Selling your home as a for-sale-by-owner listing in MN means you control the process and negotiate directly with buyers. It also means that you’re responsible for all of the paperwork, and consequently, any legal or financial mistakes. Whether you work entirely on your own or get limited professional help, you need to understand exactly what documents are required and how to complete them accurately to keep your home sale compliant and on track.
Since your home sale is often the largest financial transaction of your life, you should take the time to prepare all the necessary paperwork so that nothing falls through during closing. Here’s what you’ll need to provide, and why each document and what role each one plays in the sales process.
The basics you’ll need
- Property disclosure agreement – This is one of the most important documents you’ll need when you sell your house for sale by owner in Minnesota, MN. With this document, you can show your buyer all the known issues or needed repairs, so they understand the home’s condition upfront.
State law requires sellers to provide a written disclosure that outlines the condition of the home and any known material defects, which include issues like roof leaks, foundation cracks, water damage, mold, pest infestations, or problems with plumbing, heating, or electrical systems.
You’ll also need to disclose any history of insurance claims or boundary disputes, along with shared access agreements such as easements or private roads. The goal is to give the buyer a full and accurate picture of the home’s condition so they’re not surprised after moving in.
If you fail to disclose something important, you could face legal consequences even after the sale closes. This is why it’s prudent to hire a licensed inspector to document any defects you might miss.
- Purchase agreement – Use the purchase agreement to spell out everything your buyer must know about the sale, from the sale price to the closing date and any other contingencies. If your home was built before 1978, federal law requires you to disclose information about lead-based paint. You will need to provide the buyer with a specific EPA pamphlet and a written disclosure form confirming whether you have any knowledge or reports of lead-based paint hazards.
You’ll want to be extra detailed here, so consider arranging a professional inspection.
Anything you omit (even if you assumed it was obvious) or any vague language in the purchase agreement can become a source of legal disputes down the line. It is a good idea to have a real estate attorney or qualified transaction coordinator review your FSBO purchase agreement before you sign.
- Title check and deed preparation – Before you can transfer ownership, you need to confirm that your title is clear, meaning that there are no unpaid liens, boundary disputes, or claims from past owners. This is usually handled through a title search, which examines public records for any legal issues tied to your property. Once that’s confirmed, you’ll use a deed — typically a warranty deed or quitclaim deed in Minnesota — to transfer the title to the buyer. After accepting an offer, you’ll also need to review the closing statement, which breaks down all the funds exchanged at closing.
- Appraisal and property survey – Ordering an appraisal and survey can also help you confirm your home’s value and property values. Do this before you list your home for sale by owner in MN so you can avoid disputes down the road.
What’s the difference between the two? An appraisal gives you an unbiased estimate of your home’s market value, which helps you price it competitively and respond confidently to offers. A property survey verifies the exact boundaries of your lot and identifies any encroachments or easements. It also confirms the placement of structures like fences or sheds.
Both of these documents can help prevent pricing disputes or problems during financing and closing. Buyers (and their lenders) may request them anyway, so it’s a good idea to have them ready to speed up negotiations.
- Records of your taxes and utility bills – Keep recent utility bills and property tax records handy. Buyers often ask for these to understand the home’s ongoing costs. Be sure to consider any warranties that are still active on any new appliances and upgrades you have made to your home.
Close the deal with confidence
Staying organized with your paperwork helps everything move forward smoothly, especially when you wrap up a For Sale By Owner transaction in MN.
Before signing anything, take your time to review all documents with a real estate attorney who understands Minnesota regulations. This extra step can help catch issues early. Make sure you also complete any inspections and appraisals listed in the purchase agreement so the closing stays on schedule.
Take the guesswork out of the paperwork with Real Estate Corners
Need a helping hand on your home sale? Let our licensed agents at Real Estate Corners guide you through every document required to help you sell your home as a for-sale-by-owner in MN successfully.
You can also use our flat-fee FSBO package that starts at $399. It will put your home on the local MLS for at least 6 months and provide you with broker listing support. If you prefer more comprehensive assistance, our full-service representation starts at $600, with $4,000 due at closing. Give us a call at (612) 483-1230.
