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Closing Real Estate Deals from a Distance With Virtual Technology
Continued advances in technology have made it easy and convenient to find a REALTOR® and search for homes online. Working with a REALTOR® is more important now than ever, as buyers and sellers navigate the "new normal" in the real estate industry.
Now, buyers typically work with an agent to view properties virtually, and then schedule showings with their REALTOR® for properties of great interest. When it comes time to present an offer, Wagner Realty agents can arrange for all documentation to be finalized virtually as well.
Until recently, closing on a property virtually was not common. Of course, the market has changed dramatically. Out of necessity, closings often need to be made without the physical presence of all parties involved. Virtual closings are one of the ways Wagner Realty agents are adhering to social distancing guidelines, while ensuring the safety of our clients.
Just a few short months ago, homebuyers would usually sit at a closing table to complete the transaction. Now, digital "e-closing" technology allows all parties involved to participate in a remote process to finalize the transaction.
On January 1, 2020, Florida became the 11th state to adopt Remote Online Notarization, which paved the way for virtual "e-closings." Until then, title companies were restricted to traditional in-person closings where witnesses had to be in the same room and signers had to perform "wet ink signatures."
E-closings offer numerous advantages to traditional closings. They can provide convenience, better security, accuracy, validation quality, speed in document delivery, and funding times. They're also eco-friendly since documents are generated and stored electronically. E-closing platforms also apply a "tamper-evident seal," which exposes any attempt to alter the documents.
Now, there are four different closing scenarios:
- The traditional closing: all paper documents are signed in "wet ink" with a notary present and traditional ID verification.
- The Hybrid eClosing: procedural documents and disclosures are electronically signed; with a "wet ink" signature on the deed/mortgage and promissory note, a notary present and traditional ID verification.
- The InPerson eClosing: all documents are electronically signed on a laptop or tablet, with a notary present and traditional ID verification.
- Remote Notary Closing: all documents are electronically signed on a laptop or tablet; notary on webcam, new means of ID verification. It's important to note that not all lenders are accepting remote notary signings.
"My buyers fell in love with a new villa and utilized e-sign technology to sign the contract. They didn't need to leave the safety of their home to complete the transaction, which made them very happy!" - Nancy Allen, Wagner Realty SR 64 Branch Manager
"I recently assisted buyers who closed on their condo virtually, signing from the convenience of their workplaces. It could not have gone smoother!" – Mary Collandra, Wagner Realty El Conquistador Branch Manager
Virtual technology has also made it easier for foreign investors to close on real estate transactions from a distance. Closing deals remotely accommodates investors from around the world.
"We go out of our way to accommodate our clients so that they can enjoy a smooth closing experience," says Mary Ann Hostetler, Manager of WR Title Company, an affiliate of Wagner Realty, adding "we pride ourselves in going above and beyond to adapt to the changing mortgage environment."
Buyers should prepare for an e-closing with the same precautions as an in-person signing, meticulously following instructions for wire transfers. If you are looking to buy or sell a home, commercial property, or a business and you have questions, our REALTORS® are happy to help. We would love to assist you guiding you through the process of e-Closings and any other real estate questions you may have. Contact us today!