How to Close on a House Without the Seller Present

The year 2020 has shown us a multitude of ways that the country, Las Vegas included, can adapt to social distancing and a pandemic. The world of real estate has especially seen a shift in the way that business is done. Usually, the process involves multiple people meeting up for showings, signings, inspections, and closings. However, given the current circumstances, more and more people are turning toward the internet and the postal service to complete their bearings. One question that people ask, even pre-coronavirus, is if the seller needs to be present during the closing process. The short answer is: no! 

We’re going to go over the ways that buyers can proceed with the closing process without the seller present. 

Perform a Remote Closing Online
One of the easiest and most common methods of closing on a house without the seller present is to do so electronically. Electronic closings became a lot more commonplace in March when the initial, strict lockdowns began to take place in the country. You may be wondering if electronic closings are secure, and the answer is yes. Certain document signing software and applications, like DocuSign, come equipped with security systems to ensure your privacy. Additionally, the process to do so is reported to be seamless and easy. 

It’s important to note that electronic signings aren’t allowed in every state. Be sure to check with your real estate agent to see what the laws are in your state of residency. 

Close Via a Mobile Notary
While this situation might not be as ideal during the coronavirus pandemic, some areas provide the option to close via a mobile notary. A mobile notary will bring the documents to you and be present during the process, either in your home or your office. Or, they will mail the documents to you and show up at a designated space to approve the signing. Either way, the process doesn’t need to involve the seller. 

Perform Closings Separately 
While this option does involve leaving the house, it can be done without the seller or others—aside from the notarizer—in the room. Separate closings will have you come into the notary office and sign any necessary documents under the oversight of the notarizer. The seller would complete a similar process but in another room. This way of doing things also became more prevalent in the recent months due to social distancing measures. 

In states where this option wasn’t available, there were setups including a long table where both parties were seated opposite from one another. And, even in these cases, there were minimal people involved in the process. 


The Bottom Line
There are several ways to go about closing on a house without the seller present, especially during coronavirus. If remote closings aren’t available in your state, contact your Realtor about ways to workaround the regulations to perform a safe, socially distant, and fast home sale in Las Vegas, NV. The area’s gorgeous landscape, social scene, and hot weather are constantly enticing people to move to the area. Real estate agents and government officials are working hard on finding ways to make the process of buying and selling homes safe and easy.

If you’re someone moving to the Las Vegas area after buying a house, be sure to become acquainted with many of the stunning hiking areas in the region and stop by the Hiking Las Vegas blog regularly for more information on exploring the nature in the area!