As digital solutions continue to transform the real estate industry, buyers and sellers may wonder whether they can complete their home closing remotely in Connecticut.
While some states allow fully remote real estate closings, Connecticut has specific legal requirements that make remote closings for residential properties impossible under current law. Here’s what you need to know.
What Connecticut law says about remote closings
Connecticut is an attorney state, meaning that real estate closings must be conducted by an attorney licensed in the state. This requirement ensures that transactions adhere to Connecticut’s legal standards and that all parties receive the appropriate legal representation during closing.
In addition, while Connecticut has adopted remote notarization laws, the state specifically prohibits remote notarization for real estate closings. Chapter 821 of Connecticut law states that real estate documents related to property conveyance—including deeds, mortgages, and lien releases—cannot be executed using remote notarization.
This means that even though some aspects of a closing (such as document review) can be conducted remotely, the actual execution of key documents must be done in person.
What homebuyers and sellers should do
If you’re buying or selling a home in Connecticut, it’s important to plan for an in-person closing and work with an experienced real estate attorney who understands the state’s closing requirements. To ensure a smooth transaction:
- Confirm your attorney’s availability for in-person closing execution.
- Plan travel arrangements if necessary to be present at the closing table.
- If out of state, coordinate a mail-away closing with your attorney to ensure notarized documents are properly executed and returned in time.
What if I’m buying or selling a property from out-of-state?
Out-of-state buyers or sellers involved in a cash purchase or sale typically do not need to travel to Connecticut. In these cases, documents can often be signed with a local notary and sent back via FedEx or another secure delivery service.
However, if the buyer is financing the purchase with a mortgage, the process depends on the lender’s requirements. Some lenders allow the buyer to sign documents with a notary in their home state, while others may require the use of a power of attorney to authorize someone in Connecticut to sign on their behalf.
Need an experienced Connecticut real estate attorney?
Attorney Charlene Pederson has over 30 years of experience guiding Connecticut clients through residential real estate closings. If you need a knowledgeable attorney to handle your next transaction, contact her today at charlene@pedersonlawct.com or 203-900-4371.
We proudly serve homebuyers and sellers in Greenwich, Stamford, Darien, New Canaan, Westport, Norwalk, and Wilton.
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