Settling Marital Disputes When Buying Real Estate

While the choice to buy property is a big positive step for a couple, it can also bring out tensions. Each person likely has their own vision of the home they had planned to invest in, so when that doesn't always line up, there are some compromises to make.

Give Each Person a Dominion

You can also decide to compromise by giving each person areas of theme where they get to make most of the decisions. Say you have one spouse who really loves to spend time outdoors. The other is all about cooking. You could split the house up so that the first person is evaluating the outdoor spaces and landscaping while the other person has a bigger say on what the kitchen looks like. That goes for the design and remodel dollars you spend, as well; each person can get some money to spend on making these areas exactly how they want.

Ask for Professional Advice

Sometimes you can settle a real estate dispute based on the logical choice and save yourself a lot of discussion. For example, maybe one person's home buying choice would be a better financial investment. That could be because a neighborhood, a design choice, or an amenity your partner prefers is something that other homebuyers tend to prefer as well, meaning the home will be more attractive down the line when you decide to sell it. Lime green finishes may be something your heart desires, but sometimes you've got to go with the masses to keep the home as a good investment.

Make a List of Non-Negotiables

During all of this, there are probably things that you would be very sad if you didn't end up getting when you buy property. These should be noted and discussed with your partner. Talk about how you can feasibly get all of your non-negotiable items into a single home. It's a good idea to talk with a real estate agent about how to make it work. They can present you with properties that are a match for your list of goals and your budget. I

n general, a real estate agent can help you bridge the gap between you and/or partner's lines on thinking; since the real estate agents know what's available locally, they can help facilitate discussions about what you can both expect. Hopefully, with enough research and discussion, you can come into harmony with your partner about your future home property.

 

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