Free Paperwork for Selling a House by Owner: The Untold Truth

a photo of a family talking to an agent dealing with paperwork for selling their house

Selling a house is already a big decision, but doing it on your own? That’s next level. Many homeowners today are choosing to sell their homes without an agent to save on fees and have more control. But one question keeps coming up: what’s the deal with free paperwork for selling a house by owner?

In this guide, we’ll break it all down in simple terms. You’ll learn which documents you actually need, where to find them for free, and how to avoid common mistakes. Whether you’re in Grand Rapids or Norton Shores, this article will help you feel more confident about the paperwork side of selling your home solo.

Why More People Are Selling a House Without a Realtor

Selling a house without a real estate agent—also called “For Sale By Owner” (FSBO)—has become more popular, especially in markets where homes are moving fast.

Here’s why people go this route:

1. Save on Commission Fees When Selling Your Home

One of the biggest perks is saving money. Real estate agents usually charge 5–6% of the home’s sale price. On a $250,000 home, that’s up to $15,000!

2. Take Full Control of the Home Sale Process

When you sell FSBO, you set your own rules. You schedule showings, negotiate directly, and don’t have to rely on a middleman.

3. Online Tools Make Selling a House by Owner Easier

Thanks to sites like Zillow, Redfin, and FSBO.com, homeowners have access to pricing data, listing platforms, and marketing tools they didn’t have before.

Must-Have Free Paperwork for Selling a House by Owner

If you’re doing this solo, don’t stress. The paperwork is manageable—and you can get most of it for free.

Key Documents You’ll Need to Sell a House by Owner:

Property Deed
Purchase and Sale Agreement
Seller’s Disclosure Statement
Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (for homes built before 1978)
Property Survey or Legal Description
Payoff Statement From Your Lender
Final Settlement Statement (HUD-1 or Closing Disclosure)
Bill of Sale (for personal property included)
Title Documents or Title Insurance Info

Michigan sellers are also required to complete the Michigan Seller Disclosure Statement (Form FIS 0486).

Where to Download Free FSBO Paperwork Online

Here’s the good news—you don’t have to pay for expensive legal services to access these forms. There are plenty of free and trustworthy sources online.

Best Places to Find Free Paperwork for Selling a Home:

eForms
Rocket Lawyer
Your Local County Website
Michigan.gov
Local Title Companies

Before downloading, double-check that the forms are specific to Michigan. Real estate laws vary by state.

Tips to Fill Out FSBO Paperwork Without Mistakes

Once you have the right paperwork, the next step is to fill it out properly. A mistake here can delay the sale—or worse, lead to legal trouble.

Pro Tips:

Use Your Legal Name
Be Accurate With Property Details
Disclose Known Issues Honestly
Never Leave Blank Spaces
Keep Both Paper and Digital Copies

Still unsure? Many title companies and attorneys offer document review for a low flat fee.

Mistakes to Avoid When Using Free House Selling Documents

Nobody’s perfect, but there are a few slip-ups you’ll want to avoid during your FSBO sale.

Common Errors in FSBO Paperwork:

Using Generic or Outdated Forms
Skipping Required Disclosures
Forgetting Lead Paint Disclosure
Not Notarizing Important Documents
Overlooking Lender Requirements

A quick consultation with a local expert can save you time and future problems.

Free Paperwork for Selling a House by Owner: Is It Enough?

This is the big question. Can you actually sell your house just using free documents? The answer is—yes, if you’re organized and your transaction is simple.

However, FSBO isn’t for everyone. If your home needs repairs, you’re facing a tight timeline, or you’re overwhelmed by paperwork, there’s another option.

Skip the Paperwork and Sell Your House the Simple Way

Companies like Hometown Development simplify the process by handling all the legal work for you. You’ll still get a fair offer—without the headache of filling out forms, coordinating with multiple people, or waiting for months.

Sell Your Michigan Home Without an Agent — and Without the Stress

If you’re in Grand Rapids, Kentwood, Wyoming, Rockford, Sparta, Comstock Park, Holland, Grand Haven, Jenison, Hudsonville, Belding, Saranac, Muskegon, Fruitport, or Norton Shores, you don’t have to go through this process alone.

At Hometown Development, we:

Buy homes as-is
Pay cash with no hidden fees
Close on your timeline
Handle all the paperwork for you

👉 Click here to get a free, no-obligation cash offer

You can sell your house—without the paperwork stress. Let us do the hard part so you can move on faster.

Final Thoughts: Selling a House by Owner Is Possible

Selling your house on your own is doable—and free paperwork makes it more affordable. Just make sure you’re using the right documents, filling them out completely, and protecting yourself legally.