Introduction: Why Documentation Matters When Selling in Puerto Rico

Selling real estate in Puerto Rico involves more than accepting an offer and handing over the keys. Behind every successful transaction is a series of legal documents that confirm ownership, tax compliance, boundary lines, and more. If even one item is missing or incorrect, it can delay—or derail—the sale.

At Puerto Rico Real Estate, PSC, we guide sellers through every step of the process, ensuring all required documents are gathered, accurate, and presented on time. Whether you’re on-island or selling remotely, our team handles the details so you don’t have to.

Essential Documents to Sell Your House in Puerto Rico

1. ✅ Escritura (Deed of Property Ownership)

This is the official, notarized document that shows you're the legal owner of the property. It should reflect:

• Your full legal name

• The correct lot number, location, and boundaries

• The notary and protocol number

Tip: If the deed was never updated after an inheritance or divorce, you’ll need to resolve that before selling.

2. ✅ Registro de la Propiedad (Property Registry Certification)

This verifies that the property is registered under your name in the Registro de la Propiedad and shows if there are:

• Liens or mortgages

• Embargos or legal disputes

• Ownership conflicts

Puerto Rico Real Estate, PSC helps you verify and obtain this document through a local notary or title attorney.

3. ✅ CRIM Certification (Certificación de Deuda o Pago al Día)

Issued by the Centro de Recaudación de Ingresos Municipales, this certificate confirms that your property tax obligations are up to date.

• Certificación de deuda (if you owe)

• Certificación de no deuda (if you’re current)

Failure to present this delays notarization and may block the sale.

4. ✅ Plano de Mensura (Property Survey Map)

This is a professional map of your property boundaries prepared by a licensed surveyor.

• Required if the buyer is financing

• Needed for new title insurance or boundary clarifications

• Must be registered and include GPS coordinates

If your survey is older than 10 years or never registered, we’ll help you coordinate a new one.

5. ✅ HOA Clearance Letter (if applicable)

If your home is in a condominium or urbanization with an HOA, you need a letter from the association that states:

• All monthly fees are paid

• There are no pending fines or legal claims

• You are in good standing

This is often called the Certificado de No Deuda from the HOA.

6. ✅ Seller Disclosures (Informe del Vendedor)

Puerto Rico law doesn’t require the same level of disclosure as in some U.S. states, but ethically and professionally, it's smart to disclose:

• Known material defects

• Past repairs

• Mold, plumbing, electrical issues

• Termite history

• Flooding or hurricane-related damage

At Puerto Rico Real Estate, PSC, we provide a disclosure template that protects you and increases buyer trust.

7. ✅ Utility and Municipal Filings

You may also need:

• Recent utility bills (to show services are active)

• Patente Municipal (if the property was used for business or short-term rentals)

• Permiso de Uso or construction permits (if recent modifications were made)

We’ll help you determine what applies based on the type of property and location.

Why These Documents Matter

Sellers often underestimate how important documentation is. The consequences of missing paperwork include:

• Buyer’s lender refusing to fund the mortgage

• Title companies denying insurance

• Cancellations at the closing table

• Legal liability after the sale

By being prepared, you increase buyer confidence, shorten closing timelines, and reduce your stress.

Real Seller Testimonial

"I had no idea I needed all these documents—CRIM, registry, the survey—it was overwhelming. Puerto Rico Real Estate, PSC made it so easy. They walked me through every step and even coordinated with the notary. I couldn’t have done it without them."
— Javier R., Arecibo

FAQs from Sellers

Q: I inherited the home but never transferred the title. Can I still sell it?
A: Not yet. You’ll need to complete a “declaratoria de herederos” and register it. We can help coordinate the legal steps to do this.

Q: What if I can’t find the original deed?
A: A copy can be retrieved from the notary’s protocol or the Property Registry. Our legal contacts can assist with this process.

Q: Do I need to be in Puerto Rico to provide all these documents?
A: No. We work with sellers abroad and manage everything remotely—including certified copies, CRIM filings, and notary appointments.

Why Use Puerto Rico Real Estate, PSC?

Here’s why sellers across the island trust us:

• ✅ We coordinate all document collection

• ✅ We work directly with notaries, surveyors, and attorneys

• ✅ We handle CRIM, registry, and HOA communication

• ✅ We ensure everything is ready before the buyer’s due diligence begins

• ✅ We simplify the process for off-island sellers

Selling a property in Puerto Rico requires more than a “For Sale” sign—it takes strategy, local knowledge, and legal accuracy. That’s what we deliver.

Contact Puerto Rico Real Estate, PSC

📞 787.244.6364
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.ThePuertoRicoRealEstate.com

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