What Paperwork Is Required to Sell a House in All 50 States (2025)
An **authoritative, practical, state-by-state guide** to the paperwork and disclosures sellers typically need to close smoothly—plus the **federal forms** that apply to most transactions. Use the universal checklist, then open your state’s section and jump to the **live, authoritative links** for the freshest forms from your regulator and Realtor® association.
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The Universal Home-Seller Paperwork Checklist (Most States)
Identity, Title & Payoff
- Government ID(s) for all titled sellers.
- Existing deed (title/attorney will pull the official record, but keep copies).
- Mortgage payoff (lender name, loan #, written authorization to request payoff).
- HOA/condo contacts, estoppel/resale docs, rules, fees, violations (if applicable).
- Liens/judgments (tax, mechanics, child support, etc.)—provide any notices you have.
- Estate/Trust/POA docs (probate orders, letters testamentary, trust certificate, power of attorney).
Condition & Use
- Seller’s property disclosure (state-specific content varies; some states mandate specific forms).
- Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (federal; homes built before 1978) + EPA pamphlet receipt.
- Well/septic info and recent tests; local compliance where required.
- Radon doc/testing where customary or required (varies by state/locality).
- Smoke/CO compliance affidavits; point-of-sale requirements where mandated.
- Permits & improvements (receipts, permits, finals).
- Insurance claims history if relevant (roof/hail/water/fire).
Contracts & Closing
- Purchase & sale agreement + addenda/contingency removals.
- Agency disclosures (dual/limited agency rules vary by state).
- Wire instructions from title/escrow (verify out-of-band to avoid fraud).
- Closing statement (ALTA/HUD-1 style; provided by title/escrow).
- Deed to buyer (prepared per state custom—warranty/special warranty/quitclaim).
- FIRPTA affidavit (IRS foreign seller withholding rules; exemptions if seller is a U.S. person).
- Transfer/recordation tax declarations where applicable.
- Keys, remotes, codes transfer list at possession.
Educational content only—this is not legal/tax advice. Confirm current forms with your state regulator, association, and title/closing agent.
E-E-A-T: How We Source & Review This
Experience: Cross-state acquisitions and closings coordinated with licensed title/escrow partners.
Expertise: We map requirements into evergreen categories (disclosures, federal forms, HOA/condo, well/septic/radon, deed/settlement) and direct readers to the official source for the latest versions.
Authoritativeness: Directory links go to regulator/association searches so homeowners reach the freshest official PDFs.
Trust: We avoid form numbers that change and instead show the exact categories + where to pull them, minimizing broken or outdated links.
State-by-State Paperwork (With Live Official Search Links)
Open your state for a succinct summary and two live links: one that searches your **regulator** site, and one that searches your **Realtor® association** for the freshest forms (disclosures, resale/estoppel, radon/well/septic, deed/closing guidance, etc.).
Alabama
- Disclose known material defects; standardized disclosure forms are commonly used.
- Lead-Based Paint (pre-1978), HOA/condo estoppel/resale docs, well/septic as applicable.
- Deed/settlement prepared by title or attorney per local custom.
Official links: Regulator (search) · Association (search)
Alaska
- Residential condition disclosure customary; confirm latest state version.
- Lead-Based Paint (pre-1978); HOA/condo packet as applicable.
- Deed/closing via title or attorney.
Official links: Regulator (search) · Association (search)
Arizona
- Seller’s property disclosure widely used; HOA/condo resale docs as applicable.
- Lead-Based Paint (pre-1978); title coordinates deed/settlement.
Official links: Regulator (search) · Association (search)
Arkansas
- Disclose known material defects; standardized forms used in practice.
- Lead-Based Paint (pre-1978); HOA/condo packet where applicable.
- Deed/closing via title or attorney per local custom.
Official links: Regulator (search) · Association (search)
California
- Robust disclosure practice (e.g., transfer disclosure, natural hazard notices), plus local smoke/CO/retrofit items in some cities.
- Lead-Based Paint (pre-1978); HOA/condo resale (estoppel) as applicable.
- Escrow/title handles deed, tax declarations, settlement statement.
Official links: Regulator (search) · Association (search)
Colorado
- State-promulgated seller disclosure commonly used; confirm latest version.
- Lead-Based Paint (pre-1978); well/septic/radon; HOA for common-interest communities.
- Title/escrow prepares deed and settlement.
Official links: Regulator (search) · Association (search)
Connecticut
- Residential property condition disclosure customary; confirm latest state form.
- Lead-Based Paint (pre-1978); smoke/CO compliance; HOA/condo resale docs.
- Attorney/title handles deed/settlement per local practice.
Official links: Regulator (search) · Association (search)
Delaware
- Seller disclosure is standard; HOA/condo resale docs provided where applicable.
- Lead-Based Paint (pre-1978); well/septic/radon if applicable.
- Deed/closing via attorney/title; transfer tax filings as applicable.
Official links: Regulator (search) · Association (search)
Florida
- Disclose known material defects; standardized disclosure forms widely used.
- Lead-Based Paint (pre-1978); HOA/condo estoppels and resale docs; wind mitigation/4-point often requested.
- Title coordinates deed, payoffs, transfer returns, and settlement statement.
Official links: Regulator (search) · Association (search)
Georgia
- Seller property disclosure commonly used; confirm latest statewide/association forms.
- Lead-Based Paint (pre-1978); well/septic where applicable; HOA resale packet.
- Closing attorney customarily coordinates deed/settlement.
Official links: Regulator (search) · Association (search)
Hawaii
- Residential property disclosure; condo/project docs where applicable.
- Lead-Based Paint (pre-1978); termite/pest reports often requested.
- Escrow/title manages deed, conveyance docs, settlement.
Official links: Regulator (search) · Association (search)
Idaho
- Seller property disclosure customary; confirm latest state form.
- Lead-Based Paint (pre-1978); well/septic/radon; HOA documents.
- Title/escrow prepares deed and closing documents.
Official links: Regulator (search) · Association (search)
Illinois
- Residential real property disclosure customary; some cities require local inspections or transfer stamps.
- Lead-Based Paint (pre-1978); radon disclosures common; condo/HOA packet (e.g., 22.1 disclosure).
- Attorney closings common; deed/tax declarations handled by attorney/title.
Official links: Regulator (search) · Association (search)
Indiana
- Residential real estate sales disclosure customary; confirm latest state version.
- Lead-Based Paint (pre-1978); well/septic/radon; HOA resale packet.
- Title/attorney coordinates deed and settlement statement.
Official links: Regulator (search) · Association (search)
Iowa
- Seller property disclosure standard; verify current Iowa forms.
- Lead-Based Paint (pre-1978); private systems documentation; HOA/condo packet.
- Title/closing attorney prepares deed and closing documents.
Official links: Regulator (search) · Association (search)
Kansas
- Seller property condition disclosure common; confirm latest form.
- Lead-Based Paint (pre-1978); well/septic/radon; HOA docs.
- Title/escrow handles deed/settlement.
Official links: Regulator (search) · Association (search)
Kentucky
- Seller disclosure common; confirm latest state/association forms.
- Lead-Based Paint (pre-1978); septic/well info; HOA materials.
- Attorney/title prepares deed and closing packet.
Official links: Regulator (search) · Association (search)
Louisiana
- Property disclosure customary; confirm current Louisiana versions.
- Lead-Based Paint (pre-1978); flood zone/elevation info often requested; HOA/condo docs.
- Closing via title/attorney; deed/tax filings per local custom.
Official links: Regulator (search) · Association (search)
Maine
- Seller disclosure customary; confirm latest statewide forms.
- Lead-Based Paint (pre-1978); private well/water tests; septic inspections as applicable.
- Title/attorney prepares deed; settlement statement at close.
Official links: Regulator (search) · Association (search)
Maryland
- Disclosure/Disclaimer practice; confirm current MD forms.
- Lead-Based Paint (pre-1978); HOA/condo resale package; well/septic as applicable.
- Title/attorney handles deed and transfer/recordation tax docs.
Official links: Regulator (search) · Association (search)
Massachusetts
- Disclose known material defects; Title V septic rules widely applicable outside sewered areas.
- Lead law notifications (pre-1978); smoke/CO certificates vary by locality.
- Attorney/title manages deed and closing documents.
Official links: Regulator (search) · Association (search)
Michigan
- Seller property disclosure customary; confirm most recent state form.
- Lead-Based Paint (pre-1978); well/septic/radon as applicable; HOA/condo docs.
- Title/escrow or attorney prepares deed and closing docs.
Official links: Regulator (search) · Association (search)
Minnesota
- Seller disclosure plus common radon and well/septic documentation where applicable.
- Lead-Based Paint (pre-1978); HOA/condo resale package.
- Title/closing attorney handles deed and settlement.
Official links: Regulator (search) · Association (search)
Mississippi
- Disclose known material defects; standardized forms used in practice.
- Lead-Based Paint (pre-1978); well/septic; HOA docs if any.
- Deed/closing via title/attorney.
Official links: Regulator (search) · Association (search)
Missouri
- Seller disclosure common; confirm latest statewide/association forms.
- Lead-Based Paint (pre-1978); radon/well/septic where applicable; HOA documents.
- Title/escrow prepares deed and closing statement.
Official links: Regulator (search) · Association (search)
Montana
- Seller disclosure customary; water rights may be relevant in some areas.
- Lead-Based Paint (pre-1978); well/septic; HOA/condo if any.
- Title/attorney coordinates deed and settlement.
Official links: Regulator (search) · Association (search)
Nebraska
- Seller property condition disclosure customary; confirm latest version.
- Lead-Based Paint (pre-1978); well/septic/radon; HOA docs.
- Title/escrow manages deed and closing paperwork.
Official links: Regulator (search) · Association (search)
Nevada
- Seller disclosure commonly used; confirm current NV forms.
- Lead-Based Paint (pre-1978); HOA/condo resale; well/septic/radon as applicable.
- Title/escrow prepares deed/settlement.
Official links: Regulator (search) · Association (search)
New Hampshire
- Seller disclosure customary; radon and water testing common in rural areas.
- Lead-Based Paint (pre-1978); septic/well documentation.
- Attorney/title coordinates deed and closing docs.
Official links: Regulator (search) · Association (search)
New Jersey
- Seller disclosure customary; many municipalities require CO/fire inspections before closing.
- Lead-Based Paint (pre-1978); condo/HOA resale addenda.
- Attorney/title prepares deed, transfer forms, and settlement docs.
Official links: Regulator (search) · Association (search)
New Mexico
- Seller disclosure customary; confirm latest state/association forms.
- Lead-Based Paint (pre-1978); well/septic/radon as applicable; HOA docs.
- Title/escrow manages deed and closing statement.
Official links: Regulator (search) · Association (search)
New York
- Disclosures and numerous local compliance items vary by county/city; attorney involvement is common.
- Lead-Based Paint (pre-1978); smoke/CO; condo/co-op documents as applicable.
- Attorney/title coordinates deed, transfer taxes, settlement.
Official links: Regulator (search) · Association (search)
North Carolina
- Residential property disclosure practice is common; confirm latest NC forms.
- Lead-Based Paint (pre-1978); well/septic/radon; HOA resale package.
- Attorney closings typical; deed/settlement via attorney/title.
Official links: Regulator (search) · Association (search)
North Dakota
- Seller disclosure customary; verify current forms.
- Lead-Based Paint (pre-1978); private systems docs; HOA if any.
- Title/escrow coordinates deed and closing statement.
Official links: Regulator (search) · Association (search)
Ohio
- Residential property disclosure customary; some municipalities have local inspections/point-of-sale.
- Lead-Based Paint (pre-1978); well/septic/radon; HOA packet.
- Title/attorney prepares deed and closing docs.
Official links: Regulator (search) · Association (search)
Oklahoma
- Seller property disclosure customary; confirm latest OK forms.
- Lead-Based Paint (pre-1978); well/septic/radon; HOA materials.
- Title/escrow handles deed and settlement.
Official links: Regulator (search) · Association (search)
Oregon
- Seller property disclosure customary; confirm current OR forms.
- Lead-Based Paint (pre-1978); well/septic/radon; HOA documents.
- Escrow/title coordinates deed and closing packet.
Official links: Regulator (search) · Association (search)
Pennsylvania
- Residential property disclosure customary; some localities require use & occupancy inspections.
- Lead-Based Paint (pre-1978); well/septic; HOA/condo resale docs.
- Title/attorney prepares deed and settlement statement.
Official links: Regulator (search) · Association (search)
Rhode Island
- Seller disclosure customary; confirm latest RI forms.
- Lead-Based Paint (pre-1978); smoke/CO certificates; septic/well documentation.
- Attorney/title manages deed and closing documents.
Official links: Regulator (search) · Association (search)
South Carolina
- Residential property condition disclosure customary; verify latest SC forms.
- Lead-Based Paint (pre-1978); well/septic/radon; HOA packet.
- Attorney closings typical; deed/settlement by closing attorney.
Official links: Regulator (search) · Association (search)
South Dakota
- Seller property disclosure customary; confirm latest SD forms.
- Lead-Based Paint (pre-1978); water/septic documentation; HOA documents.
- Title/escrow prepares deed and closing statement.
Official links: Regulator (search) · Association (search)
Tennessee
- Residential property disclosure customary; confirm current TN form(s).
- Lead-Based Paint (pre-1978); well/septic/radon; HOA resale documents.
- Title/attorney coordinates deed and closing package.
Official links: Regulator (search) · Association (search)
Texas
- Seller’s property disclosure widely used; confirm latest Texas versions.
- Lead-Based Paint (pre-1978); HOA/POA resale certificate; special district notices in some areas.
- Title company coordinates deed, tax/transfer declarations, settlement statement.
Official links: Regulator (search) · Association (search)
Utah
- Seller disclosure customary; verify current UT forms.
- Lead-Based Paint (pre-1978); well/septic/radon; HOA docs.
- Title/escrow handles deed and closing documents.
Official links: Regulator (search) · Association (search)
Vermont
- Seller disclosure customary; radon/water testing common in rural areas.
- Lead-Based Paint (pre-1978); septic/well docs; HOA if applicable.
- Attorney/title manages deed and settlement.
Official links: Regulator (search) · Association (search)
Virginia
- Disclosure and disclaimer options per VA practice; confirm latest versions.
- Lead-Based Paint (pre-1978); HOA/condo resale (CIC package).
- Attorney/title coordinates deed, transfer taxes, closing statement.
Official links: Regulator (search) · Association (search)
Washington
- Seller disclosure customary; confirm latest WA form.
- Lead-Based Paint (pre-1978); well/septic/radon; HOA/condo packet.
- Escrow/title prepares deed and closing docs.
Official links: Regulator (search) · Association (search)
West Virginia
- Disclose known material defects; standardized forms used in practice.
- Lead-Based Paint (pre-1978); well/septic; HOA if any.
- Attorney/title prepares deed and closing statement.
Official links: Regulator (search) · Association (search)
Wisconsin
- Residential condition report customary; confirm latest WI version.
- Lead-Based Paint (pre-1978); well/septic/radon; condo/HOA documents.
- Title/attorney handles deed and settlement.
Official links: Regulator (search) · Association (search)
Wyoming
- Seller disclosure customary; verify current WY forms.
- Lead-Based Paint (pre-1978); rural water/septic documentation; HOA packet where applicable.
- Title/escrow coordinates deed and closing docs.
Official links: Regulator (search) · Association (search)
District of Columbia
- Disclosure/disclaimer practices; condo/co-op documents significant in many transactions.
- Lead-Based Paint (pre-1978); smoke/CO compliance; building jurisdiction items as applicable.
- Attorney/title handles deed, transfer/recordation tax, settlement.
Official links: Regulator (search) · Association (search)
Related Guides & Data
Sources & Reference Directory
Federal
- EPA Lead-Based Paint (pre-1978): Disclosure + “Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home” pamphlet.
- IRS FIRPTA: Foreign seller withholding rules & exemptions; typical non-foreign affidavit at closing.
- CFPB/ALTA: Consumer closing + wire-fraud education; ALTA best practices for title agents.
- HUD Fair Housing guidance.
How to Use the State Links
Click your state in the list above, then use the **Regulator (search)** link for official rule/notice pages and the **Association (search)** link for the latest fillable PDFs (disclosures, addenda). This approach prevents **broken links** when forms update.
Always pull the latest forms and instructions from your state’s regulator/association site; cities/counties may add point-of-sale checks.
FAQ: Paperwork & Disclosures
Is the Lead-Based Paint Disclosure really mandatory?
For most residential sales of homes built before 1978, yes—federal law requires a disclosure plus buyer acknowledgment of receiving the EPA pamphlet. There are limited exemptions. Your title/agent will provide the current federally compliant form.
What if my state doesn’t require a specific form—do I still need to disclose?
Even in “seller-beware” traditions, you’re generally expected to disclose known material defects. Many brokerages use a standardized disclosure to avoid ambiguity. When in doubt, disclose in writing.
Who prepares the deed?
In some states, an attorney; in others, the title/escrow agent. Deeds must meet state recording standards (margins, legal description, notary, tax declarations).
How do HOA/condo resale documents work?
Associations provide a resale certificate/estoppel that discloses dues, rules, assessments, insurance, violations, and account balances. Timelines and buyer rights vary by state statute—check your state links above.
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Educational content only—not legal, tax, or financial advice. Confirm current forms with your state regulator/title agent.
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