What documents do I need to sell my home?

Please note that all documents and links are provided as an optional resource or example and do not constitute legal advice. Before utilizing any legal documents, it is recommended to seek independent legal counsel.

Start with these:

• For Sale by Owner Package - Contains samples of all the basic documents needed to sell your home along with a handy guide and checklist. The documents can also be found individually here:

  • Sample Purchase Agreement - This is the agreement signed by both buyer and seller which describes the terms and details of the sale. Who usually makes a purchase agreement? The Selling Agent (buyer’s agent), but if no realtors are involved, you will need to create your own.

  • Sample Seller’s Disclosure Statement - In most circumstances, seller fills this out and provides it to the buyer.

  • Sample Lead Based Paint Disclosure - In most circumstances, seller fills this out and provides it to the buyer.

Later, you may want these:

• Earnest Money Deposit Escrow Agreement - If Legacy Title will be holding the buyer’s earnest money deposit until closing, buyer and seller will need to sign this document. (Buyer’s can visit LegacyPay to submit these funds 24/7)

• Payoff Request Authorization - If the seller has an existing mortgage or other lien on the home, they will be asked to complete this document so Legacy Title may communicate with their lender to coordinate repayment of those loans.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. How do I sell my house without a realtor in Michigan?

Selling your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO) means you handle the marketing, negotiations, and paperwork yourself instead of hiring a real estate agent. While many homeowners successfully sell their homes this way, the legal and closing process can still be complex.

At Legacy Title Agency, we help FSBO sellers navigate the closing process from start to finish. We conduct the title search, prepare closing documents, coordinate with lenders if financing is involved, and ensure the property transfers correctly from seller to buyer.

Our goal is to make your FSBO closing smooth, simple, and legally sound.

2. What paperwork do I need to sell my house by owner?

A typical FSBO sale involves several important documents, including:

• Purchase Agreement

• Seller’s Disclosure Statement

• Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (for homes built before 1978)

• Title Commitment

• Deed transferring ownership

• Closing Statement (ALTA Settlement Statement)

When you close with Legacy Title Agency, we help coordinate these documents and ensure everything required for closing is prepared correctly.

3. Do I need a title company if I sell my house myself?

Yes. Even if you sell your home without a real estate agent, a title company is still essential to complete the transaction.

A title company:

• Performs the title search

• Identifies liens or ownership issues

• Prepares closing documents

• Handles escrow funds

• Issues title insurance

• Records the deed with the county

At Legacy Title Agency, we regularly work with FSBO sellers and guide them through every step of the closing process.

4. How much does it cost to sell a house without a realtor?

The biggest savings in an FSBO transaction is typically avoiding the listing agent commission, which is often around 2.5–3%.

However, sellers may still pay for:

• Title insurance

• Closing fees

• Recording fees

• Transfer taxes

• Possible buyer agent commission (if a buyer brings an agent)

Legacy Title provides transparent closing estimates so sellers understand their costs before closing.

5. How do I price my house for sale by owner?

Pricing your home correctly is one of the most important parts of a successful FSBO sale.

Common pricing strategies include:

• Reviewing comparable home sales (comps)

• Using online home valuation tools

• Hiring a professional appraisal

• Consulting a local real estate professional

If you’re unsure about pricing, Legacy Title often connects FSBO sellers with trusted local professionals who can help evaluate the property.

6. Can a buyer still get a mortgage if I sell my house myself?

Yes. Buyers can still obtain a mortgage in an FSBO transaction.

When the buyer is using financing, the lender will require:

• A title search

• Title insurance

• Closing coordination

• Recording of the deed and mortgage

Legacy Title works directly with lenders to ensure all loan requirements are satisfied before closing.

7. How does closing work in a For Sale By Owner transaction?

The closing process in an FSBO transaction is very similar to a traditional sale.

At Legacy Title, the process typically looks like this:

1. Purchase agreement is signed

2. Title search is completed

3. Title commitment is issued

4. Closing documents are prepared

5. Closing appointment is scheduled

6. Funds are exchanged and documents signed

7. Deed is recorded with the county

Our team coordinates every step to ensure a secure and efficient closing.

8. Do I need title insurance if I sell my house myself?

Most buyers and lenders require title insurance, regardless of whether the property is sold with an agent or FSBO.

Title insurance protects against hidden issues such as:

• Unknown liens

• Ownership disputes

• Recording errors

• Fraud or forged documents

Legacy Title provides both Owner’s Title Insurance and Lender’s Title Insurance to protect everyone involved in the transaction.

9. What are the risks of selling a house by owner?

While FSBO sales can be successful, common risks include:

• Pricing mistakes

• Incomplete paperwork

• Title defects

• Negotiation challenges

• Closing delays

Working with a professional title company like Legacy Title helps reduce these risks by ensuring the legal transfer of ownership is handled properly.

10. Can a title company help with a For Sale By Owner transaction?

Yes. Many FSBO sellers rely heavily on their title company for guidance.

Legacy Title can assist with:

• Opening the title order

• Performing the title search

• Explaining closing costs

• Coordinating with lenders

• Preparing closing documents

• Conducting the closing

• Recording the deed

Our team regularly works with FSBO sellers across Oakland County, Macomb County, Wayne County, and throughout Michigan.

Still have more questions? Book a free consultation with us! We are ready to answer all of your closing questions!