Selling a House During a Divorce in Pierce County
Calm, neutral guidance on what to do with the house, so you and your spouse can make a clear decision and move forward.
Free, confidential conversation. No pressure, no obligation.
3 main options for the family home
Washington is a community property state. A home bought during the marriage is usually community property, and courts divide it in a way that is "just and equitable," which is not always 50/50 (RCW 26.09.080).
Sell and split the proceeds
Often the simplest path. You list the home, pay off the mortgage and costs, and divide what is left the way you agree or the court orders. Neither of you stays tied to the other's loan.
One spouse buys out the other
One of you keeps the home and pays the other their share of the equity. This usually means refinancing into one name. A current market valuation gives you both a fair, shared number to start from.
Keep it together for a while
Some couples keep the home until a set date. It can work, but it keeps you financially linked. Put it in writing: who pays what, and when and how the home will be sold.
Need speed and simplicity? A cash offer can close faster, often without repairs or showings, though usually at a lower price than the open market. Want the full breakdown? Read Selling a House During a Divorce in Washington: Your Options, covering who has to sign, timing and taxes.
A neutral guide for both of you
Steve McNamer and the McNamer Homes Team at Windermere Professional Partners help divorcing homeowners across Puyallup, Tacoma, Lakewood and greater Pierce County. In a divorce sale, Steve works for both owners, not one side.
- Updates and offers go to both of you at the same time
- Works alongside both attorneys or your mediator, so the sale matches your agreement or court order
- Free, confidential home valuation so you both start from the same number
- Referrals to lenders who handle divorce refinancing, plus movers and other local help
Steve McNamer's single-family listings, NWMLS, 2012 to 2026.
Divorce and the house in Washington
A short walk-through of your choices: sell, stay, or split.
6 common mistakes when selling during a divorce
- Pricing on emotionUse a professional market analysis or appraisal so the price is fair to both of you.
- Stopping the mortgage paymentsLate payments hurt both of your credit scores and can lead to foreclosure.
- Not putting it in writingAgree on list price, repairs, who pays what, and how you will handle offers.
- Letting the home sitA vacant, neglected house can sell for less. Keep up the yard, heat and small repairs.
- Using an agent who talks to only one of youBoth owners need the same information at the same time.
- Forgetting about taxesCheck the home sale tax rules with a tax professional before you sell (IRS Publication 523).
Divorce and real estate in Washington: common questions
Should I sell my house before or after a divorce in Washington?
It depends on your situation. Selling before the divorce is final turns a hard-to-split asset into cash that is easier to divide. Selling after gives you a court order that spells out who gets what. If one spouse wants to keep the home, a current valuation and buyout agreement may be the better path. Your attorney can tell you which fits your case.
How is a house divided in a divorce in Washington?
Washington is a community property state, so real estate bought during the marriage is usually community property. The court does not automatically split it 50/50. It divides property in a way that is "just and equitable," looking at things like each spouse's finances, the length of the marriage, and who the children will live with most of the time (RCW 26.09.080).
Can one spouse sell the house without the other?
Usually not. Neither spouse can sell or borrow against community real property without the other spouse signing too (RCW 26.16.030). If you cannot agree, the judge can decide what happens to the home as part of the divorce, including ordering it sold.
Can we be stopped from selling once the divorce is filed?
Yes, it can happen. After a divorce is filed, the court can issue temporary orders that limit selling, transferring or borrowing against property. Ask your attorney which orders apply in your case before you list.
Does a quitclaim deed take me off the mortgage?
No. A quitclaim deed changes who is on the title. To come off the loan, the spouse keeping the home usually has to refinance, or the lender has to release you.
How do I get a home valuation during a divorce?
There are two common ways. A comparative market analysis from a local REALTOR® is a free estimate based on recent sales of similar homes nearby. A formal appraisal from a licensed appraiser is often what courts and attorneys rely on. Steve offers free, confidential valuations for divorcing homeowners.
Do I need a special real estate agent for a divorce sale?
You do not legally need one. But an agent who stays neutral, keeps both owners equally informed, and works with both attorneys can make the sale smoother and lower the stress for everyone.
How long does a divorce take in Washington?
At least 90 days from when the petition is filed and served (RCW 26.09.030). Many take longer, especially when the couple does not agree on the house.
Talk it through, confidentially
Not sure what to do with the house? Call Steve for a private, no-pressure conversation, and ask for your free copy of Options in a Divorce, the guide he wrote with Jill Jackson to help you avoid costly mistakes.
Steve McNamer, Managing Broker · McNamer Homes Team, Windermere Professional Partners · 12114 104th Ave E, Puyallup, WA 98374
This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. Talk to your attorney and a tax professional about your situation. Sources: RCW 26.09.080, RCW 26.16.030, RCW 26.09.030, IRS Publication 523.
© 2026 Windermere Real Estate
