Special offer
Mimi Foster, Voted Colorado Springs Best Realtor (Falcon Property Company)

Spam prevention
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

The new TRID regulations require that they be in separate rooms. We used to close in the same room, always had an option to close separately, but not even if both parties are there at the same time, they are in different rooms.

Mar 31, 2016 08:56 PM
Rainmaker
1,771,867
Noah Seidenberg
Coldwell Banker - Evanston, IL
Chicagoland and Suburbs (800) 858-7917

Off subject and I am sorry Mimi Foster 

I have had a buyers and sellers who could not agree and it looked like the deal was dead. I got them in a conference room and they talked and made the deal. This has happened twice in 15 years.

Mar 31, 2016 02:16 PM
Rainmaker
2,362,584
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

generally we close together unless it is a toxic transaction - I had one title company try to charge us extra for separate closings - then I reminded them of the dynamics of this particular closing - no charge for separate rooms at separate times - should have been in separate states too

Mar 31, 2016 09:43 PM
Rainmaker
290,969
Allie Angeloni
Long Realty - Oro Valley, AZ

They seldom meet, and do not close the same day, or at the same time, and no lawyers are needed here in AZ Mimi Foster.  I can only imagine that if Buyer and Seller were together, that 'one last question' might be asked, or that someone could say something 'in jest' that someone else 'found offensive'.  Has the potential to be 'awkward', would be my guess.   

Mar 31, 2016 11:32 AM
Ambassador
1,076,531
John Meussner
Mortgages in AZ, CA, CO, DE, FL, GA, IN, MD, MN, MT, NC, NJ, NV, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WI - Fair Oaks, CA
#MortgageMadeEasy Fair Oaks, CA 484-680-4852

In many states it can be done either way.  Here in CA, there's no closing table, but I prefer closings where everyone is present --- if everyone has done their job and put forward good faith throughout the process, 90% of the time it's a pleasant day for everyone, and it's nice to meet, shake hands, and complete the transaction together.  As a lender, I like being at a closing table to answer any financing questions that may come up.  In CA, I'm always available when people are signing, but it's not quite the same.

Mar 31, 2016 12:04 PM
Rainmaker
1,543,225
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego

I can drive from San Diego to Seattle faster than we close in Cali. I'm always schooling out of state lenders "we need 2-3 days!" 

Mar 31, 2016 11:57 AM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

We close in attorney's offices and title companies and they are keeping the seller and buyer separate because of TRID. Before we were all in one big room.

Mar 31, 2016 11:39 AM
Rainmaker
1,052,056
Candice A. Donofrio
Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker - Fort Mohave, AZ
928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text

We do not have settlement table closings in Arizona. I can't think of a single time where buyer and seller were even at title at same time. Lots of out of area people and mobile signing.
If I did work where there was settlement table, I think I would want separate closings too!

Mar 31, 2016 11:01 AM
Rainmaker
1,035,056
Elyse Berman, PA
LoKation Real Estate - Boca Raton, FL
Boca Raton FL (561) 716-7824

It can be done either way in Florida.  Sometimes buyer and seller will come to closing.  Other times, sellers will presign and not attend closing.

Mar 31, 2016 10:00 AM
Rainmaker
1,725,896
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

We always try to keep the parties separate until after the closing and then, only if necessary

Mar 31, 2016 09:57 AM
Ambassador
2,061,381
Alan May
Jameson Sotheby's International Realty - Evanston, IL
Home is where the hearth is.

In Illinois, we have round-table closings.  And unless there is a personality conflict, if the buyers and seller are both attending... we do it all in the same room.

And we have been doing TRID closings, and I have never been told that TRID Regulations require buyers and sellers to be in different rooms.  Nina must be doing things a little differently in Charlotte.

Apr 01, 2016 01:53 AM
Rainmaker
4,571,831
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

In my market(Los Angeles) the buyer and seller often never meet.  I have had transactions where I never met the other agent.  The closings are fairly uneventful compared to what I have read occurs in other states.  

Mar 31, 2016 10:50 PM
Rainmaker
846,475
Marco Giancola
Beachfront Realty - Miami Beach, FL
Realtor (305)608-1922, Miami Beach Florida

Traditionally we all close together. I am seeing the advantage of separate as more and more people are signing off on their part early.

Mar 31, 2016 10:03 PM
Rainmaker
4,333,622
Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400
The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803 - Plainview, NY
Long Island Condo and Home Specialists

Same place, same time, usually at the sellers attorney office...there the papers start shuffling across the closing table for signatures, and keys are given to the buyer!

Mar 31, 2016 02:41 PM
Rainmaker
2,707,721
Lisa Von Domek
Lisa Von Domek Team - Dallas, TX
....Experience Isn't Expensive.... It's Priceless!

Buyers and sellers close separately, same day - but at different times.  Possession is when funding occurs but the buyer may be an instant landlord if the seller has a temporary lease in place to remain in the home for a short time after closing.

Mar 31, 2016 02:35 PM
Rainmaker
2,220,323
Anthony Acosta - ALLATLANTAcondos.com
Harry Norman, REALTORS® - Atlanta, GA
Associate Broker

No, same room and same time at the closing attorney's office.

Mar 31, 2016 02:17 PM
Ambassador
2,684,009
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

Same place, same time. 

      Unless there is animosity between the parties, or hard feelings (say, foreclosure), or if one of the Parties is out of town or out of state.

Mar 31, 2016 02:04 PM
Rainmaker
1,157,785
FN LN
Toronto, ON

The lawyers handle the closings in Ontario.  The buyers and sellers do not meet at closing.

Mar 31, 2016 01:36 PM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Mimi Foster our closings mostly occur at registry of deeds or at attorney's office. Both parties need not be present at the same time - though they are, most of the time.

Mar 31, 2016 01:33 PM
Rainmaker
2,390,010
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

In ND we meet at the same time in the same place but we are not in the same room at the same time. Sellers go in 1st and then when they are done the Buyers go in and sign.

Mar 31, 2016 11:39 AM
Ambassador
1,452,669
Susan Emo
Sotheby's International Realty Canada - Brokerage - Kingston, ON
Kingston and the 1000 Islands Area

We don't have closings.  Both Buyers and Sellers have their own lawyers and they handle all title search, funding etc and never do they meet.  We Realtors are kept out of the loop too!

Mar 31, 2016 10:00 AM
Rainmaker
5,868,372
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

We do usually have buyers and sellers at the same table, same time.   When the transaction has been less than smooth, I try to separate them.

Apr 02, 2016 12:09 PM
Rainmaker
5,005,333
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Different times always..been doing it for the past 6 years..standard procedure..Trid requires it now.

Apr 01, 2016 09:32 AM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

WE close the same day and buyers own the property as soon as all is signed.  I would not change it.  Once in a while I will keep the parties separate but less than 5 times in the last 5-6 years

Apr 01, 2016 08:21 AM
Rainmaker
617,935
David Gibson CNE, 719-304-4684 ~ Colorado Springs Relocation
Colorado Real Estate Advisers LLC - Colorado Springs, CO
Relocation, Luxury & Lifestyle residential

Mimi,

 

Being a broker in Texas before I moved to Colorado we always had separate closings. I still don’t understand why either listing or buyer broker would allow, much less want, a joint closing. I’m for separate closings every time.

Apr 01, 2016 07:34 AM
Rainmaker
1,466,207
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Mimi Foster Here it has been customary for both parties to close at the same time in the same room. Saved many a closings by being in the same room.

Mar 31, 2016 11:57 PM
Ambassador
6,392,899
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

We generally get together in the same room, a very pleasant meeting most of the time.

Mar 31, 2016 11:55 PM
Rainmaker
900,008
Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

In CT, buyers and sellers are in the same room, both have attorneys present. Sometimes the sellers choose to sign in advance and not attend the closing. The buyers' attorney (interestingly) also represents the lender if a mortgage is involved.

Mar 31, 2016 11:53 PM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

Not here!

Mar 31, 2016 11:45 PM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

we always close in the same room....

Mar 31, 2016 11:20 PM
Rainmaker
7,835,282
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

They are usually in the same room in our area.

Mar 31, 2016 10:55 PM
Rainmaker
1,027,602
Susan Haughton
Long and Foster REALTORS (703) 470-4545 - Alexandria, VA
Susan & Mindy Team...Honesty. Integrity. Results.

After realizing all title companies are not the same, we pretty much stick to the title companies we know will get the job done well, so we usually end up with a split settlement.  We also have a lot of mailaway settlements due to so many sellers moving out of town before settlement, so more often than not, there is no one else there, anyway. 

Mar 31, 2016 10:23 PM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Same room.

Mar 31, 2016 10:22 PM
Rainmaker
4,882,355
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

Most time it depends on their schedule and if there animosity during the transaction.

Mar 31, 2016 10:16 PM
Rainmaker
1,844,171
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

All in the same room. Had a cash deal yesterday that took an hour - why I don't know. 

Mar 31, 2016 09:51 PM
Rainmaker
5,216,284
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

DSepends on the situation. We can do it either way here!

Mar 31, 2016 09:49 PM
Rainmaker
634,482
Kathleen Luiten
Resort and Second-Home Specialist - Princeville, HI
Kauai Luxury Ocean Home Sales

It was more common many years ago but now they don't meet.

Mar 31, 2016 06:58 PM
Rainmaker
2,538,633
Joe Petrowsky
Mortgage Consultant, Right Trac Financial Group, Inc. NMLS # 2709 - Manchester, CT
Your Mortgage Consultant for Life

Good morning Mimi. I do mortgages in 8 states, Florida is the only title state that buyer and seller are not in the same room.

Mar 31, 2016 06:29 PM
Rainmaker
883,565
Debra Leisek
Bay Realty,Inc Homer Alaska - Homer, AK

We close separately  the buyers/sellers can close at the title company or many of our closings are by mail. Sellers and or buyers are often out of state  at the time of closing and the title company handles everything!

Mar 31, 2016 03:11 PM
Rainer
223,831
LUXURYSOCALREALTY COMPASS La Jolla
Compass - La Jolla, CA
San Diego Partner - The Private Client Network

When I used to go to closings in Minneapolis most were in the same room

Mar 31, 2016 02:58 PM
Ambassador
3,164,119
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

We're an attorney state in GA and while we attend the closing, we don't set or dictate who is there or when it happens.  The attorney represents the lender and if we said "we want to have separate closings" the attorney would say, we want to get double pay.  So I don't see that happening.  Also it's never seemed like not a good idea.

Mar 31, 2016 02:50 PM
Rainmaker
679,404
Diana Dahlberg
1 Month Realty - Pleasant Prairie, WI
Real Estate in Kenosha, WI since 1994 262-308-3563

In Wisconsin we usually close at a Title Company and in the same room.  However, depending on the buyer's lender - sometimes we close at the Bank and then usually the buyers and sellers are in different meeting rooms to do paperwork and once everything is done we come together to meet and talk about important issues pertaining to the utilities, garbage pickup and mail, etc. and of course handing over the keys!

Mar 31, 2016 02:29 PM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

Typically different in Oklahoma City.

Mar 31, 2016 12:42 PM
Rainmaker
3,626,530
James Dray
Fathom Realty - Bentonville, AR

Usually not at the same time, but it has happened

Mar 31, 2016 09:57 AM
Rainer
29,244
Kevin Morris
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Hodrick Realty - Danville, PA
Real Estate agent serving danville and surrounding

Here in Pennsylvania buyers and sellers don't always have to be at closing. Sometimes they are not even in the same town. I find that interesting. 

The house we purchase was from a family that had already moved out of state. 

Mar 31, 2016 09:55 AM
Rainmaker
1,280,748
Donna Foerster
HomeSmart Realty Group - Parker, CO
Metro Denver Real Estate Assistant

In most cases we close with buyer and seller at the same time. There are some scenarios when we'll do it seperately, generally when they aren't getting along.

Sep 30, 2016 03:25 AM