Documents Needed to Sell a House in Texas: Complete FSBO Checklist 2026

What it is: The legal document proving you own the property. It shows your name as the owner and was likely given to you when you purchased the home.

Why you need it: To transfer ownership to the buyer at closing, the deed must be signed and notarized. Without it, the buyer cannot legally own the property.

What to do now: Locate your original deed. If you can’t find it, contact your county clerk’s office or the title company from your original purchase—they have a copy on file. You’ll need this document at closing.

Note: Texas requires the deed to be notarized before the county clerk will record it.

What it is: The contract YOU signed when you bought the property. It includes the purchase price, terms, and any disclosures made to you.

Why you need it: It helps you understand what disclosures were made to the previous owner. You need to make similar (or better) disclosures to your buyer. It also helps you price the property accurately.

What to do now: Find this document in your files. Review it carefully—anything the previous owner disclosed to you should be reflected in your disclosure to the current buyer.

What it is: A title search examines public records to confirm you legally own the property and reveals any liens, claims, or unpaid debts attached to it. Title insurance protects the buyer (and your sale) if title problems surface later.

Why you need it: In Texas, buyers (and their lenders) require proof that the title is clean. If there are unpaid property taxes, mechanic’s liens, or HOA liens, they must be resolved before closing. A title search finds these problems early.

Key problems a title search reveals:

• Liens: Unpaid debts (property tax, HOA, contractor liens)
• Ownership disputes: Claims from ex-spouses, creditors, or previous owners
• Easements: Rights given to neighbors or utilities to use part of your property
• Judgment liens: Court-ordered claims against the property

What to do now: Order a title search (your title company or attorney can do this). Cost is typically $200-400. Once the search is complete, resolve any liens BEFORE listing. Don’t wait until closing—that creates delays and deal-killers.

What it is: An official document from your lender showing exactly how much you still owe on your mortgage. This amount changes daily because of interest and payments.

Why you need it: Your lender must be paid from the sale proceeds before you get anything. The payoff statement tells the title company exactly how much to send to your lender.

What to do now: Contact your mortgage lender and request a current payoff statement. Most lenders provide this free and can email it within 24 hours. Get this 2-3 weeks before closing (or sooner if possible) so the title company knows the exact payoff amount. Note: The payoff amount will be slightly different at actual closing due to accrued interest.

What it is: A document created by a licensed surveyor that establishes the exact boundaries of your property. It shows where your land begins and ends.

Why you need it: Buyers often want a survey to ensure they’re buying what they think. If you already have a recent survey (from your original purchase or a refinance), provide it to avoid buyer delays.

What to do now: Check your file for a survey. If you have one from your original purchase, get a copy. If you don’t have one and the buyer requests it, be prepared to pay for a new survey (typically $300-600 in Texas).

Note: In Texas, it’s customary for the seller to pay for the survey, though this is negotiable.

What it is: If your home is in a homeowners association, documents include the HOA bylaws, CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions), current dues schedule, and financial statements.

Why you need it: Buyers want to know HOA rules and costs. In Texas, buyers can cancel a contract if they don’t like HOA terms. Providing these documents upfront prevents deal-killing surprises. Also, HOA liens can complicate sales.

What to do now: Contact your HOA management company. Request: (1) current CC&Rs, (2) bylaws, (3) current dues amount, (4) any special assessments, (5) HOA financial statements. Cost is typically $25-50.

What it is: The main contract between you and the buyer. It includes the purchase price, deposit amount, contingencies (inspections, appraisals), closing date, and what’s included in the sale.

Why you need it: Nothing is legal or binding without a signed purchase agreement. This is where all negotiation happens.

Texas-specific requirement: Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) requires that most residential sales use a promulgated (approved) form. You cannot use just any contract—it must be TREC-approved for Texas.

What to do now: Use a TREC-promulgated form (available free from TREC). Have a real estate attorney review before you sign with a buyer. It’s money well spent ($200-400) to catch errors that could cost thousands later.

What it is: A mandatory Texas form where you disclose ALL known material facts about your property. This includes structural problems, previous flooding, roof condition, foundation issues, plumbing or electrical problems, pest infestations, and any repairs you’ve made.

Why it’s critical: This is Texas law. Failure to disclose known issues is fraud. Buyers can sue even after closing if you knowingly hid a problem. This is non-negotiable.

Texas law requirement: The disclosure must be provided to the buyer on or before the purchase contract effective date. The buyer has 7 days to review and terminate if unhappy.

What NOT to disclose: You don’t have to disclose if someone died in the house or had HIV/AIDS (with narrow exceptions). You don’t need to hire an inspector—only disclose what you personally know.

What to do now: Get the form from TREC. Be thorough and honest. Over-disclose rather than under-disclose. Anything you mention here protects you from future liability.

What it is: Federal law requires disclosure if the home was built before 1978 (when lead paint was banned). This form acknowledges that lead paint may be present.

Why you need it: Federal law—not optional. All homes built before 1978 are assumed to have lead paint unless proven otherwise by a certified inspector.

What to do now: Include this form with your disclosure documents if your home was built before 1978. No testing required—just provide the disclosure form and buyer acknowledgment.

What it is: A professional inspection by a licensed home inspector who examines the roof, foundation, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and overall condition.

Why it matters: If you get a pre-listing inspection, you’ll know what repairs buyers might request. You can either fix problems now or offer a price reduction. Either way, no surprises during negotiations.

What to do now: Consider hiring a home inspector before listing (cost: $300-600). Fix major items or disclose them clearly. This prevents deal collapse when the buyer’s inspector finds problems.

What it is: Receipts, warranties, and documentation proving you’ve maintained or repaired the property (roof repair, HVAC service, plumbing fixes, electrical upgrades).

Why it helps: Shows the buyer you’ve cared for the property. Helps justify your asking price. If you’ve recently replaced the roof or HVAC, this is valuable info.

What to do now: Gather any receipts for major repairs or improvements. Organize them in a file for the buyer.

What it is: The legal instrument transferring ownership from you to the buyer. You’ll sign this at closing in front of a notary public.

Why it matters: Without a signed, notarized deed, ownership doesn’t transfer. The county clerk won’t record it without both signatures and notarization.

Texas requirement: The deed must be signed by you (seller) and notarized. The buyer does NOT sign the deed—only you do.

What to do now: The title company or attorney will prepare the deed. You’ll sign it at closing in front of a notary.

What it is: A detailed financial document showing all closing costs, credits, and debits for both buyer and seller. It breaks down who pays what and how sale proceeds are distributed.

Why it’s critical: This document ensures you get paid correctly and all debts (mortgage, taxes, liens) are paid from escrow. It’s your proof of the final transaction.

What it includes:

• Your net proceeds (what you walk away with)
• All closing costs and who pays them
• Mortgage payoff (paid to lender)
• Property taxes (prorated)
• HOA fees (if applicable)
• Title insurance and recording fees

What to do now: The title company prepares this. Review it carefully before closing. Make sure all costs are correct and you understand what you’re receiving.

What it is: Insurance protecting the buyer against future title problems (liens discovered after closing, ownership disputes, etc.).

Why the buyer needs it: Lenders require it. It protects them (and the buyer) if a title issue emerges later.

Who pays: In Texas, the seller typically pays for the title insurance policy (though this is negotiable).

What to do now: Your title company handles this. It’s included in closing costs.

What it is: Documentation from your lender(s) confirming the mortgage has been paid off from escrow. Also includes proof of any other lien payoffs (HOA, tax liens, judgment liens).

Why you need it: Proves all debts were paid and the title is now clear. You’ll get a copy at closing.

Provide recent property tax statements and utility bills showing maintenance costs. Buyers find this helpful when making decisions.

If you’re leaving appliances or systems, provide manuals and warranty info. It’s customary and appreciated.

If you have a home warranty, provide the details. Some can be transferred to the buyer.