This document helps prevent disputes over property lines and easements.

Selling a house by owner involves several important paperwork and legal documents to ensure a smooth and legally binding transaction. While the specific requirements may vary depending on your location and the terms of the sale, here is a general list of paperwork that sellers typically need to prepare when selling a house without a realtor:

1. **Sales Contract/Purchase Agreement:**
– The sales contract, also known as the purchase agreement, is a legally binding document that outlines the terms and conditions of the sale. It includes details such as the paperwork for selling a house by owner purchase price, earnest money deposit, closing date, contingencies, and any additional agreements between the buyer and seller.

2. **Property Disclosure Form:**
– Sellers are often required to provide a property disclosure form that outlines any known defects or issues with the property. This document helps protect the buyer by ensuring they are aware of any potential problems before completing the purchase.

3. **Title Documents:**
– Sellers must provide proof of ownership of the property, typically in the form of a deed or title. It’s essential to ensure that the title is clear of any liens or encumbrances that could affect the sale.

4. **Property Survey:**
– A property survey may be required to verify the boundaries and legal description of the property. This document helps prevent disputes over property lines and easements.

5. **Home Inspection Report:**
– While not always required, providing a subject to contract recent home inspection report can reassure buyers of the property’s condition and help expedite the sale process.

6. **Mortgage Documents:**
– If there is an existing mortgage on the property, sellers must provide documentation related to the loan, including the payoff amount, loan terms, and any relevant paperwork from the lender.

7. **Utility Bills and Service Records:**
– Sellers should gather utility bills and service records for the property, including electricity, gas, water, sewage, and waste disposal. This information helps buyers estimate ongoing expenses associated with the property.

8. **HOA Documents (if applicable):**
– If the property is located in a homeowners association (HOA), sellers must provide relevant HOA documents, including bylaws, rules, regulations, and financial statements.

9. **Tax Records:**
– Sellers should provide copies of recent property tax bills and records of any property tax payments made.

10. **Closing Statement:**
– A closing statement, also known as a settlement statement or HUD-1 form, provides a detailed breakdown of the financial transactions involved in the sale, including closing costs, prorated expenses, and adjustments.

11. **Power of Attorney (if applicable):**
– If the seller is unable to attend the closing meeting in person, they may need to grant power of attorney to a trusted individual to sign documents on their behalf.

12. **Other Legal Documents:**
– Depending on local regulations and specific circumstances, sellers may need to prepare additional legal documents such as affidavits, certificates of compliance, or disclosures required by state or local law.

It’s important for sellers to consult with a real estate attorney or legal professional to ensure that all necessary paperwork is properly completed and executed in accordance with local laws and regulations. Additionally, sellers should keep copies of all documents for their records and provide copies to the buyer and any relevant parties involved in the transaction.