Essential Questions to Ask a Minneapolis/St Paul, MN Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert
How do you resolve disputes when parties cannot agree?
I refer to the court order to reinforce the importance of compliance.
I utilize mediation techniques to encourage compromise.
My role is to foster trust and demonstrate neutrality, guiding parties toward accepting my recommendations.
I follow a structured divorce listing process designed to minimize conflict.
If all mitigation efforts fail, I escalate the matter to legal counsel.
How will you communicate with both parties?
I maintain separate but equal communication with each party throughout the listing process.
I provide attorneys with updates at five key milestones to keep them informed while minimizing costs for homeowners.
What is your approach if one spouse wants a lockbox and the other does not?
I first determine the reason for reluctance—safety concerns, restraining orders, or privacy issues.
I recommend using a lockbox with restricted access, available exclusively for Realtors' use.
My priority is ensuring necessary access to the home while respecting both parties' concerns.
How do you handle disagreements over repair costs?
Repairs can be paid out of closing proceeds.
Depending on the scope of repairs, we may cover the upfront cost and be reimbursed at closing.
Providing a credit to the buyer for necessary repairs is often a viable alternative.
What is your protocol if the out-spouse requests access to the property?
Access arrangements must be resolved between the parties.
My responsibility is to grant access only to pre-approved buyers.
I fully adhere to any restraining orders and will not facilitate actions that violate legal protections.
What training do you have in handling high-conflict family law cases?
I am certified by the Ilumni Institute and have undergone extensive training in managing high-conflict situations.
I regularly participate in continuing education on conflict resolution and mitigation strategies.
What is your protocol for access, meetings, and communication in cases involving restraining orders?
I strictly follow court orders regarding property access.
I do not conduct joint communications via Zoom, email, text, or in person.
I ensure that all interactions maintain the safety and legal protections of the restrained party.
Do you represent buyers on your divorce listings?
No, I remain neutral and do not represent buyers in these transactions.
My sole representation is for the sellers, in adherence to my Code of Ethics as a Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert.
Do you purchase divorce listings as investments?
No, I do not purchase or seek financial gain from divorce listings.
My Code of Ethics prohibits me from having a vested interest in these transactions.
If only one spouse is on the title, how do you involve the non-titled spouse in the sale?
My fiduciary duty is to the titled owner.
However, we include an addendum to our listing agreement (and recommend court order language) that authorizes communication with both parties since both have an interest in the equity.
How do you ensure the distribution of proceeds follows the court order?
We ensure the court order clearly outlines the distribution of proceeds in a manner closing officers can execute.
We verify that the parties’ instructions to the closing officer align with the court order, even though Realtors typically do not manage fund distributions.
Do you disclose to buyers, agents, or in advertising that this is a divorce listing?
Absolutely not. Maintaining client confidentiality is a fundamental principle of my Code of Ethics as a Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert.
Disclosing a divorce listing is not in the best interest of the clients and would breach ethical and fiduciary duties.
If you are facing a divorce and need real estate guidance, consider working with a CDRE® like Shannon Lindstrom with RE/MAX Results to ensure a professional and equitable resolution to your real estate matters.
Shannon Lindstrom, Realtor®, CDRE®, CREDS, GREEN, MILRES, MRP, VCA
RE/MAX Results
7373 Kirkwood Court No, Ste. 300
Maple Grove, MN 55369
Direct: 612-616-9714
Lindstrom_S@msn.com
Shannon@ShannonLindstromRealtor.com
www.ShannonLindstromRealtor.com
www.ShannonLindstrom.info
https://www.ilumniinstitute.com/cdre/shannon-lindstrom
www.MNDivorceRealEstateExpert.com
