Since COVID-19 began, one of Ratified Title Group’s main focuses was to find ways to continue serving the D.C. Metro area as safely as possible. We quickly started implementing new methods for the closing procedure that ensures everyone feels comfortable and are still practicing social distancing.
As we are still dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, we wanted to remind you of our current closing protocols. We want to make sure you are comfortable with your closing and that you feel safe. The following protocols are intended to give you peace of mind and keep our staff safe, as well. Before your closing date, just let us know which of the options below best suits your comfort level.
Office Parking Lot Closing Protocol
If you do not feel safe closing at your property, we will follow this protocol at one of our three main locations, or one of our satellite locations.
- An RTG closer will notarize all documents prior to closing and put their phone number on the closing information sheet for you to have.
- Upon your arrival at the office, you will call the RTG closer or the office to confirm that you are waiting outside.
- RTG will drop the closing package off at your vehicle for you to take, review and sign. We request that you take a picture of your photo identification with your phone and email or text that picture to the closer prior to or at the beginning of the closing so we can verify your identity. Alternatively, we can take a photo of your ID through the window of your vehicle.
- The RTG closer will remain outside in their car or in the office and communicate with you via Facetime or cell phone call to review and explain documents as needed. Your real estate agent may be on the call from their car, home or our parking lot.
- Those processing your documents will mark everywhere that you need to sign and date ahead of time. You’ll be asked to sign in clear, blue ink. If a blue pen is needed, a sanitized pen can be provided with the package.
- Once you have finished signing and dating, you will call the closer/office and hand the package back to the closer through your vehicle window and verbally attest that the signature on each document you signed is your legal signature.
- The RTG staff member will review the package in his/her car to confirm it is completely signed and dated and then let you know that everything looks good.
- Finally, we will email copies of the executed documents to you as soon as possible like we normally do.
Remote Closing at Your Property
If you do not feel safe closing inside your home, we will follow this protocol:
- Prior to your closing, and RTG closer will notarize all documents and put their phone number on the closing information sheet for you to have.
- Once we arrive at your property, we will give you a call.
- The RTG closer will drop the closing package off at your front door for you to take inside. We request that you take a picture of your photo identification with your phone and email or text that picture to the closer prior to or at the beginning of the closing so we can verify your identity.
- The RTG closer will remain outside in their car and be available via Facetime or cell phone call to review and explain documents as needed. Your real estate agent may be on the call from their car or home.
- Those processing your documents will mark everywhere that you need to sign and date ahead of time. We ask that you sign in clear, blue ink. If a blue pen is needed, a sanitized pen can be provided with the closing package.
- When you are finished signing and dating the documents, you will leave the closing package outside your front door and verbally attest that the signature on each document you signed is your legal signature.
- The RTG closer will review the package in his/her car to confirm that it is completely signed and dated. He/She will then call you to confirm that the review is complete.
- We will email copies of the executed documents to you as soon as possible.
As before, one way to save time and eliminate complications coming up during your closing is to make sure to check out our Home Buyer Checklist and our Home Seller Checklist beforehand.
If you still have questions about our COVID closing protocols, feel free to give us a call at 571-234-5589 or email us at [email protected]. For videos on lead generation, digital marketing tips, handy realtor tools and more, be sure to check out our YouTube channel.