By Renee Cohen, Realtor® | Coldwell Banker Global Luxury

When a couple decides to divorce, few assets carry as much emotional and financial significance as the family home. It represents years of memories and meaning—but in divorce, it becomes something else as well: a major financial asset that must be valued and divided fairly.

Dividing real estate equitably can feel overwhelming, but with the right information and guidance, the process becomes clearer, more manageable, and far less stressful.

Equitable Doesn’t Always Mean Equal

A common misconception is that “equitable” means “split 50/50.” In reality, equitable division means fair, taking into account several factors that vary by household.

Courts and mediators often consider:

• Each spouse’s financial contributions

• Earning capacity and future financial stability

• Whether one spouse will remain in the home

• Parenting responsibilities and continuity for children

• Debts and additional shared assets

• Each person’s ability to refinance or buy out the other

For more on equitable distribution guidelines, you can reference the Colorado Judicial Branch Family Law Resources:
Every situation is unique, and the home is one piece of a broader financial landscape.

Determining the Value of the Home

A crucial step in equitable division is determining what the home is truly worth.

Here are the most commonly used valuation methods:

1. Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)

A CMA, prepared by an experienced Realtor, provides hyper-local data using recent sales, neighborhood trends, and Denver’s active listings.
To explore current Denver market stats, visit:
Denver Metro Association of Realtors Market Trends

A CMA is often the most realistic snapshot of what your home would sell for today.

2. Appraisal

A licensed appraiser conducts a formal analysis that lenders often require when one spouse refinances to buy out the other.
To learn more about appraisal standards in Colorado, visit:
Colorado Association of Realtors — Market Trends
https://coloradorealtors.com/market-trends/

3. Online Estimates (Zestimates and others)

Automated tools like Zillow’s Zestimate can be helpful starting points, but they are not reliable for divorce valuations.
They often overlook:

• Renovations and upgrades

• Premium lots or views

• Micro-market trends

• Interior condition and design quality

• Off-market or private sales

To understand Zillow’s methodology, you can read:
Zillow Research — How the Zestimate Works

These tools do not replace professional valuation, especially when equity division is involved.

Options for Dividing the Home

Once the value is established, couples usually choose one of three paths:

Option 1: One Spouse Buys Out the Other

Common when continuity is important—especially for children. The buying spouse refinances into their name alone and compensates the other spouse for their share of equity.

Option 2: Sell the Home and Divide the Proceeds

Selling provides clarity, liquidity, and a clean financial break.
For Denver-specific neighborhood trends, buyers and sellers often reference:
REcolorado Market Watch (MLS Data)

Option 3: Co-Own Temporarily

Some couples choose a delayed sale—for example, until the youngest child finishes school or market conditions improve.
If you choose this option, clear agreements about expenses and responsibilities are essential.

Preparing the Home for Sale During Divorce

If selling becomes the chosen path, preparation directly impacts each spouse’s financial outcome.

Key steps include:

• Neutral staging

• Decluttering or depersonalizing

• Professional photography

• Pre-inspection for transparency

• Pricing based on hyper-local Denver trends

For local staging insights and design trends: 5280 Magazine – Home & Real Estate

My role is to ensure both parties feel heard and supported while maximizing the home’s value.

Why Professional, Neutral Guidance Matters

Divorce brings emotional complexity. Real estate decisions made during this time require a calm, neutral advocate who understands both the financial and emotional dimensions.

As a Certified Residential Real Estate Divorce Specialist, my role is to:

• Provide neutral, data-backed market guidance

• Prepare accurate home valuations

• Facilitate communication between parties

• Offer strategic recommendations based on Denver micro-markets

• Support a fair, transparent division process

Accurate real estate division is not just about numbers—it’s about supporting each person’s next chapter with clarity and fairness.

The Bottom Line

Your home may be one of your largest shared assets. Handling it correctly can significantly influence your long-term financial wellbeing.

Equitable division starts with accurate information, local market expertise, and a trusted professional who can guide both parties through the process.

If you’re navigating real estate during divorce and need clarity around valuation or next steps, I’m here to help you move forward with confidence.