Previously we wrote about selling your Yuba County house during a divorce in detail. Because we already covered the various stats and facts about home selling in divorce, we are going to skip the intro and go right into the meat. We are going to talk about alternatives you may have to selling your house the traditional way.
The Traditional Route: A Comedy of Errors
Imagine this: You're knee-deep in divorce proceedings, emotions are running higher than the Sutter Buttes on a clear day, and now you have to agree on paint colors and open house schedules. Sounds fun, right?
Traditional Sales Take Time You Don't Have
According to the National Association of Realtors, traditional home sales take an average of 68 days from listing to closing. That's 68 days of potential disagreements, showings that disrupt your already chaotic life, and the looming pressure of an uncertain timeline. Who needs that kind of stress when you're already dealing with enough?
Option 1: Cash Home Buyers
Enter companies like Yuba Home Buyer, your friendly neighborhood real estate rescuers! We specialize in buying houses fast for cash, swooping in to save the day (and your sanity) with lightning-fast closings.
Traditional Sale vs. Cash Sale for Divorcing Couples
Traditional Sale
Agent-listed MLS sale
- •68+ days average timeline
- •Requires agreement on repairs
- •Open houses disrupt both parties
- •Buyer financing can fall through
- •5-6% agent commissions
- •Must coordinate showing schedules
Cash Sale
Direct to buyer like YHB
- •7-21 days typical closing
- •Buy as-is, no repairs needed
- •One walkthrough, no open houses
- •No financing contingencies
- •No agent commissions
- •Close on your timeline
Real Success Story: Clarence and Dorothy
Clarence and Dorothy (see our video testimonial) tried for over a month to sell their house with no luck. They contacted YK at Yuba Home Buyer, who presented them with a fair all-cash offer and closed the deal in just 15 days. They walked away with cash in hand and a fresh start.
Option 2: Become Landlords
You might be thinking "why not just rent the house, keep the tenants paying the mortgage, and hopefully sell sometime in the future for a higher price?" You have a valid point.
Renting out your Yuba City property can provide a steady stream of income to cover those pesky mortgage payments and other shared expenses. Think of it as a financial olive branch during a turbulent time.
Landlord Realities to Consider
Being a landlord isn't always a picnic. You'll need to find and screen tenants, handle maintenance calls (I've fixed toilets on Christmas Eve and dealt with overflowing sewers at night), and manage the property long-term. A property management company can help, but typically costs 8-10% of monthly rent—eating into your cashflow. This option works best when both parties can cooperate on property decisions long-term.
Option 3: Mediation
Sometimes, the best solutions are found by working together (yes, even during a divorce!). Mediation offers couples an opportunity to negotiate next steps on the house—whether keeping it, transferring ownership, or agreeing on sale terms—despite the divorce.
Local Mediation Resources
The Yuba-Sutter Domestic Relations Center offers mediation services specifically designed to help couples find common ground on property and custody matters. A little less conflict is always a good thing, and professional mediators can help both parties reach agreements faster than fighting through attorneys.
The Takeaway: You've Got Options
Yes, divorce is difficult and so is selling your home—there's no way to sugarcoat it. Just remember you have options: cash buyers for speed, renting for income, or mediation for cooperation. The sooner you make a decision, the faster you finish this hurdle.
If you need us, we're here to help. Call (530) 205-3884 for a no-obligation cash offer on your Yuba-Sutter home.
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Written by
YK
Owner & Licensed Real Estate Investor
Need to Sell Your House Fast?
We buy houses in any condition throughout Yuba and Sutter County. Get a fair cash offer with no obligations.