Selling Property in New York While Living Out of State? How to Handle Notarized Closing Documents
Selling a New York property while living elsewhere? Learn how to coordinate notarized closing documents, remote signing, and title company requirements.
You own property in New York, but you've moved to Florida, relocated for work, or are currently living overseas.
Now you're ready to sell.
Your real estate attorney or title company sends you a package of closing documents, and some require notarization.
Do you need to travel back to New York just to sign the paperwork?
Not necessarily. Depending on the documents, your location, and the requirements of the receiving parties, there may be several ways to complete the notarization.
Here's what you should know before scheduling an appointment.
Scenario: You're Selling Your Queens Property From Florida
Imagine you previously lived in Queens but moved to Florida two years ago.
You've found a buyer for your New York property, and your attorney is coordinating the closing.
A few days before the scheduled closing, you receive documents that require your signature and notarization.
You're unable to travel back to New York.
Your first step should be to contact your closing attorney or title company and confirm exactly how the documents must be signed and returned.
Not every document in a closing package requires notarization, and different documents may have different execution requirements.
Which Real Estate Documents May Require Notarization?
Depending on the transaction, you may encounter:
Deeds: Documents used to transfer ownership of real property.
Powers of Attorney: Documents that may authorize another person to act on your behalf in a transaction.
Affidavits: Sworn statements concerning ownership, identity, or other transaction-related matters.
Acknowledgments: Notarial certificates used with certain signed real estate documents.
Other Closing Documents: Additional paperwork identified by your attorney or title company as requiring notarization.
The exact requirements depend on the transaction and the documents prepared by the legal professionals involved.
Option 1: Use a Local Notary Where You're Living
If you're residing in another state, your attorney or title company may permit you to use a properly commissioned notary in that state.
For example, a seller living in Florida may be able to complete eligible documents before a Florida notary.
However, it's important to confirm the required notarial wording, witness arrangements, original-document requirements, and return instructions before signing.
Do not assume that every title company accepts the same procedures.
Option 2: Ask Whether Remote Online Notarization Is Accepted
Remote Online Notarization (RON) may offer another option for certain transactions.
New York permits authorized electronic notaries who are physically located in New York to perform eligible electronic notarizations for qualifying remotely located signers, including signers outside New York, when applicable requirements are satisfied.
However, not every closing document or receiving party accepts RON.
Before scheduling, ask your attorney or title company:
Will you accept a New York remote online notarization?
Must the document be returned as an original paper document?
Are electronic signatures and electronic notarial certificates permitted?
Does the county recording office have specific submission requirements?
Will additional witnesses or identity verification steps be required?
These questions are especially important when a deed or other recordable real estate instrument is involved.
Option 3: You're Living Outside the United States
If you're selling New York property while living overseas, additional considerations may apply.
Depending on the country and receiving party's requirements, documents might be executed through an accepted local notarial process, a U.S. consular service, or another approved arrangement.
Some documents notarized abroad may require an apostille or other authentication before being accepted in the United States.
An apostille is not automatically required simply because a signer is overseas.
Your closing attorney or title company should confirm the appropriate process before you proceed.
Don't Forget the Document Return Deadline
Even when notarization is completed correctly, your closing can still be delayed if the documents aren't returned according to instructions.
Ask whether the title company requires:
Original signed documents
Electronic copies for advance review
A prepaid shipping label
Overnight delivery
Delivery by a specific date
If you're working with a signing agent or document courier, confirm the delivery arrangements ahead of time.
How CSS INK NOTARY Can Help
CSS INK NOTARY provides professional mobile notarization, eligible Remote Online Notarization, loan signing support, and document coordination services.
For clients located in Queens, Manhattan, and Brooklyn, mobile appointments can help simplify the signing process.
For eligible remotely located signers, RON may be an option when the receiving attorney, lender, or title company approves the electronic notarization process.
We also assist with document pickup, drop-off, and courier coordination within our service area.
Our goal is to support a smooth, organized signing experience while following the instructions provided by the professionals managing your transaction.
Selling a New York Property and Need Notary Assistance?
Before booking, confirm your closing requirements with your attorney or title company.