The Most Important Documents for Your Home Sale

The paperwork for a home sale isn't just for the benefit of the buyer. It serves as the official documentation for title companies, financial institutions, and local registries. In other words, the more information a seller can provide, the smoother the process will be. Learn more about what sellers need to close the deal and why skipping a step can have disastrous consequences when selling a home.

Historical Documents

Home sale paperwork is as much about the history of the home as it is about the final negotiations of the sale. Sellers will need to have the original sales contract for the home, and it must include the original price paid for the property. Paperwork should include homeowners' insurance information and mortgage and financing details. Sellers will also need a certificate of occupancy along with documents proving the home is compliant with all zoning codes for the neighborhood (unless the home is being sold as-is.) Sellers should also have inspection paperwork, as well as receipts and official documentation of home renovations, repairs or maintenance that were made to the home.

Home Deed and Bill of Sale

The deed for the home must be given to the buyer, and it must state that the purchaser has full control over the property. The buyer must review the home deed to ensure that all details are correct regarding the home transfer. Once signatures are finalized, the deed will be transferred to the county recorder to officially register the chain of title. Sellers should also fill out a Bill of Sale. This document lists the details of all property being transferred, from the light fixtures to the garden gnomes. Any property a seller plans to take with them (e.g., satellite dish, chandelier, etc.) should be explicitly omitted from the Bill of Sale. Finally, gather all warranty documents or manuals a buyer should have, such as the refrigerator manual or HVAC warranty.

Ownership Status

The General Title Affidavit or Seller's Affidavit gives the information about the ownership of the home and any known major issues with the structure or the grounds. Unfortunately, this title is not as straightforward as it sounds. Because ownership lines for the property are not always clear, this document needs to list any disputes that may be ongoing. If neighbors are convinced that a tree on the property is theirs, this must be listed on the affidavit. Any liens on the home, unresolved contracts, or structural defects to the home also need to be included (e.g, rot, water damage, etc.) Essentially this document serves as a backup to the home deed. It spells out any potential problems, so the new owners understand what they're buying.

Closing Documents

Closing is the final step of the sale for your Anchorage Point home, so it's especially important to be thorough when filling out the paperwork. The seller must list information regarding the home, as well as information about themselves. Marital and financial information will need to be disclosed as an additional layer of protection for the buyer. This way, there are fewer legal disputes over the property. Anyone from an ex-spouse to a creditor may try to claim ownership, and closing paperwork often serves as the last line of defense for a buyer. This is also a good time for sellers to double check tax information. It's common for discrepancies to arise at this time, and even small ones will need to be settled before the deed is transferred.