Short answer: To sell a house in Texas, you'll typically need a Seller's Disclosure Notice, your existing survey (and possibly a T-47 affidavit), your mortgage payoff information, HOA and MUD information if they apply, and a lead-based paint disclosure if the home was built before 1978. Gathering these early helps you avoid delays at closing.

Seller's document checklist

1. Seller's Disclosure Notice

Texas law requires most sellers of single-family homes to give buyers a written disclosure of the property's condition. It covers things like the roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical, past repairs, flooding and flood insurance claims. Most agents use the standard Texas form. Be honest and thorough. Hiding known problems can lead to legal trouble later.

2. Survey and T-47 affidavit

Find the survey you received when you bought the home. If nothing has changed (no new fence, pool, addition or shed), you can often sign a T-47 Residential Real Property Affidavit so the buyer can use your existing survey. This can save $400–$700 on a new survey.

3. Lead-based paint disclosure (homes built before 1978)

Federal law requires sellers of homes built before 1978 to disclose any known lead-based paint and give buyers an EPA pamphlet.

4. Mortgage and lien information

• Lender name, loan number and contact info for each mortgage or home equity loan
• Information about any other liens, like a solar panel loan or a home improvement lien

The title company uses this to order payoff statements.

5. HOA documents (if applicable)

• HOA name and management company contact
• Resale certificate and HOA documents (the title company or your agent usually orders these)
• Any HOA violations or pending assessments

6. MUD and special district notices

Many Houston-area suburbs are in a Municipal Utility District (MUD). Texas requires sellers to give buyers a notice about the MUD and its tax rate.

7. Property tax information

• Your most recent property tax statement
• Exemptions you have (homestead, over-65, disability)

8. Repair records, warranties and permits

• Receipts for major work: roof, HVAC, foundation repair, water heater
• Transferable warranties, like foundation or roof warranties
• Permits for additions or major remodels

Keep these receipts. Capital improvements can also lower your capital gains. See capital gains tax when selling in Texas.

9. Inspection reports

If you had a pre-listing inspection, have the report ready.

10. Special situations

• Septic or well: Inspection or maintenance records
• Tenant-occupied: Current lease and deposit information
• Selling for an estate: Probate documents or letters testamentary
• Divorce: Divorce decree showing who can sell
• Power of attorney: Recorded POA approved by the title company in advance

11. For closing day

• Government-issued photo ID
• Bank information for receiving your proceeds
• All keys, garage remotes, gate cards and alarm codes
• Appliance manuals

Get organized early

Put everything in one folder before you list. It speeds up the sale and shows buyers you've taken care of the home. Next, read how much it costs to sell a home in Houston, or get your home's value.

This checklist is general information, not legal advice. Requirements vary by property. Your agent and title company will confirm exactly what's needed.