Seller’s guide
Selling? Clear title is how you get paid.
Before the buyer can get a clean policy, anything recorded against your property has to be paid, released or explained. Here’s what to expect, and how to keep it moving.
What shows up on the prelim
Your loans
Every deed of trust that hasn’t been reconveyed, including old ones you may have paid off. Each one needs a payoff or a reconveyance.
Liens and judgments
Tax liens, mechanic’s liens and recorded judgments, against you or a prior owner.
Property taxes and assessments
Current and delinquent taxes, plus special assessments that show on the tax bill.
HOA matters
CC&Rs, and any HOA liens or dues that need to be settled.
How title is held
Whose names are on title, and whether anyone else needs to sign.
Payoffs at closing
Escrow requests a payoff statement from each lender and lienholder. At closing, those amounts are paid from your proceeds, and a reconveyance is recorded releasing the deed of trust. If an old loan was paid off years ago but never reconveyed, we’ll tell you what’s needed to clear it.
Want to see an estimate of your net proceeds? Ask your agent to run a PRISM net sheet (opens in a new tab).
What to have ready
- Photo ID for everyone on title
- A completed Statement of Information
- Your lender’s name and loan number for each loan
- HOA name and contact details, if you have one
- If the property is in a trust: the trust certification and successor trustee details
- If an owner has died: a certified death certificate
- If someone will sign for you: the power of attorney
- If an LLC or corporation owns it: its formation documents and who can sign
Expect us to confirm who you are. Criminals sometimes pose as owners to “sell” homes they don’t own, especially vacant land and homes without a mortgage. Identity checks protect you. Learn about deed fraud.
General information, not legal or tax advice.