When you’re getting ready to sell, fresh paint and curb appeal matter—but paperwork can make a huge difference too. Buyers want confidence that the home has been cared for, and they’ll often ask for proof of repairs, upgrades, and ongoing maintenance. Clear documentation can also help your listing stand out, reduce negotiation headaches, and keep closing on track.

If you’re wondering what to collect before putting your home on the market, this guide covers the most important home repair records sellers should gather—plus why each one matters.

Why maintenance records matter when selling a home

Think of repair documentation as your home’s “resume.” It shows buyers:

• What was improved

• When it was done

• Who did the work

• Whether it was completed properly and legally

This is especially important for upgrades that could raise questions during inspection—like electrical work, roof replacement, HVAC service, plumbing repairs, or additions.

Before listing, it’s also smart to:

• Check with your city/county for any open permits or unresolved issues

• Review HOA guidelines (if applicable), especially for exterior changes

• Prepare for your seller disclosure, which generally requires you to share what you know about the property’s condition and history

Essential repair records to gather before listing your home

1) Itemized invoices for repairs and improvements

Save invoices that clearly break down the work performed. The best ones include:

• Labor and materials

• Service dates

• Model numbers or part details (when relevant)

• Extra charges (disposal fees, rentals, etc.)

These are especially useful for big-ticket items like:

• Roof repairs or replacement

• Plumbing work

• Electrical updates

• Foundation or structural work

• Kitchen/bath remodels

• HVAC service or replacement

Pro tip: Buyers often ask about the age and service history of major systems (like HVAC). If you have annual maintenance records, that can be a major reassurance.

If you have solar panels: Keep the paperwork that explains whether they’re owned or leased, plus any installation and service documents buyers may want to review.

2) Final inspection sign-offs or completion documents

For projects that required permits or inspections, gather any paperwork showing the work was approved or completed to local standards. Depending on your area, this may be a final inspection record, a signed approval, or a completion certificate.

This helps buyers feel confident that improvements weren’t “DIY mystery projects,” and it can prevent delays if the title company or buyer’s lender asks questions.

Common examples:

• Electrical panel upgrades

• Major plumbing changes

• Additions or conversions

• Decks, patios, fences, or other structural exterior work

3) Before-and-after photos (yes, they count)

Photos aren’t just for Instagram—they’re real proof.

Before-and-after images can:

• Show what was repaired (and how extensive it was)

• Help support quality of workmanship

• Provide clarity if a buyer questions something during inspection

• Create an easy timeline for warranties and future resale

If you remodeled a bathroom, replaced flooring, repaired water damage, or updated landscaping, photos can help tell the story quickly.

4) Permits and approvals for major projects

If a project required a permit, keep copies of:

• The permit itself

• The inspection results (or final approval)

• Any related plans or official approvals

Buyers and inspectors often ask for these, especially for:

• Added bathrooms or bedrooms

• Finished basements or attic conversions

• Decks, additions, and structural changes

• Electrical and mechanical work

Missing permits can raise concerns—or lead to requests for additional inspections or credits—so having everything organized upfront is a big win.

5) Proof of payment and contractor receipts

Receipts are different from invoices: receipts show what was actually paid, and when.

Ideally, contractor payment records include:

• Amount paid and date

• Contractor/company name

• Description of work completed

These documents help with:

• Transparency during negotiations

• Warranty claims

• Resolving any contractor disputes

• Tracking improvements for tax and budgeting purposes

6) Disclose repairs even if you don’t have paperwork

This part is important: honesty matters more than perfect records.

If you don’t have documentation for a repair or upgrade, it doesn’t mean you should leave it out. Instead, provide the best details you can:

• Approximate date or year

• What was done

• Who performed the work (if you remember)

• Estimated cost (if known)

• Any warranty info you still have

And if you’re missing proof, look for alternative backups:

• Service stickers on HVAC units

• Emails or texts with contractors

• Bank/credit card transaction history

• Calling the contractor or service company—many can re-send invoices or service records

Seller checklist: Home documents to organize before listing

Here’s a quick list you can save:

• Repair and renovation invoices

• HVAC, plumbing, electrical service records

• Roof paperwork and warranties

• Solar panel agreements (owned vs leased)

• Permit copies + final approvals

• Contractor receipts / proof of payment

• Before-and-after photos for major work

• HOA approvals (if required)

• Any transferable warranties (appliances, roof, systems)

Final thought: Organized records can help you sell faster (and with fewer surprises)

When buyers feel confident, they’re more likely to make stronger offers—and less likely to negotiate aggressively after the inspection. Getting your repair records together before listing can help your agent market the home better, support your asking price, and reduce last-minute scrambling before closing.