Divorce is one of the hardest things a family can go through. On top of the emotional strain, you’re also faced with tough financial and legal decisions — including what to do with the marital home. For couples in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and across Michigan, selling a house during a divorce can feel overwhelming. The good news? You do have options, and the right plan can make the process faster, simpler, and less stressful.

At City Lights Home Buyers, we’ve worked with dozens of local families going through divorce, helping them sell quickly and fairly. Whether you live in Alger Heights (zip code 49707), Cascade, or downtown Grand Rapids, here’s what you need to know about selling your house during a divorce in Michigan.

Why Divorce and Real Estate Are So Complicated

A house is often the largest shared asset in a marriage. In Michigan, the court may require a fair division of property, and that usually means deciding whether to sell, refinance, or transfer ownership. Unlike splitting a savings account, you can’t divide a home without making a major decision.

Some common situations we see in Grand Rapids and Kent County include:

  • One spouse wants to keep the home and buy out the other’s share.

  • The home is sold after children reach a certain age, so the family can maintain stability.

  • Both parties agree the home needs to be sold right away to settle debts and move on.

Unfortunately, disagreements about price, repairs, or timing often stall the process. That’s why having a neutral, experienced third party is so important.

Step 1: Decide If and When to Sell

Before you list your home or accept an offer, you and your spouse need to agree on timing. For some couples, the house must be sold immediately. For others, the court may allow one spouse to remain in the home for a period of time before selling.

If you need to sell fast, cash home buyers in Grand Rapids can provide an all-cash offer in days instead of waiting months on the open market. If you have more time and your home is in good condition, working with a licensed agent could be the right choice.

Step 2: Get Professional Help You Can Trust

Trying to sell your house on your own during a divorce is risky. Emotions are high, communication is often strained, and important details can fall through the cracks.

That’s where professional help comes in. You can choose:

  • A local real estate agent – Best if you want maximum exposure on the MLS and have several months to wait.

  • A reputable real estate investor – Best if you need to sell your house fast in Grand Rapids or want to avoid repairs, showings, and commissions.

At City Lights Home Buyers, we buy houses as-is in Michigan. That means no repairs, no realtor fees, and no waiting months for financing to clear. We pay cash and let you pick the closing date, whether that’s 7 days or 60.

👉 Learn more about how our process works here.

Step 3: Set and Stick to a Timeline

One of the biggest mistakes divorcing couples make is leaving the timeline open-ended. This can cause unnecessary arguments and delays. To protect both parties, agree in writing on:

  • Listing or sale date

  • Closing date

  • Who will communicate with the buyer or agent

  • Moving dates and responsibilities

Having these deadlines in place keeps things fair and prevents last-minute surprises.

Why Many Divorcing Couples Choose a Cash Offer

When emotions are high, sometimes the simplest solution is the best. Many divorcing couples in Kent County turn to cash buyers because:

  • Speed matters – Sales can close in as little as 7 days.

  • No repairs needed – We buy houses as-is, even if they need major updates.

  • No realtor fees – You keep more of the sale price.

  • Certainty – No risk of financing falling through or buyers backing out.

As one local seller in Grand Rapids told us: “City Lights gave us a fair cash offer and closed fast. It helped me and my ex move on with less stress.”

A Local Perspective: Divorce in Grand Rapids Real Estate

The Grand Rapids housing market has stayed competitive, but divorce adds urgency. For example, we recently worked with a couple in Alger Heights who needed to sell before their divorce was finalized. Their home needed new siding, and they couldn’t agree on how to handle repairs. Instead of fighting, they accepted a fair cash offer, closed in 10 days, and each walked away with their share.

This is the kind of win-win solution we aim to create for every seller we work with.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sell my house in Michigan before the divorce is final?
Yes. With the court’s approval, you can sell the house during divorce proceedings. Proceeds are usually divided as part of the final settlement.

Do I have to make repairs before selling?
Not if you work with an as-is home buyer. At City Lights, we handle all repairs after closing.

How fast can I sell my house during a divorce in Grand Rapids?
With a traditional agent, it may take 3–9 months. With a cash buyer like City Lights, you can close in as little as 7 days.

Will selling the house affect my credit?
Selling a home during divorce typically doesn’t impact credit negatively. In fact, selling quickly can help avoid missed mortgage payments or foreclosure, which would hurt your credit.

Moving Forward with Less Stress

Divorce is never easy, but selling your home doesn’t have to make it harder. With the right plan, you can sell fast, split fairly, and move on to the next chapter of your life.

If you’re facing divorce and need to sell your house fast in Grand Rapids, Muskegon, or Kalamazoo, we’re here to help. Visit City Lights Home Buyers today or call us directly for a no-obligation cash offer.

Seriously, don’t wait until things get harder. The sooner you take action, the sooner you can move forward with peace of mind.