Hard-copies vs. Soft-copies

[Adrian M]

When I started my Real Estate Investing Career, I held onto the hard-copy of every document! After several years, I came to the conclusion that I should not need a hard-copy of every document. So, many of them, I scan into my computer, and discard.

I'd like to reduce the amount of hard-copy filing as much as possible. I'm assuming, I should always file the hard-copies of the Deeds. But, providing I have soft-copies all other documents stored and backed-up, do I need to hang on to any other hard-copies?

In your response, please consider all documents, pertaining to Purchasing, Selling, and Leasing.

Thank you!!

-Adrian

[J Scott]

Technically, you don't even need a hard copy of the deed, as the original should have been filed with the county and what you have is a copy (and you can always get another one from the county).

So, while I don't believe there is anything you *need* to keep hard copies of, there are some thing you may find are worth keeping:

- Copy of Deed

- Copy of HUD-1

- Copy of Title Insurance Policy

I like to keep the original contracts that I have with my contractors as well.