If you’re thinking about selling your house without a real estate agent, you’re not alone. Many New Jersey homeowners choose the For Sale By Owner (FSBO) route to avoid paying commission and maintain control over the process. But one of the most common questions sellers ask is: “What paperwork do I need to sell my house myself?”
In this article, we’ll walk you through the key documents you’ll need to gather and prepare in order to sell your home legally and successfully in New Jersey.
1. Property Deed
The deed is the legal document that proves ownership of the property. When you sell your home, this document will need to be signed over to the buyer at closing. Make sure you have a copy of your current deed, and confirm that it accurately reflects your name and the correct legal description of the property.
2. Recent Mortgage Statement or Payoff Information
If you still owe money on your mortgage, you’ll need to contact your lender to get a payoff statement. This shows how much you still owe on the home and will be essential for calculating your net proceeds. The buyer’s title company or attorney will need this information to ensure your mortgage is paid off during the closing.
3. Property Tax Records
Buyers want to know how much they’ll owe in property taxes. You’ll need to provide copies of your most recent property tax bills. These also help verify the property’s assessed value and can impact buyer negotiations, especially if taxes are high or have recently increased.
4. Title Report or Title Insurance Policy
Though not always required upfront, having a title report or a copy of your existing title insurance policy can help speed up the closing process. This report shows that you legally own the property and discloses any liens, judgments, or claims against it. Buyers want assurance there are no title issues that could delay or derail the sale.
5. Sales Contract (Purchase Agreement)
This is one of the most important documents in your FSBO sale. The sales contract outlines all the agreed-upon terms of the transaction: sale price, contingencies, closing date, items included in the sale, and more. It’s strongly recommended that you have a real estate attorney draft or review this contract to ensure it complies with New Jersey laws and protects your interests.
6. Seller’s Disclosure Statement
In New Jersey, sellers are required to disclose known issues with the property. This may include structural problems, roof leaks, foundation cracks, mold, plumbing or electrical issues, pest infestations, and more. A properly filled-out Seller’s Property Disclosure Statement can help protect you from future legal disputes.
Honesty is key here—failing to disclose known defects could lead to legal trouble down the line.
7. Lead-Based Paint Disclosure
Federal law requires sellers of homes built before 1978 to provide a Lead-Based Paint Disclosure to buyers. If your property qualifies, you must disclose any known presence of lead-based paint and provide buyers with the EPA-approved pamphlet “Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home.”
8. Survey or Property Boundaries
While not mandatory, providing a property survey can ease buyer concerns about boundaries, easements, and encroachments. If you have a recent survey, it can help reassure buyers and speed up the title process.
9. Utility and Repair History
Buyers often appreciate a log of utility bills (electric, water, gas) and a list of recent repairs or upgrades. While not legally required, this can help demonstrate that the home has been well-maintained, potentially increasing buyer trust and perceived value.
10. Closing Statement (HUD-1 or Settlement Statement)
At closing, you’ll receive a final Settlement Statement (often prepared by the title company or closing attorney) that itemizes all financial details of the transaction. This includes your proceeds, any closing costs you’re covering, taxes, and loan payoffs. While this document is created at the end of the process, understanding what it includes ahead of time can help you prepare.
Bonus Tip: Consult a Real Estate Attorney
Even if you’re handling the sale yourself, hiring a real estate attorney for guidance can be a smart investment. They can review contracts, help you understand legal requirements, and ensure your paperwork is in order—especially when you’re asking, “what paperwork do I need to sell my house myself?” A small legal fee can protect you from costly mistakes.
Selling Without an Agent Doesn’t Mean You’re Alone
Selling your home yourself gives you more control, but it also means you’re responsible for gathering and understanding all the necessary paperwork. From the deed to disclosure forms, preparing these documents thoroughly can help ensure a smooth transaction.
And remember—if at any point the paperwork feels overwhelming or the process becomes too stressful, companies like Value Plus Property Solutions offer a hassle-free alternative. We buy houses in New Jersey in any condition, and we handle the paperwork for you. No commissions, no fees, and no repairs needed.
Thinking of selling your house fast and without the hassle?
Contact us today or fill out our simple online form to get a free, no-obligation cash offer.
