Electronic closings, also known as eClosings, not only save money on paper and mailings, but they can also be signed by all parties, notarized, and sent/stored securely regardless of location. With a secure online portal, your mortgage closing is safer than ever.

Most states accept eSignatures, eNotarizations, and eClosings under the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA).

Acceptable eSignatures include:

1. Typing your name into the signature space
2. Uploading a snapshot of your signature to the document
3. Using a stylus or finger to write your signature

However, an eClosing may involve additional means of confirming the borrower’s identity and signature such as a video conference or in-person appearance. According to QuickenLoans.com, some states require notaries to obtain a digital certificate before conducting an online notarization.

There are three types of eClosings:

• Hybrid eClosings require an in-person meeting between the notary and borrower for “wet ink” signatures.
• In-Person Electronic Notarization (IPEN) are also face-to-face, but all documents are signed electronically.

Remote Online Notarization (RON) allows all parties to meet virtually, eSign and eNotarize.

If your home has been sitting on the market with little interest and no offers, you might be tempted to blame the economy. But sometimes, the problem lies closer to home.

Many sellers forget that buyers have access to the same market data they do. Buyers can easily compare similar homes nearby—and quickly reject those that are:

1. Overpriced
2. In need of too much work
3. Sitting on the market too long

While some factors—like location, mortgage rates, or local job trends—are beyond your control, others aren’t. It’s ultimately up to you to make your home easier or harder to sell:

Harder: Price your home based on the profit you want.
Easier: Price it based on current market conditions for a faster sale. 

Harder: Skip needed repairs and updates.
Easier: Make sure the price reflects your home’s true condition.

Harder: Refuse to adjust your price for months.
Easier: Respond to market realities and make timely adjustments.

Your lender should warn you that the amount you have in escrow for property taxes will go up when you receive your first assessment as the new owner within the following year. You’re paying the previous homeowner’s assessed rate, prorated to when you purchased the home to the end of the year.

Chances are you paid much more than the previous owner for the home, so your assessment will be higher, based on current market value at that time—which you helped establish with the price you paid for the home.

Your annual assessments should reflect market value at the time, but if you think it’s too high, you can protest your home’s valuation:

1. Check your assessment for incorrect data and exemptions you may qualify for, such as those regarding homesteads, seniors, veterans, workforce personnel, and disabilities.
2. Ask your Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network professional for a comparative market analysis.
3. File an appeal using your evidence.

To avoid getting property tax shock in the future, be proactive. Increase your housing budget for next year.