You need more than a For Sale sign in your yard when selling your Atlanta house. You also need to be well prepared with the right paperwork. Whether you’re selling the traditional route via a real estate agent or considering selling FSBO (for sale by owner), having your documents in order can make the process much smoother and less stressful. Let’s look at the key paperwork for selling a house without a Realtor® in Atlanta that you'll need to get ready.
Paperwork for remodels or upgrades to your house
Start by gathering all the paperwork related to any major renovations or upgrades you’ve made. This includes permits for things like structural changes, electrical work, or plumbing updates to your Atlanta house. You’ll also want to have Certificates of Occupancy or compliance certificates on hand—these prove that everything was done according to local building codes, ensuring that your property is ready for sale.
Receipts for repair or maintenance work
Keep records of any recent repairs or maintenance work. Whether it’s fixing the roof, servicing the HVAC, or just touching up the paint, having receipts and warranties available will give buyers peace of mind and help smooth out the transaction process.
Utility maps and decluttering
Organize utility maps for electric and gas systems to give buyers a clear picture of the home’s infrastructure. Plus, while it’s not technically paperwork, decluttering and depersonalizing your home is a must. Clearing out excess belongings and personal items helps potential buyers imagine themselves living in the space.
Seller's disclosure
Since Georgia is a “buyer beware” state, a formal statement of disclosure isn’t required by law, but it is recommended that you fill out a disclosure form to protect yourself from lawsuits down the road. Items listed on the form include the presence of lead-based paint, termite or pest issues, property boundaries, issues with the structure, and problems with the electrical and plumbing systems, among other things.
Home inspection report
Most buyers will request a home inspection, even though it’s not mandatory. Having a recent inspection report ready can address potential concerns upfront and build buyer confidence. It’s important to document the findings, as they’ll be crucial for negotiating repairs or adjusting the sale price if needed.
Mortgage information
If you have a mortgage, you’ll need to get a mortgage payoff statement. This document shows the outstanding balance and how much you’ll need to pay off the loan entirely. It’s important for calculating how much money you’ll walk away with after the sale.
Permits and certificates
Make sure all permits for any renovations or additions are up to date and properly documented. If improvements were made without the correct permits, it could complicate the sale. Certificates of compliance or final inspection reports should also be available to confirm that the work was done to code.
Property tax records
Provide your buyer with your most recent Atlanta property tax receipts. These documents are important for understanding tax obligations and helping the new owner estimate future property tax expenses.
Monthly dues and HOA documents
If your Atlanta home is part of a homeowners association (HOA), it’s a good idea to gather all the important documents, like dues statements, the HOA’s rules and regulations, and any meeting minutes from the past two years. Sharing these with potential buyers helps them understand their financial obligations and gives them a clear picture of what to expect from the community.
Termite and pest inspection
In Atlanta, it's common to have a pest inspection to check for any current or potential issues. Having a recent pest inspection report on hand can give buyers peace of mind and help you avoid any last-minute surprises when it’s time to close the deal.
Common contingency-related forms
Get ready to handle a few common contingency-related forms during negotiations:
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Third-party financing addendum: This outlines the conditions tied to the buyer getting a mortgage.
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Right to terminate due to appraisal: This allows the buyer to back out if the appraisal doesn't match the agreed-upon price.
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Amendment to contract addendum: Used to adjust the sale terms after the initial agreement.
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Flood zone addendum: Discloses any flood risks if your property is in a flood-prone area.
Want to avoid the paperwork needed to sell a house in Atlanta?
Feeling overwhelmed by all the paperwork involved in selling your Atlanta home? Selling to HomeVestors® can make things much easier for you. If you'd rather skip the hassle of extensive documentation and repairs, consider selling your house to us. We buy homes “as is,” meaning you can avoid many of the usual inspections and contingencies that can complicate selling the traditional way. With our straightforward approach, selling your house can be quick, simple, and stress-free. And HomeVestors takes care of much of the paperwork so that you don’t have to.
Get in touch with HomeVestors today to learn more about how we can help you sell your Atlanta home with minimal paperwork. Simply reach out to us to set up a free, no-obligation consultation. One of our friendly Atlanta property buyers will meet you at your house, take a tour, and answer your questions. We can sometimes provide a fast offer on the same day. If you accept our offer, we may be able to close in as little as 3 weeks. If you need more time, we’ll try our hardest to arrange that.
Let us simplify your home-selling experience. We have a longstanding reputation for excellence and seller support, with a nationwide 95%* customer satisfaction rating from sellers who responded to our post-sale survey, as well as amazing seller reviews. Reach out now and take the first step toward a smooth and convenient sale!
This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.
