What to expect with a remote closing on a house

In a world of ever-improving communication technology, remote closings can offer a secure, friction-free option for busy or out-of-state home buyers and refinancers. Nearly any person comfortable with technology can use this modern method.

Exactly what is remote closing and how does buying a house remotely work? Here we'll answer all your questions and provide helpful information on key points, including hybrid closings, remote online notarizations, in-person e-notarizations, the role of a remote closer, and more.

What is a remote closing?

As the term implies, a remote closing simply means closing on your real estate transaction from afar, without meeting in person. This can apply to a home purchase or a mortgage refinance. Instead of showing up at a designated closing location like the lender’s or title company’s office, which occurs with a traditional closing, you complete the transaction virtually from the comforts of your home, office, or other remote location. You verify your identity and financials virtually and sign all necessary documents electronically.

Regardless of whether you do a remote closing or an in-person closing, you will receive a closing disclosure that lays out the critical aspects of your mortgage, such as the loan terms, your monthly payments, and the amount you’ll be charged in costs and fees. It’s important to review all your closing documents so you understand the terms of your loan. Buyers who are new to having a mortgage or those who need a refresher may want to review important mortgage terms.

Remote closings, which are sometimes called virtual closings, digital closings, eClosings, or online closings, can also involve eMortgages. These are electronically created, stored, and transferred versions of traditional mortgage documents.

Fortunately, much of the country allows for remote closings today, with at least 47 states currently permitting some form of it.

How does a remote closing work?

A remote closing involves using the latest digital tools. These can include videoconferencing, online document sharing, and digital signing using apps or online resources. A remote closing can be fully remote and 100% online or only partially remote with some in-person signings required (more on this later).

With a fully online closing, you’ll likely meet remotely via virtual video conference. If you’re buying a property, you’ll probably connect virtually with the seller, the real estate agents involved, and other necessary parties, such as a real estate attorney. Any payments to process for closing will probably happen via electronic transfer, and mortgage documents will be signed electronically.

“Some forms may still require notarization, but that, too, can be done remotely through video calls. Funds are wired, IDs are verified digitally, and the whole deal can wrap up in just a few hours,” explains Baruch Mann, CEO of The Smart Investor.

However, not all remote closings are the same. Due to various eClosing laws across the country, it’s not always possible to close entirely online. Depending on your state, the process may be somewhat different than the one described above.

What are the types of remote closings?

Let's take a closer look at the three main eClosing types: a hybrid eClosing, remote online notarization (RON), and in-person e-notarization (IPEN).

Hybrid eClosing

Although online closings are permitted in most states, they can get a bit complicated in some. If your state's digital closing policy doesn't allow online notarization, you may still be able to close on a mortgage using the hybrid method. In fact, most closings nowadays are hybrid closings.

With the hybrid method, before your closing date, you will electronically sign everything that doesn’t require a notary. By the closing date, you will meet in person with a real estate notary or closing agent and sign the rest of your documents to secure your financing.

While this method isn’t fully remote, the good news is that it’s perfectly legal across the country. That’s because you will still sign the important documents in person. Plus, the closing process is faster because you will make payments and sign some documents before your scheduled closing date.

Remote online notarization (RON)

If you want a 100% remote closing, opt for remote online notarization, or RON. This lets you close on a house from the convenience of your home. Instead of confirming your identity in person, you’ll simply jump on a video conference call on your closing date and present your identification, such as your driver’s license or passport, to complete the process.

Rocket Mortgage now offers remote or hybrid closing in all 50 states through their Clear Sign platform.

In-person e-notarization (IPEN)

If you can’t use RON or the hybrid method, you may still be able to use digital tools to help you close, thanks to in-person e-notarization, or IPEN. This involves signing closing documents electronically but not remotely. An electronic notary can notarize without any paper involved, but they will need all parties involved in the closing to be physically present.

While this isn’t a truly remote closing, it cuts down on paper waste by using electronic documents, helping to secure your closing process by confirming your identity in person.

Why might a “wet signature” still be required?

A “wet signature” refers to a real, physical signature on a document rather than an electronic signature. Thanks to RON, all documents can be signed virtually if your state allows it.

However, some states that don’t allow permanent RON may require certain mortgage documents, such as promissory notes or other closing paperwork requiring a notary's signature, to be signed in person. Some states or mortgage lenders may also require a “wet signature” for legal reasons, such as preventing fraud. For instance, New York, Utah, Georgia, and a handful of other states do not allow RON but do allow hybrid closings.

How do remote closings benefit buyers and sellers?

Remote closings can make home buying and selling more convenient, especially if they are in different states or are under a tight timeline. Remote closings can reduce delays and streamline communication. Here are some of the benefits:

• Streamlined closing process: Remote closings can reduce paperwork and help keep the transaction organized.
• Flexibility for out-of-state participants: Remote closings can be helpful for buyers purchasing property in another state or sellers who have already moved.
• Faster closing time: Because documents can often be shared and signed electronically, remote closings may help speed up the overall timeline.
• Potential cost savings: Remote closings can lower travel expenses, mailing costs and time away from work.
• Less environmental impact: Closings are document-heavy, so using digital documents instead of printed paperwork can help reduce paper waste.
• Security safeguards: Most remote closing platforms use encrypted systems, identity verification tools and secure document storage.

What are the drawbacks of remote closings?

Yes, remote closings can be convenient, but they also present challenges you should understand before choosing this option.

• Technical requirements/issues: Remote closings need internet access and certain software, so technical problems can delay the process.
• Lender or state restrictions: Not every lender or state allows all forms of remote closings.
• Fraud and privacy concerns: Wire and mortgage fraud, phishing scams, and data breaches are real, so if you choose remote closing, make sure the company and parties are reputable.
• Less personal process: You may prefer face-to-face interactions when signing major financial documents or asking last-minute questions.
• Doesn’t replace the final walkthrough: Even if the closing is remote, buyers should still complete a final walkthrough of the property before closing day to ensure they’re comfortable with what they are buying.

How to prepare for a smooth remote closing

A little preparation can go a long way to making your remote closing experience convenient, secure, and pleasant. Here are some steps to follow:

• Verify eligibility and the specific closing type: Confirm whether the lender, title company, and state allow remote closings and ask whether it will involve e-signatures, remote online notarization, or a hybrid signing.
• Gather necessary documentation: Have ID, financial records, and any necessary paperwork ready before closing day.
• Carefully review closing documents beforehand: If possible, review the closing disclosure and loan documents so there’s less pressure during the actual signing.
• Ensure tech is set up for the closing: Test your internet access, devices, webcams, and software before closing day.
• Verify payment instructions: Always confirm wire instructions with the title company or lender before sending funds.
• Protect against fraud: Avoid clicking suspicious email links and double-check email addresses and payment requests. Mortgage wire fraud is very real.
• Ask the lender questions beforehand: Ask questions and clarify any confusing terms, closing costs, or steps before closing day.
• Save all loan-related documents in a safe place: Keep digital and printed copies of signed closing documents, receipts, and disclosures in case you need them in the future.

FAQ

Let’s look at some common questions about remote closings.

What happens after a remote closing?

After you remotely close, you’ll get the keys to your new home by the method that was decided upon before closing. It could be a lockbox, via mail, or a real estate agent meeting you with them. Just be sure to clarify the method in writing before you close.

What has prevented remote closings from becoming more common?

Electronic closings have been around since before COVID-19 but weren’t widely available. Before, if you couldn’t attend a closing in person, you had to give a chosen representative power of attorney to sign on your behalf. Many states have updated laws to allow remote closings, but no federal standard exists yet, although growing state adoption and ongoing discussions in Congress suggest their popularity will keep increasing.

What steps are taken to protect remote closing documents?

Although fraud and scams still exist, today’s remote closings use sophisticated encryption and verification techniques to ensure security. Using well-established platforms such as Dropbox, ShareFile, or OneDrive adds levels of security.

Which states allow remote online notarization?

Currently, 47 states plus the District of Columbia have remote online notarization (RON) laws. States without permanent RON laws as of 2025 include Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, Mississippi, and Connecticut. Efforts continue in Congress to establish a federal standard, reflecting the growing adoption of RON nationwide.

The bottom line: Technology makes a remote closing more convenient

A remote closing is an increasingly preferred way for people to complete their home purchase or refinance entirely online, without meeting in person. Convenient digital tools like video conferencing and secure e-signatures, along with the guidance of a human remote closer, make this all possible. If you want to speed up the process, save time and travel, and reduce paper waste, a digital closing is an ideal solution. Depending on your state, you may be able to fully close remotely via online notarization or take advantage of a hybrid closing method, or in-person e-notarization.

If you’re ready to move forward and purchase a home or refinance your mortgage, you can apply online with Rocket Mortgage and explore eClosing opportunities.