Life Changes and Their Impact on Closing
In this article, we’ll touch on life changes that can delay or derail closing – and what, if anything, an agent can do to prevent, foresee or simply live with these changes.
Seller Is Out of the Country
Days before an anticipated closing, the seller must unexpectedly travel out of the country on business. Unless valid signatures can be obtained on time, closing will be delayed. With fraud becoming more problematic and signatures so easy to forge, are there acceptable ways to enable a closing to go forward?
Note that regulations for closing remotely are set not by the title company, but by the recording county and/or state where the transaction is taking place. Agents representing an out-of-area client should check with the title company and lender to determine whether these tactics might keep the settlement on track:
- Power of Attorney (POA) – Some states allow a seller to give a POA to a designee, who may, at closing, sign documents relating to the transaction. POAs should be reviewed by the title company to confirm that they are acceptable for use in real estate transactions. Because POAs have limitations on their use, agents should be aware that some title companies will require that the Seller be available by phone or email on the day of closing to confirm that they are alive and well and to ratify the transaction.
- Notarized signatures – In some jurisdictions, signatures obtained before any English-speaking notary are acceptable. In these situations, an Apostille which is a certificate used to legalize a document notarized outside of the U.S. may be required when foreign notaries are used. Signatures may also be obtained by a notary at an American embassy – and sometimes, delivery of the notarized signatures must be sent via carrier service. Be sure to check with the title company for their notarization requirements.
Change in Marital Status
There also exists the possibility of an unexpected breakup occurring among the buyers or sellers. A change in marital status means a change in financial status, which may affect not just approval of a loan, but whether the home in question becomes part of legal proceedings. In certain states, the property can be sold or purchased during a legal separation or pending divorce case. Reaching out to the title company to confirm their requirements for a sale or purchase during a legal separation or divorce will help agents to navigate an otherwise contentious event.
Switching Jobs
Smack in the midst of a real estate transaction, your buyer switches or loses their job. If he or she is moving from salary to commission, it could cause the lender to reconsider loan approval. But in most cases, a good credit score and a history of stability will keep the transaction on track.
Barbara Pronin is an award-winning writer based in Orange County, Calif. A former news editor with more than 30 years of experience in journalism and corporate communications, she has specialized in real estate topics for over a decade.
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