What documents do you need to sell a house in Texas? Start with a recorded release of lien for every paid-off loan, your survey, the seller's disclosure and HOA details. Add divorce, power of attorney, estate or lease documents if they apply.
Most closing delays aren't caused by buyers or inspections. They're caused by paperwork nobody thought about until the title company asked for it. A missing lien release, an expired power of attorney or an estate that never went through probate can stall a sale for weeks or stop it cold.
The fix is simple: gather these documents before your home goes on the market in Sachse, Wylie, Murphy, Rowlett or anywhere in Collin and Dallas County. Here's the list Jeanie Marten Real Estate gives sellers.
Jeanie Marten Real Estate is a brokerage, not a law firm. Nothing in this post is legal advice and TREC rules prohibit brokers and agents from giving it. Talk to a real estate attorney about your specific situation.
1. A recorded release of lien for every loan you've paid off
This is the document that trips up the most sellers. When you refinance or pay off a mortgage or home equity loan, the old lender is supposed to record a release of lien with the county. Often it isn't recorded or it's recorded incorrectly. The title search then shows an open lien and it has to be cleared before closing. If you've refinanced, dig out your payoff paperwork now.
2. Current loan information for payoff
Have your lender name, loan number and contact information for every loan on the property, including any HELOC. The title company uses it to order payoff statements.
3. Your survey and a T-47 affidavit
If you have your survey from when you bought, a buyer may be able to use it with a T-47 affidavit instead of paying for a new one, as long as nothing has changed on the property. Learn more in Title Insurance, the Survey and the T-47.
4. The seller's disclosure notice
Texas Property Code Section 5.008 requires sellers of most previously occupied single-family homes to disclose the property's condition. The Texas Real Estate Commission publishes a Seller's Disclosure Notice, TREC No. 55-1, effective May 28, 2026. Fill it out carefully and completely before you list.
5. HOA contact and management information
If your home is in an HOA, the buyer will need a resale certificate. Under Texas law, the association has 10 business days to deliver it after a request. Have your management company's name and contact information ready so the clock can start right away.
6. MUD, PID and special district tax information
If your property is in a municipal utility district or public improvement district, pull your most recent tax statements. Buyers will ask what they'll pay, and the assessments must be disclosed.
7. Your divorce decree, if the home was marital property
If you're divorced and the home was part of the marriage, the title company will want the final decree showing who was awarded the property. For more, read Selling a Home After Divorce in Texas.
8. A valid power of attorney, if someone is signing for the owner
If an adult child is selling for a parent, the title company must approve the power of attorney before closing. Here's the catch: under Texas Estates Code Section 751.131, a durable power of attorney ends when the principal dies.
Jeanie Marten Real Estate once represented a son selling his mother's home under a power of attorney. She became very ill during the transaction and no one knew whether she would survive until closing. She lived one day past the closing date. If she hadn't, the power of attorney would have ended and the sale would have had to go through her estate instead. If you're selling under a POA, talk to an attorney about a backup plan early.
9. Estate documents, if the owner has passed away
Selling an inherited home usually requires some combination of a death certificate, the will, probate court documents and, in some cases, an affidavit of heirship as described in Texas Estates Code Chapter 203. The right path depends on the estate. See Selling an Inherited Home in Texas.
10. Lease agreements, if the home is tenant-occupied
Selling a rental with a tenant in place? Have the current lease, the security deposit amount and any renewal terms ready. Buyers and lenders will want to know when the home will be vacant.
11. Lease or financing agreements for fixtures
Security systems, water softeners and solar panels are often leased or financed rather than owned outright. If yours are, find the agreement now. The buyer needs to know whether the equipment stays, whether the contract can be transferred to them and what the monthly payment is. Some leases or financing agreements are recorded against the property and the title company will need them paid off or transferred before closing. Solar agreements in particular can take weeks to transfer so start early. For more, read Solar Panels and Texas Home Sales: What to Know.
12. Permits, warranties and repair receipts
Foundation repair warranties, roof replacement invoices, HVAC receipts and permits for past improvements all add buyer confidence. Some foundation warranties are transferable, which is a real selling point.
13. Recent utility bills
Buyers routinely ask what it costs to run the house. Twelve months of electric, water and gas bills answer the question before it's asked.
The takeaway
The title company will eventually ask for every document on this list that applies to you. Finding them before you list, instead of in week three of your contract, is the difference between a smooth closing and a stressful one.
FAQ
What is a release of lien in Texas? It's a recorded document showing a loan on the property has been paid off. If a past lender never recorded one, the lien still appears in the title search and has to be cleared before you can close.
Can I sell my parent's house with a power of attorney in Texas? Often, yes, if the title company approves the document. But a power of attorney ends when the principal dies, so talk to an attorney about a backup plan before you list.
How long does it take to get an HOA resale certificate in Texas? The association has 10 business days after a written request, under Texas Property Code Section 207.003.
If you found this useful, read these next
- The Ultimate North Texas Seller Checklist: 10 Must-Do Steps Before You List Your Home: the physical prep that goes with the paperwork.
- What Actually Happens Between Under Contract and Closing Day: where each of these documents gets used after you sign a contract.
Not sure which documents apply to you?
Every sale is different. Call or text Jeanie Marten Real Estate at 972-414-0719 or email [email protected], and we'll go through your situation before you list, so the title company doesn't find the surprises first.
Sources: TREC Seller's Disclosure Notice · Texas Property Code Chapter 207 · Texas Estates Code Section 751.131 · Texas Estates Code Section 203.001
