MN Divorce Real Estate: Why Open Houses Aren't Always the Right Move
When a marriage ends, the family home often becomes one of the most complicated pieces of the puzzle — financially, emotionally, and logistically. As a Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert (CDRE®), I work with clients across the Twin Cities and surrounding areas to help them sell the marital home with as much clarity, security, and dignity as possible.
One question I get often is: "Should we do an open house?"
It's a fair question. Open houses are a familiar part of the traditional home-selling playbook. But when a sale is tied to a divorce, they're not always the right tool for the job — and in some cases, they can do more harm than good.
Here's why.
Safety should always be the first priority. In some divorce-related real estate situations, there may be court orders, limited-access provisions, restraining orders, or other boundaries that determine who may enter the property. When those circumstances exist, an open house may unintentionally create safety concerns by allowing access to individuals who are not authorized to be on-site.
This is not about taking sides. It is about respecting legal boundaries, protecting everyone involved—including sellers, buyers, agents, and visitors—and ensuring the real estate process remains safe, appropriate, and well-managed.
And sometimes, conflict follows foot traffic. In higher-conflict situations, increased foot traffic can also create additional risk. An open house may provide an opportunity for someone directly or indirectly connected to the situation to appear at the property and interfere with the process. For sellers who are already navigating a difficult transition, minimizing that risk can be an important part of moving forward safely and with greater peace of mind.
The stress isn't worth the payoff. Preparing a home for showings and stepping away for several hours can already be challenging. When additional coordination is needed around children, pets, work schedules, and multiple households, open houses can place added strain on everyone involved.
While open houses can create exposure, the visitors are not always serious or qualified buyers. In many cases, attendance may include neighbors, casual visitors, or people simply gathering information. For some sellers, especially in more sensitive or complex situations, private showings may offer a more focused and efficient approach to moving the sale forward.
Privacy and security matter more than usual. Privacy and security are especially important during a divorce. Personal documents, belongings, and sensitive information may still be present in the home, making thoughtful showing practices essential. Increased foot traffic can create added concerns around safety, damage, or the emotional discomfort of having others walk through a space that may no longer feel fully private.
The data backs it up. According to the 2025 National Association of Realtors® Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, only a small percentage of buyers—approximately 3% to 4%—found the home they ultimately purchased through an open house.
That does not mean open houses have no value. They can create visibility, generate activity, and provide convenience in certain situations. But when a seller is weighing exposure against safety, privacy, and control, the numbers matter.
In many cases, especially during a divorce, choosing not to hold an open house may have little impact on the overall marketing strategy. A more controlled approach, using private and scheduled showings with qualified buyers, may better protect the process and the people involved.
For sellers navigating the sale of a marital home, that trade-off is worth thoughtful consideration.
If you are navigating a divorce in Minneapolis, St. Paul, or the greater Twin Cities area and require guidance with a home sale, property valuation, or buyout, Shannon Lindstrom, Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert (CDRE®), is available to assist.
Shannon Lindstrom, REALTOR® Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert (CDRE®) | RE/MAX Results Serving Minneapolis–St. Paul & the Greater Twin Cities
📞 612-616-9714
🌐 www.MNDivorceRealEstateExpert.com
🌐 www.ShannonLindstromRealtor.com
🌐 https://www.ilumniinstitute.com/cdre/shannon-lindstrom
