Minnesota Divorce Real Estate: Why Isn’t the House Selling?
In today’s shifting market, the question of “Why isn’t the house selling?” is becoming increasingly common—especially in divorce cases. What used to be a predictable process is now full of friction and frustration.
We’re seeing it more frequently: properties that linger on the market far longer than expected. And when a home doesn’t sell, it doesn’t just sit—it stalls everything.
It can intensify conflict between divorcing spouses, frustrate attorneys, delay financial settlements, and tie up equity that’s needed to move forward. So what’s going on?
In nearly every scenario, it comes down to one (or more) of three key factors:
Price: The Market Sets the Rules
Let’s be blunt—if a home isn’t priced correctly, it may not sell in a timely manner.
Buyers are cautious and value driven today. Since the pandemic, home prices have surged 40–50% nationwide, while interest rates have more than tripled. That’s a tough combo, and it’s made buyers more discerning and far less forgiving.
Pricing in this market must be strategic and fluid. A nearby sale, a rate hike, or a weak jobs report can instantly affect perceived value. Yesterday’s price may already be outdated.
Who’s responsible?
Pricing is a collaborative responsibility between the Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert (CDRE®) and the sellers. An experienced Realtor® who holds the CDRE® designation brings a deep understanding of market trends, local data, and pricing strategy—ensuring the home is positioned competitively from the start. However, sellers must remain realistic. In divorce situations especially, it's critical to separate emotion from valuation. The market—not personal circumstances or financial desires—ultimately determines what a property is worth.
Exposure: If No One Sees It, No One Buys It
A well-priced home won’t move without visibility. In today’s digital world, exposure is about maximizing how many qualified buyers see the listing—primarily online.
A successful listing must be:
Positioned effectively on platforms like Zillow, Redfin, Google, and social media
Marketed through email campaigns and agent networks
Supported by professional photography, compelling copy, and regular updates
Open houses and printed flyers have their place, but digital visibility is non-negotiable.
Who’s responsible?
This falls squarely on the listing CDRE®. They must combine marketing know-how with tech-savvy strategy—and back it with a real marketing budget. Responsiveness also plays a role: buyer inquiries can’t be missed or ignored. A lack of follow-up could cost a sale.
Experience: What Happens When Buyers Walk In
Once a potential buyer steps foot on the property, the emotional journey begins. Here’s what they subconsciously assess:
Curb appeal: Is the lawn mowed? Are the lights on?
Interior: Is it clean, decluttered, and staged?
Scent: Does it smell fresh or musty?
Energy: Is the space inviting—or awkward and tense?
Accessibility: Were showings easy to schedule?
Comfort: Is the home too hot, too cold, or too chaotic?
Even minor details—a barking dog, a dimly lit room, or a closet bursting with clothes—can turn off buyers instantly.
Who’s responsible?
The sellers. Presentation, cleanliness, and access are non-negotiable. In divorce cases, that can be difficult—but a poor showing experience almost always lowers a buyer’s perception of value.
Divorce Complicates Everything
In contested or high-conflict divorces, these problems are often magnified. One spouse may:
Refuse showings
Block price adjustments
Sabotage the staging or cleanliness
Delay decisions or reject reasonable offers
Even a well-priced, beautifully marketed home can stagnate under these conditions—hurting both parties financially and legally.
And here's the reality: there’s a sliding scale. If the “experience” is poor, the price must reflect it. A messy, inaccessible home priced like a model listing? That’s a house that won’t sell.
Understanding the reasons a home doesn’t sell is critical. A Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert brings clarity to the chaos—providing strategy, communication, and structure that can move the case forward and preserve equity.
If your feeling stuck, frustrated, or uncertain why the home isn’t moving—it’s time to take a deeper look at price, exposure, and experience. The solution is often within reach.
Need help with your MN divorce real estate sale?
Let’s discuss the best strategy for your unique situation—reach out today for a confidential consultation.
Please feel free to contract Shannon Lindstrom, Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert and Realtor® at RE/MAX Results today to begin your journey with the guidance and expertise that will help you make empowered decisions during this time.
Shannon Lindstrom, Realtor®, CDRE®, CREDS, GREEN, MILRES, MRP, VCA
RE/MAX Results
Direct: 612-616-9714
Lindstrom_S@msn.com
Shannon@ShannonLindstromRealtor.com
www.ShannonLindstromRealtor.com
www.ShannonLindstrom.info
https://www.ilumniinstitute.com/cdre/shannon-lindstrom
