Ownership and authority
Your recorded deed shows who owns the house. If an owner died, estate letters may be needed. If someone is signing for an owner, they need valid authority — always reviewed by an independent lawyer.
Money owed
Request a written payoff statement from every lender. Gather tax bills, water and utility balances, and any lien notices. A title search will confirm.
The property itself
Permits for past work, warranties, recent repair invoices and a list of known issues help a buyer understand the house.
Occupancy
Leases, deposit records and rent ledgers are needed for tenant-occupied homes.
Local and association
Some municipalities require resale or use certifications. Condos and HOAs may require a resale certificate.
What not to send us
Do not send Social Security numbers, bank account details, loan logins or medical and legal documents through our form. If documents are needed later, we will arrange a safe method.
Where documents usually come from
Deeds come from the county Recorder of Deeds or Philadelphia's Department of Records. Tax bills come from the City's Department of Revenue or your local tax collector. Payoff statements come from each loan servicer and are usually ordered by the settlement agent. Estate letters come from the Register of Wills in the county where the estate is opened.
Checklist
- Recorded deed
- Photo ID for every signer
- Payoff statement for each loan
- Recent tax bills
- Utility/water balances
- Estate letters (if applicable)
- Leases and deposits (if rented)
- Permits and repair invoices
- Municipal certification (if required)
- Association resale package (if applicable)
