Kansas real estate: buy or sell with a local AXEN agent
Kansas has no transfer tax and no mortgage tax, does not force sellers to fill out a disclosure form, and keeps sale prices off the public record. Here is what is the same everywhere in Kansas, and where to search homes.
Kansas: search homes by city
Tap a city to see the newest homes for sale there.
What every Kansas buyer and seller should know
No law makes the seller fill out a disclosure form
Kansas has no statute requiring a seller disclosure form. Most sellers still fill out one, because it is part of the standard contract forms and because hiding a known defect can still make a seller liable in court. Ask for it, read it, and inspect anyway.
Agents must tell you what they know
A Kansas real estate agent must tell you every serious problem they actually know about, including the home's physical condition, defects in the property or the title, and environmental hazards the law requires to be disclosed (K.S.A. 58-30,106). This is true even if the agent works for the seller.
The seller's agent does not inspect for you
The seller's agent does not have to inspect the home for you or double-check what the seller says (K.S.A. 58-30,106). That is what your own home inspection is for.
You get a brochure on who the agent works for
Kansas agents must give you the Real Estate Brokerage Relationships brochure early on, and your purchase contract must show you received it and which agent works for whom (K.S.A. 58-30,110).
There is no transfer tax
Kansas does not charge a state transfer tax on home sales. You pay county recording fees instead.
The mortgage tax is gone
Kansas used to charge a tax to record a mortgage. It was phased out and fully repealed as of January 1, 2019, so buyers with a loan no longer pay it.
Sale prices stay private
Every deed must come with a sales validation questionnaire showing the price, or the county will not record it. The questionnaire is not put on the public record, and the county destroys it after 5 years (K.S.A. 79-1437c). That is why Kansas sale prices are hard to look up.
Tax relief is for seniors and lower incomes
Kansas property tax refunds, such as the Homestead Refund, are aimed at seniors, people with disabilities and lower-income homeowners. They are not open to everyone. Check the Kansas Department of Revenue for current rules.
Closing costs in Kansas: who pays what
Who pays what in Kansas. There is no transfer tax and no mortgage tax, so most costs follow your contract and local custom, and all can be negotiated.
| Buyer pays | How it works |
|---|---|
| Lender's title policy | Required with a loan. Usually paid by the buyer. |
| Recording fees | County fees to record the deed and mortgage. |
| Loan costs | Origination, appraisal and credit report, if you have a loan. |
| Home inspection | A flat fee, paid during your inspection period. |
| Closing fee | Often split between buyer and seller. |
| Prepaid taxes and insurance | Your first year of homeowners insurance and any tax escrow. |
| HOA transfer fee | Only if the association charges one. |
| Tax adjustments | Your share of property taxes from the closing date. |
| Seller pays | How it works |
|---|---|
| Owner's title policy | Commonly paid by the seller. Set in the contract. |
| Mortgage payoff | Your lender's payoff plus the fee to release the mortgage. |
| Closing fee | Often split between buyer and seller. |
| Listing agent's commission | Set in your listing agreement. Always negotiable. |
| Deed preparation | The fee to draft the deed. |
| Special assessments | Unpaid ones are often paid off at closing. Set in the contract. |
| Tax adjustments | Your share of property taxes for the time you owned the home. |
| Repairs or credits you agree to | Only what you agree to in the contract. |
Kansas has no transfer tax, and the mortgage registration tax was repealed in 2019. Recording fees are set by state law and collected by the county register of deeds.
How a Kansas home purchase runs
The order most Kansas purchases follow. Your contract sets the exact deadlines, so keep a calendar.
Get pre-approved →-
Get pre-approved. Know your budget and payment before you tour.
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Read the brokerage brochure. Know who your agent works for.
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Ask for the seller's disclosure. It is not required by law, but most sellers provide one.
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Make an offer. Include inspection, financing and appraisal contingencies.
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Inspect. Book it right away and ask for repairs by your deadline.
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Title work. The title company checks ownership and liens.
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Loan approval. The lender finishes the appraisal and underwriting.
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Final walk-through. Check the home is in the condition you agreed to.
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Close. Sign, file the sales questionnaire with the deed, and get the keys.
Kansas by region
Kansas markets run from the Kansas City suburbs to Wichita and the college towns. Tap a city to see the newest homes for sale there.
Kansas City Suburbs
Johnson County and Wyandotte County, on the Missouri line.
Central and Western Kansas
College and farm towns across the state.
AXEN Realty in Kansas
Every AXEN agent in Kansas works under a licensed managing broker: Alejandra Silva (AXEN Realty, LLC, firm license CO00003883). See every state on the state brokers page.
Buying? Start with the home buying guide and get pre-approved.
Selling? Read the home selling guide and get your home value.
Moving here? Read buying in a new state.
Kansas real estate questions
Does a Kansas seller have to give me a disclosure form?
No law requires it, but most sellers fill one out because it is part of the standard forms. A seller who hides a known defect can still be liable. Ask for it and get your own inspection.
Does Kansas have a transfer tax?
No. Kansas has no state transfer tax. You pay county recording fees.
Is there a mortgage tax in Kansas?
Not anymore. The mortgage registration tax was fully repealed as of January 1, 2019.
Why can't I find sale prices in Kansas?
Kansas keeps them private. The price goes on a sales validation questionnaire that is not part of the public record. Agents can see past sales through the MLS.
What does my agent have to tell me?
Every serious problem they actually know about, including the home's condition, defects in the property or title, and required environmental disclosures. They do not have to inspect the home for you.
Who pays for title insurance?
It depends on local custom and your contract. Many Kansas sellers pay for the owner's policy and buyers pay for the lender's policy. Settle it in your offer.
Is a home inspection required?
No law requires one, but with no required disclosure form it is your best protection. Write an inspection contingency into your offer.
What is the brokerage relationships brochure?
A short state brochure explaining seller's agents, buyer's agents and transaction brokers. Your agent must give it to you early, and your contract confirms you got it.