The coronavirus global pandemic has forced many businesses to finally go online and work differently. One of the many industries affected by the pandemic is the real estate world. But instead of being left behind, just like others, the real estate professionals found a way to adapt to the so-called "new normal."
From 3D house tours now comes remote online notarization. Through Notarize - the company that pioneered some of the first real estate online innovation has brought the process of notarization without the hassle of going out of the house.
Aside from being the first legal online notarization, Notarize also offers online real estate closing, online mortgage, online will, and online auto sale.
How Remote Online Notarization Started?
For the past six years, the company has been going to different countries, promoting online notarization with state and federal legislators.
When the coronavirus pandemic hit in March 2020, real estate professionals including realtors, lenders, and title agents faced the challenge to continue helping buyers acquire a new home.
In the United States, over 1.25 billion documents are being notarized each year. Without the presence of notary public offices, some businesses and procedures might be put on hold. Because of this, the idea that never crossed anyone's mind before has become an essential service overnight.
How Remote Online Notarization Works?
Notarize pioneered a fully digital experience similar to a traditional notarial act. Through modern technology, people who need their documents notarized can have it done at the comfort of their home.
Below is the step-by-step guide on how to have your documents notarized through the remote online notarization:
Step 1: Through the Notarize website or smartphone app, applicants should tap the plus sign to upload the document they wish to notarize.
Step 2: Once all necessary information is filled out, signors must go through three identity notification stages. This includes identity challenge questions that they must answer within two minutes to verify the signor's authenticity. Failure to get four answers correctly on two attempts, the user will automatically be blocked out of the app.
Step 3: Upload a photo of a government-issued valid ID.
Step 4: Connect with a live notary through a video call. A person authorized to notarize documents online will speak to the applicant and ask necessary questions about the document. Each video session is recorded and stored along with an audit trail of the transaction. If the document requires witnesses, the witness can join the video call session.
Step 5: The notary completes the process by affixing their signature and seal to the document.
"An X509 digital certificate is attached to the document, digitally encrypting the file so any tampering, no matter how small, will be evident."
In just six minutes or less, you'll be able to notarize your document without the hassle of going to notary offices and getting exposed to possible COVID-19 carrier.
This innovation is a welcome development in the real estate industry, which will help all professionals and buyers have a hassle-free transaction.
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