Wouldn’t it be nice if all you had to do to sell a house was find a buyer, accept an offer by shaking hands and move out? In reality, there’s a lot more to it than that. In fact, there’s quite a bit of paperwork involved, and the more you understand the process and know what to expect ahead of time, the less stressful it will be.
There are several key documents necessary to sell a home. The more organized and prepared you, the less chance there might be for issues to arise that may cause a closing delay. It’s important that you clearly understand a document before signing and also understand your responsibilities as a seller. If you have questions along the way, you should never hesitate to ask your agent.
A seller’s disclosure is one of the most important documents
Every state has its own guidelines regarding a seller’s disclosure document. You’ll want to make sure you have properly filled one out before you list your home on the market. If you live in a home that was built before 1978, your disclosure must include a “lead paint disclosure.” Other issues that are stated in a seller’s disclosure are upgrades, maintenance, repairs or defects in the home.
A buyer will want to see utility information
Utility bills are a priority issue for most buyers. Having documents available shows potential buyers that you are earnest. It’s always best to having things in writing; however, if you don’t have such documents available, be prepared to provide the information verbally.
Additional documents that are relevant to sellers
Besides utility information, you’ll want to have water and sewage documents on hand as well. It’s also important to have any and all documents pertaining to taxes, HOA or condo paperwork (if applicable) and things like mortgage information and a title.
When you go to closing
What an exciting day it is to go to closing on a house you are selling! The last thing you want is to show up without necessary documents, which could cause a lot of complications and delays. Don’t forget items such as personal identification and copies of all paperwork. You’ll also want to bring along another form of ID, such as your Social Security card, a passport or a green card (if applicable).
Always take your time. While going over a lot of paperwork and fine print is tedious, the more thorough you are, the less room there is for error. Having an experienced real estate agent on your side is helpful, especially if it’s your first time selling a home and you’re not sure what types of documents you need.