This is my second post. The first one clarified that my partner and I own a 3rd of a house in the Bay. Her ex-partner owns the other half and we could possibly force a sale. The issue being that the house is big - but currently only set up to house my partner's ex and her new partner. She is open to finding a duplex with a rental income that could house us all within 15 miles of Bernal Heights. The challenge though is where to find the right agent to help broker such a deal. It seems there are brokers and there brokers. If anyone has any advice I would be grateful. There is no potential shift without the right deal..., and clearly, that involves a number of factors. 

Grateful this community exists. 

Oh one more question - what is the difference between an agent and a mentor here? How does the mentor process work? Thanks. Nathan

Nathan,

I'll take a running leap at this. I have read your introductory post. 

In essence you are a business partnership (you and your SO) entering into a business partnership with other individuals (SO's ex-partner and their SO). If their relationship was so bad that they had to split that (business) relationship, what do you think the chances are that a new businesses partnership that involves them would work?

Creating a partnership where you go in knowing that some folks are not on the same page is asking for trouble. 

My best advice, have the 2/3 buy out your 1/3 and you and your SO go looking. If not then force the sale. If you decide to stay the course, better have a good lawyer on retainer, and even then there is only so much can be done. 

Good Luck!

Jim

Hi Jim,

Thanks for taking the time to respond. I do appreciate it.

You overlook one factor and it is natural that you did as I did not mention it. They share a child and there is a lot of love for that child. My SO is on a vacation with her ex and the ex's new partner and a friend. There is a lot of affection in the story and I welcome it. Yes, to force a sale is something we have all considered. Together they would walk away with 800 000 dollars. I know in San Francisco that doesn't get much. But it is not insignificant either. Just because a relationship does not work on one level - does not mean it cannot work on others, especially when they share the love of a much more important asset than real estate - ie the love of a child. I don't think it has been easy for them but it is a credit to their mediating power that the love of the kid comes first. Or that is how I see it. Otherwise I agree with your analysis. It is shrewd and wise. 

I made an error in my additions above also. Forgive me. They bought the house together with a third partner. So if the two of them force a sale they come out of it with 400 000 a piece. I do sense from looking at the market that 800 000 might buy a duplex in the bay area. But 400 000 would get something rather crappy in a fairly crappy neighborhood. Or something crappy in a good neighborhood. Either way there are only two options from that-  

The crappy option in a good neighborhood - if we can find the right developers and that is not our background

Or a shared asset with ex-partner and her new partner. As the child needs to be with both parents, this latter option might be the best.

But then that still leaves the focus on finding the right real estate guide - which was the original point of my post. And I am still hoping that this community might lead to a good referral regarding someone in this area. 

Warmly

Nathan