The Paperwork You Need When Selling a House for Cash

1. Skip the Mortgage Documents Altogether

“One of the biggest advantages of selling for cash is how much easier the paperwork process becomes:

• No mortgage-related paperwork: Eliminates financing approval delays.
• Fewer contingencies: Cash buyers rarely request appraisals or extensive inspections.
• Title company assistance: We work with a title company that helps gather and process all required documents.

Working with an experienced cash buyer means sellers don’t have to navigate complex paperwork alone, making the transaction straightforward and stress-free.”

2. A Clearer Closing Process

“When you choose to sell your house for cash, it simply means that the buyer doesn’t finance the cost of the house. However, it’s illegal to close a real estate deal with actual cash in the United States. So, the entire transaction is done via an electronic transfer of funds. So, as soon as the deal closes, your account will be credited with the entire amount of the sale.

• Sign a Contract: Once someone offers you cash for your house, your first step is to accept the offer and sign a Purchase and Sale Agreement contract.
• Hire Title and Escrow Companies: A title company will help you make sure the property lines are drawn correctly, that there are no liens on the property, issue title insurance, and make sure the ownership of the property officially changes. The escrow company will manage the closing documents, take care of the funds transfer, and complete the legal paperwork that records the sale.
• Review and Sign Closing Documents: When you close a cash deal for selling a house, you are still responsible for signing several documents before the sale can be completed. Here is a list of documents you will need to sign:Final closing instructions,

Hud-1 settlement statement, certificate of title, title deed, bill of sale, statement of closing costs, and statement of information.”

3. Quick Sales without the Usual Red Tape

“Selling to a cash buyer is truly the easiest transaction to sell real estate that exists. There are no inspections completed typically, there are no appraisals, and the title company will only need the bare essentials if anything at all. It should be a relatively paper-free transaction.”

4. No Loan Approvals

“Selling a house for cash requires specific paperwork to ensure a smooth transaction. Essential documents include the property deed, title documents, purchase agreement, and property disclosure statement. Unlike traditional sales, cash transactions often bypass financing contingencies, expediting the process. Common mistakes sellers make include neglecting necessary repairs and failing to understand the cash offer. Working with a reputable cash buyer can simplify the process, as they often cover closing costs and legal fees, ensuring a hassle-free experience.”

5. Close Faster without Bank Delays

"With a 7-10 day closing and no contingencies, the process is smooth and fast, avoiding the typical delays that come with bank financing."

6. Streamline the Documentation Process

“Selling your home for cash can be a streamlined process; however, having the right documents ready is essential to avoid delays and complications. When selling your home for cash, you'll need the following items: Proof of ownership (your deed), property tax records, home inspection reports (if available), and HOA documents (if applicable).

Working with a cash buyer like New Again Houses is quite different than a traditional sale. We streamline the documentation required and provide you with a documentation checklist that is

specific to your situation. In addition, we typically don’t have any contingencies which means less back-and-forth paperwork.

As simple and streamlined as the process is when dealing with New Again Houses, you will want to avoid these common paperwork pitfalls: Incomplete disclosure forms about property defects, missing HOA documentation including bylaws and financial statements, outdated survey information that doesn't reflect property changes, and overlooking utility bill records.

At New Again Houses, we leverage our decades of experience as cash buyers so we can identify potential issues early. We work closely with our partner title company that understands that a smooth, quick closing is an essential part of our promise, so they expedite the verification process.”

7. A Smooth Transaction without Extra Forms

“If you are selling your home for cash, the paperwork process is typically simpler compared to a traditional house sale. The documents you will need to provide for a quick closing are:

• Proof of Ownership: This is usually a title deed.
• Purchase Agreement: This shows the agreed terms.
• Closing Statement: This details the final financial terms.
• Identification: Typically your driver’s license or passport.

On a traditional home sale, you will also be required to provide mortgage documents, appraisal, and inspection reports. In a cash sale, these documents are not needed and the process is significantly quicker.”

8. One Main Agreement to Keep Track of

“The paperwork involved in selling a home can be quite overwhelming. How are you supposed to decipher which documents are required and what’s important? Old records, contracts, realtor documents, attorney documents, and the list goes on. When selling your home for cash, there is only one essential document that you need to keep track of: the purchase agreement/contract. That’s it! The ease of selling your home for cash directly to a cash buyer reduces the amount of things that you have to keep track of, whereas just to speak with a realtor there are several documents that you have to sign even before they can start the conversation with a potential buyer. Why not get introduced directly to a buyer from the beginning? The beautiful part about

selling your home to a cash buyer is that the buyer will source most of the documents that are needed for you (as they are usually found on public records), reducing the work for you, and simplifying the process by eliminating the middleman. Selling your home traditionally might require certain inspections, reports, surveys, lien disclosure, loyalty agreements, etc., but when you sell your home for cash, this is all eliminated!

The most important document in the transaction with the cash buyer is the contract. The contract is much like a waiter taking your order. You look over the menu and decide the terms, the price, the timing of the sale, what stays and what goes—all the details of the transaction, and the cash buyer will reflect that onto the contract. Then, like the waiter delivering your order to the kitchen, the buyer brings your contract to the attorneys to finalize the sale and complete the title/closing process. Buying for cash is simple and uncomplicated because most of the work is done for you.”

9. No Financing Contingencies to Slow You Down

“All we really need to start the process is a signed contract between the buyer and the seller.  There is no requirement to be pre-approved by the bank. The process can be much faster since you don’t need to have appraisals, mortgage approval delays, or any financing contingencies. 

We can close in several weeks or less time, as there is no waiting for loan approvals, inspections, or underwriting. We can also purchase properties in their current condition, meaning you don’t have to spend time or money on repairs or renovations. Finally, we can choose a closing date that works best for your situation, whether you need to move quickly or need extra time.

After we have a signed contract, depending on the property, there may be a short inspection period. The contract is sent to the title company by the buyer for the title company to conduct a title search to verify that you legally own the property. They check for any liens, claims, or ownership disputes that could affect the sale. The title company ultimately prepares all of the documents needed for closing, including the deed, settlement statement, lien release and escrow documents. They make for a very smooth process along with a cash buyer like New Again Houses.”

10. Get Help Through the Entire Process

“Selling your house for cash makes a few things easier. You don't have to worry about appraisals and other financing contingencies. It also allows for a faster closing time if this is

necessary. There are still some important documents that are required. Some documents are state-specific, like the Tennessee Residential Property Condition Disclosure. Depending on how long you've owned the property and if you occupied it, this form may be required or you could be exempt from filling it out. One of the benefits of working with experienced investors like ourselves here at New Again Houses is we help walk you through this process.”

11. No Appraisals or Surveys Holding Things Up

“Selling your house for cash to cash buyers can simplify the sales process in many ways. When you sell to a traditional buyer, you are usually dealing with financing that's needed to purchase the house. Along with this comes many requirements and contingencies. You will now be dealing with the need for appraisals, surveys, property condition reports, and any other lending-related complexities. We can avoid all of this when selling to a cash buyer. All of these requirements can prevent your sale from going through especially if the condition of your property will not allow it. A cash sale will allow you to close usually within a couple of weeks and you will eliminate most of the headaches of having your house ready to qualify for financing.”

12. Title Companies Process the Documents Quicker

“Selling a house for cash means that the whole contract-to-close process is much simpler. There is not a lender to complicate things with a loan process, appraisal, and underwriting delays. Since there isn't a lender title, companies can process the closing documents more quickly, leading to a simple streamlined process.”

13. No Need to Wait for the “Right” Buyer

“Engaging with a cash buyer offers a streamlined and accelerated selling experience. As we acquire properties in their current condition, evaluations such as home inspections and appraisals become unnecessary. Sellers are also relieved of concerns regarding potential financial obstacles from the buyer's side that could impede a transaction with their lender or bank. Please be assured that New Again Houses is dedicated to facilitating a smooth process and ensuring the quickest possible closure.”