May 11, 2009
Dear George: Who is required to be at the closing when I sign for my home? Does the seller have to be there?
Answer: A closing needs to involve a buyer or his representative, a seller or his representative, and someone who "opens escrow" in the real estate transaction. The escrow opening is typically accomplished by the buyer giving his deposit and his instructions regarding the real estate transaction to an impartial third party; that third party is usually a title company, but it could also be an escrow company, an abstract company, an abstract attorney, or a real estate attorney. The buyer and seller don't have to close at the same time. The title company or whoever is performing the closing may schedule separate closings for the buyer and seller or their representatives.
E-mail a question to ask George & Chuck or fax it to 713-978-6684. The answers to questions in this column do not contain legal advice. If you wish to obtain legal advice, you should consult your own attorney.
