Congratulations, you’ve chosen to sell your home. You’ve hired a real estate agent to represent you, de-cluttered the house and made it look brand new. You almost don’t want to move out now because it looks so good. Well, that’s the point. However, there are some things a potential buyer would like to know about the house before they commit. Here are a few things you need to dig out, or if you don’t have them, get them.

Taxes

Potential buyers will need to see what they need to save up to pay the property taxes. If they have not been paid, the buyer will need to know this will be in the settlement. Also have available proof the taxes have been paid.

Titles

Prospective buyers will need to know the title to the home is clear before settlement. Sometimes this is known as a property deed. If there are liens against the property for any reason at all, they need to be dealt with before settlement. Make sure the paperwork for the title insurance is available to prospective buyers.

Title Searches

This is a little something extra to make the sale appealing. Prospective buyers will see this in settlement, anyway, so getting it beforehand is a perk.

Insurance

Prospective buyers will need to know the homeowners insurance is up to date and paid. They will also be relieved to know the property is insured because it has no problems with structure, drainage or recurring problems requiring a claim.

Mortgages

This will help the real estate agents more than anything else because it gives them companies, phone numbers and account numbers with which to transfer ownership.

Homeowners Associations

Prospective buyers will need to know what restrictions are on the property, dues to be paid and that the dues paid are up to date. This information will have to be transferred in the event of a sale.

Home Improvements

If the house has been improved or an appendage added to the house, permits would be involved, along with inspections. Dig out the permits and receipts for the buyers. If major repairs were involved due to damage to the home, for instance by a tornado, buyers need to see such disclosures.

This is the major paperwork homeowners need to have on hand for prospective buyers. Less important, but still a good idea, would be:

• Power bills. A good idea because it gives prospective buyers a better picture of the house and what it will cost to run it.
• Warranties. Another good idea if the sellers plan on leaving appliances in the house.
• Inspection papers. The buyers will get one of their own, but they will appreciate that the homeowner thoughtfully provided his/her own.
• Proposed use of easements. Buyers will like to know if the road being widened is in the plans.