PROTECTING YOUR PROPERTY RIGHTS & YOUR HEALTH

During this unprecedented time, when COVID-19 is affecting not only our communities, but the entire world, we are here to provide you with a safe, secure, convenient closing experience. Under federal and most state guidelines, title companies may remain open as an essential service, subject to certain modifications to our policies and procedures, in accordance with the guidelines provided by the CDC and WHO, as detailed below.

Our offices are closed to the public, but we remain open for business and are continuing to conduct settlements. Please be assured that we are doing everything in our power to protect you, our partners, and staff.

Pre-Settlement Procedures

DOCUMENT REVIEW

We are leveraging technology to ensure the safest possible environment to sign documents. We will provide all our clients with the opportunity to review available closing documents over the phone or via video conferencing prior to signing. Reviewing the documents in advance will make the signing process safer. Some documents, such as loan packages, are provided by third parties and may not be available until the time of settlement.

IDENTITY VERIFICATION

We ask that clients to e-mail or text a photo of their valid, government issued ID to their settlement officer prior to closing.

Settlement Procedures

We are committed to protecting not only our customers’ property rights but also their health. In order to keep all parties to the transaction safe and secure, only signers are permitted to attend the closing. Everyone else, including Realtors, lenders, family members and children, should abide by their state’s orders and stay at home.

Settlement will take place one of the following ways:

ON-SITE

Settlements may take place outside of our offices, enabling us to ensure all parties can maintain the CDC’s recommended 6’ distance.

MOBILE NOTARY

Depending on the market, we have partnered with NotaryLoop to bring closing documents to our clients. Our mobile notary partner will bring closing packages to clients and notarize the documents at their home (when available).

REMOTE ONLINE NOTARIZATION

For markets where we can conduct Remote Online Notarization (RON), we have partnered with NotaryCam, Notarize and Pavaso. RON saves time by allowing clients to sign documents at any time from any location. The technology tools required are an internet connection and a smart device with a camera, microphone and speakers. RON is currently only available to sellers, with the approval of the buyer’s lender, and cash buyers. Very few lenders allow buyers with financing to use RON. Services such as FaceTime and Skype do not meet the requirements needed for a RON transaction.

Wellness Check

For the health and safety of our staff and our community, if any clients have been diagnosed with COVID-19, have a pending test for COVID-19, have come in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19, are under quarantine by direction of a healthcare provider, have visited an area designated as high risk by the CDC in the past 14 days, are showing cold or flu symptoms or are sick, they should contact us prior to settlement.

Our staff has been educated on symptoms of COVID-19 and have been told to stay home if they meet any of the criteria listed above. We have provided our employees the tools and resources, along with the highest level of security, to work remotely should a need arise.

Courthouse Closures

We have worked diligently with our underwriters to ensure they will provide gap coverage. Gap coverage allows us to proceed with closing while continuing to protect all parties to the transaction, even during periods where the applicable recording office is closed, and the documents cannot be recorded.

Office Visits

Our offices are closed to the general public at this time.

The procedures above are effective immediately and will continue until further notice. This fluid situation is constantly evolving, and our practices will evolve with it. We will update our procedures and communications as needed.

We firmly believe it is our responsibility to provide you with safety and security when buying, selling, or refinancing your home. Our role has expanded to include the protection of your health and well-being, along with that of our staff, partners, and communities. We take this responsibility to heart and are working diligently to provide you with exceptional service and security.