Q: We need to promote our condominium in Florida, however touring is getting harder due to our age. Is it attainable to do that with out being there in particular person? — Anne
A: Sure, many individuals promote property remotely. Promoting from afar requires a bit extra planning and a few further warning.
The best choice can be to make use of a trusted relative or pal close to the property. This particular person can act in your behalf, discovering and coping with the actual property agent and shutting lawyer. You possibly can even give them the authorized energy to behave in your behalf by signing a “restricted energy of lawyer,” a authorized doc that creates a authorized relationship.
You’ll be the “principal,” and your designated “agent” would be capable to act in your behalf in your curiosity. With this methodology, your agent may even signal the paperwork at closing.
In fact, since you’re granting your agent a whole lot of energy over your property, ensure you solely select somebody you’ll be able to belief.
There are different choices if you’re uncomfortable with this methodology or have no idea anybody you’ll be able to belief who lives close to the property.
You possibly can talk along with your actual property agent by electronic mail and cellphone and even signal the acquisition contract with a web-based signing program. When this type of transaction occurred previously, the closing lawyer would ship you the closing paperwork and have you ever signal with a notary public the place you reside, returning the signed paperwork by in a single day mail.
Issues have gotten much more manageable over the previous few years as most states have adopted legal guidelines permitting “distant on-line notarization.”
With this methodology, you’ll use a laptop computer or pill with a digicam and go surfing to a safe on-line notarization platform that analyses your picture ID and asks you a brief sequence of questions based mostly in your credit score historical past to verify your identification. Then, the notary walks you thru signing the required paperwork. All the course of, together with video of everybody concerned, is recorded for safety. As soon as full, the complete continuing, together with the electronically signed and notarized deed, is returned to the closing lawyer who completes your sale.
When coping with actual property, be careful for fraud, particularly if not in particular person. Belief your instincts and be alert to uncommon requests. For instance, it’s uncommon for a title firm to alter financial institution accounts throughout closing. If requested to ship cash to a special account or pay lengthy earlier than closing, be suspicious. Criminals exploit your lack of expertise, so keep knowledgeable and vigilant.
Board-certified actual property lawyer Gary Singer writes about business authorized issues and the housing market. To ask him a query, electronic mail him at gary@garysingerlaw.com, or go to SunSentinel.com/askpro.
