Your paperwork, step by step

Step 1 of 22

Your grant deed, latest property tax bill, permits, warranties, repair receipts and any past inspection reports. Just collect what you have.

Riverside County records ↗ · San Bernardino County records ↗

Step 2 of 22

You request them; your HOA prepares the packet (rules, budget, fees and more). There’s usually a fee.

Step 3 of 22

Make sure smoke alarms work, carbon monoxide alarms are installed if you have gas or an attached garage, and the water heater is strapped. Then sign a short statement saying so.

Step 4 of 22

You order it; a report company does the work and tells you if the home is in a flood, fire or earthquake zone. Usually about $50–$100. It often comes with the state’s environmental hazards booklet. You sign it and give it to the buyer.

Step 5 of 22

The main state form. You check boxes about your home’s condition (roof, plumbing, appliances, known problems). Answer honestly; “I don’t know” is allowed when it’s true.

The form’s wording in state law (Civil Code 1102.6) ↗

Step 6 of 22

A longer list of yes/no questions (past insurance claims, leaks, noise, neighbor issues). Not required by law for owners selling on their own, but most buyers expect it. Your attorney or escrow company can give you the form.

Step 7 of 22

A federal form plus an EPA booklet. You say whether you know of lead paint. The buyer gets a chance to test.

EPA: lead disclosure rule ↗

Step 8 of 22

A few short notices you hand to the buyer: the earthquake safety guide, the electrical inspection notice, and (homes built before 1994) the water-saving fixtures notice. Many come in your NHD packet.

California earthquake safety guides ↗

Step 9 of 22

A pest company does the termite report. Septic records come from county environmental health. Your solar company explains how a lease transfers.

Step 10 of 22

The contract with the price, deposit, dates and conditions. It’s written by the buyer’s agent or attorney, or your own attorney. DTO Homes never writes or negotiates offers. Have an attorney look before you sign.

Compare offers side by side

Step 11 of 22

Changes back and forth until you both agree. Your attorney can write yours.

Step 12 of 22

A standard paragraph in the contract. Nothing extra for you to fill out.

California Megan’s Law website ↗

Step 13 of 22

Escrow turns the contract into a checklist both sides sign. Read it; call escrow with any question.

Step 14 of 22

The title company lists loans, liens and anything recorded on your home. Tell escrow if something looks wrong.

Step 15 of 22

Hand over the forms from “Before you list.” The buyer signs to show they got them. The earlier you deliver, the less chance of delays.

Step 16 of 22

The buyer may inspect and ask for repairs or a credit. You say yes, no or offer something else, in writing.

Track your contract dates

Step 17 of 22

Escrow asks your lender for the payoff amount and pays it at closing. You just give escrow your lender’s name and loan number.

Step 18 of 22

Escrow gives you the federal and California forms about tax withholding on the sale and helps you fill them in. Ask a tax professional if you’re unsure.

Step 19 of 22

Escrow prepares the deed and your closing statement (what you get after costs). You sign in front of a notary, often arranged by escrow.

Step 20 of 22

Escrow records the deed with the county and sends your money by the method you chose, after paying your loan and costs. Escrow will call to confirm; never follow new payment instructions sent only by email.

Step 21 of 22

Save the signed contract, disclosures and the final closing statement. You’ll want them at tax time; escrow may also report the sale to the IRS.

Step 22 of 22

Cancel your home insurance and move utilities out of your name once escrow confirms the sale has recorded, not before.