Case Study - Divorce Sale
Couple sells occupied duplex in 10 days for $310,000 - proceeds split per divorce agreement.
David and Jennifer owned a duplex in the Seminole Heights area of Tampa. They purchased it in 2019 as an investment property. Both units were occupied by tenants with active leases. When their marriage ended, the duplex became a point of contention in the divorce proceedings.
The property was a 2,400 square foot side-by-side duplex built in 1972. Each unit had 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. Both units were rented below market rate to long-term tenants. The property needed cosmetic updates but was structurally sound with a newer roof installed in 2020.
The divorce agreement required the property to be sold and proceeds split 50/50. However, selling a tenant-occupied duplex through traditional channels presented multiple problems.
First, showing occupied units is difficult. Tenants are not motivated to keep the property presentable and may actively resist showings. Second, both tenants had 8 months remaining on their leases, which would transfer to the new buyer - scaring off most retail buyers. Third, David and Jennifer could not agree on a listing agent, listing price, or repair strategy. Every conversation turned into conflict.
Their attorneys recommended a quick sale to end the dispute. David and Jennifer needed a buyer who would purchase the property as-is, with tenants in place, and close fast enough to finalize the divorce settlement.
We contacted both David and Jennifer's attorneys to coordinate. Our team inspected the property with advance notice to both tenants. We reviewed the existing leases, verified rental income, and assessed the property condition.
Within 24 hours we presented a cash offer of $310,000. The offer accounted for the existing leases, below-market rents, and cosmetic updates the property needed. We agreed to honor both tenant leases through their expiration.
Both parties accepted. We worked with the title company and both attorneys to structure the closing so proceeds were distributed directly per the divorce agreement - $155,000 to each party. Neither David nor Jennifer had to interact with each other during the process.
The fast close allowed both David and Jennifer to finalize their divorce settlement weeks ahead of schedule. Neither party had to coordinate repairs, showings, or negotiations with the other. The tenants stayed in place with no disruption to their lives.
"Our attorneys told us a traditional sale could take 6 months. OneCashOffer closed in 10 days and handled everything. It was the only part of the divorce that was easy." - David