Appraisals for Divorce: What You Need to Know When Splitting Property in Texas
Let’s face it—divorce isn’t easy. It’s emotional, it’s messy, and when real estate is involved, it can get downright complicated. One of the most important (and often overlooked) parts of the process is figuring out what the house is actually worth. Because let’s be real—you can’t divide a home down the middle like a pizza, so someone’s either keeping it, buying the other person out, or it’s hitting the market.
That’s where an appraisal comes in.
Whether you’re in Conroe, The Woodlands, Montgomery, or anywhere in between, a professional home appraisal during a divorce can save you a ton of time, money, and stress. Here’s what you need to know.
Why You Need a Divorce Appraisal
A divorce appraisal provides an unbiased, third-party opinion of your home’s current fair market value. It's not based on your emotions, what your neighbor's cousin sold their house for, or what Zillow spit out last week.
Courts, attorneys, and mediators rely on a professional appraisal to ensure both parties are treated fairly when dividing assets. It brings clarity to what is usually a very foggy situation.
Who Orders the Appraisal?
Either party can order an appraisal. Sometimes both spouses agree to hire one appraiser together. Other times, each person hires their own appraiser—and if there’s a big difference in values, a third "tie-breaker" appraiser may be brought in.
Pro tip? Hire someone local who knows the market. A state-certified residential appraiser who specializes in Montgomery County (yep, like me) is going to give you a more accurate picture than someone unfamiliar with the area.
What Does the Appraiser Look At?
Same stuff we always look at, but we get a little more precise during a divorce case:
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Recent comparable sales
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Location and neighborhood trends
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Condition of the property
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Any improvements or deferred maintenance
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Square footage, layout, and lot size
Keep in mind—we’re not here to take sides. We're not team “husband” or team “wife.” We’re team “what’s the house really worth.”
When Should You Get the Appraisal Done?
Right before division of assets. Property values can shift month to month—especially in a dynamic market like Montgomery County. An outdated value could lead to one party getting the short end of the deal.
If one person wants to keep the home, they’ll typically buy out the other’s equity based on the appraised value. If the home is being sold, the appraisal can help you price it right—and avoid leaving money on the table.
Dividing the Equity (Without the Drama)
Here’s a quick example:
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Appraised value: $400,000
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Mortgage balance: $250,000
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Equity: $150,000
If one spouse keeps the house, the other is owed $75,000 to make things square. Simple math—but only when you’ve got the right number on the table.
If you're going through a divorce and need a professional appraisal in Montgomery County, don't leave it up to guesswork or online estimates. You need a clear, unbiased valuation that stands up in court and keeps things fair.
Need an experienced, local appraiser who understands the sensitivity of divorce cases? Visit LakeConroeAppraisals.com to schedule your divorce appraisal today.
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