Subtopic: Key Documents & Legal Steps You Need to Prepare
Selling real estate in Puerto Rico isn’t just about pricing and marketing—it’s a legal transaction that must comply with specific local regulations. Whether you’re on-island or remote, understanding what documentation you’ll need, and how to navigate the legal side of the sale, is crucial for a successful closing.
At Puerto Rico Real Estate, PSC, we guide you through the entire legal process, from the moment you consider listing to the moment your funds clear after closing. This detailed guide outlines the key documents you’ll need, the legal steps involved, and how our team ensures everything is handled efficiently and correctly.
Puerto Rico operates under a civil law system inherited from Spain, which makes the real estate closing process different from that of most states in the U.S. Notaries play a much bigger role here—they’re licensed attorneys, and they are the only professionals legally allowed to execute and record property transfers.
So what does this mean for sellers? It means preparation and documentation are essential. You must provide original or certified documents, clear any debts or liens, and ensure legal accuracy before the notary will finalize your transaction.
Here’s what you’ll need to gather (or allow your agent to coordinate):
The escritura pública is the legal document that proves ownership. It must be the notarized and recorded version from the Registro de la Propiedad (Property Registry).
This certifies that your property taxes are up to date. We help obtain this from the Centro de Recaudación de Ingresos Municipales (CRIM). Any pending balances must be paid before closing.
If the property has a mortgage, you'll need a formal payoff letter from the bank to cancel the lien at closing.
This verifies the property's size and official location in Puerto Rico’s Registry of Property.
Buyers often request evidence that utilities are current. We’ll help confirm no past due balances remain.
Valid identification is needed for both local and remote signers.
If you’re off-island and not attending closing in person, you’ll need to grant power of attorney to a representative. We coordinate this with our trusted attorneys and notaries.
Once you’ve negotiated and accepted an offer, here’s how Puerto Rico Real Estate, PSC guides you through the legal phase:
We audit your documents for accuracy and prepare them for submission to the notary.
We liaise with notaries to draft the new deed (escritura de compraventa) and ensure everything meets legal requirements.
Buyers typically have 10-20 days to conduct inspections, review title, and confirm tax and utility statuses.
We deliver all seller documents to the notary and ensure that both parties have fulfilled contractual obligations.
| Stage | Approximate Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Offer Accepted | Day 0 |
| Due Diligence Begins | Days 1–20 |
| Notary Drafts Deed | Days 15–30 |
| CRIM/Registry Confirmations | Days 20–40 |
| Power of Attorney Setup | Days 25–35 (if applicable) |
| Closing Scheduled | Days 35–60 |
We keep you informed every step of the way.
Even experienced sellers can run into trouble. Common mistakes include:
Not verifying if the deed is properly registered
Having unresolved CRIM debts
Letting utility balances or mortgage payoff delays stall closing
Choosing an inexperienced agent or attorney
At Puerto Rico Real Estate, PSC, we specialize in avoiding delays and navigating the legal maze so you don’t have to.
Here’s what makes us different:
✅ We Handle the Paperwork for You: Our team collects, reviews, and delivers all necessary documents.
✅ We Partner With Expert Notaries: We work with trusted professionals who know how to expedite closing.
✅ We Offer Remote Seller Solutions: No need to fly in—our team manages power of attorney and communication from start to finish.
✅ We Keep You Compliant and Protected: Legal missteps can cost you time and money. We prevent them before they start.
“I inherited a property in Puerto Rico but hadn’t visited in years. Puerto Rico Real Estate, PSC helped gather all the paperwork, coordinated with attorneys, and closed the sale while I stayed in Florida. It was seamless!”
— Carmen R., Orlando, FL
Thinking of selling your Puerto Rico property in 2025? We’ll make sure you’re legally ready and completely supported.
Contact Puerto Rico Real Estate, PSC:
📱 Call/Text: 787.244.6364
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: www.ThePuertoRicoRealEstate.com
#PuertoRicoRealEstate #SellYourHomePR #LegalStepsPR #DocumentsForSelling #ClosingInPR #RemoteSellerHelp #CRIM #PRNotary #VenderCasaPR #HomeSelling2025
Your satisfaction guides our every step. Thanks for choosing PRRE. View all.
"Thank you for your service great teamwork I completely appreciate your time and all your effort thanks again"
You were so much help. Thank you for staying on top of things with me.
The closing was straightforward and completed without incident. The buyers were wonderful. Thank you.
The closing was straightforward and completed without incident. The buyers were wonderful. Thank you
I received your listing in email and just wanted to thank you for the EXCELLENT information. You included not only the correct location, but good, quality video/photos, everything. It's not exactly what I need but: A rare thing to get such a quality listing information, just wanted to say thank you.
Everything went smooth and great at closing, you were such a great help in the process. I will refer you to a friend that needs your help. Thanks alot for all you did for me.
Thanks to all of you, super attention, you explained everything very kindly and the Lcda was also super kind. All excellent more than grateful for everything!!
Everything super good, they treated us very well and everything went well with the closing. Everyone was very nice and the Lcda was very kind to us. Thanks to you and your team who treated us very well and never let us go. I will recommend you and hope to call you soon to find a property.
Closing Done, only took an hour.No problems it went smooth. Thanks again for everything! Having a drink to celebrate.
Very Smooth Transaction. Your Team was very supportive and they helped me alot during the transaction.
