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<\/a>The closing process pre-coronavirus outbreak<\/h2>\n
Before COVID-19, sellers would usually show up to the closing table with a checkbook in case of incidentals, a couple forms of identification, and their favorite pen<\/a> to sign these main documents:<\/p>\n It\u2019s not always necessary for the seller to show up to close alongside the buyers. In the event that the listing agent can prepare to have the sellers sign the deed and transfer documents ahead of time, some sellers are able to skip the meeting altogether. This flexibility is proving valuable during COVID-19, while new closing methods emerge to minimize contact even further.<\/p>\n Top-selling Greensboro, North Carolina real estate agent Kriston Gallop<\/a> says agents are using a variety of different closing methods that allow for social distancing and protect client safety while also ensuring a timely closing. Here are a few options cropping up across the country:<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re doing \u2018mail-aways\u2019 for a lot of our sellers,\u201d Gallop says. The way this works is that the agent mails most of the closing documents to the client, the client then arranges for any notarizations (either with an online or traveling notary \u2014 more on that below), and then the client can overnight the documents back to the agent or leave them in a secure dropbox outside the agent\u2019s office.<\/p>\n If sellers come in to drop off the signed documents or execute the contracts in person, Gallop urges them to wear gloves and masks, bring their own pens, and plan their visit ahead of time. Most real estate offices are closed to the public, she explains. Sellers can\u2019t just drop in. They\u2019ll have to schedule appointments ahead of time to reduce the number of visitors in the office at a single time.<\/p>\n If you prefer a more digital approach, you should ask your agent if they provide an electronic signature option. \u201cWe were already a pretty digital office and used online signatures prior to COVID-19,\u201d says Rapid City, South Dakota agent Shauna Sheets<\/a>. In some cases and in certain locations, nearly every step of the seller\u2019s closing responsibilities can be done digitally.<\/p>\n The biggest snag that may require at least a portion of closing to be done in person is the notarization process. Notarization<\/a> prevents fraud and formally certifies a document\u2019s authenticity. Sellers may be asked to sign the affidavit of title and other documentation in the presence of witnesses and a notary.<\/p>\n In the case of traditional in-person closings, sellers can expect a notary public to be present<\/a>, depending on where the closing takes place. The real estate attorney might provide a notary or a notary signing agent may be present. In the time of COVID-19, this presents another opportunity to turn to contactless alternatives.<\/p>\n Some states have permanent remote online notarization (RON) laws that allow for virtual notarizations, while many have enacted emergency RON laws<\/a> in response to COVID-19. But RON rules can be highly specific and detailed, with different states having varying requirements.<\/p>\n For example, some states may allow sellers to meet with a notary over webcam while still requiring the use of physical paperwork that is later faxed or emailed. Other RON rules go so far as to allow for e-signature. However, not every RON order permits online notarization for real estate transactions.<\/p>\n The National Notary Association (NNA) is tracking frequent changes to RON legislation across states \u2014 and you can see where your state currently stands by viewing NNA\u2019s map<\/a>. Sellers should also consult with their agents to see if RON is an option in their market.<\/p>\n While the RON process will vary state by state and software by software, sellers can expect to see some or all of the following<\/a> protocols come up during the remote notarization process:<\/p>\n RON policies are in flux right now in response to COVID-19. Sellers who have the option to use RON should consult with their agents before setting up a meeting with their notary to confirm they have the right tools and technology to make it work.<\/p>\n If RON isn\u2019t allowed in your state, don\u2019t be discouraged. While that will mean you\u2019ll need to meet a notary in person, it doesn\u2019t necessarily mean you\u2019ll have contact with them. Notary services are adapting to meet the needs of their customers, while keeping both parties safe.<\/p>\n In Greensboro, Gallop\u2019s seen her clients take a variety of routes to avoid contact. Some are hiring a traveling notary to come to their homes, sign the documents outside with gloves and 6 feet of space, then overnighting the completed documents back to their agents.<\/p>\n \u201cSome of the other sellers that have closed have opted to go to the attorney\u2019s office for a one-on-one appointment in a clean space and let the attorney notarize it there, prior to closing. They\u2019re around fewer people in that case,\u201d Gallop says.<\/p>\n The process varies by seller and their comfort level, says Sheets. A recent client was selling his property, but the retirement community he lives in is on lockdown \u2014\u00a0 residents are not allowed out, and visitors are not allowed in. Sheets helped the client connect with a notary who worked onsite at the community, and set up a formal signing. While the process took some legwork, it didn\u2019t delay the closing.<\/p>\n\n
Find a closing method that works for you<\/h2>\n
Mail in your documents<\/h4>\n
Schedule a 1:1 signing appointment<\/h4>\n
Talk to your agent about e-signing options<\/h4>\n
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<\/a>See if you have remote online notarization in your state<\/h2>\n
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\nYou\u2019ll need to set up an appointment with an online notary and be able to access a webcam for the meeting. In lieu of a physical signing, the seller and notary will use real time audio-visual communications to notarize the documents. A recording of the meeting may be saved for an extended period of time for notary records.<\/li>\n
\nSome RON processes might require you to use an end-to-end technology system (like DocVerify<\/a>, Notarize<\/a>, or NotaryCam<\/a>). In that case you\u2019d need to download software or set up an account to attend the remote notarization.<\/li>\n
\nThe notary will need to verify that you are who you say you are. Expect to answer a series of questions and provide proof of identity whether that\u2019s through details of your personal or credit history or uploading different forms of ID.<\/li>\n
\nSellers may have the option to sign documents electronically or they could be asked to physically sign and then scan, fax, or email the paperwork securely.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/seller-coronavirus-real-estate-closing-car-666x381.png\")
<\/a>Contactless notary solutions where RON isn\u2019t an option<\/h2>\n
Find a traveling notary for a curbside signing<\/h4>\n
Schedule a 1:1 notary appointment<\/h4>\n
Connect with an onsite notary<\/h4>\n
Do a drive-up or drive-thru meeting<\/h4>\n