A Homeowner's Guide to Remote Electronic Closings

What is a Remote Electronic Closing?

A remote electronic closing is a real estate closing process where one or both parties complete their transaction using Remote Online Notarization (RON) technology. This allows you to sign your closing documents from anywhere in the world using a computer or smart device with a camera and internet connection, rather than meeting at a title company office to close.

Bluegrass Land Title partners with Proof, the industry leader in RON closings, to provide this secure service. During a remote electronic closing, you'll receive an email with a link to access your closing documents. After reviewing the documents, you'll join a live video call with a licensed notary who will verify your identity using your photo ID and guide you through the electronic signing process in real time.

This process differs significantly from traditional in-person closings, where all parties must physically gather at the same location to sign paper documents. And unlike mobile notary services, where a notary travels to your location, remote electronic closings happen entirely online within a 24-hour window. 

Remote electronic closings combine the convenience of signing from home with the security and legal oversight of having a licensed notary present virtually throughout the entire process. 

Benefits of Remote Electronic Closings

Remote electronic closings offer several key advantages that make the real estate transaction process more convenient and accessible for many homebuyers and sellers.

Convenience and Flexibility

Remote electronic closings eliminate the need to travel to a physical closing location, saving you time and reducing stress. You can complete your closing from the comfort of your own home, office, or any location with stable internet access. This convenience is especially valuable for busy professionals, parents with young children, or anyone who prefers to avoid the hassle of coordinating transportation and parking for a traditional closing appointment.

Global Accessibility

One of the most significant advantages of remote electronic closings is the ability to close from anywhere in the world. Whether you're stationed overseas with the military, traveling for business, or have already relocated to your new city, geographical distance no longer prevents you from completing your real estate transaction. 

24-Hour Availability

Remote electronic closings offer unmatched scheduling flexibility with notaries available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This around-the-clock availability means you can schedule your closing at a time that works best for your schedule, even if that's in the evening or on weekends. The flexible timing is particularly beneficial when coordinating across different time zones or accommodating work schedules that don't align with traditional business hours.

Perfect for Relocation Situations

Remote closings are ideal for buyers and sellers who are out of town or have already moved to their new location. If you've already relocated for a job, are selling a property in a different state, or are purchasing a home before moving, a remote electronic closing can streamline the process. This eliminates the expense and inconvenience of traveling back to complete your transaction, making real estate deals more manageable during these life transitions.

A remote electronic closing may be the right choice for your situation if you have scheduling constraints or location challenges that make attending an in-person closing difficult or even impossible. 

Limitations of Remote Electronic Closings

While remote electronic closings offer many benefits, they aren't available for every type of real estate transaction. Remote electronic closings cannot currently be used for the buyer side of financed transactions. This means if you're purchasing a home with a mortgage, you'll need to complete an in-person closing, whether at the office or with a mobile notary. However, remote closings can be used on the seller side of financed transactions, so if you're selling a home where the buyer is getting a loan, you may still be able to close remotely.

Cash transactions offer the most flexibility, as both buyers and sellers can use remote electronic closings when no financing is involved. This makes remote closings particularly popular for investment properties, second homes, or situations where buyers are purchasing without a mortgage.

If you're unsure whether your transaction qualifies for a remote electronic closing, your escrow officer can review your specific situation and help determine the best closing option for your needs. 

Preparing for Your Remote Electronic Closing

Before scheduling a remote electronic closing, you'll want to make sure you have everything you need for a smooth experience. Getting prepared ahead of time helps avoid any hiccups on closing day.

To complete your remote closing, you’ll need:

• A smart device or computer with a camera and a stable internet connection
• Access to an email address where you can receive your closing documents and the link to join your closing.
• A valid, unexpired, government-issued photo ID to verify your identity during the closing appointment. Most people use a driver’s license or a passport. 

To schedule a remote electronic closing, you or your real estate agent need to contact your escrow officer. They’ll help determine whether this option is the best fit for your specific transaction. Allow adequate time for document preparation and setup, as there is pre-work required on the title company’s end to load and process documents. The earlier you can notify your escrow officer about the need for a remote electronic closing, the better. 

What to Expect from Your Remote Electronic Closing

The remote electronic closing process is designed to be straightforward and user-friendly. Here's what you can expect during your remote closing experience:

1. Check your email. You'll get an email containing a secure link that gives you access to all your closing documents. This email will include instructions on how to access the system and what to expect next.
2. Review documents at your convenience. Once you have access, you can review all your closing documents at your own pace using your computer, tablet, or smartphone. Take your time to read through everything before moving to the signing phase.
3. Join a video call. When you're ready to complete the signing process, you'll click a button to join a live video call with a licensed notary. This connects you in real-time for the official notarization process.
4. Identity verification with photo ID. The notary will first verify your identity by asking you to present your valid photo ID to the camera. This security step ensures that you are who you say you are before any documents are signed.
5. Sign documents electronically. The notary will guide you through signing each document electronically, explaining what you're signing and answering any questions you may have. This process mirrors what happens in a traditional closing but takes place virtually.
6. Receive electronic copies of completed documents. Once all signing is complete, you'll immediately receive electronic copies of your signed documents. These digital copies are legally valid and serve as your official closing records. Your closing company will record the required documents with the county after the closing is complete. 

Remote electronic closings use bank-level security to protect your personal information and transaction details. The comprehensive identity verification process includes multiple steps to confirm your identity before any documents can be signed. These security protocols provide equal or greater protection compared to traditional in-person closings, with very little chance of fraud occurring during the process.

Many people worry that the technology will be complicated or difficult to use, especially if they don't consider themselves tech-savvy. However, the remote closing process is specifically designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, guiding you through each step without requiring advanced technical knowledge.

If you encounter any technical issues during your closing, Proof will provide immediate guidance to help resolve any problems. Their support team is trained to walk you through solutions in real-time during your closing session. Additionally, the Bluegrass Land Title team is available to evaluate and assist with any situations that arise during regular business hours.

Frequently Asked Questions about Remote Electronic Closings

Here are answers to some common questions about remote electronic closings. If you have additional questions, don't hesitate to contact your escrow officer for more information.

Can multiple parties (such as spouses) participate from different locations? 

Yes! Multiple parties can participate in a remote electronic closing, even if they're in different locations, but each person will need their own device with a camera and separate email addresses to access their individual closing sessions.

How are funds handled in remote electronic closings?

Generally, if you're doing a remote electronic closing, you'll wire your cash to close or request a wire for your proceeds rather than bringing a cashier's check. As with any closing, we will not disburse funds until all parties have signed and we have received the buyer's cash to close.

What happens to my documents after a remote electronic closing?

Documents are returned to Bluegrass Land Title and to you immediately following the closing. You'll receive electronic copies of all your signed documents right after the signing process is complete, and these serve as your official closing records.

Is there an additional fee for remote electronic closings?

Yes, there is an additional $99 fee for remote electronic closings. 

Scheduling Your Remote Electronic Closing

Remote electronic closings are particularly beneficial for clients who are out of town, have already relocated, are stationed overseas, or simply prefer the convenience of signing from home. They're also ideal when you're dealing with time zone challenges or have scheduling constraints that make attending a traditional closing difficult.

To arrange your remote electronic closing, contact your escrow officer or have your real estate agent inform your escrow officer that you need a RON closing. Your escrow officer will walk you through the specifics to ensure that remote closing is the best option for your particular transaction and help coordinate the necessary preparations.

In addition to remote electronic closings, we offer several other flexible closing options to meet your needs. These include mobile closings where we come to your location, split closings between different offices, and mail-away closings with coordinated notaries. At Bluegrass Land Title, our goal is to accommodate your specific circumstances and make your closing as convenient as possible, regardless of your location or schedule.