Non Contact Real Estate Closings in a COVID-19 World

Real Estate closings both commercial and residential continue to move forward.  While most of the state of New Jersey has been shut down the real estate market has been deemed “essential.”  Realtors are providing virtual showings and have the ability to schedule one on one showings.

Our attorneys have been working diligently over the past few weeks to not only develop processes to conduct “business as usual” but implement them.  To date we have had about a dozen closings in our “new normal.”  Along the way we have developed what we believe is a winning strategy to closing real estate in our socially distant world.  Our attorneys have been regularly holding telephonic and/or video conferences to speak with clients to address their concerns and requests.  Since not all clients are comfortable with technology, we work with everyone individually to ensure they have access to an attorney while adhering to social distancing requirements.  When the weather is nicer, our office has the capability of conducting transactions outside, on a disinfected surface with disinfected pens, and executing documents with all necessary formalities while wearing protective gear and maintaining the suggested distance of six feet.   We have utilized electronic signing through DocuSign for all documents that we are able to execute that way legally.  Electronic notarization is expected to be passed and quickly signed by Governor Murphy.  This should further extend our no contact closing capabilities.  Drive thru or drive up closings have also been done in partnership with our title companies as we have conducted closings in parking lots and even on front lawns.  While it is not business as it used to be the process of buying or selling your property moves forward.  We are proud to be at the forefront of innovating this process and working with you to find a process that keeps you safe and comfortable.