ALTA Members Help Close First Remote Online Notarization in North Carolina
July 21, 2020
Amrock partnered with North Carolina-based law firm Brady & Kosofsky, P.A. to help complete the first remote online notarization (RON) mortgage closing in the state.
With the recent passage of the Emergency Video Notarization law in North Carolina enabling the implementation of RON, the precedent has been set for consumers and notaries in the state to securely sign electronic documents remotely from different locations, creating a convenient and safe solution for all parties involved in the mortgage transaction.
"We are focused on innovations that remove pain points from mortgage transactions and make the process easier for the end client," said Brian Hughes, CEO of Amrock. "I salute North Carolina's Secretary of State's efforts to move the mortgage closing experience online and enable clients and closing agents to quickly, securely and safely work together."
The spread of COVID-19 highlighted the need for digital solutions in the mortgage industry. Currently, 27 states have legislation in place permitting RON, with 17 of them actively conducting them. The balance of states has enacted emergency legislation or executive orders providing temporary authorizations allowing notaries to perform electronic closings of some sort—including North Carolina.
Earlier this year, ALTA, along with the Mortgage Bankers Association and National Association of Realtors, developed draft model emergency notarization order to help create uniformity and provide legal certainty for use of remote notarizations in states promoting social distancing measures. ALTA also has created principles for notarizations conducted remotely.
The transaction involved Quicken Loans.
"Modern technology continues to turn a process that has historically been cumbersome and paper intensive into a simple, seamless experience. RON is a convenience in normal circumstances, but it has become a necessity in these unprecedented times of social distancing as we focus on our clients' health and safety," said Jay Farner, CEO of Quicken Loans. "Pioneering this technology in North Carolina was a priority for Rocket Mortgage. We are consistently driving digital solutions to antiquated problems and we continue our mission to have RON adopted in all 50 states."
North Carolina Secretary of State Elaine Marshall is an active advocate for e-closings. She has a longstanding mission to bring the state's business practices into the 21st century. A critical aspect of that is creating an environment suitable for fast and secure homebuying experiences for consumers, notaries and lenders alike.
"North Carolina's many years of leadership and preparedness in making e-closings an important option for consumers has never been more important than it is now in the face of this global pandemic," Marshall said. "The passage of the temporary Emergency Video Notarization law was paramount to ensuring vital real estate and business transactions could move forward, while also considering the health and safety of all involved. I commend Quicken Loans and Amrock for taking this major step forward here in North Carolina."
Contact ALTA at 202-296-3671 or communications@alta.org.