Selling your house in Texas is a lengthy process with a hefty stack of paperwork to go along with it. No matter which part of the home selling journey you’re in, you can count on a paper trail to follow. Below, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of the all documents needed to sell your home so that you can prepare yourself each step of the way.
You should note that depending on your situation and location, certain elements will vary, so we advise getting the help of a real estate agent or attorney who will understand your unique needs.
To avoid bumps and barriers further along, it’s best to gather what you know you’ll need beforehand. That being said, certain documents won’t be available until the precise moment you need them. To help you glide through the process more easily, we’ve listed the vital forms you’ll need handy in the necessary order, from pre-sale to closing.
Without further ado, here are the documents needed to sell your home in Texas:
1. Original Sales Contract
Once upon a time, you were the eager buyer of your current home. To come full circle with your experience as a homeowner, you’ll need to dig up your original sales contract so that the next owner can get a comprehensive understanding of your property’s past.
2. Home Repair Receipts
Home repair records are essential documents needed to sell your home, as buyers must understand your property’s past. This includes everything from a paint job to water damage repairs.
3. Proof of Home Renovations
In addition to home repair receipts, you should also provide the buyer with documentation of renovations or updates that affect the home value.
4. Homeowners Insurance Documents
Your insurance records will further assist with full transparency of your home’s past. Additionally, it will help the buyer understand what their own insurance bills will cost as the future owner.
5. Mortgage Documents
If you’re not done paying off your mortgage, prepare to present your payoff amount.
6. HOA Documents
If you’re not part of a Homeowner’s Association (HOA), keep scrolling. If so, grab your documents because the future owner will need to know the costs and rules of your community.
7. Home Appliance Warranties
Chances are you’re not just selling your home, but also everything inside it. That being said, if appliances like the washing machine or refrigerator fall under a warranty, the following owner will need the proof in case anything breaks prematurely.
8. Pre-Sale Inspections
While not required, pre-sale inspections can help you prove to buyers that your home is in tip-top shape. On the flip side, however, if an unknown problem arises, you may be required to disclose it, which could affect your chances of a sale.
5. Listing Agreement
Your listing agreement is the contract between you and your agent. It includes all the agreement terms like the promotion plans and the time allotted to sell.
6. Comparative Market Analysis
It’s up to your agent to formulate a comparative market analysis, which affects the value of your home according to the surrounding market.
7. Preliminary Title Report
This necessary document to sell your home outlines any outstanding liens that can prohibit or affect a sale. You can get one from a title company.
8. Mandatory Disclosures
Disclosure laws vary depending on the state you’re in, so double check what yours requires before ratting yourself out unnecessarily. Alternatively, failure to disclose mandatory information can get you sued.
9. Final Purchase and Sale Agreement
This is the official document outlining the selling price, terms, and closing date.
10. Appraisal Report
The buyer will most likely be financing the home through a mortgage. If so, the lender will ask for an appraisal report at the time of closing. You can expect the process to take about a week.
11. Property Tax Statements
Mandatory tax statements vary by state, but they generally highlight any final property taxes you’ll owe.
12. Deeds
The deed officially and legally transfers ownership of the property from you to the buyer.
Call United Home Offer
You can spend your time preparing these documents while writing a sizable check to an agent, lawyer, or both, or you can call us for a free cash offer. We will buy your home regardless of the condition or situation so that you can free yourself of the home selling process and the many, many files that come with it.