Whether you’re buying or selling, there are a lot of documents in a real estate deal. Do you have to keep them all? Most of these documents also are kept by the closing company, so you do have back-up in case any of them go missing.
Buyer’s agent agreement – keep. The contract spells out what services your agent agreed to provide.
Purchase agreement – keep. This contract contains the agreements between the seller and the buyer.
Addenda, amendments, riders – keep. These documents amend the original terms of the purchase agreement, therefore, they are as important to keep as the purchase agreement itself.
Seller disclosures – keep. These documents disclose certain known problems with the property.
Home inspection report – keep. As the buyer, if you requested a home inspection, this report will provide you with a record of any repairs that you may need in the future.
Closing disclosure – keep. This it an itemized list of all the costs associated with the property closing and mortgage, if you have one. You also will need this document when you file your taxes.
Title insurance policy – keep. This document offers protection against anyone who may contest your claim on the property.
Property deed – keep. The deed proves you legally own the property. It is sent directly to you from your county’s public records office. It is not kept by the closing company.
So, whether you bought or sold property, make sure you have these documents and keep them in a safe place.