Nationwide Real Estate Note Brokerage
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Seller Guide

Documents Needed to Sell a Real Estate Note

You don't need every document on day one. Here's exactly what a note buyer needs for due diligence and closing — and what you can gather later.

The short answer

To start an evaluation you only need basic loan terms — unpaid balance, monthly payment, interest rate, and property address. For full due diligence and closing, buyers need the original promissory note, the recorded deed of trust or mortgage, a verifiable payment history, and proof of hazard insurance. Additional documents like a title policy, settlement statement, and appraisal speed the process but are not required to begin.

To begin (evaluation)

  • Unpaid principal balance
  • Monthly payment amount
  • Interest rate & term
  • Property address & type
  • Approximate payment seasoning

To close (due diligence)

  • Original promissory note
  • Recorded deed of trust / mortgage
  • Verifiable payment history
  • Hazard insurance policy

Required documents for closing

1

Promissory Note

The original executed note signed by the borrower at inception. It defines the loan amount, rate, term, and repayment terms — the core asset being sold.

2

Recorded Deed of Trust or Mortgage

The county-recorded security instrument that proves your lien against the property and your lien priority (first or second position).

3

Payment History

Bank records, canceled checks, or servicing statements showing the borrower's payment record. Seasoning — a consistent history of on-time payments — is a major value factor.

4

Hazard Insurance Policy

Proof the property is properly insured, with you (or the new owner after closing) listed as loss payee. Lapsed insurance lowers a note's value.

Helpful (not required) documents

These are not required to start, but having them ready shortens the due-diligence window:

Title Policy or Commitment

Confirms clear title and lien position. The buyer's title company will order a fresh commitment, but your existing policy speeds review.

Closing Statement (HUD-1 / Settlement)

The original settlement statement from when the property was sold and the note created. It documents the sale price and down payment.

Property Appraisal or BPO

A recent appraisal or broker price opinion helps establish current property value and the loan-to-value ratio, a key pricing factor.

Borrower Credit Authorization

Some buyers pull a refreshed credit report on the borrower during underwriting. Your authorization to order this can move the process forward.

How documents are handled

After your initial evaluation, our team will provide instructions for submitting any additional documents needed. There is no public login or portal — document access is arranged after intake. The evaluation form also accepts optional uploads if you prefer to include them up front. We never ask you to post private documents publicly.

Frequently asked questions

What documents do I need to start an evaluation?

To begin, you only need basic loan terms: the unpaid balance, monthly payment, interest rate, and property address. Original documents are not required on day one. They become necessary for full due diligence and closing once you decide to move forward.

What if I lost the original promissory note?

A missing original note can complicate a sale but does not always stop one. Depending on the state and security instrument, buyers may accept a lost-note affidavit, an indemnification, or a court order. Disclose this during evaluation so we can explain the options for your note.

How do I prove my payment history if I collected payments myself?

Bank deposit records, canceled checks, or a self-maintained payment ledger can establish history. If a third-party servicer collected payments, their statements serve as proof. The stronger and more complete the history, the better the note typically prices.

Do I need to provide the borrower's personal information?

Provide what is necessary for evaluation — the loan terms and property details. Sensitive borrower information is reviewed during due diligence under secure handling. After your initial evaluation, we send a private, secure link for any documents needed; we never ask you to post private documents publicly.

Start With What You Have

You don't need a complete file to begin. Submit your basic loan terms and we'll tell you exactly what's needed next. No upfront fees, no obligation.

Know a note holder?

Share this free note evaluation with someone collecting payments on a property they sold. They submit their own information — no obligation.

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