Closing Options
Today's homebuyers have more choices than ever for how they complete their closing. Find the method that works best for you.
Closing Options
Choose How You Close
The closing method you choose affects how you sign documents, where you need to be, and how long the process takes. Not all options are available in every state or from every settlement provider. Ask your title company which methods they support before your closing date is set. Below is a detailed comparison of all four options — how they work step by step, who's involved, and which is best for your situation.
In-Person Closing
All parties meet at the settlement provider's office to review and sign transfer documents together.
Who Attends
Buyer, seller (sometimes), real estate agents, closing/settlement agent, possibly an attorney (required in some states)
Typical Duration
Typically 30-90 minutes depending on complexity
How It Works — Step by Step
You, your real estate agent, and possibly the seller meet at the title company or attorney's office
The closing agent walks you through each document, explaining what you're signing
You sign the deed, promissory note, deed of trust, and Closing Disclosure
You provide your certified check or wire transfer confirmation for closing costs and down payment
The closing agent collects all signatures, disburses funds, and records the deed with the county
You receive your keys — typically the same day or within 24-48 hours after recording
Advantages
- Face-to-face guidance from your closing agent
- Immediate answers to questions
- All parties present to resolve last-minute issues
- Familiar and straightforward process
Things to Consider
- Requires scheduling coordination among multiple parties
- Travel to the office required
- May need to take time off work
- Can feel rushed if the office is busy
Best for: Buyers who want hands-on guidance, complex transactions, and first-time homebuyers who benefit from having an expert walk them through each document.
Mail-Away / Mobile Notary
The settlement provider sends closing documents to you via courier. A notary meets you at a location of your choice to witness your signing.
Who Attends
Buyer and a mobile notary (seller signs separately, often at a different time/location)
Typical Duration
Document review: at your pace. Signing with notary: 20-45 minutes
How It Works — Step by Step
Your settlement agent prepares all closing documents and sends them to you via overnight courier or secure delivery
You review the documents at your own pace before the notary arrives
A notary public meets you at your home, office, or another convenient location
The notary verifies your identity, witnesses your signatures, and notarizes the required documents
Signed documents are returned to the settlement agent via courier
The settlement agent disburses funds and records the deed once all signatures are collected
Advantages
- Convenient for out-of-state or relocating buyers
- Flexible scheduling — evenings and weekends often available
- No travel to an office required
- Review documents at your own pace before signing
Things to Consider
- May cost extra for mobile notary services ($150-$300)
- Settlement agent isn't present to explain documents in person
- Mail delays can affect timing
- You may need to fund separately from signing
Best for: Out-of-state buyers, military personnel, buyers with mobility challenges, or anyone who can't travel to a settlement office.
Hybrid Closing
You pre-sign most documents electronically through a secure portal, then visit the office briefly to execute only the key transfer documents that require wet signatures.
Who Attends
Buyer and closing agent at the office (digital portion is done solo at home)
Typical Duration
Digital portion: at your pace. Office visit: 15-30 minutes
How It Works — Step by Step
Your settlement agent sends you a secure link to a digital signing portal (like Qualia, SoftPro, or Notarize)
You review and electronically sign most disclosures, affidavits, and ancillary documents from home
You then visit the settlement office for a brief appointment to sign the deed, promissory note, and deed of trust — documents that typically require a wet (ink) signature and notarization
The closing agent verifies everything, disburses funds, and records the deed
Total office time is dramatically reduced — often 15-30 minutes instead of 60-90
Advantages
- Significantly less time in the office
- Review most documents at your own pace at home
- Ask questions electronically before the appointment
- Best of digital convenience and in-person security
Things to Consider
- Still requires an office visit for key documents
- Requires comfort with electronic signing platforms
- Not available from all settlement providers
- May require printing and scanning some documents
Best for: Buyers comfortable with technology who want to minimize office time but still want a human present for the critical signing.
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
A fully digital closing where all documents — including the deed and note — are signed electronically and notarized via a live audio-video session with a commissioned remote notary. As of 2026, 45 states and the District of Columbia have enacted permanent RON legislation — a milestone made possible in large part by the advocacy of the American Land Title Association (ALTA) and the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), who partnered in 2017 to develop model legislation and have since worked with state officials across the country to bring this secure, accessible closing method to homebuyers nationwide. At the federal level, the bipartisan SECURE Notarization Act aims to establish national standards and enable RON in the remaining states.
Who Attends
Buyer and a remote online notary (via live video). No one needs to be in the same physical location.
Typical Duration
Typically 30-60 minutes for the video session
How It Works — Step by Step
Your settlement agent sets up a secure video session on a RON platform (such as Notarize, Nexsys, or Pavaso)
You verify your identity through knowledge-based authentication (KBA) questions and credential analysis — the platform verifies your ID in real time
A commissioned remote online notary joins the video call and walks you through each document
You sign each document electronically while the notary watches via live video
The notary applies their electronic notarial seal and certificate to each notarized document
The entire session is recorded and stored as a tamper-evident record
Your settlement agent disburses funds and records the deed electronically
Advantages
- Complete the entire closing from anywhere with internet
- No travel, no office visit, no scheduling around business hours
- Full recording of the session for security and dispute resolution
- Identity verification is often MORE rigorous than in-person
- Accessible for buyers with disabilities or in remote areas
Things to Consider
- Requires reliable internet connection and a device with camera/microphone
- Available in 45 states + DC as of 2026, with federal legislation pending for the remaining states
- Some county recorders don't yet accept electronically notarized documents
- Some lenders don't support RON closings
- Less personal — you're interacting through a screen
Best for: Tech-savvy buyers, remote workers, military personnel overseas, or anyone in a state that permits RON who wants maximum convenience.
Documents You'll Sign at Closing
Regardless of which closing method you choose, you'll sign essentially the same set of documents. The method only changes HOW and WHERE you sign them — not what you sign. Tap any document to learn what it is, what to look for, and what questions to ask.
RON State Availability
As of 2026, 45 states and the District of Columbia have enacted permanent RON legislation — up from just one state (Virginia) in 2011. This rapid expansion was driven by the joint advocacy of the American Land Title Association (ALTA) and the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), who developed model legislation in 2017 and worked with lawmakers in every state to pass it. Early adopters include Virginia (2011), Texas, Florida, Michigan, and Nevada.
Source: ALTA, MBA
At the federal level, the SECURE Notarization Act (HR 1777) has bipartisan support and would establish national minimum standards for RON, enabling interstate recognition and opening RON to homebuyers in the remaining states. ALTA, MBA, and the National Association of Realtors are among its strongest advocates.
Important:Even if your state allows RON, your lender or settlement provider may not offer it. Some county recorder's offices do not yet accept electronically notarized documents for recording. Always ask about available closing methods early in the process so you can plan accordingly.
