It's been business as usual so far, not many cases in SD at all. A few of the smaller local ones are talking about tele-closings but we're still working all that out
Below are our new practices. This seems to be the norm in our area.
Closings
-We will still be conducting closings. When possible, we will be contacting all parties to see if mail away is possible. If mail away is possible, we can send documents via email to be returned via email. With each set of docs mailed, we will explain where to sign the documents and we’ll always be available to explain the docs via phone or email. Some of these documents may need notarized. If the buyer/seller has access to a notary via work or another method, we’d ask that they use that notary. If we are not restricted by the lender’s guidelines, we will ask that documents are emailed back. If guidelines say that we need originals, we will send a return fed ex label.
-In the event that mail away is possible but the buyer/seller does not have access to a notary, we will ask that they sign documents at home. Upon completion of signing, we’d ask they deliver the documents to our office. At that point, we’ll confirm their signature and notarize the documents. Although this isn’t perfect as we still will have contact with the customer and documents, it does limit exposure.
-We realize that many customers do not have access to a printer or do not want to handle a closing this way. For those closings, we will still conduct in-person closings. We ask that only essential signers attend any in-person closing. It is my understanding that it is not required for realtors to be at closing during this time as long as they are available for contact via phone or other methods. Please note that we are cleaning all areas of the office with disinfectant and we have hand sanitizer on site at the closing table.
-As we all know, this is an industry where many items do not become available until the last minute. Due to this, mail away may not always be possible. If we have not reached out to you to accommodate mail away, it is because we do not feel it is feasible and will disrupt the closing process.
Title Work + Recordings
-As many of you know, the courthouse is closed to the public which includes title companies. Please note that we do maintain a title plant which is a database of all recorded documents. Due to this, we have a unique advantage to where our search capabilities are not impacted on most jobs. The only title work jobs that we cannot get out would be very complicated jobs where access to the courthouse is necessary to reduce liability.
-We have now started e-recording. Transfer of deeds, recording of mortgages, payment of taxes, etc. are not affected
Special Circumstances
-We understand these policies and practices are not convenient for everyone. If you have any concerns, please contact us and we will try to work with you and your customer. The goal here is to limit exposure to protect our office, your employees, your clients, and any other party involved in a closing.
-As we’ve all seen, advice on precautions changes daily. This is a very fluid situation. We will be reaching out if new policies are put into place.
-We will still be maintaining 8-4:30 hours, however, # of employees in the office will vary as we are also working from home or opting to work after hours. We should always have one in the office during hours.
Please note that I only sent this to one person in each office. Please distribute to any members of your office that you believe this will affect.
If you have any questions, please feel free to give me a call. Stay safe out there.