By Costanza Genoese Zerbi, Broker Associate | Costanza Genoese Zerbi & Associates, eXp Realty of Greater Los Angeles
You're under contract, escrow's moving, and then you remember — you booked a trip months ago, and you'll be gone right when documents need to be signed. It happens more often than you'd think, and it is almost never a dealbreaker. What actually matters is telling your agent the moment you know, not the week before closing.
Here are your three real options.
Option One: Power of Attorney
Someone you trust signs specific documents on your behalf. The catch nobody mentions upfront: this only works if the property is not held in a trust — if it is, POA usually doesn't apply, and that's its own conversation.
Just as important, a POA has to be set up well in advance. It isn't something drafted the week of closing — your lender and title company both need to review and approve it before it can be used. If there's any chance you'll need one, get title reviewing it before you leave, not after you land.
Option Two: U.S. Embassy or Consulate Signing
Make an appointment, sign in front of a U.S. notary there. This works for almost anyone, trust or no trust. The catch is timing — embassy appointments can take weeks to secure, so this has to be booked the moment you know you're traveling.
Option Three: RON (Remote Online Notarization)
For U.S. citizens only. You sign in front of a notary over video instead of in person — the fastest option by far, but only if your title company approves it first. Not every title company or county recorder accepts RON yet, so confirm this with your escrow officer before you count on it.
The One Thing That Actually Matters
All three options work. What doesn't work is finding out about a trip four days before closing. Tell your agent the second your travel dates are set — that's what keeps a deal on track.
FAQ
Can I sign real estate closing documents from another country?
Yes, typically through a U.S. embassy/consulate appointment or, if you're a U.S. citizen and your title company approves it, a RON notary session.
Does Power of Attorney always work for a real estate closing?
Not always — it generally doesn't apply if the property is held in a trust, and it must be set up and approved by your lender and title company well in advance.
Is RON notarization legal in California?
California's own RON law is still being phased in, but most title companies work around this by accepting sessions from notaries commissioned in other RON-enabled states. Availability varies by title company and county recorder, so always confirm first.
This is Episode 01 of my What to Tell Your Agent series. Next up: Life Changes Mid-Escrow — what to do if you're getting divorced, buying a car, or changing jobs while under contract.
Get in Touch
Traveling during your transaction and not sure what to do? I'd love to help you plan around it.
Costanza Genoese Zerbi & Associates | eXp Realty of Greater Los Angeles | DRE #01941438
(562) 221-4527 | [email protected] | costanzagz.com
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