Remote Closings for Out‑of‑State Downtown Sellers

Selling a Downtown Seattle condo or loft from another state can feel daunting. You may be juggling time zones, HOA tasks, and a tight timeline. The good news is Washington and King County support secure remote closings, so you can transfer title without flying in. This guide gives you a simple plan, the acceptance rules to confirm, and the safest way to move funds. Let’s dive in.

Remote closing basics

A remote closing lets you sign and notarize required documents from where you live while your title and escrow team records your deed in King County. Washington authorizes remote online notarization and King County accepts e‑recording for many documents. You still need to follow local rules for formatting, taxes, and recording. With the right prep, you can close cleanly on schedule.

What Washington allows

• Washington recognizes electronic and remote notarizations when performed by properly endorsed notaries. Review the framework in RCW 42.45 and the Department of Licensing’s remote notary rules.
• Out‑of‑state acknowledgments are generally valid in Washington if taken by an officer authorized where the acknowledgment occurs. See out‑of‑state acknowledgments under RCW 64.08.
• If a document is signed and notarized electronically, a recorder may accept a paper “tangible copy” when properly certified under RCW 65.08.070.
• King County supports e‑recording through approved channels. Confirm formatting and submission with the King County Recorder’s Office recording options.

Acceptance can vary by title underwriter, lender, and the county recorder. Industry groups like ALTA note that stakeholders still handle eClosings differently. You should confirm acceptance in writing before you schedule signing. See ALTA guidance on eClosings and acceptance.

Your three closing options

Fully remote eClosing

• You sign and notarize electronically in a remote session with a properly endorsed notary.
• Title collects buyer funds, prepares your deed and tax forms, and e‑records with King County.
• This is the most efficient path when all parties accept remote notarization and eRecording.

Hybrid closing

• You sign some documents electronically and sign others in ink.
• Any original documents are overnighted to escrow before recording.
• Build in 2 to 7 business days for shipping and verification.

Mail‑away with local notary

• You sign with a nearby notary where you live. Title provides the package and return label.
• Depending on the jurisdiction, a clerk’s certificate may be needed for out‑of‑state acknowledgments.
• Once escrow receives originals, they handle taxes and recording.

Power of attorney option

If you prefer, you can authorize a trusted person to sign for you. Washington’s Uniform Power of Attorney Act sets execution standards. A POA that covers real property is often recorded in King County for clarity, and many title companies require the original. Review the execution requirements in RCW 11.125, then confirm your title company’s acceptance and timing.

Step‑by‑step plan

1. Get title and escrow on the same page

• Ask for written confirmation they will accept a RON‑executed deed and REET affidavit for your Downtown Seattle sale, or specify which originals they need mailed.

2. Confirm any lender requirements

• If you have a mortgage payoff, ask whether they need wet signatures or have approved RON vendors.

3. Set taxes, recording, and timeline

• Confirm whether your package will be e‑recorded or mailed and how long it will take. Clarify who submits the REET affidavit and payment the day of sale.

4. Prepare your document list

• Expect a deed, closing statement, seller affidavits, REET affidavit, payoff authorization, and HOA transfer forms if applicable. Ask which items require notarization and whether RON is allowed.

5. Validate wire instructions

• Use a verified phone number to call your escrow officer and confirm any wire details before you send or receive funds. Never rely on email alone.

6. Decide on POA if needed

• If you will use a POA, execute it correctly and ask whether the original must be recorded before closing.

Timing, taxes, recording

Real Estate Excise Tax is usually the seller’s responsibility and is due on the date of sale. King County requires a completed REET affidavit before recording goes through. You can review filing logistics in the King County REET instructions. For current rates and thresholds, check the Washington Department of Revenue REET rates. Your escrow team typically calculates, collects, and files these items with the county.

Wire safety checklist

Wire fraud targets real estate closings. Protect yourself with a simple protocol.

• Call your escrow officer at a phone number you find on their official website or your opening escrow letter. Verify all wire details by phone.
• Do not trust last‑minute email changes. Confirm by phone again if anything changes.
• Send a small test wire if your bank allows it, then confirm receipt by phone.
• If something feels off, pause and call. Industry data shows vigilance matters. See ALTA’s study on risk in recent wire fraud findings.

Downtown condo notes

Many Downtown Seattle properties are in HOAs. Plan extra time for resale certificates, estoppels, and transfer forms from the management company. These items are commonly delivered electronically, but they can add several days. Ask escrow to start the HOA request early and to confirm delivery timelines.

Avoid common pitfalls

• Assuming all parties accept RON. Always secure written acceptance from title and, if applicable, your lender.
• Missing the REET deadline. Taxes are due on the sale date, not the recording date. Make sure escrow files the affidavit and payment the same day.
• Overlooking POA requirements. If you use a POA, confirm execution and whether the original must be recorded in King County.
• Being overseas on signing day without a plan. If you will be abroad, speak with your notary and escrow early about acceptable methods and any extra steps.

Work with a local pro

You deserve a closing that feels smooth from anywhere. I coordinate with title and escrow to confirm acceptance up front, set a realistic calendar, and keep HOA, payoff, REET, and recording tasks moving so your Downtown Seattle sale stays on track. If you want a turnkey listing process that pairs premium presentation with a clean remote close, let’s talk. Connect with Jeffrey A. Valcik and Associates, Inc. to get started.

FAQs

How do remote closings work for Downtown Seattle sellers?

• You sign and notarize from your location, escrow collects funds and tax forms, then your deed and REET affidavit are recorded with King County, often through e‑recording.

Are Washington remote notarizations valid if I am in another state?

• Yes, Washington authorizes remote notarization and recognizes many out‑of‑state acknowledgments, but you must confirm acceptance with your title company and any lender before signing.

Which documents usually need notarization for a Seattle sale?

• The deed and certain affidavits often need notarization, while many other forms can be signed electronically; your escrow officer will specify what must be notarized and how.

How is REET handled when I am out of state?

• Your escrow team calculates the tax, prepares the affidavit, and submits payment and forms to King County on the sale date so recording can proceed.

What if a power of attorney signs for me?

• A properly executed POA that grants real‑property authority can be used, and many title companies will require the original recorded in King County; confirm requirements early.