• Real estate closings can be document-heavy transactions.Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images
  
  The number of documents required in a Tennessee real estate closing can vary widely. A cash transaction for a parcel of undeveloped land can be closed in a few minutes with a handful of documents, whereas the purchase of commercial land can require hours of paperwork. Most closings fall somewhere in between, but the number and types of documents necessary will depend on the circumstances of your individual transaction.
  
  

Seller's Documents

• In a real estate transaction, the seller (or her attorney or closing agent) is responsible for preparing the deed, which the seller will sign to grant the property to the buyer, as well as a separate bill of sale that transfers ownership of any personal property (appliances, for example) that is being sold with the real estate. The seller is also responsible for providing payoff information for any existing deeds of trust, a termite letter and a septic letter, if applicable. Finally, if the property being sold is residential, the seller must provide the purchaser with a residential property disclosure and a lead-based paint disclosure. The seller must also bring to the closing valid identification, such as a state-issued driver's license or passport, and a cashier's check if there will be any funds owing after the transaction.
  
  

Buyer's Documents

• The buyer (or his attorney or closing agent) is responsible for fewer documents than the seller; however, if the buyer is borrowing money for the purchase, he will be responsible for completing considerably more paperwork. The buyer's team typically prepares the closing settlement statement, a title opinion letter and, if title insurance is required, a title insurance commitment. The buyer must also bring valid photo identification and certified funds sufficient to complete the transaction. If a lender is involved, the buyer may also be required to produce additional documents, such as proof of income, proof of insurance and copies of tax returns.
  
  

Other Documents

• Because each real estate transaction is unique, the documents required differ from closing to closing. If a lender is involved, a promissory note, a Truth-in-Lending Disclosure and a deed of trust will all need to be signed by the buyer along with any other documents the lender requires. A seller who lives in a home with an association will need to provide information on homeowner's association dues. Usually, buyers and sellers both will sign affidavits swearing that there are no other potential owners or creditors entitled to the property; these are typically prepared by the parties' respective representatives. A commercial transaction may require such documents as rent rolls, an environmental report and an assignment of rents and leases.