Do the Buyer and Seller Have to Attend the Closing?

Debbie useful post, many people think they have to be present, whilst it makes life easier, it is not necessary but as you say let the title company know well in advance so they can prepare.

Most closings here in NH, the buyer and seller do attend. However not all. We have relocation buyers, banks as sellers and investors who make other arrangements when they can not be there. Nice topic Debbie Reynolds 

No need to show up and help the duck quack...It knows

It's rare that both sellers and buyers don't attend closing here in Fort Wayne, IN.  Unless it's a relocation or the sellers are out of state all parties are there, and most of the time it's fun!  

I hate sitting around waiting on funding ..so on my personal sales (especially flips)... I usually ask they use my closing attorney and go by early to sign as seller for my part, leave keys, and return later to pick up my check or have it wired into my account (even better).

In our area, we also have round-table closings, where both sides are typically represented.  We're also unusual in that we use real estate attorneys in 99% of our transactions.

The sellers often don't attend the closing, having pre-signed any/all of the necessary documents with their attorney... and giving their power-of-attorney to their attorney in case something needs to be signed last minuted.

While buyers are not required to attend, most of the lenders I work with, insist that all buyers that will be on the title attend the closing and sign the paperwork live.  They don't like it when any buyers use power-of-attorney, although I believe it's legal... and given a really, really good reason, they might allow it.

Lots of through the mails., or two part. But when everyone can get together, attending them saves last minute snafus.

This is a great post and I enjoyed reading the comments.  I can only remember two closings that actually had all parties at "the table".  I appreciate the fact that a handful of folks, do appreciate the ceremony, but I do think it's quicker when done separately. It's amazing how procedures change over the years.

Debbie, unless the buyer or seller is out of town, generally we have both at the table for the closing.

With REO listings I often had national title that does not have a presence in AZ

Debbie, what  a great idea to write about this topic - and emphasize that the signed and notarized originals must be in the title/escrow company before closing can happen. For contracts faxed documents are acceptable, but not for final closing docs.

Hi Debbie - I'd guess that about a third of our closings are missing at least one of the parties, but it's always a lot more fun when everyone is at the table.

Debbie, Excellent post and congrats on the feature. I agree sellers and buyers do not have to attend a closing but completing the papertwork properly has to be done. 

I have a closing tomorrow, and the buyer won't be here for it, but that's ok. Today's technology allows us to do closings without any of the parties being in the town. 

In my area the buyers and sellers sign off seperately.  I cannot think of a time or a reason they would ever be in the same room at the same time for a closing. 

Normally we have the buyer and seller not meeting at the closing table.  It can put you in an awkward sitution.

Great post. I've noticed that times are changing and you don't have a fulll house anymore.

Definitely true. Everyone does not need to be present.

I close a large number of new construction deals and the seller (Builder) never attends. Mobile notaries save the day when the buyers are not local or in the same place.

Debbie Reynolds "Buyers and Sellers Do Not Have to Attend the Closing but they must be able to get their documents signed and notarized for the closing in a timely manner."

Right on target - and - re-blog!