Selling a home during a divorce is one of the most emotional parts of an already difficult chapter. We sat down with Lauren Fours, a Realtor® and divorce real estate specialist serving Holly Springs, Apex, and Fuquay-Varina, to talk about how she supports clients through this transition with empathy, strategy, and calm leadership.
Q: What inspired you to specialize in real estate for divorcing clients?
Seven years ago, I went through my own divorce, and even as a real estate agent, the emotional toll of selling our home surprised me. It wasn’t just about listing a house. I had to navigate two family law attorneys, a real estate attorney, and the logistics of separating our lives. That experience opened my eyes. I realized that if I found it overwhelming, even with my own with real estate experience, it must be even more stressful for people who are unfamiliar with the process.
I knew then that I could use my skillset to support others in the same position, not just by selling a house, but by being a steady, neutral guide when emotions are high and communication can be difficult.
Q: How is your role different from a traditional real estate agent?
First and foremost: patience. When you’re helping a divorcing couple sell a home, you’re helping two people with very different emotions, goals, and communication styles come together on some pretty big decisions. I work hard to stay neutral and focused, and to redirect conversations when they veer off into personal conflict. My role is to keep the process on track while respecting everyone involved.
It’s also about knowing when to bring in the legal team. For example, if one spouse wants to buy a new home before the divorce is final, I help coordinate a Free Trader Agreement with their attorneys. That way, everything stays clean and compliant.
Q: What’s the biggest misconception people have about working with a divorce real estate specialist?
That we’re just regular agents with a marketing angle—or worse, that we’re profiting off someone’s pain. That couldn’t be further from the truth.
This is a highly specialized niche with a formal certification. It requires emotional intelligence, deep knowledge of family law dynamics, and the ability to communicate clearly with both clients and attorneys. It’s about protecting both parties’ best interests and helping them make solid, informed decisions during a really vulnerable time.
You may also be interested in: Top 10 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Realtor in Holly Springs
Q: What are some common mistakes you see divorcing couples make when selling their home?
One of the biggest mistakes is not having a plan in place before making big moves, like when one spouse suddenly moves out or commits to a new lease before figuring out what’s happening with the house. It leads to confusion, tension, and sometimes financial strain.
Another common issue is when sellers are focused on what they “need” to get out of the home, rather than what the market says it’s worth. I totally understand that—it’s emotional and personal—but it’s critical to be realistic. One of my roles is to explain how pricing works and what the home will actually appraise for. We set expectations early to avoid disappointment later.
You may also be interested in: Is It Better To Sell the House Before or After a Divorce?
Q: Can you share a challenging situation and how you helped resolve it?
I recently worked with a divorcing couple who had three kids, four dogs, and a very full house. The space was chaotic, cluttered, and emotionally charged. If we had listed it as-is, it would have seriously hurt their bottom line.
I spent time talking with both of their family law attorneys to help find short-term housing solutions that allowed pets so the family could move out before listing. Once the home was empty, I brought in my stager and contractor team to get it market-ready. It took coordination, patience, and a lot of reassurance, but in the end, they sold the house for a great price, and both were able to move forward on solid footing.
Q: Have you seen any trends in how couples are approaching home sales during divorce?
Yes, especially in areas like Apex and Holly Springs, where homes sell fast, I’m seeing more couples take a strategic route. If one spouse can qualify for both mortgages, they’ll go ahead and purchase their new home before selling the marital home. Then, after the sale, the other spouse uses their portion of the proceeds to purchase theirs.
It takes careful financial planning, but it often reduces the pressure and creates smoother transitions for everyone involved, especially when kids are in the mix.
You may also be interested in: 10 Tips for Selling Your Home During a Divorce
Q: Are there any legal or financial changes sellers should know about?
There haven’t been major legal changes recently, but it’s important to remember: your Realtor should never be your legal advisor. I work closely with attorneys and get explicit permission from my clients to go directly to them when legal issues arise.
I also never rely solely on what one party tells me. It’s crucial to have clarity from the actual legal documents to protect everyone.
Q: What’s the most rewarding part of your work?
Seeing my clients come out the other side. There’s often a visible shift from stressed, overwhelmed, and uncertain to calm, hopeful, and ready for the next chapter. I love watching people settle into their new homes and new routines. They feel lighter. They’re smiling again. And knowing I helped them through one of life’s toughest transitions is what keeps me going.
Divorce is never easy, but selling your home doesn’t have to add to the stress
With the right guidance, clear communication, and a Realtor who truly understands the emotional and logistical complexities, you can move forward with clarity and confidence. If you’re navigating divorce and need to sell your home in Holly Springs, Apex, or Fuquay-Varina, Lauren Fours is here to help. Reach out today for trusted, compassionate support.