Do sellers and/or their attorneys need to be present for a home closing?
Sunday, August 17th, 2008 at
8:47 am
sunshine asked:
We are closing on a home this week and just found out that the seller and their attorneys will not be present at the closing, it’s just going to be us and our attorney. Is that common, is something wrong with this, should we be worried about something? Our lawyer didn’t really think this is a problem, but my husband and I aren’t too buy antibiotics thrilled about this, because this is our first home purchase and we imagined the closing to be with the seller and their attorney. I would apprecite any insight to help me ease my mind before we jump into the ‘biggest deal’ of our lives so far. Thanks in advance.
We are closing on a home this week and just found out that the seller and their attorneys will not be present at the closing, it’s just going to be us and our attorney. Is that common, is something wrong with this, should we be worried about something? Our lawyer didn’t really think this is a problem, but my husband and I aren’t too buy antibiotics thrilled about this, because this is our first home purchase and we imagined the closing to be with the seller and their attorney. I would apprecite any insight to help me ease my mind before we jump into the ‘biggest deal’ of our lives so far. Thanks in advance.
You will be fine. When people are out of the state and sell their home in a different area, the papers are mailed ot htem to sign, then they return them, and the buyer then signs them. This is common. The seller likes to be their because they are getting paid, as well as the attorney. But it is not necessary. The will still have to sign the docs.
no big deal, why would it matter if they where their or not? as long as all the paper work is completed and signed why do you care?
if they have moved out, signed all the paper work then all they care about is getting a check, all you care about is clear title,
It’s not uncommon. But it sure makes for a dry closing, doesn’t it. It is still a wonderful day for you folks and you should celebrate!
When we close, we typically close at a title/escrow company and we bring Champagne! We celebrate!
CONGRATULATIONS!
No, it is not necessary or common that the Seller and their attorney be present at your closing. Your agent and attorney is all you need. Your agent should have verified with the lender that the paperwork is completed and ready to go. Your attorney’s presence is for your safety. He has the option to read over before you sign. Feel free to ask questions to clarify things you do not understand. Not to worry–it’s always overwhelming–more so the first time.
In Dallas this is common practice to have the buyer and seller come to the closing table at different times. It is a way to avoid conflict and keep things professional. We usually meet with our realtor and the closing agent at the title company. If it is a lawyer then it would be your realtor and the lawyer. Not a big deal!
This is not uncommon – for the seller to not be present at the closing.
However, the nice thing about having the seller present is so that you can ask questions about the house – like how does the pool heater work, if you’ve never had a pool before, let alone a pool heater.
If your seller is not going to be at the closing table, will they be at the house for the final walk through the day of closing?
If not, consider preparing a list of questions that you have about the house and submit them in advance so that you have the answers at closing.
Or, ask the selling attorney for a contact phone number or email, in case you have questions in the future. Most sellers don’t mind filling in gaps down the road, if you are nice about it.
Good luck and best wishes.