Can I Close on My Home Virtually?

If you’re closing on a home in the near future—let’s say you have a home under contract and you’re trying to close in the next 20, 30, or however many days—do you have to actually be there for the signing?

You don’t, and I’m going to tell you why.

My name is Evan Kaufman, and I’m your VA loan originator.

When closing on a home, most people assume they have to show up at a title office or an attorney’s office, sign papers, and be done. But that’s not always the case. There are ways to sign remotely, and now, you can even sign completely online. We like to call this a virtual closing, meaning you can sign everything via email or the internet.

Ways to Close on a Home

1. In-Person Closing

   • You go to the office, sign the papers, and typically get the keys to your home right away. However, sometimes the seller may hold onto the keys for a little longer.

2. Mail-Away Closing

   • If you’re in another state or country, a title company can send the documents to you, and you’ll sign them with a notary before mailing them back to the U.S.
   • In some cases, a Power of Attorney might be needed, making the process more complex.

3. Virtual Closing (Rapidly Growing in Popularity)

   • Over the last one to two years, virtual closings have become much more accessible.
   • While not every state or lender accommodates this, we are seeing it become an option in nearly half of our transactions, particularly for active-duty military members who are constantly moving.

How Does a Virtual Closing Work?

• If you’re out of state or overseas, you’ll receive a secure link for your signing appointment.
• In some cases, you might get the documents a few days early for review.
• On the day of signing:
  • You’ll electronically sign all documents that don’t require a notary.
  • You’ll provide two forms of ID to verify your identity.
  • A mobile notary will appear on your screen via video call to verify your identity and witness any required notarized signatures.
• Once everything is signed, you’re done! The process is quick, secure, and fully digital.

The Future of Virtual Closings

While some states still require certain documents to be physically mailed, the majority of our clients already have access to virtual closings. I estimate that within the next one to two years, most real estate transactions will be able to take place 100% online.

If you’re curious about virtual closings and want to learn more, feel free to reach out. I’d love to help!

Take care,
Evan Kaufman