Paperwork for Selling a House Without a Realtor Made Easy

Selling a home without a realtor sounds like a win. No agent fees. No middlemen. More money in your pocket. But here’s the reality—the paperwork for selling a house without a realtor isn’t just a formality. One missing document can stall your closing, trigger legal issues, or even sink the entire deal.

You need disclosures, contracts, title documents, and tax records—and they all have to be correct. If you’re selling FSBO (For Sale By Owner), you’re responsible for making sure every piece of paperwork is in place.

Whether you’re downsizing, selling an inherited home, or dealing with financial hardship, mistakes can cost you time and money.

This guide breaks down every essential document you’ll need for a smooth, legally sound sale.

But if you’d rather skip the paperwork and uncertainty, Fantastic Homes can help. As a trusted cash home buyer in Chicago, we purchase homes directly from sellers in any condition—no repairs, no showings, no agent fees. Simply fill out our online form to get a fair, all-cash offer in as little as 24 hours. No obligations. No fees.

What Does It Mean to Sell a House Without a Realtor?

If you’ve ever wondered, ‘How do I sell my house without a realtor?’ the key is having a solid understanding of the FSBO process.

Understanding the FSBO (For Sale By Owner) Process

Selling a home without a real estate agent means handling every step of the transaction yourself—pricing, marketing, negotiating, and completing the required paperwork.

You’ll be responsible for ensuring the sale meets all legal requirements while also handling the financial aspects.

Without an agent, you won’t have direct MLS (Multiple Listing Service) access, which can limit buyer exposure. However, FSBO sellers can list on Zillow, Trulia, and Facebook Marketplace to reach potential buyers, and some services offer paid MLS listings.

It also means you’ll need to prepare, review, and sign every document yourself—or work with a real estate attorney to ensure accuracy.

Why Some Homeowners Choose FSBO

Many homeowners go FSBO for one main reason: saving money on realtor commissions.

A standard real estate agent commission is 5-6% of the home’s sale price, which could mean losing tens of thousands of dollars in profits.

Other common reasons for choosing FSBO include:

• Selling to a friend or family member
• Wanting full control over negotiations and pricing
• Avoiding real estate commissions and agent fees
• Listing a home on your own timeline without relying on an agent’s schedule

However, FSBO isn’t always the fastest or easiest option. If you want to sell your home as-is, skip repairs, avoid showings, and close in as little as seven days, a cash home buyer like Fantastic Homes can streamline the process and help you walk away with cash—fast.

Common Challenges of Selling Without an Agent

FSBO might save money, but it comes with challenges. Some of the biggest hurdles include:

• Pricing the home accurately without a realtor or cash buyer’s market analysis
• Negotiating effectively with buyers and their agents
• Managing buyer financing delays, which can slow down closing
• Handling all legal paperwork, ensuring every document is correctly filed

And the toughest part? The paperwork for selling a house without a realtor.

Why Paperwork Is Critical in a FSBO Sale

The paperwork for selling a house without a realtor is essential to making the transaction legally binding, protecting both parties, and ensuring a smooth transfer of ownership.

Legal Protection for Sellers and Buyers

Handling the paperwork for selling a house without a realtor involves more than just signing forms—every document plays a crucial role in safeguarding the transaction. Missing or incomplete paperwork can:

• Delay the closing process
• Lead to financial losses
• Result in legal action if disclosures are inaccurate

Ensuring a Smooth Ownership Transfer

A home sale isn’t official until ownership is legally transferred. Title reports, the deed, and sales contracts confirm the legitimacy of the sale and prevent ownership disputes.

Avoiding Common FSBO Mistakes

​​FSBO sellers often overlook required paperwork, especially state-specific disclosures. If you’re selling FSBO in Illinois, it’s essential to understand the paperwork for selling a house without a realtor in Illinois, including disclosure forms, tax documents, and title transfers, to ensure full compliance with state laws.

Essential Paperwork for Selling a House Without a Realtor

Understanding the steps to selling a house without a realtor starts with having the right paperwork in place.

Original Sales Contract

Your original purchase agreement is one of the first documents to locate when selling your home.

This contract outlines the terms of your original purchase, including the price, contingencies, and any disclosures made by the previous seller.

While it may not always be required, it serves as an important reference point in case questions arise about past ownership, legal obligations, or property details.

Some buyers or title companies may request to see it to verify a clean transfer of ownership and confirm that there are no existing restrictions that could impact the sale.

Property Survey and Legal Boundaries

A property survey is a detailed map outlining your home’s exact boundaries, structures, and zoning details.

This document helps buyers understand what they are purchasing and ensures there are no boundary disputes or encroachments.

Buyers may request an updated survey to confirm property lines, shared driveways, easements, or any restrictions affecting the land. Some mortgage lenders also require a survey before approving a loan.

If you don’t have a copy, check with your county records office or hire a licensed surveyor to create a new one.

Mortgage Statement and Payoff Details

If you still have a mortgage, you need a mortgage payoff statement from your lender.

This document shows the exact amount you owe, any prepayment penalties, and the final balance due at closing.

Buyers and title companies require this to confirm that the property is free of liens or outstanding debts. Without it, the sale may be delayed, as the title cannot be transferred until the mortgage is fully paid.

Request a payoff quote from your mortgage lender early in the process to avoid last-minute issues.

Utility and Property Tax Records

Buyers often ask for utility bills and tax statements to estimate future homeownership costs. These documents provide insight into monthly expenses for electricity, water, heating, and waste management.

Property tax records also confirm whether taxes have been paid or if there are outstanding balances that could transfer to the buyer. Some lenders require tax records as part of the mortgage approval process.

You can find past utility bills through your provider and access tax records through your local tax assessor’s office.

Certificate of Occupancy and Code Compliance

A Certificate of Occupancy (CO) verifies that your home meets local building codes and is safe for living.

This is particularly important if you’ve made major renovations, converted the property into a rental, or built an addition. If your home has any code violations—such as unpermitted work or failing a local building inspection—they must be resolved before closing.

In some cases, buyers may request a reinspection to confirm compliance. Check with your local building department to see if your home requires a CO and whether any outstanding code issues need to be addressed.

Home Deed and Title Reports

A clean title is essential, but it’s just one part of the paperwork for selling a house without a realtor that ensures a legally binding, complication-free sale.

The deed is the official document proving you own the home and have the legal right to sell it.

During closing, the deed is transferred to the buyer, and a title report verifies that the property is free of liens, unpaid debts, or ownership disputes.

If there are any title issues—such as an unpaid home equity loan or a legal claim against the property—they must be resolved before closing.

Title reports can be obtained from a title company or the county recorder’s office.

Disclosure Statement: What You Must Legally Disclose

Most states require home sellers to complete a seller’s disclosure statement, which informs buyers about known defects or issues with the property.

This can include structural problems, past flooding, electrical malfunctions, pest infestations, or mold.

If you fail to disclose significant defects, you could be held legally responsible even after the sale is complete.

Some states have specific forms outlining what must be disclosed, so check with your state’s real estate commission to ensure compliance.

Plans, Permits, and Home Improvement Documentation

If you’ve made major renovations or additions, you’ll need permits and blueprints to prove the work was legally completed.

Buyers and lenders may request these documents to verify code compliance. Unpermitted work can lead to financing issues, legal complications, or price negotiations, so you may need to disclose it upfront or resolve it before closing.

Check with your local building department for copies of permits.

Homeowners Association (HOA) Agreements (If Applicable)

If your home is located in a neighborhood with a Homeowners Association (HOA), you must provide buyers with HOA agreements and financial statements.

These documents outline community rules, monthly fees, and any restrictions on property use. Some HOAs require approval before a home is sold, so check with your HOA management company early in the process.

Buyers will want to review these rules and fees before finalizing their purchase.

Warranties and Transferable Agreements

If your home includes recently installed appliances, roofing, or HVAC systems, providing buyers with warranty information can increase their confidence in the purchase.

Some warranties, particularly for major home systems and structural work, can be transferred to the new owner, offering them protection against unexpected repair costs.

This can be a valuable selling point and may even help justify a higher asking price. Check with warranty providers or manufacturers to determine if warranties can be transferred.

FSBO vs. Selling to a Cash Home Buyer: Which Is Right for You?

The Costs and Time Commitment of Selling FSBO

FSBO requires marketing, legal paperwork, and negotiation skills. The process can take weeks or months, especially if the buyer needs financing.

Managing paperwork for selling a house without a realtor is time-consuming, as sellers must obtain necessary documents while also navigating state-specific requirements—both of which can quickly become tedious.

The Benefits of Selling to a Cash Home Buyer

Selling to a cash buyer like Fantastic Homes means no financing delays, no inspections, and no complicated paperwork. We buy homes as-is, covering all repairs, handling the cleanup, and eliminating agent fees.

Best of all, we buy your house immediately—but you choose when to close and walk away with the cash, on your timeline. No stress, no waiting, just a smooth, hassle-free sale.

How Fantastic Homes Simplifies the Paperwork For Selling A House Without a Realtor

Fantastic Homes handles all paperwork for you—title transfers, disclosures, and closing documents—so you don’t have to. Sell your home in as little as 7 days with zero hassle.

Our approach is personalized and empathetic—we focus on finding the best solution for you, even if that means you don’t sell to us.

FAQs About Paperwork For Selling A House Without A Realtor

What Paperwork for Selling a House Without a Realtor Do I Need?

At minimum, you need a sales contract, deed, title report, and disclosure forms.

How Do I Transfer Ownership Without a Real Estate Agent?

Work with a title company or attorney to handle the transfer legally.

Can You Sell Your House Without a Realtor?

Yes, but you must ensure all paperwork is accurate and legally compliant.

How to Sell a House for Cash Without a Realtor?

A cash home buyer like Fantastic Homes buys your home directly, offering a fast, hassle-free process with minimal paperwork.

Will Fantastic Homes Buy a House with Title Issues or Code Violations?

Yes! Fantastic Homes specializes in distressed properties, including those with title or code issues.

Sell Your Home Without the Hassle—Contact Fantastic Homes Today!

Handling the paperwork for selling a house without a realtor can be overwhelming, and selling FSBO can be just as complicated—from pricing and marketing to legal documents and negotiations. Let Fantastic Homes do all the work for you.

We take care of all the paperwork for selling a house without a realtor, ensuring that every document—from disclosures to closing forms—is handled accurately and efficiently. Plus, we offer fast, all-cash offers for homes in any condition with no hidden fees, no repairs, and no headaches.

Simply fill out our online form with your home address, and we’ll make you a competitive, fair cash offer based on the highest off-market price within 24 hours.

Contact Fantastic Homes today to get started!

Related: How Soon Can You Sell A House After Buying It In Illinois?