1. Why Documentation Matters More in Puerto Rico

In Puerto Rico, selling real estate is not just a financial transaction — it is a formal legal act.

Because:

• Closings are conducted before an attorney-notary

• Sales must be recorded in the Registry of Property

• Tax authorities require compliance

• Banks and buyers scrutinize documentation closely

Proper documentation is essential to protect both buyer and seller.

Many sales fail not because of price or interest — but because sellers are not document-ready.

2. The Escritura (Deed): The Foundation of the Sale

The escritura is the most important document in any Puerto Rico real estate transaction.

It:

• Establishes legal ownership

• Contains the property description

• Reflects prior transfers

• Is required to prove the right to sell

If the escritura:

• Is missing

• Is incorrect

• Was never registered properly

the sale cannot proceed until the issue is resolved.

This is one of the first documents we review when working with sellers.

3. Registry of Property Certification

Puerto Rico has a centralized Registry of Property that records ownership and encumbrances.

Before selling, the property must:

• Be properly registered

• Reflect the correct owner(s)

• Show accurate property boundaries

• Disclose liens or mortgages

Common registry issues include:

• Unregistered inheritances

• Old mortgages still appearing

• Name discrepancies

• Incorrect property measurements

These issues can take time to fix — which is why early review is critical.

4. CRIM Property Tax Certification

The CRIM (Centro de Recaudación de Ingresos Municipales) certification confirms that:

• Property taxes are paid

• The property is in good standing

• No outstanding municipal balances exist

This certification is mandatory for closing.

CRIM issues are one of the most frequent causes of closing delays, often due to:

• Outdated ownership records

• Incorrect property classification

• Unpaid balances

At Puerto Rico Real Estate, PSC, we guide sellers step-by-step through the CRIM process to avoid surprises.

5. Survey (Mensura) and Property Description

A property survey is often required to:

• Confirm boundaries

• Validate lot size

• Resolve discrepancies

• Satisfy lender requirements

Surveys are especially important for:

• Land sales

• Rural properties

• Inherited properties

• Older homes with outdated records

When surveys don’t match registry records, corrections may be required before closing.

6. Mortgage Payoff Letters (If Applicable)

If the property has an existing mortgage, the seller must provide:

• A payoff letter

• Confirmation of remaining balance

• Instructions for cancellation

The mortgage must be properly canceled after closing and reflected in the Registry of Property.

Failure to handle this correctly can create future title issues.

7. HOA or Condominium Certifications

If the property is part of a condominium or homeowners association, sellers must provide:

• HOA dues certification

• Confirmation of no outstanding balances

• Association approval (if required)

These documents protect buyers from inheriting unpaid obligations.

8. Utility Certifications and Service Information

Buyers and notaries often require:

• Water and electricity account status

• Confirmation of no outstanding balances

• Meter information

These details help ensure a clean transition after closing.

9. Identification and Seller Information

Sellers must provide:

• Valid government-issued ID

• Marital status information

• Power of attorney (if applicable)

Marital status matters in Puerto Rico, as spousal consent may be required depending on ownership structure.

10. Power of Attorney for Off-Island Sellers

Many sellers live outside Puerto Rico. In these cases, a power of attorney may be required to:

• Sign documents

• Coordinate closing

• Represent the seller locally

Power of attorney documents must meet specific legal requirements to be accepted in Puerto Rico.

11. Inherited Properties: Additional Documentation

Inherited properties require extra documentation, such as:

• Declaration of heirs

• Proof of inheritance

• Registry updates

• Multiple owner consent

These transactions are common — and complex — in Puerto Rico, making experienced guidance essential.

12. Permits and Compliance (When Applicable)

Depending on the property, additional documents may be required:

• Construction permits

• Usage permits

• Zoning confirmations

• Environmental clearances

Failure to disclose or address permit issues can delay or derail a sale.

13. Why Waiting Until You Have an Offer Is a Mistake

Many sellers wait until they receive an offer to gather documents — this is one of the biggest mistakes.

By the time an offer is accepted:

• Buyers expect quick progress

• Lenders impose deadlines

• Delays reduce confidence

• Deals fall apart

Preparing documents before listing puts sellers in control.

14. How Puerto Rico Real Estate, PSC Simplifies the Process

We don’t just list properties — we manage the entire preparation process.

We help sellers:

• Identify required documents early

• Coordinate with CRIM and Registry

• Communicate with attorneys and notaries

• Avoid common paperwork errors

• Stay ahead of deadlines

Our proactive approach saves time, stress, and money.

15. Why Documentation Impacts Value and Negotiation

Buyers pay attention to documentation.

A property that is:

• Legally clean

• Fully documented

• Ready to close

often:

• Sells faster

• Commands stronger offers

• Faces fewer concessions

• Experiences smoother closings

Prepared sellers negotiate from strength.

16. Common Documentation Mistakes We Help Avoid

• Missing escritura

• CRIM balances

• Registry discrepancies

• Incomplete inheritance filings

• Incorrect surveys

• Expired certifications

Avoiding these mistakes can save months.

17. Final Thoughts: Documents Sell Homes

In Puerto Rico, documentation is not paperwork — it is power.

The better prepared you are, the smoother and faster your sale will be.

If you’re considering selling, let Puerto Rico Real Estate, PSC help you prepare, position, and close your property with confidence.

Company Contact Information

Puerto Rico Real Estate, PSC
📞 787.244.6364
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.ThePuertoRicoRealEstate.com

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