How Does Remote Closing Work in New York? by Peter Zinkovetsky

How Does Remote Closing Work in New York? by Peter Zinkovetsky Can you close on a house remotely in New York? Attorney Peter Zinkovetsky of Avenue Law Firm explains the full remote closing process, RON laws, and what buyers and sellers need to know. New York now allows fully electronic real estate closings under Executive Law Section 135-c, which took effect on January 31, 2023, following the 2021 electronic notarization legislation later amended by S7780. Before that change, New York required a notary to be physically present at every signing. Today, a registered electronic notary located in New York can perform a notarial act by live audio-video communication when all statutory and regulatory requirements are met, including secure communication technology, credential analysis, knowledge-based authentication, and an electronic record with a secure digital signature. The remote closing process follows the same fundamental sequence as a traditional closing. Attorneys, lenders, and title companies assemble the closing package first, including the deed, mortgage, closing disclosure, and title documents. A real estate attorney reviews every document in advance and sends them to clients before the video session begins. Identity verification requires presenting a government-issued ID and completing credential analysis during a recorded live video conference with a commissioned New York remote online notary. The signer then electronically signs documents while the notary observes, affixes a secure digital signature, and witnesses the act by live video. Once signing is complete, funds are transferred by wire and the deed and mortgage are submitted for recording with the appropriate county office, either electronically where accepted or through a paper copy when required. New York currently recognizes three primary remote closing methods. The Hybrid Closing Method combines electronic pre-signing of documents that do not require notarization with in-person notarization for those that do. Remote Online Notarization, known as RON, is the most fully virtual option, allowing identity verification, signing, and notarization to occur entirely over a live audio-video platform. Remote Ink Notarization, or RIN, was introduced as a temporary measure during the COVID-19 pandemic and involves wet-ink signing observed by a notary over live video. Each method carries different requirements, and the right approach depends on the transaction, the lender, and the county recording office involved. 🕒 TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Remote Closing in New York Overview 0:08 What a Remote Closing Allows 0:17 New York's Legal Framework for Remote Closings 0:35 Executive Law Section 135-c Explained 0:46 Step-by-Step Remote Closing Process 1:04 Attorney Review and Document Preparation 1:16 Identity Verification and Video Session 1:36 Funds Transfer and Recording 1:47 Three Remote Closing Methods in New York 2:13 Remote Online Notarization (RON) 2:26 Benefits and Practical Considerations 🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES Remote Closing Info: https://www.avenuelawfirm.com/how-doe... Google Business Profile: https://maps.app.goo.gl/CXcN6PoRH8Ty2... Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps?cid=14223... Call to discuss your matter: (212) 729-4090 📍 OFFICE Avenue Law Firm 505 Park Ave #1201 New York, NY 10022 (212) 729-4090 👋 ABOUT THE FIRM Avenue Law Firm is a Manhattan real estate law firm representing buyers, sellers, and investors in remote and traditional closings throughout New York City and the surrounding metro area. Attorney Peter Zinkovetsky guides clients through closing document review, remote online notarization requirements, and every stage of the transaction from contract to recording. People also ask: Can you close on a house remotely in New York? What is Remote Online Notarization under New York Executive Law Section 135-c? What types of remote closings are available for New York real estate transactions? How long does a remote closing take compared to a traditional closing in New York? This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Viewing this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction. #AvenueLawFirm #NewYorkRealEstate #ManhattanRealEstate #RemoteClosing #RemoteOnlineNotarization