So you decided to sell your home on your own. No agent. No middleman. Just you, your property, and a big goal. First of all, good for you. Selling FSBO can feel empowering, profitable, and a little terrifying all at once. If you are feeling excited and overwhelmed at the same time, you are doing it right. Now, let us talk about the part no one glamorizes. The paperwork. This is where many FSBO sellers either gain confidence or quietly wish they had hired an agent. The good news is this. Once you understand what documents you actually need and why they matter, the process becomes much less intimidating. Think of this as a conversation with a friend who has been through it and wants to save you from mistakes. How to Find the Required Paperwork for Selling Your Home Before scheduling showings, it is important to have all required documents prepared. Real estate paperwork and legal requirements vary by state and sometimes even by county, so what applies in one location may not apply in another. Start by reviewing your state and county government websites for official guidelines. To ensure nothing is missed, you can also reference resources from your state land title association and real estate professionals. Taking the time to verify these requirements early helps prevent delays later in the process. What Paperwork Do I Need to Sell My House Myself 1. Proof You Own the Property This one seems obvious, but it matters more than people realize. Buyers want proof that you legally own the home and have the right to sell it. This usually means a copy of your deed. If you do not have it handy, your county recorder or clerk's office can provide one. Some sellers assume the title company will handle this later, and while that is true, buyers feel more comfortable when you can show ownership up front. It builds trust right away. If there are multiple owners listed on the deed, make sure everyone is on the same page. All owners must agree to the sale and sign the necessary documents later. 2. Property Disclosure Forms This is where honesty is not just the best policy but also the legal one. Most states require sellers to provide a property disclosure form. This document tells buyers what you know about the condition of the home. Past water damage, roof repairs, foundation issues, plumbing problems, and electrical updates. Even things like past pest issues can matter. Skipping disclosures or downplaying issues can come back to haunt you. Lawsuits often start with the phrase you did not disclose. Be upfront. Buyers respect it more than you think. 3. Purchase Agreement This is the heart of the transaction. The purchase agreement is the contract between you and the buyer. It spells out the price, the terms, the timeline, and the conditions of the sale. A solid purchase agreement includes the purchase price, earnest money amount, closing date, inspection period, contingencies, and what happens if either party backs out. Many FSBO sellers make the mistake of downloading a random template online and calling it a day. Not all contracts are created equal, and real estate laws vary by state. It is worth using a state specific form or having a real estate attorney review it. This document protects you just as much as it protects the buyer. 4. Lead-Based Paint Disclosure If your home was built before 1978, this one is not optional. Federal law requires sellers to provide a lead-based paint disclosure and pamphlet to buyers. Even if you believe there is no lead paint, the disclosure must still be provided. This document explains the potential risks of lead exposure and gives buyers the option to test the home if they choose. Missing this step can delay closing or create legal trouble later. It is a simple form but an important one. ⏩Related Article: What Buyers and Sellers Should Know About Lead Paint Disclosure 5. HOA Documents If Applicable If your home is part of a homeowners association, buyers will want to see the rules, fees, and financial health of the community. This typically includes the HOA bylaws, covenants, conditions and restrictions, recent meeting notes, and fee schedules. Buyers want to know what they are agreeing to before they commit. Some HOAs charge a fee to provide these documents, so plan ahead. Do not wait until you are under contract. Having them ready makes you look organized and serious. 6. Mortgage Payoff Statement If you still have a mortgage on the property, you will need a payoff statement from your lender. This shows exactly how much is owed as of a specific date. Why does this matter? Because the sale proceeds must be enough to pay off the loan. Buyers and title companies want to know there are no surprises lurking. Requesting a payoff statement is usually easy. A quick call or online request with your lender does the trick. Just remember that payoff amounts change daily due to interest, so updated versions may be needed closer to closing. 7. Home Inspection Reports and Repair Records This one is not required, but it is incredibly helpful. If you have had a recent inspection or made major repairs, keep those records. Roof replacement receipts. HVAC servicing, plumbing upgrades, and electrical work. These documents help answer buyer questions before they even ask. Providing repair records shows pride of ownership. It also reduces uncertainty, which can reduce negotiations later. Buyers feel more confident when they can see a paper trail. 8. Title Report or Preliminary Title Commitment A title report shows the legal status of the property. It reveals liens, easements, unpaid taxes, or other claims that could affect ownership. While the title company usually orders this once you are under contract, some FSBO sellers choose to get a preliminary report early. Doing so helps you address issues ahead of time instead of scrambling later. If there is an old lien you forgot about or a boundary concern, it is better to know before a buyer discovers it. 9. Closing Disclosure and Settlement Statement As you approach closing, paperwork ramps up quickly. The closing disclosure outlines all the financial details of the transaction, sale price, closing costs, taxes, fees, and credits. Everything is laid out clearly. As a seller, you want to review this carefully. Mistakes happen, and it is easier to fix them before closing day than after. Do not rush through this document just because you are eager to be done. ⏩Related Article: Seller’s Disclosure Statement: Everything You Should Know 10. Government Issued Identification This one surprises people, but yes, you will need it. At closing, you must prove your identity. A valid government-issued photo ID is required. Make sure it is current and matches the name on the title. If your name has changed, bring documentation to explain the difference. 11. Power of Attorney If Needed If you cannot attend the closing in person, you may need a power of attorney. This allows someone else to sign on your behalf. This document must be prepared correctly and often approved by the title company in advance. Do not assume you can handle this at the last minute. Planning ahead avoids stressful delays. ⏩Check Out: FSBO Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Your House Why Having Your Documents Ready is a Necessity? Here is the truth. Buyers get nervous when sellers seem unprepared. Missing documents create doubt. Doubt leads to hesitation. Hesitation can lead to lost deals. When you have your paperwork organized, you come across as confident and professional. Buyers feel safer moving forward. Negotiations go smoothly. Closings happen faster. Selling FSBO does not mean cutting corners. It means taking control. Documents are part of that control. How Something Different Real Estate Helps FSBO Sellers At Something Different Real Estate, we help homeowners take control of their real estate journey through clear, practical education. Our goal is to simplify buying and selling with smart guidance that builds confidence and empowers people to make informed decisions every step of the way. We also offer expertly designed courses that streamline the buying and selling process, giving you the knowledge, tools, and confidence to navigate every step with ease and zero guesswork. If you are still unsure where to start, need help identifying the right documents, or want personalized one-on-one guidance, we are here to help. Contact Us Now! People Also Ask: Are FSBO document requirements the same in every state? No. Real estate laws vary by state and sometimes by county. Always check local regulations to make sure you are meeting all legal requirements in your area. Are There Closing Costs On Homes For Sale By Owner? Yes, FSBO sellers typically pay closing costs such as title fees, transfer taxes, and settlement charges, though the exact costs vary by location and agreement. Can missing paperwork delay or cancel a sale? Yes. Missing or incorrect documents can cause closing delays or even result in buyers walking away from the deal. What to do if you're missing documents?If you are missing documents, check your local government offices, lender, or title company, and consider professional guidance to avoid delays or legal issues.
