You're getting divorced. The house needs repairs. And neither one of you wants to spend another dime on it. Sound familiar?
Maybe the HVAC needs replacing. Maybe the roof has seen better days. Or maybe you've been putting off repairs for years, and now that you're getting divorced, those repairs can't be ignored any longer.
Here's the thing. Just because you're getting divorced doesn't mean the house suddenly stops needing maintenance.
And if you're planning to sell, those repairs could affect how much money you BOTH walk away with.
So, who pays for them?
The answer isn't always as simple as you might think.
First, Are You Keeping the House or Selling It?
This is where the conversation needs to start.
If one spouse plans to keep the home, the divorce agreement should clearly address who will be responsible for repairs and maintenance.
But what happens when neither spouse wants the house and the plan is to sell?
That's where things can get interesting.
I've worked with divorcing couples selling homes in Knoxville and the surrounding areas, and I can tell you that the house itself isn't always the biggest challenge.
Sometimes it's getting two people who are no longer on the same page to agree on what needs to happen before the house goes on the market.
What If the House Needs Repairs Before Selling?
Let's say you're selling your Knoxville home during a divorce.
The house needs $10,000 in repairs.
One spouse wants to fix everything to get the highest possible sales price.
The other spouse says, "Absolutely not. Sell it as-is. I'm not putting another penny into that house."
Now what?
There are typically three options worth discussing.
Option 1: Make the Repairs Before Listing
Sometimes spending money upfront can make a big difference in the final sales price.
Buyers notice things.
And I'm telling you, today's buyers are paying attention to condition, especially when they have other homes to choose from.
A home that looks well-maintained and move-in ready may attract more interest than one with a laundry list of repairs.
But before spending money, both spouses need to agree on what repairs will be completed, who will pay for them, and whether anyone will be reimbursed from the sale proceeds.
Option 2: Sell the House As-Is
Yes, you can sell a house during a divorce without making repairs.
Sometimes that's the best option, especially when neither spouse has the money or desire to invest more into the property.
But understand something.
Selling as-is doesn't necessarily mean getting the same price you would for a home in better condition.
Buyers may offer less because they're taking on the repairs themselves.
And depending on the condition of the property, certain repairs could create challenges with FHA, VA, or other financed buyers.
That doesn't mean an as-is sale is a bad decision.
It just needs to be an informed one.
Option 3: Pay for Repairs From the Closing Proceeds
This is an option many divorcing sellers don't realize may be available.
In some situations, repairs can be completed before closing, with the contractor agreeing to receive payment when the property sells.
Not every contractor offers this, and the arrangement needs to be approved and documented properly.
But it can be worth exploring when the repairs could help the home sell and neither spouse wants to pay upfront.
The important part?
Both spouses need to understand and agree on how those expenses will be handled.
What If One Spouse Has Already Moved Out?
This is another situation I see that can create confusion.
One spouse moves out, and the other remains in the home until it's sold.
Then something breaks.
Who pays?
The spouse living there? Both spouses? Does it come out of the proceeds when the house sells?
Don't assume that moving out means you're no longer responsible for expenses associated with the home.
Your divorce agreement or temporary court orders may address these responsibilities.
And remember, a divorce agreement doesn't automatically remove someone from a mortgage obligation.
This is why having clear expectations BEFORE something goes wrong is so important.
Don't Let a $5,000 Repair Become a $20,000 Problem
Here's something I want divorcing homeowners to think about.
Let's say the home needs a repair that could cost $5,000.
Neither spouse wants to pay for it.
So the house goes on the market without addressing the issue.
Buyers notice the problem. Showings slow down. Offers come in lower than expected.
Eventually, the sellers agree to a price reduction that could be significantly more than the original repair cost.
Was refusing to make the repair really the best financial decision?
Not necessarily.
Now, I'm not saying every repair should be completed before listing. Absolutely not.
Some repairs simply aren't worth the investment.
My job is to help sellers understand which repairs could make a difference and which ones they can probably skip.
Because at the end of the day, the goal is to protect as much of the equity in that house as possible.
Selling a Home During Divorce in Knoxville Doesn't Have to Be a Battle
Divorce is already stressful enough.
The last thing you need is another argument over who pays for a leaky faucet, a broken dishwasher, or a new roof.
As a Knoxville Realtor with my RCS-D™ Real Estate Collaboration Specialist-Divorce designation, I understand that selling a home during a divorce is different from a traditional home sale.
There are often two decision-makers, two sets of emotions, and sometimes two very different opinions about what should happen next.
That's why I focus on the facts.
What is the house worth in its current condition?
Which repairs could improve the sales price?
What happens if you sell it as-is?
And what makes the most financial sense for both parties?
I can help evaluate the real estate side and coordinate the sale, while your attorneys handle the legal decisions and agreements.
Getting Divorced and Need to Sell Your Knoxville Home?
Whether you're in Knoxville, Farragut, Maryville, Oak Ridge, Lenoir City, or the surrounding East Tennessee area, you don't have to figure out the real estate side of divorce on your own.
Before you start spending money on repairs or arguing over who should pay for what, let's talk about the house.
I'll give you my opinion on what needs to be done, what can wait, and how I would position the property to sell.
No pressure. Just a conversation about your options.
Angie Cody | Realtor | LPT Realty
RCS-D™ Real Estate Collaboration Specialist-Divorce
📞 865-755-2639
🌐 www.AngieCody.com
Disclaimer: This article provides general real estate information and is not legal advice. Repair responsibilities, ownership obligations, and reimbursement arrangements depend on the specific circumstances, agreements, and court orders. Consult a Tennessee divorce attorney regarding your legal responsibilities.
