Gone are the days of lengthy closings in small offices with buyers and sellers facing off across the table at what should be a joyous occasion. Just before the start of the pandemic, remote notarizations became legal in Florida. As of Jan. 1, 2020, buyers and sellers can close on a home without physically attending the closing of the home they are purchasing in Indian River County.

While the pandemic has increased the interest and needs to execute home closings remotely, it isn’t an entirely new concept. Previously, documents requiring original signatures were mailed or sent overnight, with each party having their signatures notarized independently. A format often utilized by military personnel and workers relocating.

Remote online notarization was the missing link in a fully remote home closing. Now, a remote notary can witnesses your signature via webcam or come to your home and then forward the documents to the closing agent.

With technology improvements over the years, closings can now take place wholly or partially online in states that allow remote online notarization of documents, including transfer deeds, deeds of trust or mortgage, the lender’s promissory note, closing, and escrow disclosures.

While remote closings are commonplace now as a convenience for health, safety, and efficiency, you will still have access to the closing personnel, so don’t hesitate to ask questions. The convenience of receiving the documents ahead of the closing gives you more time to review the paperwork to ensure everything is accurate.

It is crucial that you enlist a real estate agent based in Vero Beach who has your interests in mind, especially if you close on the home without ever stepping foot inside. You can also rely on your agent to recommend reliable inspectors and closing agents. Today, a common practice is for the real estate agent to do a virtual walkthrough with you just before the closing.

Do not respond to emails from your settlement agent or complete transactions without confirming over the phone. Call your Vero Beach-based settlement agency directly to mitigate the opportunity for fraudulent activity. It is recommended that you look the phone number and contact information up independently because if you are a fraud target, the phone number in the email will be re-routed.

In the past few years, changes in regulations have relaxed loan closings enabling buyers and sellers to execute documents remotely. It is important to note that not all states allow the signing of closing documents electronically, so be sure to check with your closing agent.

Licensed Florida attorneys founded Fleet Title to bring high-quality, fast, and efficient title services to the residential and commercial real estate markets throughout the State of Florida. Our attorneys have closed real estate transactions for over 25 years. At Fleet Title, you will benefit from our experienced attorneys at the cost of a title agent. To learn more about the services offered in Vero Beach, visit fleettitle.com, call (772) 224-3338, or email them at info@fleettitle.com.