Selling a home can be a daunting task, and the paperwork is often the most stressful part. In Pennsylvania there are several important documents to gather before you put your house on the market. Whether you’re working with an agent or selling on your own, having the paperwork in place keeps the process smooth.
Here are the essential documents you’ll need to sell a home in Pennsylvania.
Pre-listing documents
Before you list your home, gather these:
- Comparative Market Analysis (CMA). A CMA is one of the first steps in figuring out what your home is worth. A real estate agent or appraiser compares similar homes that recently sold in your area so you can set a competitive price.
- Listing agreement. If you hire an agent, this legal document authorizes them to list and market your home. It spells out the commission, responsibilities, and how long the listing lasts.
- Seller’s disclosure. Pennsylvania sellers are legally required to give buyers a seller’s disclosure form. It details known defects or issues such as foundation problems, plumbing issues, or past flooding. An accurate, honest disclosure helps protect you from legal disputes later.
- Deed. The deed proves you own the property and have the right to sell it. You’ll need it to transfer ownership to the buyer.
Documents needed for the sale
Once you have a buyer and the sale is moving forward, you’ll need:
- Title report. Confirms you are the legal owner and that there are no outstanding liens or third-party claims that could affect the sale.
- Offer and purchase agreement. The binding contract between you and the buyer, covering the price and any contingencies. Once signed, it commits both parties.
- Settlement statement. Also called a closing disclosure, it lays out the final numbers: sale price, agent commissions, taxes, and other closing costs. Both buyer and seller review and sign it before closing.
- Bill of sale. If you’re selling personal property that isn’t attached to the house, such as appliances or furniture, a bill of sale transfers ownership of those items.
- Mortgage payoff statement. If you still owe on a mortgage, your lender provides a payoff statement showing exactly what it takes to pay off the loan and release the lien.
Closing the deal
The last steps require a few more documents:
- Final walkthrough form. The buyer usually does a final walkthrough before closing to confirm the property is in the condition agreed to in the contract.
- Closing documents. At closing, both parties sign the deed transfer, the closing statement, and any other paperwork required by the lenders involved.
Sell your house with Pitts Properties
Selling a home in Pennsylvania doesn’t have to be stressful. Pitts Properties keeps the process simple and straightforward. We buy homes in any condition and help you through the paperwork so it’s done on time and done right.
If you’re ready to sell your house for cash, reach out to Pitts Properties. We buy homes in Pittsburgh and the surrounding area with no fees or commissions.