Documents You May Need When Selling Your Property

Often the recorded deed can be obtained from the county records office, and the title company will conduct its own title search. Tell the closing professional if the original is missing or if you believe the recorded information is incorrect.

A missing survey does not always prevent a sale. Whether a new survey is needed depends on the property, contract, title requirements, lender requirements, and local practice. Ask the title or closing company before ordering one.

Many properties are sold with an existing mortgage. The closing professional typically requests an official payoff and applies the required sale proceeds at closing, provided the transaction supports the payoff and other obligations.

Liens can affect clear title and may require payoff, release, correction, or further legal review. The title search and closing professionals determine what must be addressed; do not rely on an informal estimate alone.

Requirements may include a death certificate, will or trust, court appointment, probate orders, deed, and information about heirs or beneficiaries. The estate attorney and title professional should provide the situation-specific list.

A sale may be possible, but the closing professional must verify the entity or trust, its current status, and who has signing authority. Formation, operating, trust, amendment, or authorization documents may be requested.

Useful starting records include the deed, parcel number, legal description, tax information, survey or plat if available, access and easement documents, association information, and any known restrictions or notices.

Attorney involvement and closing practices vary by state and situation. An attorney may be especially helpful for estates, ownership disputes, liens, trusts, entities, foreclosure deadlines, or unclear contract terms. Ask the closing professional what applies locally.