What Paperwork Do I Need To Sell My House Without a Realtor?

Selling your home can feel like a rollercoaster of emotions. For example, Mary S. shared with us how she was feeling: "I knew selling my house without a realtor was a big step. The chance to save on realtor fees was too good to pass up. So, I started learning about the paperwork needed for a FSBO sale."

She knew the first step was to understand the paperwork she was going to need to sell her house.

We figured we should help others save time by putting together this article to cover what paperwork is need when you want to sell a house without an agent.

This article will guide you through the essential paperwork for selling your Texas home without a realtor.

If you're thinking of selling your home in Texas without a realtor, you're in good company. Many homeowners choose to sell for sale by owner (FSBO) to save money and control the sale. But, it's key to know the legal documents and checklist you'll need for a successful sale.

You'll need to gather a few things and disclosure statements. Don't worry though. It's all pretty simple. We will also show you how to skip having to do all of this and still be able to sell without the help of a Realtor. If you want 'a cash offer for my house', we will show you how to do that as well.

Key Takeaways

• Selling For Sale By Owner can save you 5-6% in realtor fees
• Essential paperwork for selling a house in Texas include property surveys, and disclosure statements
• HOA agreements and utility records may be required

Understanding a FSBO Home Sale in Texas

Selling a home in Texas can be tough when you are new to selling a house...which most people are. Some homeowners choose to sell it themselves to save money on real estate transaction costs. This is called For Sale By Owner (FSBO). It lets sellers manage the sale on their own.

What is For Sale By Owner (FSBO)?

FSBO means selling a property without a real estate agent. The seller handles everything. This choice is for those wanting to keep more of the profit in the competitive Texas market.

When you sell your house without an agent, you will be responsible for:

• Gathering necessary paperwork
• Completing a seller's disclosure
• Possibly providing a survey
• Marketing the home
• Having an open house
• Showing the home
• Negotiating with buyers
• Analyzing offers
• Scheduling and preparing for closing

Yeah, that is quit a bit. We also provide some tips for selling a house by owner in Texas. This is why so many people struggle with deciding whether they should sell by owner or sell with a Realtor. But don't worry, we will walk you through the paperwork portion and then show you how you can avoid all of it. We thought you would like the sound of that.

Benefits of Selling Without a Realtor

FSBO offers big savings on commissions. In Texas, agents take about 6% of the sale price. On a $305,111 home, that's over $18,000. Selling by yourself means you keep this money. This is the biggest reason people do not want to sell with an agent in our experience. The second being that they don't want to wait the typical 45 to 90 days to sell a house. If you want to know how to sell your house and close within 7 to 14 days, read on. You can skip most of the selling process and will not have to list your home.

Another benefit is that you can be there to show your house. As a home seller, depending on whether you are an introvert or an extrovert, this might be a pro or a con.

Challenges of FSBO Sales

FSBO has its challenges. Sellers must promote their property, set up viewings, and talk to buyers. They also need strong negotiation skills. Pricing the home correctly is hard without expert advice. Legal paperwork and closing procedures add more complexity.

Most people hire a real estate agent because they see these things as cons of going the FSBO route:

• Handle all marketing and showings
• Navigate complex legal requirements
• Set the right price in a changing market
• Negotiate deals without professional help

FSBO can save you money but requires a lot of time and knowledge of the Texas real estate market. Sellers should think carefully before choosing to sell alone.

Essential Documents for Selling Your Home in Texas

Selling your house in Texas without a realtor means you need to prepare important documents. The Texas Real Estate Commission offers many legal forms to help. Let's look at the key paperwork you'll need.

Sales Contract

The Residential Purchase Agreement is important. It lists the sale's terms, like price and conditions. This document protects you and the buyer.

Some people question whether it is possible to use the TREC promulgated real estate purchase agreement when they are not a licensed agent.

Can a non-license holder use the promulgated contract forms?

According to TREC, "Yes. The contract forms are available for public use. A TREC contract form, however, is intended for use primarily by licensed real estate brokers or sales agents who are trained in their correct use."

Property Survey

A current property survey may or may not be needed. It shows property lines and prevents disputes. Buyers like this detail, making the sale smoother. Update your survey to reflect any property changes.

We say it might be needed, because the seller could opt to pay for a survey if you do not have one. Look through your old documents from when you bought the house. You may have an existing survey already.

Disclosure Statement

In Texas, you must give a Seller's Disclosure Notice for single-family homes. This form shares known issues like structural or plumbing problems. Being honest helps avoid future disputes. There are two types: one from the Texas Real Estate Commission and another from the Texas Association of Realtors.

We prefer to use the TREC form when you put your home for sale without the help of a real estate agent. This form has everything you need to make sure everything is disclosed properly.

Homeowners Association (HOA) Agreements

If your property has a Homeowners Association (HOA) that is mandatory, you need the Addendum for Property Subject to Mandatory Membership. This tells buyers about living rules and requirements. It's key for properties in associations.

Other Necessary Documents

Other important documents like your property deed, mortgage papers, and title insurance are typically handled by the title company you will be using to close the deal.

If you have a home warranty, include that too. These documents make selling your home easier and build trust with buyers.

What If I Need Help Getting The Proper Paperwork To Sell My House Without a Realtor

Our advice for when you need help getting the proper paperwork is to talk to a local title company. You will need to do this anyway because you will need to know who is going to close the deal.

When selling a home without a real estate agent, a closer at a local title company can be worth their weight in gold. Lean on them to help you.

Can you sell a house in Texas without a Realtor?

Yes, you can sell a house in Texas without a Realtor. This method is called For Sale By Owner (FSBO). It's legal and can save you money on commission fees.

When you sell without a Realtor, you handle everything yourself. This includes setting the price, marketing, and negotiating offers. It's important to know Texas real estate laws to make the process easier.

Using flat-fee MLS listing services is a good marketing strategy. It makes your property more visible, as 97% of buyers search online. Good photos are key to drawing in potential buyers.

"Selling your home without a Realtor requires dedication and market knowledge, but it can lead to significant savings."

FSBO homes often sell for less than those with agents. In 2022, FSBO homes sold for a median of $225,000, while agent-assisted sales averaged $345,000. This shows a $120,000 difference, a possible drawback of selling without a Realtor.

• Research local market conditions
• Create compelling listings
• Manage property showings
• Handle offer negotiations

Selling your Texas home without a Realtor is tough but can be rewarding. It requires time and effort, but it's doable.

If you are looking for a more step-by-step approach check out our selling a house without a Realtor checklist.

Do I need an attorney to sell property in Texas?

Selling property in Texas without a realtor or attorney is possible, but getting a real estate attorney is smart. They give you legal advice and help throughout the sale.

A real estate attorney is key in preparing contracts. They make sure everything follows Texas laws. This protects you during talks and the final sale.

They are also great at doing title searches. These searches find issues like liens or tax problems that could slow down your sale.

• Contract review to ensure legal compliance
• Assistance with title searches
• Guidance on complex legal issues
• Protection of seller's interests during negotiations

Getting a real estate attorney is not a must, but it's very helpful. They help avoid legal problems and make sure the sale goes smoothly. In Texas, you might pay $150 to $500 per hour for their help.

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. A real estate attorney can help prevent costly mistakes in your property sale."

Selling by yourself means you handle everything. But, having a lawyer can give you peace of mind and avoid future problems.

Preparing for Closing

Selling your home without a realtor means you must prepare for the closing process. The escrow process starts when you accept an offer. A title company takes charge, holding funds and documents until everything is settled.

Plan a final walkthrough with the buyer before closing day. This lets them check the property's condition and confirm repairs are done. Be ready for negotiations if any issues come up.

It's important to know about closing costs when selling FSBO. These costs include title transfer fees, deed preparation, and property taxes. Even without real estate commissions, other costs can add up. Make sure to check the settlement statement for any surprises.

• Gather all necessary documents
• Coordinate with the title company
• Prepare for the final walkthrough
• Review and understand closing costs

The title transfer is key in closing. Make sure all your paperwork, like the property deed, is ready. Your title company will help you with this, solving any title search problems.

Stay organized and work with your title company closely. This way, you can smoothly go through the closing process, even without a realtor's help.

Don't Want to Deal With All of the Paperwork Needed To Sell Without a Realtor?

We get it if you feel overwhelmed by all of this. We want to show you a way to avoid all of it and sell your property fast without hassle.

Selling your home without a realtor in Texas can be rewarding if you're well-prepared. The Texas property market offers great chances for selling by owner, but it takes hard work and knowing the process well. With the right tips and resources, you can do it successfully.

You can get a cash offer directly from a local home buyer, like Danny Buys Houses in San Antonio, TX. These house buying companies by houses as-is so that you do not even have to make repairs or clean the house out. You can find out how much house buying companies will pay by submitting your info on their website. The best part, they handle all of the paperwork with the use of a reputable local title company!

If you would like to skip the traditional home selling process and working with a Realtor, give us a call. We can make you cash offer. There are no fees and you are not obligated to accept our offer.