis Swartz
Full Circle Property Management - Columbus, OH
MBA, GRI...experience counts!

I sided with the wrong client and the other was the dominant one, and got squeezed out.

Oct 07, 2016 10:24 PM
Ambassador
3,164,294
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

I learned with a couple years ago that I was NEVER going to talk to only one of them.  That was the biggest mistake I ever made.  Never have done it again.

Oct 07, 2016 02:44 PM
Ambassador
2,684,009
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

    Grieving soon-to-be divorcee poured out her emotions and wanted me to console her.  You know where that sort of thing leads.

    No mistake made; I stopped it in its tracks by referring them to another Broker.

Oct 07, 2016 02:09 PM
Rainmaker
2,224,473
Debbie Laity
Cedaredge Land Company - Cedaredge, CO
Your Real Estate Resource for Delta County, CO

I've worked with one divorce situation and it went fairly smoothly. 

Oct 07, 2016 02:02 PM
Ambassador
6,393,404
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

The biggest mistake may be in working with them.

I will read your post now, thanks for the advice.

Oct 07, 2016 01:18 PM
Rainmaker
1,525,616
Sybil Campbell
Fernandina Beach, FL
Referral Agent Amelia Island Florida

I have not worked with many client's going through a divorce.

Oct 07, 2016 12:54 PM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

Allowing myself to be put in the middle. I now make it clear I will not mediate and am only involved to get the property sold and expect both of their cooperation to do that.

Oct 07, 2016 12:06 PM
Rainmaker
969,888
Frank Rubi
Frank Rubi Real Estate, LLC - Metairie, LA
FrankRubiRealEstate.com

Sitting between the two at the closing table. 

Oct 07, 2016 11:35 AM
Rainmaker
2,781,173
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

No mistakes just lots of communication & focus issues...all good & doable

Oct 07, 2016 09:39 AM
Rainmaker
900,128
Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

Somehow I have not worked with divorcing couples as my clients; helped buyers purchase from some. Husband's clothes were in the basement.

Oct 07, 2016 09:18 AM
Rainmaker
911,338
Jeff Pearl
RE/MAX Distinctive / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

I don't think i've made any mistakes when dealing with divorcing parties.

Oct 07, 2016 06:32 AM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Not realizing early on in my career that in Minneso0ta, if one of the partners in the divorce signe a Purchase Agreement the ex-spouse to be is automatically on that agrrement and has the right to 50% of any equity it may have established

Oct 07, 2016 06:19 AM
Rainmaker
1,231,853
Mary Yonkers
Alan Kells School of Real Estate/Howard Hanna Real Estate - Erie, PA
Erie/PA Real Estate Instructor

Treat both parties fairly and don't play favorites.

Oct 07, 2016 05:08 AM
Rainmaker
469,510
Dan & Laurie Pittsenbarger Team
Keller Williams Western Realty - Bellingham, WA
Lakeside & Coastal Single Family Homes

I've only had a couple and they've been fine. I did have one rough go of a divorce situation but I was on the other side of the transaction. They began negotiating their divorce settlement during the transaction ie - I won't sign until you give me access to.... OK I won't sign unless I get.... kind of thing. This went on for over a month just trying to get mutual acceptance. My buyer couldn't take it any more and walked.

Oct 07, 2016 02:54 AM
Rainmaker
823,579
Susan Laxson CRS
Palm Properties - La Quinta, CA
Realtor in San Diego, CA & Naples, FL

I have never worked with a couple that was actively going through a divorce. Will read responses though!

Oct 07, 2016 02:51 AM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

My BIGGEST mistake....hmmm, regarding divorcing clients...ohhhh,

One party was clearly at fault and literally 'gave away' their wealth. However, as the professional I needed to be,  judgment could not be exhibited.

The outcome was the transgressor developed a liking to me and has, since that time, become a persistent and unrepentant, presence in my life, one of those time-holes that ask for guidance, on the same issue 87 times but has no intent of doing anything different.

Maybe I earning my wings.

I can't cut the ties because I DO SEE that due to my intervention, secure housing is in place and I must continue the fight or bad decisions will result in homeless situation.

If I knew at the start, this would have become a referral to an agent on 'The List."

Oct 07, 2016 02:06 AM
Ambassador
5,049,183
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

I actually have never worked with a couple going through a divorce. Lucky me I guess.

Oct 07, 2016 01:48 AM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

Not making sure there is a separation agreement at least so that a decision can be made.

Oct 07, 2016 01:47 AM
Rainmaker
660,906
Steffy Hristova
HomeSmart Elite Group Tempe AZ Tel: 602.710.8161 - Tempe, AZ
Tempe AZ Realtor - Your Home Close to Your Work!

No mistakes, just I had to do every step twice, or four times - takes longer to complete a single step. I liked very much doing that - I would always choose a slower transaction, whenever I can.

Nov 06, 2016 08:52 AM
Rainmaker
1,562,386
Carla Muss-Jacobs, RETIRED
RETIRED / State License is Inactive - Portland, OR

My real estate practice represents buyers only.  Most people aren't divorcing when they are going out looking for a home.  Thankfully I've had no personal issues and/or mistakes.

Nov 06, 2016 02:43 AM
Rainmaker
280,599
Jeanne Gregory
RE/MAX Southwest - Sugar Land, TX
The most important home I sell is YOURS!

Believing that both of them were telling the truth! And getting pulled into their drama!

Nov 06, 2016 12:50 AM
Rainmaker
4,936,677
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Not working with you on the deal!

 

Oct 10, 2016 04:51 AM
Rainmaker
5,868,544
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Acting like you support one side over the other.    Have done many now, and NEVER take sides.

Oct 09, 2016 07:25 AM
Rainmaker
1,617,916
Harry F. D'Elia III
WEDO Real Estate and Beyond, LLC - Phoenix, AZ
Investor , Mentor, GRI, Radio, CIPS, REOs, ABR

Putting them in the same room at one time

Oct 08, 2016 11:18 PM
Ambassador
5,230,068
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Sometimes it's just the decision to work with them if they are at odds and not speaking.  Other than that, I haven't had any issues.

Oct 08, 2016 03:33 PM
Rainmaker
1,502,998
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

I haven't worked with too many of them.  I did hear about an agent once who hit on the soon to be ex-wife.  That's a faux-pah for sure!

Oct 08, 2016 07:33 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

Haven't worked with that many.  Though, one couple, the biggest mistake was agreeing to work with them.

Oct 08, 2016 04:44 AM
Rainmaker
1,661,936
John McCormack, CRS
Albuquerque Homes Realty - Albuquerque, NM
Honesty, Integrity, Results, Experienced. HIRE Me!

Lyn Sims has this one.

Oct 08, 2016 02:29 AM
Ambassador
3,345,091
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

I do not live in the realm of mistakes.  I help people regardless of what their situation is.  It is all about being of service.  Divorces can be challenging.  

Oct 08, 2016 02:23 AM
Rainmaker
989,652
Jennifer Mackay
Counts Real Estate Group, Inc. - Panama City, FL
Your Bay County Florida Realtor 850.774.6582

Believing it will all go smoothly!

Oct 08, 2016 01:16 AM
Rainmaker
4,572,183
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

No mistakes.  No problems.   Treating each seller(and attorney if applicable) fairly seems to work. 

Oct 08, 2016 12:43 AM
Ambassador
2,178,603
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Trying to make them both happy.  LOL

Oct 08, 2016 12:24 AM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

None so far

Oct 07, 2016 11:57 PM
Rainmaker
5,216,398
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Can't say I have had any issues as long as I kept them apart! Emotions run high!

Oct 07, 2016 11:51 PM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Can't think of any.

Oct 07, 2016 11:46 PM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

None.

Oct 07, 2016 11:22 PM
Rainmaker
1,239,901
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

I sold a listing to a buyer who is not divorced. I thought his live in sweetie was his wife and asked for deposit. She was also married to another man needing a nest.

The deed had his wife's name on it after sale. 

Oct 07, 2016 11:15 PM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Jody Bruns, CDLP, CMMU - that's one area I have never worked with! Closest I came was - to list after the settlement of divorce.

Oct 07, 2016 04:04 PM
Ambassador
3,727,873
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@Properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

Underestimating how badly they might behave at settlement.  

Oct 07, 2016 12:55 PM
Rainmaker
628,764
Buzz Mackintosh
Mackintosh REALTORS - Frederick, MD
“Experience, reliable, leadership”

One of my early listings in my first year being licensed was a divorce. My big mistake was speaking with one more than the other thinking they were communicating. It taught me to say up front on future listings what ever I tell one the other will hear the same thing from me that way no one is left in the dark.

Oct 07, 2016 12:45 PM
Ambassador
3,587,960
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Oh the joys of working with divorce situations. Just closed on one and basically figured out that he goes balistic on just about anything so after  a a few times of him going bonkers I said - hey this isn't going to work.  The wife took over handling it all and kept him in the loop when necessary.  That worked. Done and over with and I'm glad she can move on now.

Oct 07, 2016 05:07 AM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

none.... every one is done carefully with complete confidentiality with the parties....

Oct 07, 2016 04:04 AM