What Paperwork Do I Need to Sell My House Myself?

Many homeowners find the paperwork the hardest part of selling without an agent. In fact, around 10% of sellers say it’s the most challenging step, according to the National Association of Realtors.

Fortunately, free paperwork for selling a house by owner makes it easier to stay organized throughout the process. You’ll still be responsible for disclosures, contracts, closing forms, and tax documents. But having the right paperwork and understanding how to use it ensures your sale stays compliant, and lets you keep more of your profit when the deal closes.

How to Sell a House Without a Realtor​

Selling a house without a realtor saves money but adds more work. This type of sale is called for sale by owner (FSBO), which means you take charge of pricing, marketing, negotiations, and paperwork yourself. It’s doable if you stay organized.

• Price it right. A high price turns buyers away. A low one cuts into your profit.
• Check your home’s value. Use online estimates or hire an appraiser for a fair number.
• Market it well. Use clear photos, good lighting, and honest descriptions to draw interest.
• Get offers in writing. Each should include contingencies, timelines, and closing details.
• Close the deal. The sale becomes official when both sides sign the deed and closing statement.

With some effort and research, you can sell your home yourself and keep more of what you earn. It takes time and patience, but the savings often make it worth it. You can also simplify the process by using free for-sale-by-owner paperwork and templates from Legal Templates.

What Paperwork Do I Need to Sell My House Myself?

Handling a home sale yourself means managing all the paperwork that comes with it. With the right documents in place, your sale stays legal, transparent, and on schedule. Here’s what to prepare at each stage.

Before You List

Pull together key records that prove you own the home, describe its features, and show its condition. Buyers and inspectors will look for this information early, and having it ready builds trust and saves time later. It also helps you set an accurate price once offers start coming in.

• Title Report or Title Search isn’t always required, but buyers usually expect it. It confirms legal ownership and flags any liens or unpaid debts linked to the property. Having it early helps avoid closing delays.
• Lead-Based Paint Disclosure is mandatory for homes built before 1978. It alerts buyers to possible lead hazards from old paint or plumbing and keeps your sale compliant with EPA rules.
• Residential Property Disclosure Form is required in most states. It lists known problems like leaks, cracks, or pest issues. Clear disclosure keeps you compliant and protects you from legal claims later. Many states publish it through their Real Estate Commission.
• Property Survey may be required by local laws or lenders. It confirms boundaries, easements, and shared access points. Buyers often request it to verify property lines before finalizing an offer.
• Permits and Building Plans are essential if you’ve renovated or added structures. They show that all work was approved and meets code. Missing permits can raise red flags for inspectors and buyers.
• Receipts and Warranties aren’t required but strengthen your listing. Proof of repairs, new systems, or appliances shows good maintenance and helps justify your asking price.

When You Get Offers

Once offers start coming in, it’s important to document every agreement carefully. Each one captures a different stage of the negotiation, from the price you accept to the items you include in the sale.

• Real Estate Purchase Agreement is the core contract in any sale. It sets the price, contingencies, deposit amount, and closing timeline. Both sides must sign it for the deal to move forward. Using a legally valid real estate contract for sale by owner makes sure the terms hold up.
• Homeowners Association (HOA) Documents are required if your property belongs to an HOA. Buyers want to know the rules, monthly fees, and any upcoming assessments. Providing bylaws, fee schedules, and meeting summaries upfront helps prevent delays and surprises later.
• A Bill of Sale isn’t mandatory, but it’s smart to include it when selling personal property with the home. It lists what stays, like appliances, light fixtures, or furniture, and what goes. Putting it in writing avoids confusion on move-out day.
• Purchase Agreement Addendum is used when either party changes the deal after signing. It can adjust the closing date, repair terms, or price. Each addendum must be signed by both parties so the updated terms are legally binding.

At Closing

Once you reach closing, it’s time to finalize the sale and transfer ownership. Every document here confirms payment, clears debts, and proves the property is ready for the new owner.

• Affidavit of Title is usually required at this stage. It confirms you’re the legal owner and that there are no undisclosed liens, claims, or outstanding judgments against the property. The buyer’s lender will also likely conduct a title search to confirm ownership.
• Deed (Warranty or Quitclaim) is required to transfer ownership to the buyer. It must be signed, notarized, and recorded with the county to make the transfer official.
• Closing Statement lists all the key details, including the price, credits, fees, and payments. Since October 3, 2015, the Closing Disclosure has taken the place of the HUD-1 for most home sales. Borrowers who applied before that date received a HUD-1, while refinances may still use a HUD-1A. Take time to review the Closing Disclosure carefully to confirm costs.
• Loan Payoff Statement or Satisfaction of Mortgage is necessary if you still owe on your mortgage. It shows the remaining balance and confirms that the loan will be paid off once the sale closes.
• Property Tax and Utility Bills help calculate prorated amounts for what’s owed up to the closing date. They also confirm that all accounts are current before transfer.
• Certificate of Occupancy may be required for new construction or major renovations. It certifies that the property meets local building codes and is safe for the buyer to move into.

Once everything is signed and finalized, keep your paperwork safe for future reference. Staying organized protects you if questions come up later and keeps the sale compliant. To make it easier, use free FSBO paperwork from Legal Templates to manage every detail.

State Rules and Tax Documents for FSBO Sellers

When learning how to sell a house by owner paperwork, it’s important to know that requirements don’t stop at signing the contract. Each state has its own closing rules, and you’ll also need specific tax documents once the sale is complete. 

State Requirements for FSBO Paperwork

Rules for selling your home without a realtor depend on where you live. Some states require attorneys at closing, others limit notary fees, and some require licensed professionals to handle documents. Here’s a quick guide to what applies in each state group.

Rules change often, so it’s best to double-check before closing. Confirm your state’s latest requirements with a title company or attorney to make sure your paperwork meets current regulations.

Tax Documents You’ll Need After Selling Your Home

After closing, keep a few documents organized for tax season. They help you report the sale correctly and may reduce what you owe.

• IRS Form 1099-S reports your home sale proceeds to the IRS. The closing agent or title company usually provides it. Check that the sale price and your information are correct before filing.
• Receipts for Home Improvements adjust your home’s cost basis, which can lower taxable gains. Keep records for upgrades that add value or extend the home’s life, such as renovations, new roofs, or additions.
• Property Tax Records show how much tax you paid and support any deductions you claim. They also help confirm prorated amounts from the sale.

Keeping these documents in order makes it easier to handle taxes and avoid missing key deductions.

How Long to Keep Paperwork After Selling a House​?

How long you keep home sale documents depends on your property and tax situation. In most cases, it’s best to hold on to everything for at least seven years after you file taxes for the year of the sale. 

The IRS can review returns for three years in normal cases and up to six years if income was underreported. If your sale involved taxable gains, a rental property, or any legal disputes, keep the records longer.

Hold on to your closing statement, deed, purchase agreement, title documents, receipts for improvements, and loan payoff confirmation. Save both paper and digital copies in a secure place so you can find them easily if questions come up later.

However, according to Redfin, how long you keep these documents depends on your situation. The table below breaks down their general recommendations for different types of home sales.

Create digital backups for long-term storage. It’s an easy way to stay organized and access your records quickly if you ever need them again.

Simplify Your Home Sale

Selling your home without an agent takes effort, but it’s well within reach. With the right forms and a bit of preparation, you can handle everything from listing to closing on your own. That extra work pays off. Real estate commissions often run 5% to 6% of the sale price—around $20,000 to $24,000 on a $400,000 home. 

Even if you still cover the buyer’s agent fee, you could save $10,000 to $12,000 by selling it yourself. Staying organized and using the right documents keeps the process smooth, compliant, and worth your time. If you’re ready to get started, use FSBO paperwork from Legal Templates to simplify every step.