When the time comes to sell your home, you have several options: hire a real estate agent, go the For Sale by Owner (FSBO) route, or sell it to cash buyers. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reports that FSBO sales accounted for 7% of all home sales in 2023. This might be a slight decline from previous years, but it is still a common option for homeowners who want to avoid paying thousands of bucks for commissions. However, managing paperwork for selling a house without a realtor is where things get complicated.
According to NAR data, almost 18% of FSBO sellers said that preparing the paperwork was the most challenging aspect of the process. This guide explains how to sell houses for cash and breaks down the necessary paperwork, particularly if you’re in South Carolina.
The biggest perk is that you have more control over the deal. You can avoid paying hefty commissions and even expedite the closing process when you sell your home without a realtor. Though paperwork is a big catch.
Flexibility is also important for a lot of sellers. You can negotiate directly with buyers and set out your terms; that isn’t the case for traditional listings. Furthermore, avoiding the realtor can make the process feel less tricky and more personal if you’re pressed for time or are handling a critical situation like divorce, moving, or inheriting property. However, it’s important to carefully manage paperwork and make timely arrangements to sell your property faster.
The following are the essential documents you must prepare for selling a house without a realtor:
Buyers are entitled to be informed of any known flaws in the property. Common flaws such as mold, water damage, pests, or foundation must be carefully described in the property disclosure form. This form is an important component of documentation since it defines the owner’s integrity and honesty in selling the house.
Also referred to as a purchase agreement, this document describes the condition of the sale, such as the price, closing date, contingencies, and what is included (such as fixtures, appliances, etc.). You can ask a real estate lawyer for a sample document, or you can use the original sales contract you had when you purchased your house as an example. Having a purchase agreement ready that you can quickly fill in is helpful because it is required as soon as you accept an offer.
You will need to provide proof that you own the property. Closing requires a clean title, meaning it must be free of liens and claims. You will still need to work with a title agent when you are selling a house without a realtor. They will perform a title search to confirm that you have the right to sell the house as the owner.
Additionally, they will draft the property deed that will be passed from one party to the next. Both parties will need to sign documents with the title company, which will also charge fees to cover their expenses.
All of the financial information is broken down in this document, including the final cash amount, outstanding loans, taxes, and who pays that. Usually, the title company covers it.
This document transfers ownership if you include personal property, such as appliances or furniture. Apart from just outlining the terms of the sale, it contains information about the buyer and seller, the purchase price, the date of the transaction, and a description of the items being sold.
Certain counties and states impose a transfer tax. Depending on where you live, you might have to submit paperwork and pay fees.
Your lender will give you this statement if there is a mortgage balance on your property.
South Carolina sellers may face additional paperwork requirements.
Managing this amount of paperwork can be very complicated. However, you are not alone. Work with a local professional who specializes in hassle-free sales if you are still thinking, “How do I sell my house without a realtor and not mess it up?”
Selling a house without a realtor can seem like a legal maze, but knowing the purpose of each document can help you feel confident and in control. Your sale will go smoothly if you are well organized. And this approach works wonders if you want to sell your house without a realtor and still avoid delays and adherence to state regulations.
Despite all these complications, is it still possible to sell a house for cash, and that too, within a day? You might be surprised, but yes, it is possible with Redhead Home Properties.
We take the stress of paperwork, repairs, and staging and help you move forward with an instant cash offer for your home. Having Redhead Home Properties at your disposal, you can sell your house for cash without the need for realtors, commissions, or anxiety.
All you need to do is provide us with a brief description of your property, and we will take care of the rest. Our staff handles all the paperwork, closes on your schedule, and offers a reasonable cash offer within a day.
The paperwork for selling a house without a realtor seems like the most intimidating task, but it does not have to be. You take charge of your sales from start to end once you understand the purpose of each document and how it fits into the process.
However, the ideal case is to sell your house without a realtor or any complex paperwork. This is where Redhead Home Properties comes in. We take care of paperwork and anything else needed to give you an instant cash offer.
You got the property, and we got the offer. Let’s close this deal the simple way!
You will need necessary documents like a property disclosure form, sales contract, title report or deed, settlement statement, bill of sale (if applicable), transfer tax forms, and a mortgage payoff statement.
Yes, South Carolina requires additional disclosures such as the Natural Hazard Disclosure (NHD), lead-based paint disclosure, and compliance forms for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
You can, but it requires specific attention to detail. Some sellers use online templates, but many choose to work with a title company or real estate attorney to ensure compliance.
Use a properly drafted sales contract and ensure all required disclosures and forms are completed and signed.
While some paperwork is still required, selling to a cash buyer like Redhead Home Properties simplifies the process. They handle most of the documentation for you, making it faster and easier.
