Reports indicate that domestic violence incidents increase by at least 20% during the holidays, largely due to factors like alcohol consumption and financial pressures. The situation is further strained for families still residing together, where additional time spent at home can exacerbate tensions.
This issue becomes even more complex when a property is on the market. The presence of a lockbox with a house key, open houses inviting public entry, and the constant flow of potential buyers viewing the property introduce significant safety concerns in divorce scenarios where domestic violence is a concern. The possibility of a restrained spouse gaining easier access to the home poses a serious concern to the safety of domestic violence victims.
As a listing agent navigating these situations, the challenge lies in allowing potential buyers access to the property while implementing necessary safety measures for all involved parties.
Listing agents often find themselves in a precarious situation when an out-spouse, who is equally a client and owner of record, requests to access the property for various reasons, ranging from retrieving personal items to performing repairs.
As a Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert, I have gone through extensive training as it relates to domestic dispute issues between divorcing parties. I have safety protocols in place to ensure my representation of the parties is equal and unbiased, yet does not place a party in an unsafe situation or allow restraining order to be violated.
As a Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert, I am here to support divorcing families through their life transition.
