What documents do I need to give the real estate agent?
Hand These Papers to Your Agent — What Documents Do I Need to Give the Real Estate Agent?
Stop guessing. Give your agent the right paperwork and sell faster in Milton, ON
If you’re selling a home in Milton, Ontario, don’t make the rookie mistake of showing up empty-handed. The right documents speed up listing preparations, avoid last-minute surprises at closing, and protect your sale price. I’ll show you exactly what to give your real estate agent, why each item matters, and how it affects your sale in Milton’s competitive market.
This is direct. No fluff. Follow it and you’ll be the seller agents want on their roster.
Why documents matter in Milton real estate
Milton is a commuter hub with strong buyer demand. Buyers expect quick answers and clean, transparent files. Agents list faster when they have ownership proof, permit history, and condo records (if applicable). Missing paperwork slows down offers, weakens negotiating power, and can even kill deals.
Your agent isn’t just a salesperson — they’re your quarterback. They need accurate measures, legal descriptions, and proof of past work so they present your home with authority.
The essential documents to give your real estate agent
Below is a clear, prioritized list. Hand these over at your first meeting or within 48 hours.
- Proof of Ownership / Title Information
- What: Copy of your deed or a recent title search (often available from your lawyer).
- Why: Confirms you’re the legal owner and reveals encumbrances that must be cleared before closing.
- Mortgage Details and Discharge Information
- What: Current mortgage statement showing balance, lender name, and any early payment penalties.
- Why: Needed to estimate net proceeds and arrange discharge at closing.
- Property Tax Bills
- What: Latest municipal property tax bill.
- Why: Shows tax account status and helps calculate adjustments at closing.
- Recent Utilities and Service Bills
- What: Last 2–3 months of hydro, water, gas, and waste bills.
- Why: Useful for buyers and for calculating average running costs.
- Survey, Legal Description, and Property Sketch
- What: Any existing survey, certificate of location, or property sketch.
- Why: Confirms boundaries, easements, and encroachments. Buyers ask for this early.
- Building Permits and Occupancy Approvals
- What: Permits for additions, basement renovations, decks, or finished basements; final occupancy if issued.
- Why: Proves work was done legally. Unpermitted work can derail a sale or force price reductions.
- Receipts and Warranties for Renovations and Appliances
- What: Contractor invoices, receipts, manufacturer warranties for furnace, roof, windows, appliances.
- Why: Buyers want confidence in major systems. Warranties boost value and reduce negotiation friction.
- Home Inspection and Maintenance Records
- What: Any past inspection reports, furnace service records, septic records if applicable.
- Why: Shows maintenance history and flags items you may want to fix before listing.
- Seller Property Information / Disclosure Statements
- What: Your signed disclosure describing known defects or issues.
- Why: In Ontario, full disclosure reduces liability and speeds up negotiations.
- Condo Documents (if applicable)
- What: Request a Status Certificate from the condo corporation, by-laws, common expenses, reserve fund report.
- Why: Condos in Milton require this for buyers to make informed offers. It’s often a deal-breaker.
- Tenant Leases and Income Records (if rented)
- What: Copies of tenancy agreements, security deposit details, rent roll.
- Why: Buyers buying investment properties need immediate clarity on income and tenant terms.
- Personal ID and Contact Information for Closing
- What: Government-issued photo ID (driver’s license or passport), contact info, and your lawyer’s details.
- Why: Your lawyer and the buyer’s lawyer will need ID to complete the transfer. Some banks require SIN on closing statements.
How these documents speed up selling in Milton
- Faster listing: The agent can create a complete MLS listing and marketing package right away.
- Cleaner offers: Buyers will make stronger offers when they see full disclosure and permits.
- Fewer delays at closing: Lawyers can prepare transfer documents and mortgage discharge statements ahead of time.
In Milton, where inventory can be tight, a seller who’s organized wins. Agents prioritize homes they can present without caveats.
Local issues Milton sellers must watch for
- Commuter buyers: Highlight proximity to Milton GO and Highway 401/407. Provide commute-friendly documentation like transit access info and route maps.
- New developments: If your home was altered during local development booms, have permits and contractor details ready. Town inspections are common in newer subdivisions.
- Conservation and hazard areas: If your property borders conservation lands or creek corridors, check for local restrictions or permits with Halton Region or the town office.
Your agent should verify municipal records and zoning before listing. If they don’t, insist they do.
What to do if you don’t have a document
- Title or deed: Your lawyer can pull a current title. Ask your agent for a referral if you don’t have a lawyer.
- Permits: Contact the Town of Milton building department. Some permits can be ordered online.
- Condo documents: Ask your property manager to start a Status Certificate request immediately. It often costs the seller a fee but is required for a smooth condo sale.
Don’t let paperwork gaps delay your sale. Start collecting early.
Quick seller’s checklist — ready to hand to your agent
- Proof of ownership / title
- Mortgage statement & discharge details
- Latest property tax bill
- 2–3 months of utility bills
- Survey or certificate of location
- Building permits & invoices for renovations
- Appliance warranties & receipts
- Recent inspection & maintenance records
- Signed disclosure statement
- Status certificate & condo docs (if applicable)
- Tenant leases (if rented)
- Government-issued photo ID
Pricing and negotiation benefits from being document-ready
When buyers see full documentation, they assume transparency. That reduces low-ball offers and speeds up closing. In Milton’s market, perception matters. A clean, documented file allows your agent to position your home as a premium, low-risk choice.
If you’re serious about maximizing your sale price, collect these documents now. The small effort on the front end pays off at the finish line.
Final word: work with a Milton real estate expert who handles paperwork
Selling a home is paperwork-heavy. The right agent organizes it, anticipates buyer questions, and coordinates with lawyers and condo boards. If you want the sale handled cleanly and quickly in Milton, you need an agent who knows local rules, municipal contacts, and common issues buyers look for here.
Tony Sousa is a Milton real estate expert who guides sellers through this exact checklist. He’ll collect the right documents, order condo status certificates, and coordinate with your lawyer so closings happen smoothly. Reach out to schedule a free document review and an on-the-spot net-proceeds estimate.
Contact: tony@sousasells.ca | 416-477-2620 | https://www.sousasells.ca
FAQ — quick answers for Milton home sellers
Q: Do I need a survey to sell my house in Milton?
A: Not always, but a survey or certificate of location is highly recommended. It clarifies boundaries and easements. If you don’t have one, your agent or lawyer can order a title search.
Q: What if I don’t have building permits for renovations?
A: Disclose the work. Your agent will advise whether to get post-facto permits or disclose the lack. Unpermitted work can reduce offers or lead to legal issues.
Q: Who orders the condo status certificate?
A: The seller usually orders it through the condo management or property manager. Your agent can initiate this. It’s a mandatory document for most condo transactions.
Q: Will I need my SIN for closing?
A: Your lawyer often requests your SIN for the Statement of Adjustments. Provide it securely to your lawyer, not on public documents.
Q: How soon should I gather these documents?
A: Start collecting them as soon as you consider selling. Ideally, have the file ready before the home hits MLS.
Q: Can my agent help get missing paperwork?
A: Yes. A good agent will pull municipal records, order title searches, request status certificates, and refer lawyers or surveyors.
Q: What if my house has a tenant?
A: Provide leases, security deposit details, and tenant contact rules. Buyers will want to know occupancy dates and terms.
Q: Are disclosure statements mandatory in Ontario?
A: While there’s no single mandatory provincial form, full disclosure of known latent defects is required. Many agents use a standard Seller Property Information Statement to be thorough.
Ready to sell your Milton home the smart way? Email a clean copy of the documents you have to tony@sousasells.ca or call 416-477-2620 for a fast, free review and net proceeds estimate.
