The market determines value — not what you need, not what you want, and not what either spouse believes is fair. That is not a harsh opinion; it is simply how real estate works.
In London, Ontario, the average days-on-market for homes priced correctly from the start is significantly shorter than for homes that are repriced after sitting on the market, and each week on market during a separation increases buyer leverage.
Here are the three paths most separating homeowners take:
Path 1 — We Agree, Now Let's Sell
You and your spouse have aligned on selling. I meet with both of you, conduct independent market research, and present a documented price supported by current comparable sales. You review my 162-step plan, agree on the number, and we move forward with a controlled, professional sale.
Path 2 — We May Need an Independent Number
You want a figure neither party can dispute. A certified appraiser typically charges under $1,000 in the London market — occasionally higher depending on the property — and it's often the most efficient way to remove price disagreement from the equation entirely. If one appraisal isn't enough, the average of two appraisals is a legally defensible starting point. I can work from either.
Path 3 — One Spouse Buys Out the Other
One party wants to keep the home. The buyout price still needs to reflect fair market value — not emotion, not assumption. The same appraisal process applies, and I can coordinate with both legal teams to ensure the valuation is documented and defensible.
A note on co-listing: In some cases, each spouse retains their own Realtor. Both Realtors co-list the property and divide the listing fee 50/50. This works when both parties want independent representation — though it adds complexity to coordination. I've worked in both structures.
A note on conflict: If disagreement has reached the point where you can't agree on anything, that's a legal matter — not a real estate one. At that point, my job is to stay out of the way and let your lawyers do theirs. The longer that stage drags on, the more it costs everyone in legal fees, and the one place I can still help is by making sure the real estate side isn't adding to that cost.
If you have a house, read my Home Seller Guide
If you have a condo, read my Condo Seller Guide
