Everything You Need To Know About Closing On A House Remotely

It’s not an exaggeration to say that real estate changed forever in 2020. The pandemic didn’t just shift how people work—it reshaped how they buy and sell homes. What began as a stopgap solution to keep deals moving during lockdowns has evolved into a permanent feature of modern homebuying: the remote closing. Today, you can finalize a home purchase or refinance from your kitchen counter or across the country. For many buyers and homeowners, this isn’t just convenient—it’s transformative.

At LendFriend, we’ve been embracing digital closings long before they became trendy. For our clients moving between states, refinancing from afar, or juggling busy schedules, remote closings make what was once the most stressful part of buying a home feel nearly effortless.

Why Home Purchases Have Traditionally Been Signed In Person

For most of modern real estate history, home purchases have had to be signed and notarized in person. That’s because property transfers involve recordable documents—deeds, deeds of trust, and mortgages—that must meet strict legal standards to be accepted by county recorders. Notaries verify the identities of all parties and witness signatures to prevent fraud, and those documents are then physically recorded in public land records to prove ownership and secure the lender’s interest. In the past, technology simply wasn’t advanced enough to ensure digital signatures met those same legal and security requirements. As a result, the in-person closing table became a staple of American homebuying culture—part legal necessity, part tradition. But that’s beginning to change. With advances in encryption, digital identity verification, and e-recording technology, counties can now securely accept digital documents, paving the way for fully remote and hybrid closings that meet the same standards as their in-person predecessors.

What Exactly Is a Remote Closing?

A remote closing, sometimes called an eClosing or virtual closing, allows you to sign and notarize your mortgage documents digitally without gathering everyone around a closing table. Instead of sitting in a title office, you verify your identity online, meet virtually with a notary, and sign documents electronically. Once completed, the transaction is recorded just like any traditional closing—but without the drive, paperwork pile, or time off work.

Remote closings can take several forms depending on state laws and lender capabilities. Some are entirely online, while others still require a few in-person signatures. What they all share is speed and flexibility. When executed correctly, they make the process faster, safer, and more transparent. And because everything is digital, you can review documents in advance—no more flipping through a hundred pages under pressure.

The Three Models of Digital Closings

In addition to these modern digital options, some borrowers and title companies still use what’s called a mail-away or mail-out closing—a process that bridges the gap between traditional and remote signings. In a mail-away closing, the lender or title company ships physical documents to the borrower or seller for signing. A local notary then meets the signer in person to witness signatures before the completed package is mailed back to the title company. This approach is common when a fully digital closing isn’t possible, such as when certain counties or lenders still require physical documents for recording. While slower than a true eClosing, a mail-away option provides flexibility for borrowers who are traveling or living outside the state where they’re purchasing.

Not all remote closings are the same, and understanding the differences between each model helps you plan effectively for your own transaction.

The most common version is the hybrid closing. In this format, borrowers sign most documents electronically before meeting briefly in person to finalize those that require notarization. The hybrid approach combines efficiency and compliance: you handle most of the work online in advance, review everything carefully, and then spend just a few minutes signing what’s needed face-to-face. It’s ideal for borrowers who want convenience without losing that extra layer of in-person verification. For lenders and title companies, hybrid closings reduce scheduling conflicts, prevent missed signatures, and shorten overall funding timelines.

Then there’s Remote Online Notarization (RON), the most advanced form of remote closing. With RON, the entire process happens through a secure, encrypted video platform. The notary verifies your identity virtually—using digital credential analysis and multifactor authentication—before witnessing your electronic signature in real time. Every session is recorded and archived for legal compliance. RON closings are growing fast in markets like Texas, Florida, and Colorado, where laws explicitly allow fully remote transactions. They’re particularly useful for out-of-state buyers, investors, and military families stationed abroad, who can close from virtually anywhere in the world.

For borrowers who can’t complete a full RON closing, some title companies still offer a mail-away or mail-out closing. This method bridges the gap between traditional and digital signings by physically mailing the loan documents to the borrower or seller. A local notary meets with the signer in person to witness the signatures, and once complete, the package is sent back to the title company for recording. Mail-away closings are common in counties that still require original, ink-signed documents, or when digital notarization isn’t permitted. While slower than a full eClosing, they provide valuable flexibility for borrowers traveling or living outside the state where the property is located.

The third model, In-Person eNotarization (IPEN), blends digital signing with physical presence. You still meet with a notary, but the paperwork happens electronically on a secure tablet instead of paper. The notary confirms your identity in person, but the digital process eliminates reams of paper, reduces signing errors, and accelerates recordkeeping. IPEN is not technically remote, yet it offers a modern experience that mirrors the efficiency of online closings while keeping the tangible presence some clients still prefer.

When a Wet Signature Is Still Required

Despite the rise of digital tools - in some cases - state legislation makes remote closings entirely impossible regardless of who your lender or title company is—certain states simply do not permit digital notarization or recording for specific property or loan types, requiring a traditional in-person signing.

A “wet signature” means a physical signature on paper, and certain loan types or state laws still demand it. One key example is in Texas, where cash-out refinances—also known as Section 50(a)(6) loans—must be signed in person at a title company. No mobile notaries, no remote signings. It’s the law, designed to protect homeowners tapping their equity. That’s why even the most advanced lenders will ask you to appear in person for these specific transactions. For most other types of loans, however, hybrid or remote options are perfectly legal and widely used. Purchase loans, rate-and-term refinances, and even investment property closings can often be completed without setting foot in a title office.

Why Remote Closings Make Homebuying Easier

Buying a home is emotional, expensive, and time-sensitive. Remote closings take at least one major stress point off the table. Instead of rearranging your schedule, taking time off work, or coordinating multiple parties across time zones, you can close from wherever you are. For buyers relocating to Texas from New York or California, that flexibility is invaluable. You can close on your new home before you even pack a moving box.

That convenience matters more than ever. Even today, buyers often struggle to find time off work or live far from the title office—sometimes more than an hour away. Those logistical hurdles can delay closings or add unnecessary stress to an already emotional and expensive process. In today’s world, no one should have to fight traffic or lose wages just to sign a stack of papers when a secure, technological solution already exists.

There’s also a security benefit. Digital closings use encrypted document sharing, identity verification, and recorded sessions to prevent fraud. The technology behind these systems has advanced far beyond email attachments and PDFs. It’s the same level of protection used by financial institutions and major corporations to authenticate million-dollar transactions.

Most importantly, remote closings empower buyers to review every document on their own time. You can read, ask questions, and sign confidently, instead of racing through signatures while the title agent waits. It’s not just faster—it’s more informed.

The Technology Making It Possible

The shift to remote closings isn’t just about convenience; it’s about modernization. Secure e-signature platforms, encrypted video notarization tools, and cloud-based title systems have replaced paper folders and overnight shipping. Lenders and title companies coordinate in real time, reducing errors and speeding up funding. Borrowers can receive final closing packages within minutes instead of days.

At LendFriend, we’ve built partnerships with title agencies and digital closing providers who meet strict federal and state security requirements. Every document is stored safely, every signature is traceable, and every party—buyer, seller, lender, notary—can see what’s happening in real time. The result is a smoother, more transparent experience from start to finish.

The Legal Landscape: Where Remote Closings Are Allowed

As of 2025, more than 45 states and the District of Columbia have laws that allow Remote Online Notarization. Texas, Virginia, and Florida were among the first to adopt these digital standards, paving the way for national acceptance. Even states that don’t yet permit full RON closings still allow hybrid models, ensuring that borrowers can handle most of the process electronically. Federal legislation may eventually standardize this across the country, but for now, it’s expanding rapidly at the state level.

A Glimpse Into the Future

Remote closings are more than a pandemic workaround—they’re the new normal for real estate. As more buyers work remotely, invest in other states, and expect digital convenience, lenders and title companies are evolving to match. Within a few years, entirely paperless closings will be as standard as e-signing a lease or transferring funds online.

For LendFriend clients, that future is already here. We’ve helped homebuyers close from hotel rooms in Austin, Airbnbs in Miami, and even overseas while stationed abroad. Whether you’re buying your first home or refinancing your forever one, our job is to make the process seamless—no wasted trips, no paperwork headaches, and no surprises.

Frequently Asked Questions About Remote Closings

Can I close on a house entirely online?

In most states, yes—but planning ahead is essential. Let your lender know early that you want to close remotely so they can coordinate the notary and title company well before your scheduled closing date. Remote Online Notarization (RON) allows the full process to happen digitally, but it still requires that all parties are ready and verified in advance. Notaries get booked quickly, and without preparation, your closing could be delayed waiting for availability. When organized early, a full digital closing is seamless and efficient, letting you complete everything from your computer or phone.

Are remote closings safe?

Very, and just as important—secure remote closings depend on preparation. These transactions use encrypted connections, digital ID verification, and state-compliant e-signature platforms that meet or exceed banking-level security standards. When you tell your lender early that you want a remote closing, they’ll ensure the title company and notary use approved technology so you can sign safely and on schedule. The key is communication and planning ahead so your notary is ready when you are.

Can I close remotely in Texas?

Yes—but with one major exception. Texas law requires all cash-out refinances (also called Section 50(a)(6) loans) to be signed in person at a title company. No mobile notaries or online signings are permitted for those. However, purchase transactions and standard rate-and-term refinances can often be completed through hybrid or fully remote methods. As with any remote closing, let your lender know in advance that you want this option so they can reserve a notary and prepare documents correctly to avoid scheduling delays.

How long does a remote closing take?

Most remote closings take about 20 to 30 minutes once you’re connected with the notary, and funding often happens the same or next business day. The biggest time-saver comes from advance coordination—when you tell your lender early that you’d like a remote closing, they can line up the notary, confirm ID verification, and ensure documents are uploaded in advance. Without that preparation, you risk waiting on scheduling or technical setup. Plan early, and your closing will move quickly and smoothly.

What are the fees for a notary?

Notary fees for remote or hybrid closings typically range between $75 and $150, though costs can vary depending on your lender and title company. Some lenders may even cover or waive this fee entirely, especially if the transaction volume or partnership terms allow it. Always ask your lender early so there are no surprises when your final closing disclosure arrives.

Final Thoughts

The real estate world is catching up with the rest of the digital economy, and remote closings are leading the charge. They don’t just make life easier—they make homeownership more accessible to people everywhere. Whether you’re across town or across the country, LendFriend can help you close with confidence, speed, and security. The future of homebuying isn’t coming—it’s already here.

Let’s talk about your goals and figure out the best way to get you home—wherever that home may be. Give us a call at 512.881.5099 or reach out to us here. We’d love to be your partner in the process.