What to Document Before Listing Your Home

Most sellers think documentation means disclosure forms. That's the legal minimum. What buyers actually value — and what agents use to justify price — is a maintenance history that shows the home has been cared for.

1. Structural systems

• Foundation — any cracks repaired, waterproofing done, or engineer inspections
• Roof — installation date, contractor, permit number, shingle type, any repairs
• Exterior walls/siding — painting dates, rot or damage repairs, re-caulking
• Windows and doors — any replacements or seal failures addressed

2. Mechanical systems

• HVAC — installation date, annual service records, filter log, warranty status
• Water heater — installation date, any flushing or anode rod replacements
• Plumbing — leak repairs, drain work, water damage remediation
• Electrical panel — age, amperage, upgrades, GFCI/AFCI updates, permits

3. Appliances (if included in the sale)

• Brand, model, and serial number for each included appliance
• Installation or purchase date
• Warranty expiry and whether it's transferable
• Any service records

4. Permits and inspections

Any work that required a permit should be documented with the permit number. Many buyers' attorneys check permit history. Permits pulled and closed out are a positive signal. Work done without permits is something to address proactively with your agent.

5. Pest and environmental

• Any past termite treatment with dates and contractor
• Radon testing results if done
• Any mold remediation with contractor and dates

How to present this at sale

The best format is a clean PDF organized by category — not a shoebox of invoices. Mendlog generates this automatically from the records you log over time. The sooner you start, the more complete the record is when you need it.

Documenting what you have is one half of the pre-listing question. The other half is what, if anything, to fix first. For what the 2026 remodeling data says actually returns money at resale, see Which Home Improvements Actually Add Resale Value?.

Two specific findings derail more sales than any other: mold found during a home inspection and unpermitted work.