Moving can be an exciting but stressful time in our lives. Not only do you need to look for another property that meets your requirements, but you also need to sell your property in an increasingly volatile market.
The process of selling a house can be long and grueling. Many sellers experience significant delays due to documents not being signed on time or people pulling out in the final stages of the negotiation process.
It’s helpful to know what documents you need ahead of time and which records you should keep if any issues arise. Below, we’ll cover each of the documents you need to sell your house in Massachusetts and the purpose of each form.
Which documents do I need to sell a house in Massachusetts?
When procuring and sending these documents, it’s a good practice to duplicate them and keep them filed away — in case you have any issues once you’ve sold your home with the new owner or realtor. Here are some of the critical documents required to sell your house in Massachusetts:
Buyer’s agent agreement
Your realtor will ask you to sign a seller’s agent agreement. This document states that your agency represents you in purchasing your home.
It also includes the terms of the relationship, including the length of the agreement, any termination clauses, and who’s responsible for paying commission.
It’s crucial to read termination clauses to know your rights in the event you need to file a dispute. You can get additional assistance in doing this with your local real estate attorney to ensure that your rights are protected.
Purchase & sales agreement
The purchase & sales agreement is a legally binding contract that confirms both parties are happy with the terms of the sale and the mutually agreed upon price for the home.
Once signed, both parties must fulfill the duties outlined in the document, or there could be legal repercussions.
Disclosure agreements
When buyers view a house, they’re looking at all aspects of the home, from aesthetics and exterior issues to mold in the bathroom.
While you don’t have to disclose this information to buyers in Massachusetts, they will notice discrepancies that could put buyers off, which could extend the time it takes to sell.
To instill trust in the home and attract more qualified buyers, conduct an inspection before you put your house on the market so you can take note and rectify any issues before they pass the eyes of buyers.
You will also need to follow lead-based disclosure laws if your house was built before 1978 and provide an inspection report for best practice.
Other disclosure agreements required from the realtor and seller in the state of Massachusetts include:
- Risk assessment reports
- Letter(s) of compliance
- Letter(s) of Interim Control
- Flood zone statement
Your realtor can provide resources to you regarding the procurement and arrangement of these documents.
Closing statement
If you’re financing your move, you will need to sign a final disclosure statement that states the details of the borrowing agreement, including the estimated balance and monthly repayments.
Property deed
Title deed is a legal document declaring the transfer of ownership, and the seller must sign this document before the buyer can claim ownership of your property.
Addenda, Amendments, and Riders
With a lot of paperwork involved in the selling process, you will likely want to make a few changes here and there. Amendments are especially common for appraisals and home inspections.
You’ll want to keep any updated documents so that you can track any important changes. You will also need to present addendums before you close the deal.
Proof of ID
By law, your realtor must check your ID to protect themselves from money laundering. For increased safety, most realtors will ask for two forms of ID. Valid forms of ID include:
- Valid driver’s license
- Birth certificate
- State-issued identification card
- Social security card
- Official document with your name and address (utility bill, bank statement, etc.)
Bill of sale
A bill of sale is a legal document that declares the transfer of ownership from one asset (in this instance, real estate) to another.
Marketing collateral
Your realtor may want to take pictures of the home, get the correct dimensions, a blueprint, and a description of each room in the house so they can start advertising the house in their marketing collateral.
They may ask you to take pictures of the home, or they may want to come in and do it themselves with a professional photographer. Either way, be prepared to pass on any information they could use in their marketing collateral.
Documentation is required to sell your home in Massachusetts
It’s vital to ensure that all areas of the home sale are covered when you are working to sell your house in Massachusetts. Working with a trusted licensed real estate expert and real estate lawyer can help to ensure that your assets are protected wherever possible during the process of selling your property.
We’ll pay cash for your house in any condition
You might be asking yourself, “is there a way to sell my house fast for cash?” When you sell to a reputable cash home buyer, you can bypass a lot of the time-consuming and costly paperwork, commissions, Realtor fees, and inspections.
Our goal is to help you sell your home as quickly and painlessly as possible — without all the red tape.
Get your free cash offer for your home online or give us a call today at 781-309-7085.