Are you preparing to sell your home? If so, there’s a lot of paperwork in your future—and we mean a lot. The good news is, gathering and preparing the documents you’ll need to sell your home doesn’t have to be a painful process. By knowing what you’re expected to provide, you can make it through closing day without a hassle.
Leading up to the sale of your home, here are some of the most important documents you’ll need…
The Deed
Before you can sell your home, the deed will need to be transferred. Put simply, this document formally indicates that the new owner has taken possession of your property. Its purpose is to prevent future ownership disputes, making it absolutely crucial. Your lawyer will prepare the deed for your sale, and ensure that any supporting legal documents are ready. From there, it’s just a matter of making sure everything is signed!
Land Surveys
Some home buyers will ask for a land survey (or survey certificate) as part of the Agreement of Purchase & Sale. Essentially, what they’re talking about is a drawing of your property that indicates its measurements and boundaries. Don’t have one? Depending on the year your home was built, there may be an existing survey on file at the Land Registry Office. If not, you may have to consult a professional and pay for one out of pocket.
Property Tax Records
As a homeowner, you know (all too well) that you’re responsible for paying your property taxes. And when it comes time to sell, you should have up-to-date records prepared. As part of the buyer’s due diligence, their lawyer will need to review these documents. Be sure to include your most recent payment! Depending on the timing of the sale, either you or the buyer will be owed a property tax credit.
Home Repair and Maintenance Records
When you’re preparing for your sale, dig up any existing repair and maintenance records you have. Many buyers want to know the age and condition of relevant home components—such as the roof and HVAC system. Providing warranties for major appliances is also a worthwhile courtesy, one that can lead to smoother dealings and more efficient sale!
Renovation Contracts
If you’ve had any major renovations done, it’s a good idea to have the contracts ready to go. In our experience, they can come in handy if a buyer has an inspection done. If any of your upgrades required a permit, you’ll want to be able to prove that they were performed correctly—and up to code.
Past Utility Bills
Last but not least, you may want to supply the buyer with some of your past utility bills. Though your usage won’t necessarily be the same as theirs, these documents can give them a loose idea of what to expect in terms of costs. They’ll be happy to have this information—and that could help pave the way for a shared sense of goodwill and a mutually-successful transaction.
When you’re selling a home, there’s no shortage of details that need to be taken care of—and preparing the right documents you’ll need to sell your home is one of them. But you’ll get through it, we promise. With expert guidance and some careful preparations, you can achieve a successful sale in no time!
If you have questions about the process of selling a home, we’d love to answer them. Get in touch to get the ball rolling!
