Marie Villeza
The process of buying and/or selling a home is exhilarating, but it can also be exhausting. Not only do you have to get your home ready for sale and tour countless others, but there’s also paperwork and lots of it. Keeping track of these documents is crucial for a smooth and stress-free experience. Today on the DBK blog, we’ll discuss a few effective strategies to help you stay on top of your mounting pile of documents so that you can have a streamlined and organized home-buying journey.
Staying Organized
Whether you’re buying a new construction or an existing home, you have to stay organized. Ideally, you can scan and digitize your most important documents so that you can create a PDF to share with the bank or your realtor upon request. If you’re not tech-savvy, this tool can convert to a PDF file all of the other types of files you’re likely to have, including Microsoft Excel and Word documents. It’s a drag-and-drop option that won’t drag you down.
Gathering Your Documents
Now that you know how to stay organized, it’s time to take a look at the types of documents you’re likely to need when it’s time to sell. According to Zillow, these include:
- Title and ownership documents
- Property surveys
- Original sales contract
- Pre-sale inspection reports
- Mortgage documents
- Home repair and maintenance records
- Information on disclosures and inspections (DBK Real Estate explains that these include termite and pest inspections.)
Physical Filing
While you should have no problem creating digital documents, having a well-organized filing system can help you manage the physical paperwork that you’ll have to have. Create a dedicated folder or binder for all of your real estate documents. You can then use dividers or tabs to separate different categories, such as contracts. If you’re buying new construction, you’ll also want to hold onto your blueprint and papers where you made your final selections in case a dispute arises at the final inspection.
Following A Transaction Trail
There are many different people involved in the buying and selling process. It can help to keep a transaction log or spreadsheet to track these interactions along with any progress you’ve made buying or selling. Your transaction log should include who you’ve spoken with, the date, and what was discussed. This can help you stay on the same page as your builder and realtor. Remember, as the National Association For Homebuilders points out, there are an average of 22 hands involved in building your home, and that does not include your architect, interior designer, or project manager.
Maintain An Open Line Of Communication
Communication is key in any type of major transaction, such as buying a home or selling a home. And your agent can be an invaluable resource while navigating the paperwork process. Maintain an open line of communication, and don’t be shy about asking for help if you need someone to explain a document and its significance or to help you answer questions that you may not know the answer to.
Have A Checklist
In the early stages of the home buying or selling process, talk with your realtor. They may already have a pre-populated checklist that can help you keep up with where you are in the process. Otherwise, create your own. Realtor explains this should include upping your curb appeal, repainting the walls, and cleaning on the selling side. On the buying side, you’ll want to have a list of features you need in your new home.
Buying and selling involve paperwork that you may not be familiar with. But, the more you do to stay organized, including creating PDFs and online documents, having your paperwork ready, and creating a checklist at the beginning of the process, the smoother things will go, and the sooner you’ll be in your brand-new home.
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