Are Golden Handcuffs Keeping You Stuck in Your Home?
Divorce is already overwhelming, but figuring out what to do with your house? That can feel impossible. Maybe you’re staying because of a low mortgage rate, or you think you won’t qualify to buy on your own. Maybe you just don’t know your options.
The Divorce Lending Association recently wrote about how mortgage and real estate professionals get stuck in their careers because of golden handcuffs—things that seem safe but actually hold them back. The same thing happens to divorcing homeowners all the time.
So, let’s talk about those golden handcuffs and how you can break free.
How Your Mortgage Might Be Holding You Back
You’re afraid of losing your low interest rate – Rates went up, so now it feels like selling is a bad idea. But is staying really the best financial move for you? If your payment is too high or the home no longer fits your needs, keeping it for the rate alone might not be the right call.
You don’t think you can qualify for a new home – A lot of people assume they can’t get a mortgage after divorce, but that’s not always true. The real problem? Divorce agreements aren’t always written with mortgage guidelines in mind. That’s where working with a Certified Divorce Lending Professional (CDLP®) can make all the difference.
Your divorce decree makes refinancing or buying hard – If your settlement doesn’t match mortgage rules, you might find yourself stuck in a home you can’t afford or unable to buy a new one. A CDLP® can help fix these issues before they become major roadblocks.
Your name is still on a mortgage with your ex – If your name is on that loan, you’re still financially responsible—even if your ex is supposed to pay. This can hurt your credit, stop you from buying again, and keep you financially tied to your ex way longer than necessary. There are ways to fix this, but they need to be handled the right way.
What’s Next? Breaking Free & Moving Forward
That golden handcuffs feeling? It’s real. The Divorce Lending Association article points out that people hold themselves back because of fear or false security—and that applies to divorce, too. Staying in a home that doesn’t serve you just because it feels “safe” can actually hurt you in the long run.
Divorce is about building a new future, not just splitting up assets. If you feel stuck, it’s time to explore your real options. Whether that’s refinancing, restructuring debt, selling, or getting a plan in place to buy again—there’s a way forward.
As a Certified Divorce Lending Professional (CDLP®), I help divorcing homeowners figure out what makes the most sense for them—so they don’t get trapped by financial golden handcuffs.
If you’re feeling stuck, let’s talk. You might have more options than you think.