Important takeouts:
– Yes, in many states, you can close your home remotely through a full digital ecross with hybrid processes or remote online notarization (RON).
– Remote closes can save time and provide flexibility, especially for buyers and sellers who are out of state or relocating.
-Both buyers and sellers should be aware of fraud by checking wiring procedures, using a secure platform, and maintaining digital records of taxes and future references.
Congratulations! You made it on the closing day, and you are wondering, can you close the house remotely? The answer is yes. In many states, both buyers and sellers can complete the entire closure process online using digital signatures, remote notarization, and secure fund transfers. This option saves time, offers travel and convenience. However, deciding whether it’s right for you depends on the location, the comfort of the technology, and the ultimate speed of selling and purchasing.
Whether you sell or buy a home in Bend, in Asheville, North Carolina, or Sedona, Arizona, this Redfin guide explains what remote closing is and how sellers and buyers can determine if virtual closure is best for them.
What is Remote Closing?
Remote closing streamlines the process by allowing parties to complete the transaction without collecting directly around a closed table. Depending on state rules and lender policies, this includes signing documents electronically, completing notarization with secure video calls, and digitally wiring funds.
This means saving time, eliminating travel, and reducing stress during busy transitions, especially during busy transitions.
>>Read: How does eClosing work?
Types of remote closing
When will we be able to close at home? The answer often depends on which method is available. Depending on state law, lender requirements, and comfort level, you will usually encounter one of two approaches: remote closing.
Hybrid Close
Most documents are signed electronically. Some important forms (e.g., acts) require in-person notarized signatures. This approach is most common as it combines online convenience with legal compliance.
Complete digital closure (eClosing)
The process takes place entirely online, including notarization. Remote Online Notarization (RON) verifies identity and witness signatures via secure video calls. The entire transaction of signatures, reviews and wiring funds can occur without in-person meetings. This option is only available to states that allow it and lenders that authorize it.
Why Remote Closing Profits for Buyers and Sellers
The closure process can feel like one of the most time-consuming and stressful steps. Remote closing helps to remove pressure by moving much of the process online and making the process more flexible.
Improved security: Encrypted platforms and identity verification reduces the risk of mishandling documents. For example, sellers or buyers living abroad can safely close online, avoiding international mail. Time Zone Flexibility: Remote Signature facilitates transactions for buyers and sellers in various regions, including California sellers who close out their deals with New Jersey buyers, especially despite differences in time zones. Reducing stress during relocation: Both parties can avoid travel delays to close bookings, even when traveling across the country. Cost Reduction: Remote Close benefits both rural sellers and buyers by reducing costs for travel, courier and other logistics costs and eliminating long drives to the title office.
>>Read: Should Sellers be present at the time of closing?
When Remote Closure is not right for you
Remote closing offers several benefits, but they are not the ideal solution for all real estate transactions. There are some compelling reasons why a traditional, direct approach might be desirable.
Technical Challenges: Remote closures are difficult for people without reliable internet or technical skills, such as rural sellers and buyers with inconsistent Wi-Fi. Legal or lender restrictions: Some states do not yet allow remote online notarization (RON), and some lenders require in-person signatures of certain documents. Personal preferences: Some sellers or buyers, especially first-timers, may prefer traditional, direct deadlines with agents for a more confident and practical experience.
Seller and Buyer Procedures During Remote Closing
Whether you’re a seller or a buyer, deciding whether remote closing is right for you is a big step in real estate transactions.
Steps for Sellers:
Talk to your agent and closing team. The team will check if remote closing is available and explain the process. Check the state’s rules: Ask the closing team if the state allows for fully remote notarization or if a hybrid process is required. Choose a secure eClosing platform. Often, the title company or lender provides built-in encryption and identity verification capabilities. Digitally review and sign the document. You will receive payment statements and other documents and sign them electronically in advance. Notarization Verification (Ron or Hybrid): Depending on the state and lender, notarization may be entirely online or partially in person. Transfer funds safely: Follow the title company’s confirmed instructions. Arrange Key Delivery: Once funding is clear and documents are recorded, agents will help coordinate handoffs.
Buyer’s instructions:
Verify acceptance of lenders: Not all lenders allow remote notarization. Coordinate with the Agent and Title Company. They will explain the process in your state and set you up on the right platform. Check the loan package: You can access to closing disclosures digitally – Ask questions before signing. Full Notarization: In some states, this may be completely online or hybrid. Transfer funds safely: Before submitting closure fees, check the wiring instructions with your bank and title company. Ownership Plan: Once the seller delivers the key, you are ready to officially move.
Protect yourself from remote closure fraud
Remote closings take place online, so it is important for all parties to be extremely cautious. Cybercriminals often target real estate transactions with fraud, such as phishing emails and wire fraud.
Smart Safety Checklist
Verify wiring instructions through a trusted source. Do doubt last minute changes. Please take a closer look at your email address and phone number. Use a secure, encrypted platform to share your documents. Protect your personal devices.
>>Read: Protect yourself – Don’t wire scam ruin your transaction
Handling tax and revenue after remote home sale
Once the digital signature is complete, the transaction is almost complete, but there are some important tasks for both the buyer and the seller. Careful handling of these steps can help prevent possible delays, tax issues, or security risks.
1. Check your funds
Buyer: Check the title or wire instructions with the escrow representative to ensure that the down payment and closing costs are wired properly and avoid fraud. We will retain bank transfer confirmation. Seller: Make sure sales revenue is in your account. Wire transfers usually take 24-48 hours, while international transfers may take longer. If you are late in funding, contact the title company.
2. Confirm your financial obligations
Buyer: First mortgage payments are usually paid on the first day of the second month after closing. For example, if the store closes on May 15th, your first payment will be on July 1st. Set up automatic payments to avoid the typical late fees of $25 to $50. Seller: Depending on the situation, you may be subject to capital gains tax. Generally, the IRS allows exclusions of up to $250,000 (individuals) or $500,000 (co-submitted by married couples), but eligibility depends on several factors. Talk to a qualified tax advisor and understand what applies to you.
3. Save the document
The parties must maintain a secure digital copy of all important documents (for at least seven years) including:
Settlement Statement (HUD-1 or Closing Disclosure) Wire Transfer Certificate and Title Insurance (For Buyers) IRS Form 1099-S (For Sellers, if applicable)
>>Read: How long do you keep your documents after selling your house?
4. Adjust your property
Even if financial transfers are completely digital, physical exchanges of properties are still essential.
Buyer: Work with agents to arrange key delivery via secure lockboxes, couriers, or in-person handoffs. Seller: Hand over all keys, remotes and security codes. A concise home guide with manuals and utility information makes it easy to migrate and increase post-sale satisfaction.
Final Tips for Remote Close
To make remote closures seamless, it is important to know the requirements of your state, use secure digital tools, and stay in close contact with your agents. Below are some final tips that will help you close with confidence.
Verify wire instructions: Always check with your title company or lender before sending or receiving a money. Know the rules for your state: Remote or hybrid closure requirements vary by state and lender. Test your technology: Access the eClosing platform and make sure you understand how it works in advance. Communicate frequently: Be in close contact with real estate agents, lenders and title companies throughout the process. Save Everything: Keep a secure digital copy of all signed documents and financial records.
FAQ: Can I close my house remotely?
1. Which states allow remote closing?
Although certain regulations vary, most states allow remote closures. Some states allow full remote online notarization (RON), while others only allow hybrid closings. Always check the requirements for your state title company, lender, or real estate attorney. This is important to verify with the title company or agent whether the state is currently supporting a complete digital closure.
2. What is the cost of remote closure compared to face-to-face?
Most costs are the same, but there can be slight differences. Some title companies charge an additional fee (usually between $25-$150) for using a remote online notary. However, buyers and sellers may save on courier fees, travel expenses and work holidays, which could offset these additional charges.
3. Is the remote close faster than in person?
Yes, fully digital e-closing can significantly reduce the closure process by eliminating the need for mail or courier delivery. However, if face-to-face notarization is still needed, hybrid closures may not provide the same time savings.
4. What technology do remote closings require?
Remote closing requires a stable internet connection, a device with a camera and microphone, and a secure platform for digital signature or video identifiability. Most title companies will provide guidance and technical checks before closing.
5. What is the biggest risk of remote closing?
Wire fraud is a significant and growing concern in real estate. To protect yourself, always check the wiring instructions directly with the title company or lender before starting your transfer.
