Many Southern California home buyers and sellers are surprised to learn that they aren’t tied down to a real estate closing table.  As many of my clients have not bought or sold a home in decades, they are surprised to learn that they do not need to be in town for closing.  Some areas use attorneys for closing and others such as Southern California utilize the services of an escrow company.

Once the buyer’s loan is approved, the buyer typically signs their loan documents at escrow. Although, buyers can sign their loan documents anywhere, the deed of trust must be signed in front of a notary public.

The seller must have their grant deed signed in front of a notary.  The deed can be signed prior to closing; the seller does not need to make a trip to their escrow company and can have their deed signed in front of any notary.  

I have had clients in Europe at the time of closing and have had their deeds signed at the American Embassy.

Once the deed has recorded, escrow is considered closed and escrow can wire the seller’s funds anywhere in the world. The seller does not need to pick up a check unless desired.

Related Posts:  What to expect during escrow

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