Sell Your House Fast Checklist — 10 Steps Before a Cash Sale

Selling to a cash buyer is simple, but a little preparation makes the process even smoother. This checklist covers the 10 things to do before accepting a cash offer — and the things you can skip entirely. No repairs, no staging, no open houses required.

Chitty Buys Houses is a nationwide cash home-buying service that buys houses in any condition, helping homeowners sell fast without repairs, fees, or waiting.

Your Pre-Sale Checklist

1. Gather your property documents. Locate your deed, mortgage statement, tax bills, and any HOA documents. These speed up the title search at closing.
2. Know your mortgage payoff amount. Call your lender for the current payoff balance. This tells you how much equity you will walk away with.
3. Check for liens or judgments. Unpaid taxes, contractor liens, or court judgments can slow closing. A title company resolves these, but knowing upfront helps. See our guide on selling a house with liens.
4. Identify all owners on the title. Every person on the deed must agree to sell. If the property was inherited, confirm probate is complete or in progress.
5. Decide what stays and what goes. Cash buyers purchase homes with belongings inside. Decide what you want to take — everything else can stay.
6. Gather keys, garage remotes, and gate codes. Have these ready for the closing day handoff.
7. Notify your insurance company. Let them know you are selling. Keep coverage active until closing is complete.
8. Forward your mail. Set up mail forwarding with USPS to your new address before closing.
9. Review the cash offer carefully. Read the purchase agreement. Understand the price, closing date, and any terms. Consult an attorney if you have questions.
10. Choose your closing date. Cash sales close in as little as 7 days. Pick a date that gives you enough time to move.

What You Do NOT Need to Do

• No repairs — cash buyers purchase homes as-is
• No cleaning or staging
• No professional photos or listing prep
• No open houses or showings
• No appraisal — cash buyers do not require lender appraisals

What Happens at Closing?

A licensed title company handles all paperwork. You sign the deed transfer, any liens are paid from proceeds, and you receive your funds — typically by wire transfer or cashier's check the same day. The entire closing appointment takes about an hour. For a full walkthrough, read what to expect during a cash sale.

Start Your Cash Sale Today

Call Chitty Buys Houses at (888) 913-9906 or request your cash offer online. We walk you through every step.