Documents You Need When Selling a Home

May 24, 2017 | Selling Your Home | By: The Goodhart Group

Documents You Need When Selling a Home

Selling a home? The process of selling a home is, without a doubt, a stressful one! In addition to preparing your home for sale, keeping it clean at all times, and planning your move, there are a million little details to manage, including mountains of documents and paperwork.

While you are organizing, packing, and clearing out, be sure to set aside the following documents. Some are definitely required and you will need them at settlement. Others are great to have if available. And some are just nice to pass on to the new owners.

MUST HAVE

  • Your mortgage loan information and documentation, including first mortgage, second mortgage, and home equity line of credit
  • Title insurance policy

SHOULD HAVE

  • The original sales contract for your house, stating the final purchase price
  • Any professional appraisals you have had done within the last two years
  • The deed to the home
  • Property tax information, including your most recent tax statement and bill
  • Proof of homeowners’ insurance
  • Any available floor plan or blueprints
  • A list of of improvements you’ve made to your house
  • Any construction and occupation permits, as well as certificates of compliance with building and zoning codes
  • Homeowners’ or condo association covenants, agreements, condo docs, by-laws, etc. (if applicable)
  • If you are currently renting the property out, a copy of the lease agreement

NICE TO HAVE

  • Any reports or documentation that relates to the property
  • A survey that shows the property’s boundaries and any structures on the property
  • Receipts, manuals, and warranties for any appliances, finishes, and upgrades
  • Plans and permits for all additions and upgrades
  • Reports of any professional inspections done before putting your house up for sale (pool, chimney, etc)
  • Your home repair and maintenance records (service calls, etc.)
  • Latest utility bills
  • Specialty documents, such as proof of historic status
  • Anything else relevant to your sale (such as information on the builder if you are selling a newly built home)

THE BOTTOM LINE

When in doubt, hang on to any and all documentation related to your home. If you think you’ll be selling in the not-too-distant future, it’s a good idea to start tracking some of this paperwork down now.

Questions? Please reach out. We are always happy to help with anything related to your real estate goals!

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