In this episode of The Jennifer Hargrave Show, we talk about all things Real Estate and Dallas Divorce.
Dallas divorce attorney Jennifer Hargrave talks with Dallas Fort Worth area real estate broker Hunter Dehn about one of the biggest financial and emotional questions in divorce— what happens to the family home. From understanding market timing in Preston Hollow and Frisco to uncovering why Zillow estimates and appraisal district values can be misleading, they share strategies for making informed real estate decisions during divorce. Jennifer highlights critical legal considerations for high net worth Dallas divorce cases, including community property laws and the risks of buying a new home before a divorce is finalized. Together, they show why working with a trusted Dallas divorce lawyer and an experienced real estate professional is essential to protect your wealth and plan for the future.
Transcript:
Jennifer Hargrave:
For so many people, your primary residence is the heart of your home. There’s so much emotion attached to it, and it’s likely your biggest investment. If you’re thinking about a divorce, you may be wondering what’s going to happen with your home. My guest today is Hunter Dehn, owner of Hunter Dehn Realty. He leads a team of professionals who help people in the DFW market make smart real estate decisions. Hunter, thanks so much for being here.
Hunter Dehn:
Jennifer, I’m excited to be here. Thanks for having me. I’m looking forward to discussing real estate—especially how it intersects with those emotional, not-so-fun situations.
Jennifer:
Real estate is always changing. In over 20 years of divorce work, I’ve seen the market explode and bottom out. We don’t have a crystal ball, but sitting down with a professional helps clients understand what’s happening now so they can make better choices in a divorce.
Hunter:
Absolutely. I’ve been in DFW real estate for 20+ years—started in homebuilding, then moved to brokerage after 2008. We’ve seen every kind of market. Since COVID, the past five years have been some of the most “exciting.” I’m happy to talk about what’s going on today versus a few years ago, and how people going through divorce can make rational financial decisions instead of letting emotions drive the boat.
Jennifer:
That’s why working with a professional matters. Even for me, helping my parents sell their home a couple of years ago felt surprisingly emotional. When you’re in it, clear decision-making is hard. A professional brings objectivity.
Hunter:
So true. Residential real estate is emotional even in the best circumstances. People don’t buy houses off spreadsheets—they want to walk through, smell, and hear a home. Add death or divorce and those emotions get amplified. When I sold my own house, I had my business partner list it because I know I can get emotionally worked up—I needed someone to stand between me and my emotions.
Jennifer:
Let’s start with the most common question in divorce: “Are we selling the house, or is one of us buying out the other?” That raises pricing and market issues. For any seller, what should they be thinking about right now?
Hunter:
Timing is huge—and it’s hyperlocal. Take the “private school corridor.” Most private schools send acceptance letters in early March, so you get anticipation building up to that week. Families moving in from out of state often wait to make decisions until they know where their kids got in. That seasonality differs from, say, Frisco, where great public schools drive a slightly later cycle. Work with a local expert who knows these rhythms.
Then, understand what’s selling quickly for the most money in the current season—and how your finishes compare. Back in 2008, turrets and heavy moldings were the thing. Today, buyers want clean, light finishes. Online estimators like Zillow lean on bed/bath count and square footage; they can be directionally helpful but wildly off for a specific house.
Jennifer:
People also show up with their appraisal district value. If you’re the one wanting to keep the house, that number can be… convenient. Why isn’t it the true market value?
Hunter:
Zillow and the appraisal district aren’t walking through your house. They don’t know how it smells or whether you’ve got dated tile. Appraisal districts make assumptions—maybe a drive-by every few years—and assign a general grade. That’s great for appealing taxes, but it’s not market reality.
Agents and appraisers use similar statistical tools—comps, price per square foot, lot size, quality of construction—but agents also have live buyer feedback: “What will it cost to rip out the travertine and put in white oak?” An appraiser might call that travertine “high quality,” but buyers may discount it heavily.
Jennifer:
And ultimately, it’s an educated guess until you have a willing buyer and a willing seller.
Hunter:
Exactly. A house is worth what a buyer will pay and a seller will accept. I do 100+ transactions a year, but I still don’t know who’s walking through the door in week one versus week ten. We analyze comps and trends, but real-time market conditions matter—especially interest rates. An appraiser may use 6–12-month-old comps; the market today could be very different.
Jennifer:
Let’s clarify Broker’s Price Opinion (BPO) vs. Comparative Market Analysis (CMA).
Hunter:
Every sales agent has a sponsoring broker. A BPO is a broker-backed valuation—like an appraisal’s analytical framework without the appraiser license. Some banks accept BPOs for certain refinances. It’s similar to a CMA but more in-depth and signed off by a broker with additional experience.
Jennifer:
And cost?
Hunter:
I typically provide BPOs for free as a service; some brokers charge, but many don’t. It’s a great starting point if you’re curious about value. Talk to a couple of trusted agents if you don’t have one already.
Jennifer:
People also like to make fun of lawyers.
Hunter:
And realtors! There are some bad ones—but also a lot of great ones. Trust and competence are key.
Jennifer:
If you’re considering divorce and can still communicate, agreeing on a neutral real estate team at the outset can be huge.
Hunter:
Totally. When we work in divorce scenarios, my business partner (she’s fantastic) will often meet with each spouse—sometimes together, sometimes separately. We aim to be a trusted, neutral team with one point person for each spouse so everyone feels heard. We manage the emotions and stay focused on the shared goal: getting the most money for the property.
Jennifer:
That emotional intelligence matters. Space for feelings—without letting anyone get stuck—helps move things forward.
Hunter:
It’s a grieving process. We validate that and then guide toward the end goal: best possible financial outcome. As my grandfather said, “Don’t let your mad get between you and your money.”
Jennifer:
Sometimes couples keep the house for various reasons. Even then, knowing the true value informs the decision. There are options—loan assumptions, etc.—and good mortgage pros can help. For those who will sell, the next hurdle is buying the next home. What does the buying process look like now?
Hunter:
Aside from interest rates, it’s the easiest it’s been in five years. Inventory is up; the market’s more balanced. Sellers can’t just list Friday and choose from 10 offers Monday—we have to prep and price strategically—but homes sell. Buyers have more choice and can make a thoughtful decision for the next 5–10 years, which helps amortize transaction costs.
One big caution: if you’re not divorced yet and want to buy, talk to your attorney first. I told a client that this morning.
Jennifer:
In Texas, property acquired during marriage is generally community property. There’s no legal separation. Even if you’ve lived apart for years, you’re married until the divorce is finalized. During a pending case, you can use agreements—like a partition agreement or a mediated settlement agreement—to characterize a new purchase as separate property, but you must set that up correctly. Title alone doesn’t determine characterization—date of acquisition does. Without the right agreements, a new home can land in the community estate.
Hunter:
This is why even amicable couples should consult a good attorney—just to make sure the legal i’s are dotted and t’s are crossed.
Jennifer:
We get a lot of “We agree on everything—can you represent both of us?” In Texas, one attorney can’t ethically represent both parties. The most efficient route is one spouse hires the attorney, and the couple does most of the negotiation themselves while we provide the legal roadmap and documents.
AI can be fun, but there’s so much misinformation. When the stakes are your future, your home, and your wealth, relying on a tool with no accountability is risky—and mistakes are expensive.
Hunter:
Couldn’t agree more. Good representation—legal and real estate—usually saves multiples of the fees by preventing costly missteps. There’s a lot of online noise: friends, neighbors, 200 websites, and ChatGPT. We filter the noise, narrow the value range, and set expectations. Same with good attorneys: no one can guarantee outcomes, but they can map the process and likely scenarios—as long as you don’t shoot yourself in the foot.
Jennifer:
That’s the “actual intelligence” of experience. Hunter, I’ve really enjoyed this.
Hunter:
Me too—thanks for having me.
Jennifer:
If you’re looking to list your home and want clarity on value and options, contact Hunter Dehn Realty. And if you’re considering divorce, our team at Hargrave Family Law is here to help. Please subscribe for more conversations about life, divorce, and everything in between.
Hunter:
And if you’re starting this process, call Jennifer—she’s the best.
Additional Resources:
• Divorcing with Real Estate in Dallas: From Family Homes to Complex Real Estate Portfolios
• Navigating a Dallas High Net Worth Divorce: Dividing Stocks, Business Assets, and Complex Wealth
• Divorce for Business Owners: How to Protect Your Livelihood and Your Future
• Who Buys the Backpack? Navigating Child Support While Co-Parenting
• Back to School Transitions: From Summer Relaxation to School Year Routines
• The Truth About 50/50 Custody Laws: Pros, Cons, and Hidden Risks
• Politics, Love, and Divorce: Can Couples Survive Different Beliefs?
• Who Am I Now? Reclaiming Your Voice and Identity After Divorce
• Find a Dallas Divorce Lawyer
If you would like to learn more about Hunter Dehn and his Brokerage, please visit:
