Paperwork is where FSBO sellers get the most nervous, and where a missed step can cause the most real trouble later. Here’s a general overview of what most sales require.
- Seller disclosures are the single most important document, and the most common source of post-closing disputes when skipped or incomplete.
- A purchase agreement, title work, and a closing disclosure are standard across nearly every sale.
- Exact requirements, attorney review, specific disclosure forms, vary by state, confirm yours with your county or a local attorney.
- A title company or escrow agent can guide much of this even without hiring a full agent.
The core documents most sales need
- Seller’s property disclosure — discloses known material defects (roof, foundation, systems); the most legally important document you’ll sign as a seller.
- Purchase agreement / contract — the actual terms of the sale (price, contingencies, closing date).
- Title report / title insurance — confirms you can legally transfer clear ownership.
- Closing disclosure — the final breakdown of costs at closing.
- Deed — the document that actually transfers ownership.
State-specific forms to check for
Many states require additional disclosures beyond the general property condition form, a lead paint disclosure for homes built before 1978 is federally required, and some states add their own, flood zone, HOA, well or septic, and more. Your county recorder’s office or a local title company can tell you exactly which apply to you.
Where to get help without hiring a full agent
- A title company or escrow agent, usually handles title work, closing paperwork, and fund transfer for a standard fee either way.
- A flat-fee real estate attorney, for contract and disclosure review.
- Your state’s real estate commission website, often publishes the required disclosure forms directly, free to download.
This is a general overview, not legal advice. Requirements vary by state; confirm yours with your county recorder’s office or a local real estate attorney.
How Hear My Home fits: it won’t fill out your paperwork, but it can help you spend less time answering casual calls and more time managing the parts of the sale that actually need your attention. See how it works for FSBO →