What Documents Should I Keep After Buying a House in California?
Buying a house is one of the biggest milestones in life, but it’s not just about getting the keys and moving in. As someone who’s been in the California real estate game for over 20 years, I’ve seen how important it is to stay organized after closing. Trust me, keeping the right documents can save you from headaches down the road—whether you’re refinancing, selling, or just proving ownership.
So let’s break it down: what should you keep after buying a house in California? Here’s my personal list, based on years of experience helping clients navigate this process.
1. The Deed (Proof of Ownership)
The deed is the holy grail of your home-buying paperwork. It’s the legal document that proves you own the property . Without it, you don’t have much to show for your investment. Between you and me, I always tell my clients to store their deed somewhere safe—preferably both physically (like a fireproof safe) and digitally.
If you ever misplace your deed, don’t panic. You can usually get a copy from the County Recorder’s Office where your property is located. But honestly, it’s better to avoid the hassle altogether by keeping the original.
2. Real Estate Purchase Agreement
This is the contract that outlines all the terms and conditions of your home purchase. It’s a legally binding document signed by both you and the seller, so it’s crucial to hold onto it . If any disputes arise later—say, over repairs or contingencies—you’ll want this agreement handy.
For example, I once worked with a client in Altadena who had issues with the seller failing to complete agreed-upon repairs. Because she kept her purchase agreement, we were able to resolve the issue quickly without going to court.
3. Closing Statement (HUD-1 or Settlement Statement)
The closing statement provides a detailed breakdown of all the financial transactions involved in your home purchase. This includes your down payment, loan amount, taxes, fees, and other costs .
Why does this matter? Well, if you ever need to prove what you paid for the house (for tax purposes or when selling), the closing statement is your go-to document. Plus, it’s helpful for tracking things like escrow refunds or prepaid interest.
4. Seller Disclosures
In California, sellers are required by law to disclose any known issues with the property before the sale. These disclosures might include details about structural problems, pest infestations, or even neighborhood nuisances .
I personally think these are some of the most underrated documents because they provide critical information about your home’s condition. If something comes up later—like water damage or foundation cracks—you’ll want these disclosures to determine whether the seller was upfront about potential issues.
5. Home Inspection Report
Even if everything looked perfect during your walkthrough, hang onto the home inspection report. This document highlights any defects or concerns identified during the inspection process. While many buyers focus on negotiating repairs before closing, the report can also serve as evidence if unexpected problems arise later .
For instance, I recently helped a client in Pasadena who discovered plumbing issues months after moving in. Thanks to the inspection report, we were able to confirm that the problem existed prior to the sale, giving her leverage to address it.
6. Loan Documents
Your mortgage paperwork—including the promissory note and trust deed—is essential for managing your loan. These documents outline the terms of your loan, including the interest rate, repayment schedule, and penalties for late payments .
While your lender will likely keep copies, having your own set ensures you’re prepared for refinancing, modifications, or audits. Elena still teases me about how long it took us to find our old loan docs when we refinanced back in 2018!
7. Appraisal Report
The appraisal report determines the fair market value of your home at the time of purchase. Lenders use this to decide how much money they’re willing to lend, but it’s also useful for you as the homeowner. For example, if you plan to sell or refinance in the future, the appraisal gives you a baseline for your home’s value .
Plus, if you believe your home was undervalued during the appraisal process, having the report allows you to challenge it.
8. Title Insurance Policy
Title insurance protects you against claims or disputes over the ownership of your property. Your policy will cover things like liens, encumbrances, or errors in the title history. Keep this document safe, as it may be needed if someone challenges your ownership rights .
It’s rare, but I’ve seen cases where title issues popped up years after closing. Having your insurance policy makes resolving these disputes much easier.
Report
Final Thoughts From David Martinez
Between you and me, staying organized is key to protecting your investment. A good rule of thumb is to create two folders: one physical and one digital. Store originals in a secure location, and scan copies into cloud storage for easy access. That way, no matter what happens, you’ll always have backup.
And remember, while it might seem tedious now, keeping these documents will pay off big time in the long run. After all, owning a home in California is not just about enjoying sunny days—it’s about safeguarding your slice of paradise. So take the time to organize your files, and rest easy knowing you’re prepared for whatever comes next.
If you ever have questions about which documents to keep—or anything else related to real estate—feel free to reach out. With over two decades in this market, I’m here to help!
