Key Documents for Selling Your Home Without a Realtor in Minneapolis, MN

 

Selling your house without a realtor could save you thousands of dollars, but you need to go in fully prepared — especially with all the paperwork that’s involved when you’re listing your home for sale by owner in Minneapolis.

 

Quick-reference checklist 

· Purchase offer from buyer (price and terms)

· Sales contract/purchase agreement (drawn up by you)

· Two forms of ID (passport, MN driver’s license, etc.)

· Home inspection report (usually provided by buyer)

· Appraisal report (usually provided by buyer)

· Signed property deed (signed at closing)

· Closing statement (breakdown of all costs in the sale, showing what you and the buyer each owe, usually prepared by the title company or escrow agent)

· Bill of sale (includes final sale price and what’s included)

· Property tax records (effective rate and assessed value)

· Notarized affidavit of title (confirms that you own the property, there are no outstanding liens or legal claims against it, and you’re not selling it to anyone else)

 

Additional documents (may apply in some cases)

· Seller’s net sheet (estimates your take-home profit)

· HOA documents (rules, covenants, fees, etc.)

· Comparative market analysis (to support your pricing)

· Loan payoff statement or proof of paid mortgage

· Property survey or affidavit confirming survey results

· Proof of repairs or upgrades (receipts, contractor records)

· Home warranty paperwork (if transferring to buyer)

· Wills, trusts, or power of attorney documents (if inherited or sold on behalf of someone)

· Divorce decree (if applicable to ownership)

· Affidavits (e.g., name affidavit, non-foreign status affidavit)

· Correction statement and agreement (in case future errors need fixing)

· Closing disclosure (if buyer uses a mortgage and you agreed to concessions)

 

Documents you need for Minneapolis for sale by owner

Minnesota law requires a full set of documents for residential property transfers. Most are standard across the state, so you can’t skip them — doing so can delay the sale or even cause it to fall through entirely. If you’re managing a Minneapolis for sale by owner listing, the responsibility for accuracy and completeness falls entirely on you.

 

You’ll need to have government-issued IDs ready, along with the purchase offer from the buyer. Without a listing agent, you’ll be the one responsible for drawing up the purchase agreement — this is the legally binding contract that governs the sale, including disclosures, deadlines, and any contingencies.

 

Inspection and appraisal reports will usually come from the buyer, but you’ll need to review both carefully as they affect negotiations and final terms. Once everything checks out, you’ll sign over the deed and complete a closing statement, which itemizes who pays what.

 

You’ll also need a bill of sale (which acts like a receipt) along with an affidavit of title that confirms your ownership of the property. It shows that the home is free from undisclosed claims and that you haven’t sold it elsewhere.

 

Buyers and lenders may also request detailed property tax information from you, including assessed value and effective rate.

 

Additional paperwork 

Some situations call for more documents.

 

If you're trying to decide on a price, a comparative market analysis can give you a ballpark estimate based on recent nearby sales. It’s not an appraisal, but it helps you avoid pricing too high or too low.

 

You’ll also want a seller’s net sheet, which breaks down your estimated closing costs and shows how much cash you might walk away with. Use it to compare your potential profit from a Minneapolis for sale by owner sale against what you'd earn using a low commission agent.

 

You’ll also need loan payoff information from your lender, or proof of full payment if your mortgage is already cleared. HOA documents must be provided if your property is under a homeowners’ association. These typically include rules, restrictions, and required forms.

 

Your buyer may request survey results or affidavits to confirm boundary lines. You should also gather receipts or contractor records for major repairs or upgrades, especially if those improvements affect your asking price.

 

Inherited properties or homes tied to legal agreements (like a divorce settlement) require additional proof, such as wills and trusts or court-issued decrees. And if you're selling on behalf of someone else, bring documentation for any power of attorney arrangements.

 

If your buyer is using a mortgage, you may need to sign a closing disclosure. This document will outline the loan terms and verify any seller concessions you agreed to. You might also be asked to sign a correction agreement that allows the buyer, their lender, or the title company to fix paperwork errors later without having to redo the entire sale.

 

Get help

Listing your property as Minneapolis for sale by owner means that you're taking full responsibility for every pricing decision and all required paperwork. Not confident in managing legal documents or preparing contracts? It may be worth speaking with a real estate attorney or using a flat‑fee MLS service that gets your listing onto the MLS and manages the technical steps, including documentation.

 

Get expert help without paying 6%

Real Estate Corners gives you a licensed agent, full MLS exposure, and hands-on support through showings, offers, and closing — all for a flat fee.

 

Aside from advice on pricing and marketing, we can also help you review the purchase agreement and prepare the documents to make sure that everything’s in order before you sign.

 

You’ll pay $600 upfront and $4,000 only when the sale closes. Find out more.