Are you ready to sell your Fort Worth-Dallas home? Before you list your property for sale, there are several steps to take to ensure you’re ready for this commitment. For one, you need to know the answer to what paperwork do I need to sell my house?
We’ll provide you with the complete list of documents with a brief guide to each so you’re fully prepared for selling your home.
If you haven’t already gotten all of your documents together, this is the first thing you should do. Your mortgage information, sales agreements, copy of your deed, and all other documents must be ready for review at closing.
List of Documents Needed to Sell Your Home
Here is the complete list of documents you might need to sell your Fort Worth home. Not all of these apply to every homeowner selling your home, but it’s best to list all paperwork to show to your buyers, real estate agents, and mortgage company.
In addition, if you are currently renting out your property, then you’ll also need to provide the lease agreement. Any warranty information and other property tax information is also necessary.
Note: If you’re not sure where your paperwork is, you may be able to get copies if filed with your city. It’s best to work with a real estate agent or legal counsel if you can’t find your paperwork.
Deed
The deed to the house is the most important document as it transfers ownership of the home to your buyer. You may only have a copy of the deed if you still have a mortgage on the house. It will have the name of all buyers.
A copy of the deed is provided to the buyer at closing if they have financed the home. If buying outright such as through a cash buyer, then the buyer would receive the original deed.
Mortgage Loan Documentation
This shares all of the original mortgage information, including loan amount and terms. Your lender should be able to provide you with a copy if you’ve lost your own from the original sale. This is especially important if you are selling before you pay off the current mortgage, as you want to show your payoff amount.
Professional Appraisal
You need to show the fair market value of your home to a potential buyer so that they can get the correct financing from a mortgage lender. You may have a previous appraisal from when you first purchased the home, but you’ll likely need a new appraisal.
However, cash buyers may not require a new appraisal since they don’t use lenders and typically buy homes “as-is”.
Homeowner’s Insurance Records
Did your home go through a natural disaster or did your basement flood, requiring an insurance payment?
If so, you should be transparent with any home buyer about the damages and repairs made to the property.
This includes providing homeowners with:
- Insurance information
- The claims reports since you purchased the home
Homeowner’s Association Documents
Is your home part of an HOA?
While no one is fond of the HOA fun police, you need to prepare documentation showing the HOA guidelines and rules for the community.
Some of these documents include:
- Articles of incorporation
- Bylaws
- Rules and regulations
- Homeowners dues statements
- Copies of HOA minutes
- Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions
Lease Agreement for Rental Property (if there’s a current tenant)
If selling a property with tenants, you must be very careful to give significant notice to tenants if they will need to vacate the property.
Note: Laws vary from state to state, so check with your real estate or legal site on what steps to take to inform tenants.
Additionally, you’ll need to provide the lease agreement to the home buyer, if they are purchasing for an investment property or even if they plan to take over the property after the lease is up.
Home Repair, Appliance Receipts, and Maintenance Records
Perhaps you’ve made some renovations in the past few months to your home, and your price has increased to include those investments.
It’s always best to show the hard work you’ve done on your home, and these records and receipts let the buyers know the value of your repairs and additions.
Manuals and Warranties
It’s always nice to have all of the manuals and warranties in one place for your home’s appliances.
These can include manuals and warranties for the following:
- HVAC
- Refrigerator
- Stove
- Other appliances
Your buyer will inherit these appliances, so it’s important for them to have all the information and support possible.
Preliminary Title Report
Before you put your home on the market, you may want to get a preliminary title report or a prelim that shows if there is anything outstanding on your property, such as taxes owed or conditions that need repair.
Mandatory Disclosure Statement
If there’s anything wrong with the property, such as hazards like ongoing water damage, asbestos or lead-based paint, you must be transparent with buyers. This could be a lawsuit waiting to happen if you don’t disclose.
Some mandatory disclosures include:
- Water damage
- Neighborhood nuisances
- Past disputes over property lines and fences
- Asbestos
- Lead contamination or lead-based paint
- Environmental hazards like oil leaks, gas, toxic chemicals or radon poisoning
- Defects and malfunctions to major appliances or house systems
There are some states that don’t require these disclosures, but real estate experts recommend that you err on the side of the caution and good faith with your home buyer to avoid issues.
What Else Do Fort Worth Home Sellers Need?
Any other reports or information related to property (such as appraisal or pre-sale inspection).
If working with a real estate agent, you may also see these documents:
- Listing agreement: This is an arrangement between you and the real estate agent.
- Proposed marketing plan: How will the agent market your home? You should request a marketing plan if not provided.
- Seller’s Net Sheet: This is a worksheet that shows how much you’ll make from the home sale after expenses like taxes, agent’s commission, outstanding mortgage, and escrow fees.
- Comparative market analysis: This shows you what the fair market value will be for your home, typically used for setting a sales price.
You may not receive a seller’s net sheet more than one time over the entire course of the home sale.
It’s most likely provided right when the real estate lists your property. The numbers will also shift as you negotiate with buyers, depending on how much the house finally sells for.
Breaking Down Forms at Closing
There are also different forms prior to closing and other forms that you’ll sign to complete the sale.
When selling your home, it’s important to go through each document thoroughly and ask questions. Understanding the purpose and function of these documents will make your homeselling process much smoother.
There are also several agreements you’ll see at closing that are necessary for your home buyer.
Here’s a breakdown of these important documents:
Seller Representative Agreement
If you engage with a real estate agent to sell your home, then you may be asked to sign a Seller Representation Agreement, which is a legal contract that shows you’re working with an agent.
When signing these agreements, it’s important that you look at the terms and cancellation process, as you don’t want to get stuck in a contract.
Purchase Offer and Counteroffer Forms
When a purchase offer is made, it’s just the first step towards the final sale. Now you’ll negotiate and include a counteroffer in writing. Once signed, the purchase offer becomes the purchase agreement or contract.
Final Purchase and Sale Agreement
Once a home buyer presents you with an offer, a purchase agreement is drawn up that includes all the particulars of the transaction, such as:
- Your name and the buyer’s name
- Total purchase price
- Commissions payable to real estate agents, and the requested closing date
This agreement is used to secure financing from the buyer’s lender and will be submitted at closing with the other documentation.
Contingency Removal Form (Only in California)
While all real estate deals in the US may contain contingencies, California is the only state where you must complete a contingency removal form in order to finalize the sale.
This clause covers contingencies like the home inspection, home appraisal, and buyer’s financing.
Other Documents Received Between Contract and Close
There are a few other documents that you’ll likely see before the sale is officially done. These are important to assess the condition and value of the home, including:
- Home inspection report
- Home appraisal report
- Most Recent Tax Statements
- Seller’s estimate Settlement Statement or the Closing Statement
Next Steps to Selling Your Fort Worth Home
If this documentation sounds like a lot, it’s typical of almost all real estate deals. Luckily, we’re here if you need help navigating your home sale with an expert.