Are you ready to sell your house in Des Moines? Before you put your home on the market, having the right checklist and paperwork is crucial to avoid delays, legal issues, and missed opportunities. Many homeowners wonder: What documents do I need to sell my house? What if I’m selling without a realtor? Proper preparation ensures a smooth transaction, whether you’re listing with an agent or handling the sale yourself. We at Des Moines Home Buyers, LLC understand how hectic it can get to prepare everything, so we went ahead and compiled all the information for you that we have collected over the years. This guide breaks down everything from essential paperwork to a step-by-step selling checklist so you can confidently navigate the process. Let’s dive into the must-have documents and key steps to successfully sell your home in Des Moines.
Understanding the Market.
Des Moines has a strong real estate market for sellers. When conditions are favorable, it ranks among the top cities for the shortest average time a house stays on the market. On average, a house is sold within 47 days, according to Realtor.com.
To use this to your advantage, you will need to understand how the market works to prepare in all the right ways. Some main things to consider for that are:
- Market Analysis
- Seasonal Sales
- Local opinion
- Professional opinion
A solid market analysis, including recent sales data, buyer demand, and price trends, ensures you set a competitive price. Seasonal factors also play a role, with spring and summer seeing the highest activity, while fall and winter can present opportunities for serious buyers with less competition.
Beyond market trends, local insights from neighbors, community groups, or recent home sellers can provide real-time perspectives on pricing and buyer expectations. While FSBO is an option, seeking a professional opinion from a real estate agent, appraiser, or mortgage broker can help you avoid costly mistakes, even if it’s just for pricing guidance. Combining market research, seasonal awareness, and expert insights will help you position your home effectively and sell it for the best possible price.
Now that you understand the market, you will need to know of all the documents to prepare beforehand.
Stay organized with our complete checklist. Get tips on how to sell fast.
Knowing your Documents
Many documents hold legal authority and may expose you to legal liabilities if not dealt with correctly. It is very important to know about all documents required in the process of a house sale so you can either research beforehand or deal with any prior ones beforehand.
- Title Deed
- Seller’s Disclosure Forms (Required in Iowa)
- Property Appraisal Report
- Buyer-Seller Agreement
Selling a house involves extensive documentation to ensure a legal and hassle-free transaction. One of the most important documents is the title deed, which proves ownership and must be free of liens or legal disputes before the sale.
Sellers in Iowa are also legally required to complete a Seller’s Disclosure Form, which outlines known property defects, including structural issues, water damage, or pest infestations. Providing this upfront can build trust with buyers and prevent disputes later.
A property appraisal report is another key document, helps both the seller and potential buyers understand the true market value of the home. Lenders often require an appraisal before approving financing, making it an essential step in the home-selling process.
Free Forms for Selling a House by Owner in Des Moines
If you’re selling FSBO, you can find free legal forms from:
- Iowa Association of Realtors (for FSBO contracts & disclosures)
- County Clerk’s Office (for title & transfer forms)
- Online legal form providers like Rocket Lawyer or LegalZoom
Legal Considerations: While free forms are helpful, they may not always comply with Iowa-specific real estate laws. It’s recommended to have a real estate attorney review all documents before signing.
Pre-Sale
The pre-sale stage is crucial when selling your house and can ultimately determine the success of your closing deal. To ensure you get the best value for your home, it’s essential to complete every step on the checklist. To make it easier for you,we have compiled them here for you:
- Home Inspection & Repairs
- Setting the Right Price
- Staging & Curb Appeal Improvements
- Market Research & Pricing Strategy
- Choosing FSBO vs. a Realtor-Assisted Sale
- Marketing & Listing Your Home
Firstly, we will talk about preparing your house for the sale. Before listing your home, thorough preparation can significantly enhance its appeal, value, and marketability. Start by conducting a home inspection to address any necessary repairs, such as fixing leaks, electrical issues, or foundation cracks, which can prevent last-minute complications and speed up the closing process.
Next, set a competitive price by researching recent sales, comparing similar properties, and considering a professional appraisal to avoid overpricing or undervaluing your home. Finally, focus on staging and curb appeal by decluttering, freshening up with paint, improving landscaping, and incorporating neutral décor to create an inviting atmosphere. These steps attract more buyers and increase the likelihood of receiving quicker, stronger offers, ensuring a smoother and more successful sale.
Next, decide whether to sell independently (FSBO) to save on commissions or hire a realtor for their expertise, market exposure, and negotiation support. Once the selling method is chosen, focus on effective marketing by creating high-quality photos, compelling descriptions, and online listings on platforms like Zillow and social media. Hosting open houses and virtual tours and staging consultations can further boost visibility and attract competitive offers. After this, it is just a waiting game until you find the perfect buyer!
After Sale
Even after finding the perfect buyer, closing the deal, and handing over the keys, a few final steps remain before the sale is officially complete.
Signing the Purchase Agreement
The closing process is the final stage of selling a home, where ownership is legally transferred from the seller to the buyer. The most critical step is signing the purchase agreement—a legally binding contract that finalizes the sale terms, including contingencies, the closing date, and financial details.
Coordinating with the Title Company
Once the purchase agreement is signed, the seller must work with the title company or closing attorney to complete the transfer of ownership. This involves verifying the title, paying off any remaining loans, and managing escrow. Escrow services hold funds until all conditions are met, ensuring a smooth and secure transaction.
Updating Tax & Utility Records
To avoid future billing issues, sellers must notify tax and utility offices of the ownership change. Updating these records ensures that property tax responsibilities transfer to the new owner and that utilities are either disconnected or reassigned.
By completing these final steps, sellers can fully close out the sale and move forward with confidence.
Complete the Checklist for selling your house
Selling your house in Des Moines requires careful preparation, the right paperwork, and a solid marketing strategy to attract buyers and secure the best deal. By following a comprehensive checklist for selling your house, handling the necessary documents required for selling a house, and deciding whether to sell with or without a realtor, you can confidently navigate the process. Whether you’re selling traditionally or choosing the FSBO route, having a clear plan in place will help you sell your house quickly and efficiently.
A handy list always comes in hand, so here is the complete list you may want to cover:
- Understanding the market.
- Knowing all your documents.
- The Pre-sale stage
- After Sale stage
However, if you’re looking for a hassle-free, fast sale, working with a home-buying company can be a great alternative. These companies specialize in buying homes as-is, eliminating the need for repairs, showings, or lengthy negotiations. If you need to sell your house fast in Des Moines, a trusted home-buying company can offer a quick, guaranteed cash offer, helping you move forward without the stress of the traditional selling process.
Further Reading: How to Sell a House As-Is in Des Moines – Costs, Tips, and Tricks
Des Moines Home Buyers, LLC
With over 20 years of experience, Des Moines Home Buyers, LLC has built a strong reputation in the Des Moines real estate market by providing homeowners with a simple, stress-free selling solution. As homes age, the cost of repairs, maintenance, and legal paperwork can quickly add up, significantly cutting into your equity, especially when factoring in agent commissions and closing costs.
At Des Moines Home Buyers, LLC, we make selling easy by offering full cash deals with no repairs, no agent fees, and no hidden costs. We buy homes as-is and close on your timeline, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience. If you’re looking to sell your house fast in Des Moines, contact us today for a fair, no-obligation cash offer. We’re here to help you get the best deal with zero stress and maximum convenience!
